She has to wait for another quarter of an hour, for that is how long Eric takes to play the section he has mastered so far. That doesn't mean they are bored, it's still such a privilege to listen to him practise, to think she'll be able to do this every single day of her life from this moment on. And it's only going to get better. And everything he learns, she will eventually learn herself.

Suddenly, Eric is back among the living, and he is almost shocked to find the seat next to him empty, he looks around the room quickly until his gaze finds hers and a sweet smile breaks his concentrated look.

'Georgiana, you're still here! And Frederick, have you been here long? You're pretty cosy over there, and I never noticed. Did you come just to enjoy the music?'

'No I didn't, Eric, though I certainly enjoyed it. This piece must have sounded better on the Clementi, am I right?'

'It did. I chose it for its virtuosity, to totally occupy my mind so I wouldn't have to think of my beloved here, when thinking of her still had the potential to make me intensely sad. And that Clementi was just so perfect to bring out the clear tones.'

Oh well, Frederick's news will have to wait a little longer then. Talking piano's is always pleasurable.

'The interior of this apartment isn't very kind to your Zumpe either, Eric. It sounded much clearer in your room at Mr Zumpe's house, the heavy curtains and carpets here seem to make it more melancholy than ever.'

Apparently Eric immediately sees the sense in that, and the look he sends her is breathtaking.

'You are so right, Georgiana, I never realised, but now you mention it I'm sure you are right.

But Frederick came to talk seriously, and not about piano's I'm sure. We're all ears now, so better tell us what you need to before we're distracted again. You're not leaving, are you?'

'I don't know yet, Eric,' Frederick says seriously, 'but I came to apologise to Georgiana for trying to persuade her to marry me when I knew I could never love her.

I never even thought I would have doomed her to live her life without love, and that is inexcusable. Both, doing it, and not realising it.'

'Thank you, Frederick.'

Somehow, Georgiana doesn't think the matter was as simple as that, but his apology is sincere and it needs to be accepted.

'But Frederick, I knew you didn't love me. I don't think I would have married you starry-eyed and wildly in love. It would have been a conscious decision on my part as well, choosing a man whom I was certain would treat me right.

Though I didn't think of love at all because I had never felt it. Now I know a life without love would indeed be rather bleak, but that's something I still had to learn, so I guess my brother and Elizabeth were right, it was not right of you to woo me without loving me, I had no way of knowing what love felt like, I merely felt very safe with you.'

'I could protest that of course you could have loved whomever it pleased you even after our marriage, but that doesn't make up for the fact that you were too young to know what you were setting yourself up for.'

'I don't think Miss Darcy could ever have cheated on you with any man, Frederick. She just wasn't raised that way.

Nor was I. If Georgiana had not stopped me from leaving by telling me we could actually be together, I would have left and not returned to her. I would not have asked her to cheat on her lawful husband with me.'

Frederick cannot believe it.

'Even if he approved of it, wanted you to?'

'I don't think so, no. I'd rather she stayed single and found a more suitable man she could love.'

'Then I'm afraid my well-meant plans would have ended in a drama. I'm so glad Simon decided enough was enough and intervened.'

'Don't beat yourself up, Frederick,' Georgiana observed, 'I wouldn't have accepted you knowing I could marry Eric. I would have yelled at you and forced you to get him back instantly.

But there is little use in dwelling on the past. We're going to be very happy, that is certain, but what are you going to do? Will you go to Europe with Simon?'

'I don't know, yet,' Frederick replies. 'I really want to see Eric become famous, help him reach the top. But I don't want Simon and myself to be separated all the time, I don't want him to have to obey anyone, I want him as free and as independent as I am.'

'What does Simon think, Frederick?'

Georgiana's heart swells with pride, Eric's rise through the ranks from very humble beginnings means he's always aware of everyone's feelings, not just his own, or those of the class he lives amongst.

And indeed, Frederick looks a bit ashamed.

'I'm not sure. I don't think he has really seriously thought about it, I confess I never asked him either.'

'Well, there is no time like the present, why not ask him now?'

Eric is already getting up, not to the bell but towards the door. For some reason he refuses to summon staff to his room.

'I can get him, Eric,' she offers, 'if you don't want to ring for him.'

But he shakes his head, and says, 'No, you two just chat a little, I'm going to find Simon and bring him here. I'll be back in a minute.'

And of course he gives her a decidedly unchaste kiss right in front of their visitor.

As soon as he is gone from the room, Frederick leans towards Georgiana and remarks conspiratorially, 'I'm just so happy for both of you, Georgiana, Eric is so different, I can't wait to hear what intense felicity will do to his music. Yesterday was such a triumph for him, but such torture, too.

When I suggested he go to Vienna to await your reply to my proposal he just broke down. Now we know why, he planned that separation to be forever. Dedicating his concert to you was his farewell, how he must have suffered while playing for you. I almost have to cry all over again, but I won't, since everything worked out just fine in the end.'

Georgiana never realised how bad it must have been for Eric, her poor darling, and all because she didn't know what to say.

A lump in her throat makes talking difficult, but she nonetheless asks, 'Was Simon there when you told him about Vienna?'

'He was with Eric when I came over. He was very much affected by Eric's grief, of course he knew Eric was suffering for no reason at all. But I'm sure Eric understands, Georgiana, you're still so young, and were raised so gently, how could you have proposed to him? I can imagine you didn't know where to start.

Eric, too, has such different values. None of my friends would have hesitated to be with another man's wife, if he consented to it, even encouraged them. I'm afraid my college clique has given me quite a distorted view on love and marriage.'

Georgiana really has to remind herself that Eric is happy now, but still the memory of yesterday evening rather affects her, she realises now how Eric must have felt, dancing with her, holding her hand, her love for him so obvious, knowing he was going to leave her without saying goodbye, never to see her again. Did he write a farewell-letter?

'Oh, Georgiana, I'm so sorry, now I've made you cry. Why did I tell you all that? It's all in the past anyway.'

Just before he can do anything to comfort her, the door opens and Eric and Simon enter.

As soon as he sees his beloved crying, Eric runs towards her and takes her in his arms so gently, so tenderly, that Georgiana's tears only fall faster.

Why did she let him suffer so badly when she knew everything was all right all this time?

'My love, my dearest, why are you crying?'

His voice rumbles again as she rests her head against his chest. He smells as nice, playing as intensely as he does is hard work. Too bad he wears a shirt and a cravat, yesterday was so good, feeling his bare skin beneath her cheek.

She doesn't want to speak, she wants to relish this moment, but she also knows this is very hard on Frederick, he must feel rather responsible for making her cry.

'I imagined your evening, knowing you were going to leave, breaking both our hearts but still resolute to do what was right. Then dancing with me, waiting together for the concert to start, and playing, all this time knowing you were going to leave me without so much as a word or a look.'

'Oh my dear, no wonder you were crying. I'm so sorry I would have done that to you, you didn't deserve that at all, it was my fault for falling in love with you.

But dear Georgiana, it never happened, I never left. And doesn't this make up for everything?

Though I do worry whether my music will be any good now I'm happy.'

He can make jokes about it!

She looks up and sees a twinkle in his eyes, he doesn't seem to mind the memory at all.

'I guess I'm the kind of person who doesn't look back much, Georgiana. It happened, it was bad, but it makes our being together even more valuable.

Remember Mr Zumpe? Right after that talk, with your brother present, I forgot all about him. Come, my sweet, let's have a little talk with Frederick and Simon, and you can sit on my lap and I'll hold you. I'm sure you'll feel much better in my arms.'

Just incredible, he really doesn't look back at all, he is just plain happy. And his happiness is infectious, of course it's very easy to feel exhilarated when sitting on your beloved's lap, surrounded by his strong arms, his smiling face relishing holding you just as much.

When Georgiana has some interest in her surroundings once more, she can see both Simon and Frederick looking on without the slightest embarrassment. In fact, Simon has pulled the piano-stool close to Frederick's chair, and they are holding hands rather shyly, as if they expect to be reprimanded for it.

They look so cute she cannot help smiling, which of course relaxes them, and soon the four of them are really cosy together.

'What do you want from life, Simon?' Eric asks his friend. 'Do you want to go abroad with Frederick to be together?'

Only slightly surprised by Eric's inquiry, of course they have been very familiar all the time Eric's been here, Simon doesn't need to think for long.

'I'd like to, yes, I'd love to travel together, dine together, ramble together. But not yet.

I've never had the wish to go to the continent, and I don't speak any German, nor French. Frankly, I'm not ready to leave all this behind in a rush, I need to get used to the idea, this is all the life I ever had, I trust Mr Darcy with my life, and I've known Frederick for just over two weeks.

Forgive me, my love, I'm desperately in love with you, and I know you love me, but everyone knows love makes an utter fool out of a sensible man.

What if we are in Germany, I'd hate to go to France with a war looming, and you come to your senses all of a sudden? I'll be at your mercy altogether if we go right now, and I'd rather get to know each other better first, as well as get used to the idea of travelling and living in hotels for months. By ourselves.

I hope you don't blame me for not jumping on the opportunity to be together, Frederick. It's not that I don't love you or don't trust you. I do both with all my heart, but I'm rather afraid of change.'

The look on Frederick's face as he hears Simon speak his mind for the first time is worth millions. He is not hurt, or insulted, but positively brims with pride and admiration.

'I'm sorry, Simon,' he says softly, kissing his lover's hand, 'I should have asked you much earlier what you wanted. I'm afraid you are totally right to be a bit reticent, I have not shown you the respect you deserve, despite my admiration and love for you I have still treated you as a servant.

I am ashamed of myself, but mostly I admire you even more for not reproaching me with my superior attitude. You're a better man than I.'

Simon just melts, they are both so infatuated, and a lot less careful to be decent than Eric and Georgiana, they can never be together legitimately, so there is no reason to stick to rules of conduct at all, this is a safe place and they're committing a sin even thinking of the other, so why not enjoy their time together?

'It's a very good idea to make preparations first, learn the language and study the culture, and of course get to know each other. You are so right, I am totally mad with love for you, though I'm sure it will never pass.

What would you say to my announcing I'm going to Vienna in half a year? Then Robert will quit, and I'll beg Darcy to let me take you to Pemberley, where you can join the riding lessons and pick up some German and French? And we can get to know each other a tiny bit more, spend a tiny bit more time together among people we both know and trust?

I will work on my attitude, and you can loosen up yours even more, for abroad we will not be master and servant but two foreign gentlemen on their Grand Tour. We'll have such a good time.

May I make the arrangements?'

Simon feels much better about it now, that is so obvious.

'You may, Frederick, and thank you for asking. But I'd like to talk to Mr Darcy myself, as soon as Robert has given his notice. Is that all right with you?

And will you include me in the planning? I'd like to know where we're going, and I'd like to be able to ride and shoot a gun as well. I don't want to be helpless under your protection. I know you're stronger than me, but I'm not a coward, nor a weakling.'

It is such a grand sight to see the two totally different men come to an agreement, Georgiana has a feeling this moment was as profound to them as last night was to Eric and herself.

'I'm going to teach you myself, Simon, if need be on a desolated moor, and we'll plan our trip together. If your duties prevent you from coming along on trips to the library or some shipping agent, I'll give you a detailed account of everything I did.'

Eric is obviously pleased to have been the instigator of this necessary talk between the two men, and Georgiana squeezes his hand to praise him.

Though Eric has not had his practise yet, they spend another half hour talking to their friends, no longer gentleman and servant in this private room, but merely two human beings who love and respect each other.

After that half hour, Eric puts in his practise after all, with Georgiana and Mr Manners listening. Simon has duties, and is soon back to the servants' part of the house.

But he will be spending the night with Mr Manners, whereas Eric and herself will most likely sleep alone for another year.

Still, they will spend the rest of their lives together, and their friends will have to be apart forever in public, and together in secret, at least in England. But they have found each other, and they will achieve a measure of happiness together, Georgiana is sure of that.

During lunch, Fitzwilliam announces to everyone that he has taken a box at the theatre they visited when in London for her lesson, and though she has seen the play before, she looks forward to seeing it again, this time engaged to the man she had just started to have a personal interest in back then.

The rest of the day passes quickly, tackling a few pages of Bach on the harpsichord, enjoying some time with Eric, Kitty, Mr Lascelles and Mr Manners in their special room, now called their boudoir, with cousin Fitzwilliam joining them to congratulate the new couple on their engagement.

Such a pleasant day, and the evening is every bit the success Fitzwilliam expected it to be, Mrs Bennet is excessively diverted, Mr Bennet admits he loved it, the very cultured Mr and Mrs Gardiner leave the theatre laughing.

And Elizabeth's eyes shine, this was the perfect conclusion to a Christmas party, tomorrow it will be broken up and everyone will go back home, but Jane will be within walking distance, Kitty staying with her eldest sister for a few weeks. Manners will be their guest a little longer, and Georgiana and Mr Fielding practically radiate happiness.

After the show, everyone is tired, they have been celebrating for days on end, weeks in their own case, with the wedding before that, and they decide to turn in immediately.

Gilding removed, they get into bed and snuggle together with a relish.

Darcy is in a contemplative mood, Georgie's engagement has brought so much back from his own past. But somehow the pain and anxiety have largely been removed from those memories, falling in love with Elizabeth was the best thing that ever happened to him, even if it took a while before it paid off.

He's perfectly happy now, and he is sure Elizabeth is, too.

'What a day, Fitzwilliam!' she sighs.

'Imagine, Georgiana engaged, Kitty already having set a date, Simon about to go to the continent. Do you suppose this is just the start? That this whole year will be as exhilarating?'

'I don't think so, my love. I think the rest of the year will be perfectly calm and well, just perfect. You and me together, a sedate married couple, how exciting can things still get for us?'

Then an idea strikes him, an excellent one even if he says so himself.

'What would you say to moving to Pemberley early, my love? I was thinking of going in March, when the weather improves, but we ride out every day anyway, so why not do it in Derbyshire? Why not make the move next week?'

'Why were you planning to stay in London until March? Won't that force you back to London anyway? Then you'd have to spend a whole week travelling up and down.'

'The beautiful thing is, I was planning to stay in London a little longer for Georgie, so she could have her lessons. But she can have those any time she likes, now she's engaged to her teacher. We'll just take him along with us, he'll love Pemberley.'

'I'd love that, Fitzwilliam, imagine we can ride all across the park in the snow. That would be so beautiful!

And then I won't have to play Mrs Darcy in public, I can just wear my split skirts all day, and smell of horse.'

'I love it when you smell of horse.'

'I know.'

Life is good.

Author's note

This is the end of part one of this story, it kind of got out of hand when some characters started to take over, but I enjoyed writing it and I hope you enjoyed reading it. There will be new updates, I've left many loose ends that need at least some tying up, but not at the rate of two chapters a week. And there will be new developments, I seem to have an affinity with characters from the book who can use a spark of life in their lives, for let's be honest, despite her loyalty to her brother, poor Georgiana must have felt a little neglected sometimes.

But, she is now going to be dragged into society whether she wants to or not, plenty of excitement for her as wife of a performer.

So whom do we have left, sitting at home all day, entertained or maybe guarded by a lady in waiting? Who may be wealthy but is sorely lacking in everything else? And what will happen when she is indeed persuaded to leave her ivory tower?

Though I will try to adhere to the morals of the Regency, and will do my research into subjects like army life at the time, or the tasks of ladies in waiting at Court, writing about feelings and the interaction of people is my interest, not researching facts into certainty. My own style of writing will keep trying to push itself to the front, trying to mimick Jane Austen's style has not been uniformly succesful, and of course with a serial, time is also a factor. Servants will not be invisible, women will keep trying to get the right to decide their own lives, and different forms of sexuality did undoubtedly exist, though of course not openly. I have to acknowledge these issues in my writing, because they influence the interaction between people and writing about feelings is what I do.

The necessity must be obeyed, and further apology would be absurd.

For those of you who do not find a looser moral offensive, and who appreciate a little more action and some use of magic, you may enjoy reading Mirror Bound. It's my own favourite, and I will be dividing my writing time between updating Revelations and planning and writing a second sequel to Mirror Bound, set in Victorian London, but with some of the action moving to Ireland and Hy Brasil.