Chapter 76

And indeed, before they reach the study, Johnson brings in another fresh-faced boy, carrying a sealed envelope.

While Simon arrives with tea and cookies for the youngsters, Darcy and Manners each open one of the envelopes addressed to Darcy, actually naming him patron of Mr Fielding.

'It's an invite to come play at Bloomsbury Hall, for a substantial fee, January the eleventh.'

'Mine is a request to liven up a well-known ladies' charity event next Friday, and though it is a charity, they do offer more than a little compensation for his appearance and rendition of those romantic compositions. They don't seem to have realised it's Eric's own work either.'

Manners now feels free to address the boys.

'This may take awhile to reply to, we have to organise all the requests and check with Mr Fielding before we can write a reply. Please sit down and have some tea and cookies.'

And at Darcy's valet, 'Simon, would you mind running over to any general store you like to fetch us a calendar to keep an accurate account of Mr Fielding's upcoming shows? Let me give you some shillings to pay for it.'

Simon is looking positively uncomfortable now, Manners is taking over completely, and Darcy's valet feels torn between his loyalty to his long-time employer, and the man he admires.

Manners does prove he is a lot less overbearing than he seems at this moment, by gently adding, 'I'm sorry Simon, and of course my apologies to you too, Darcy, I'm doing it again, aren't I, taking over? That is very rude to you, Darcy, this is your household and Fielding is your protégé. And Simon, please forgive me for bringing you into this position.

I'm usually the one who has to handle all business-matters, but I assure you I'll adapt, I'll get used to being among those who can take care of themselves really well, please forgive me.'

Who can resist such gentility? Certainly not Darcy, and he can see Simon is very relieved to not have to speak up himself, he'd talk back to Manners, no doubt, but not here, in his position as Darcy's servant, and not before witnesses, no matter how young they are, and how distracted by munching cookies and drinking a superior blend tea.

'Of course, Manners, I can easily picture myself in the same circumstance, I also tend to take charge. But your suggestion is sound.

Simon, you can put a calendar on my account, I suppose you're planning to go to Parker's?

Since you have things so well in hand, Manners, can I leave them up to you? I have my father-in-law and other family to take leave of. Though I have about ten minutes before I see them off, is there anything I can do to help in that short time?

You've done this before, I guess?'

'I've never planned an artist's career before, but you know I regularly plan large events, there should be no problem. Though two requests can easily be fitted into anyone's schedule. I had really expected more. Darcy, at the risk of being overbearing once again, there is something you can do. You want Fielding to become independent, don't you?'

'I think that is his own wish as well. You want me to fetch him, and be part of this process from the start? That is a superb thought, for I do think it is best for him to take control of his own life.'

'Good, I'm glad you agree. And may I suggest you bring your sister as well? I suppose it is not a traditional occupation for a gentle lady to help keep the accounts and her husband's agenda, but Miss Darcy is certainly not an ordinary lady, and I guess she wants to become an equal partner in this marriage.'

Of course Georgie will want to be part of this!

'Thank you for respecting Georgie, Manners, I will fetch them straight away.'

As Darcy leaves Manners behind with the two pages, Simon having left moments before, he almost runs into Johnson in the doorway.

'I'm so sorry, master, I was about to knock. Here are two more youngsters with messages for you.'

Indeed there are two boys behind him, both carrying envelopes, undoubtedly containing more requests for concerts.

'Never mind, Johnson, you couldn't know I was going to come through that door after all. Please send the boys into the study, Mr Manners will handle them, you and I will take leave of my family.

You go ahead and see to the loading of their luggage, I have a little errand to run and will be with you in ten minutes.'

Expecting Fielding and Georgie to be either in the boudoir, saying their goodbyes to Kitty and Mr Lascelles, or in Fielding's apartment, practising, Darcy heads up the stairs. Not hearing any music, he starts with the gaudy room his sister and sister-in-law have decorated, and indeed the group of young people is gathered there.

Apparently they think Darcy is coming to fetch them, for Kitty says quickly, 'You'll visit me at Jane and Bingley's house, won't you, Georgiana?'

'We certainly will, it will be much nicer to go there now your sister is the lady of the house, and with no Miss Bingley present. You'll love it, Kitty, it's very comfortable, though there is no boudoir there.'

They kiss, and the men shake hands, it's difficult to realise Lascelles is part of that peculiar college clique, as strange as Bingley belonging to it in fact.

'Fielding, we have a study filled with pages bearing requests for concerts. Will you please join Manners there to look at them? And he suggested you might want to be there, too, Georgie, since you will probably be planning your fiancée's concerts together one day.'

'Do we have time to say goodbye to Mr Bennet and our cousin?'

'Fitzwilliam has asked to stay a few more days, he has some amusements planned with a group of fellow-officers, and he doesn't want word of their exploits to get back to his father through the servants, so he prefers not to stay in his father's town-house.

And I suppose most of the rest will be gathered in the hall by now. Manners will be busy reading the proposals thoroughly, so I guess you can take leave properly, good of you to remember.'

Those pages have been cooling their heels for some time already, and they will be waiting for quite a bit longer yet, better have someone bring a fresh load of cookies soon, boys that age are always hungry.

They all make their way downstairs, Georgie and her talented fiancée take leave of the Bennets and the Bingleys, then move towards the study. Darcy and Elizabeth accompany their relatives outside, where Mr Bennet's carriage has already been loaded, and Bob and Bingley's driver are busy with Bingley's carriage.

As Elizabeth kisses her parents and sister goodbye, Darcy notices a rather nondescript fellow watching the proceedings, not even trying to be inconspicuous. Though he is quite a bit older than the average page, the man may be another messenger, waiting to see the master of the house to procure the services of his protégé. Maybe from a smaller venue, doubting his reception at this grand town-house.

He decides to ask the butler, it's his task to check the door, and he has been outside very often today with the various pages arriving.

'Johnson, do you know who the fellow over there is?'

The butler peers at the plain fellow standing on the pavement, a few yards away.

'You mean that scruffy personage, sir? I have never seen the likes of him before. Do you suppose he's some kind of homeless vagrant? Do you want me to chase him off?'

Darcy cannot help thinking that Johnson is a peculiar kind of butler, showing an independent arrogance he is not used to in his staff. Remembering Theo and Janine he mentally corrects himself, he is not used to staff doing that openly.

'I don't think so, Johnson. I think he may be a messenger, waiting for the family to finish a private occasion before he asks admission to deliver it. He does not look like a scoundrel, but more as if he has a purpose. And very self-assured.

I'll talk to him myself, it won't take a minute.'

And since there is no time like the present, he walks straight towards the peculiar type, the man now showing recognition and the slightest bit of awe. He does not speak until Darcy addresses him, though he bows, but not humiliatingly deeply.

'Good morning to you, mister...'

'Goodfellow, Mr Darcy, I'm a reporter of the London Times. I was hoping to get some more information on your protégé, Mr Fielding. His performance at the Charity Ball has really stirred something up, and I'd love to give the common man the feeling they know him.'

A reporter! That explains his quiet confidence.

Darcy makes a quick decision, one he thinks Manners will have in mind to promote Fielding's career.

'I appreciate your discretion, Mr Goodfellow, keeping your distance from a family occasion. Why don't you stay close until my in-laws have left, then follow me to my study for a forthright chat with Mr Fielding and Mr Manners?'

Now Darcy gets a smile from the reporter, who obviously did not expect such a reception. He must be imagining headlines already.

'Thank you so much, Mr Darcy! I'll wait for your signal.'

The man seems truly amazed to be addressed by the master of the house, which doesn't surprise Darcy, since he has the reputation of being a very private person.

With a certain feeling of relief to have the house back to themselves, Darcy and Elizabeth part with most of their guests, knowing the ones remaining will mostly be busy with their own affairs.

'Do you mind very much, my love?' Darcy asks Elizabeth when the carriages have pulled out and disappeared from view.

'My family leaving?' is her surprised reply, 'certainly not. Jane will be close, and my father can write. Frankly, beloved, I'm glad he's going home. He was getting a bit too familiar with Mrs Annesley.'

Darcy cannot suppress a smile, but still he corrects Elizabeth's mistaken surmise.

'I actually meant the fact that we'll not be able to go to Pemberley early, and that you'll be forced to appear in public in the London scene for two more months.

But I suppose you're right about your father, though they didn't do anything inappropriate, did they?'

'Fortunately not, my love, imagine, at papa's age, but my mother was starting to object. I do mind having to stay here and pretend to be fashionable before scores of people I am not acquainted with, but I am sure I can cope, you know my courage rises with every attempt to intimidate me. Frankly, I worry about you and Georgiana more than myself.

You are the ones with the influential and outspoken relatives, I'll just take Simon to that particular store and make a deal with the lady who owns it about her supplying me with fashionable attire, keeping everyone under the impression I'm the genius. Then when we go back to Derbyshire, I'll tell some reporter the truth and she can bask in the glory she deserves.

But what will you do, confronted with curious people everywhere, wanting to meet you and talk to you and judge you and your wife and sister? And your new brother-in-law, your friends, your staff?'

'I suppose I'll cope, my love, like you. Maybe it's time I got out a bit more, anyway. And I have reason to believe Georgie fully realises what she is in for. I guess Manners will be around to protect her and Fielding from the first onslaught, and people tend to listen to his instructions, even myself.

'That reminds me, do you see that fellow over there?'

Elizabeth looks straight at the reporter, who is still waiting politely, just out of hearing.

'The scruffy little man with the attitude?'

'Yes, him. He's a reporter, and I've promised to have him meet Manners and Fielding, I'm sure Manners plans to make the most of all the publicity, and this fellow professes he wants to bring culture to the common man. Can you get Georgie out of the study before we enter it? Manners may want to make the most of the 'who's it going to be' angle. There is plenty to talk about without instigating gossip about the new couple, let's think of a way to announce the news officially. I'm not going to write to Aunt Catherine, she can read it in the papers, but I'm considering letting my uncle know.'

'Sure, love, you talk to the reporter, and I'll go straight to the study and fetch Georgiana to the drawing-room. We'll be doing some needlework, should Mr Fielding want to demonstrate his skills to this representative of the common man, in our very house.

Give us ten minutes, Fitzwilliam.'

A magnificent idea, let the reporter enjoy a private little concert, he'll be flattered and stunned by Fielding's superior skills.

As they walk towards the study to meet Mr Manners and apparently a handful of pages bearing messages, Georgiana feels torn between elation at Eric's success, and dread at the prospect of having to appear in public every time he plays a concert. Of course she can plead off from his appearances, but somehow that isn't an option to Georgiana, especially not once their engagement becomes public knowledge.

'Georgiana my love?'

Eric has taken hold of her hand, and apparently wants to discuss something before they enter the study. As soon as he has her attention, he asks, 'You know I love you more than anyone else in the world, don't you?'

Of course she does, in fact it's the best feeling a girl could ever have, being loved that way, just as soon as she has gotten used to the intensity of the whole thing. Does he really need a spoken reply?

No, he doesn't, he can already read her expression to perfection.

'I've never been happier in my life, Georgiana, and your love is so valuable to me. But still I want to ask you not to show any of it when in the company of these strangers, and to forgive me if I act totally correct towards you, for I am very afraid to cause another stir in the papers. There really is no way to know who will talk to reporters, any one of these messengers can be a source. I'd hate to be all over the society pages before our engagement is made public, especially with yourself subject of all kinds of indecent suggestions.'

He really dreads the very idea! Poor Eric, he seems to dislike being the object of gossip, and meanwhile is aiming for a career as a musician. But what he asks is very reasonable, and indeed very wise until their engagement is common knowledge. This time she does voice her assent.

'I will be the innocent Miss Darcy I used to be, Eric, don't worry. I think it is a very sensible idea to not cause any more gossip, you want to be known for your talents, not as main character of a real-time romance story, for anyone in the employ of a paper to write a thrilling chapter of.

But I do want to attend all your concerts, which would be a bit singular for an unconnected housemate, so I do want us to make our engagement public as soon as Fitzwilliam has written to all the family-members who should be notified privately, there must be some who should not read about it in the papers. Let's ask him at lunch.'

'Thank you so much for your understanding, beloved. Come, let's see what offers we've got to make a future out of.'

He lets go of her hand, then opens the door of the study and steps inside, as handsome and as carefully dressed as ever, but with a certain resolve, still her talented and sweet beloved, but also a man who knows his worth.

Of course there are just the pages in the study, no people of authority, but Georgiana is convinced Eric is not at all aware of the slight change in his demeanour, it merely reflects his triumph at the Charity Ball, and the excellent reviews. Or maybe, a small voice inside Georgiana observes, their agreement has given him new zest for life, and a lot more confidence for the future.

'Mr Fielding! You've been awaited eagerly by these fine fellows here!

Their employers all want a few hours of your time, to grace their concert halls and private parties with your superior music and performance skills!'

That is meant for the pages, Mr Manners reserves a different address for the two of them.

'These are fine offers, Fielding, I have asked Simon to fetch you a calendar so we can make careful notes of where and when you are supposed to play.

Miss Darcy, I expected you'd want to be present to see how these things usually work, you may want to pursue your own career as a performer at some time.'

He says this with a big, meaningful wink, as if to warn her not to retort, but not to be offended over his overbearing attitude either.

At that moment, someone knocks, and Mr Manners calls out to whoever is standing behind the door, 'Do come in!'

It's Simon, and he is carrying a hefty book-like object, the calendar undoubtedly.

'I've chosen a rather large one, thinking you might want to add some notes on the venue and other details. This one has plenty of space.'

'Good thinking, Simon,' Mr Manners praises his lover, now seemingly nothing more to him than a competent servant.

As Simon puts the book down on the desk, then turns around and heads back to his duties elsewhere in the house, Mr Manners hands Eric several envelopes, explaining, 'I've taken the liberty of checking the offers already, and you may be very pleased. They're all prime locations, there is only one private party among them, but I know that charity is attended by several ladies who are close to the Queen, and of course playing at Court would be the ultimate honour and triumph.'

Georgiana is very curious, and tempted to lean over Eric's shoulder and read along with him, but she controls herself not to give their new bond away, not even to two pairs of pages.

Each time Eric has read one of the four requests for concerts, he hands it to Georgiana, who discovers they are indeed prime venues. Two concert halls, primarily attended by gentility, and one ladies' charity, Georgiana knows of it, and she also knows what Mr Manners says is true, several ladies-in-waiting of Queen Charlotte attend this charity every year. And the fee is excellent.

But the last request is the most surprising, and very gratifying, for they did not expect it for several months yet. It's a concert in a very large hall in a rich middle-class neighbourhood, Georgiana has no idea where they got the idea to hire a pianist who has only performed once so far, and for an upper class audience, but of course his patron used to entertain middle-class business men all the time, Eric may be rather well-known in those circles.

Seeing her handle the last letter, Eric observes, 'The owner of that venue has wanted to engage my services for a long time, Miss Darcy, it's a really large hall and very well known among the business-people in London. But Mr Zumpe didn't want me to play it, for they have their own instrument, and refused to replace it with a Zumpe, even for the night.

It's gratifying to find out the owner didn't give up on my playing there, he must really want me to, for he writes he hasn't heard my new repertoire, yet, he decided to invite me on what he remembered of my playing and what the paper said.

Can you believe he expects me to sell out that huge hall?'

Of course Georgiana can, Eric is the best, but that sounds just a little too infatuated for the situation, so she merely observes, 'I'm sure they will appreciate your work, Mr Fielding.'

Her lukewarm reaction causes him to look at her intently, and she gives him an expressive look to show him she's making fun of him, which he understands immediately.

They spend some more time discussing the proposals, after which Mr Manners writes the replies, explaining to Georgiana and Eric why he uses a certain phrase and a particular tone, why he poses several questions about the type of piano the venue uses, and how the payments will be settled. Then he hands the pages the envelopes with the replies, and all four of them leave, but not before thanking Mr Manners for the tea and cookies, hoping he will relay their thanks to Mr Darcy as well.

Mr Manners promises, then addresses Eric once more.

'If you're interested, I'll explain several possibilities how to invest your earnings, Fielding, I suppose Simon and Mrs Annesley told you a lot about finances, but I'm pretty sure Darcy handles his investments himself, or has them in trust of a banker or a lawyer. I can teach you how to take care of your earnings yourself. Your fortune too, Miss Darcy.'

Wondering how Mr Manners knows they are taking lessons in housekeeping from Simon, something in Georgiana's mind suddenly fall into place, and she exclaims, 'Simon told you what Mr Wickham did to Fitzwilliam and to me!'

Bowing his head in acquiescence, Mr Manners confesses, 'He did, but I assure you he did not gossip about you.'

'I'm mostly surprised he knew, Mr Manners. But I guess he couldn't help noticing my brother's anger at that time, Fitzwilliam must have talked with him, they were very close for years. I suppose until Fitzwilliam fell in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Still, he had known you for how long? A mere day?'

'I suppose so, but still it's not his fault, Miss Darcy. I asked Bingley why he didn't allow his soon to be brother-in-law Mr Wickham to stay in his house, and he told me Darcy despised him, but he didn't know why. So I asked Simon. I'm afraid few people can resist me when I really want to know something, Miss Darcy, and Simon and I had an instant connection somehow. Please don't reproach him, he'd be devastated.

If you have to blame someone, blame me.'

'Never mind, Frederick, we're past all that, aren't we?'

Using his first name does settle him, but before he can comment, Elizabeth enters the study without knocking, and hurriedly says, 'Georgiana, you need to come with me, and gentlemen, you need to decide what you want in the papers, for Fitzwilliam is on his way with a reporter of the London Times.

I told your brother we'll be sitting in the drawing-room with a piece of needlework, in case Mr Fielding wants to play a demonstration for the fellow in question. I warn you, he is rather scruffy-looking and very full of himself.'

With that, she leaves the study, and Georgiana follows her, but not before she has kissed Eric goodbye. Mr Manners won't mind, and there are no witnesses left.

'A good thing you two stuck to formality in front of those pages,' he does comment, 'I suppose it'll get out anyway, but it's always better to choose the time and method yourself, to not have some reporter make up a story. Especially not since I'm sure I'll figure in yours.

Though I'm equally certain plenty of young ladies looking for a profitable marriage will be willing to comfort me for being spurned by Miss Darcy.

All right, Eric, let's think what we want that reporter to know.'

They make a quick list, and when Darcy enters with the reporter less than five minutes later, Frederick already has an outline of what to tell him, and what not. Eric is impressed, and he realises very clearly that Manners is the best teacher he could find to show him how to handle the press.

Darcy may be clever and very much respected, he has always avoided public life and has a reputation for reticence, whereas Eric has to look for publicity to make a living. Manners has obviously embraced being well-known, and his easy way of relating to people is a delight to watch. Though Eric cannot imagine ever learning to act like that himself, he knows Manners' excellent example will help him to make a good impression wherever he goes.

And hopefully, Manners will be willing to lead the way for quite some time, yet.