Chapter 79

Of course the Colonel looks awful the next morning at breakfast, and Elizabeth feels sorry for him, but she also wonders at his lack of restraint, drinking oneself into a stupor each night is quite demeaning. Though Elizabeth has never before seen anyone as far gone into drunkenness as him, at their local parties she often saw some gentlemen inebriated, even respectable Sir Lucas.

Seeing the Colonel in this state state has hit her hard, because she feels guilty that she may be the cause of his trouble. Of course the most sensible part of her reminds her that Fitzwilliam never stooped to drinking himself senseless, however unhappy he was. It is a certain type of man that is susceptible to the lure of finding forgetfulness in a bottle, and part of Elizabeth is disappointed in the Colonel to find him in that class.

As if he can read her thoughts, the Colonel shrinks into himself even further, and practically whispers at her, 'I'm sorry you had to see me in that state, Mrs Darcy. I'm afraid I made an incredible fool of myself right in front of you and Darcy, you must think I'm a raving lunatic to push Manners to marry our cousin Anne. But she really is very unhappy and very lonely, with no-one her own age to relate to.

And though I'm usually like Darcy, inclined to forget all about her very existence, I recently visited and saw her in a downcast state. Suddenly I felt so sorry for her, but I didn't want to burden the two of you with her plight, she really never did seem to care about Darcy, so I kept quiet. But my comrades drink a lot, and somehow I cannot refuse when I'm with them, and walking back home three nights ago it hit me how lonely she must feel. Mr Manners will think I'm feeble-minded, he's listened to my rantings for three nights now.'

With that, he falls silent, and Elizabeth can see Georgiana and Mr Fielding approaching the table, looking fresh-faced and very eager to spend another day side by side. It must be hard for the Colonel, seeing all those happy couples around him, and he doesn't even know about Mr Manners, he thinks he has found a fellow-sufferer in their amiable guest.

But before the Colonel can beat himself up even more about, well, about everything, Fitzwilliam approaches and invites both of them to join him in the little pink sitting-room to discuss what can be done about getting Miss Anne de Bourgh to London for a few weeks of society.

Simon brings a fresh pot of coffee and is off again, as the four of them, Mr Manners is also present, each settle in one of the comfortable seats. The Colonel looks as if he is about to offer an excuse for his behaviour to both gentlemen as well as to Elizabeth, but Fitzwilliam does not allow him the opportunity, for he immediately addresses his cousin with a question.

'Are you really worried about cousin Anne, Fitzwilliam? She doesn't seem particularly unhappy, at least, she didn't last time I saw her.'

Somehow, the guilt and the self-loathing seem to leave the Colonel instantly, he sips his coffee as if to prepare for an eloquent plea, and says, 'She already was, at that time, but she still had some hope you would free her from her meaningless existence. I admit I never spent much time on her either, not on her person nor on contemplating what her life with Lady Catherine must be like. But last time I visited she asked me about Mrs Darcy, whether it was true that you had been taken in against your will, she observed Miss Elizabeth Bennet hadn't looked or sounded eager to please you, nor very likely to marry for money only.

I felt free to tell her the truth, how you'd proposed and had been refused, how you'd stuck to your love and accidentally met Miss Elizabeth again, and how you had finally managed to convince the woman you loved that you were in fact an admirable man.

She cried, said that was much more credible and that she was happy for you, then admitted her own disappointment and loneliness. I couldn't think of anything to do but promise to visit again, soon.'

Something is not right with the Colonel's plea, and after a few minutes Elizabeth knows what it is. Charlotte.

Charlotte would be an excellent companion for Miss Anne, much more of an age with her than Mrs Jenkinson, smart enough to make their conversation interesting. But Miss Anne never even bothered to get out of her carriage when she drove by the house, she never gave Charlotte much attention at all, as she never seemed to spend any time on anyone. Somehow, Elizabeth cannot but wonder if Miss Anne doesn't owe her loneliness to her own selfish behaviour.

'If you invite the young lady to London, Colonel, I can introduce her to several girls of my acquaintance who will make her feel right at home. If you manage to persuade her aunt to stay behind at Rosings, that is.'

Mr Manners has spoken with his usual firmness, and the Colonel is obviously intrigued.

'Are you truly interested in my cousin, then, Mr Manners?'

Showing no emotion whatsoever, Mr Manners merely replies, 'I like to help people, Colonel, and your cousin seems the victim of her circumstances. No-one should be a prisoner in their own home, no matter how luxurious that home is, I'd like to help all of you to get her out into the world a little, show her a good time. Did you tell me she is sickly?'

'People say she has always been weak, but I remember her being lively enough when we were young, don't you, Darcy?'

'Now you mention it, Fitzwilliam, yes, when our uncle was still alive she used to be quite a tomboy. Are you suggesting aunt Catherine bossed the life out of her, literally?'

'You mother was frail, wasn't she?' Elizabeth asks her beloved.

'Yes, love, she was, but she had trouble breathing ever since she was a child. She was so afraid Georgie would get the same affliction, but Georgie never did, and aunt Catherine and Fitzwilliam's father and brothers all have an iron constitution. I suppose it sometimes skips a generation.

Besides, I've never heard of Anne having trouble breathing as my mother did, Anne seems listless, bloodless, like some children in most families that tend to marry among themselves a lot.'

Mr Manners nods, he knows a lot of people of rank, apparently he recognises the signs.

'Well, this is London, we have the best doctors here, no need to worry about the young lady's health. Maybe she just needs to have her blood stirred to give her an appetite and some energy. We'll see, but only if the Colonel manages to get her out here without too many fetters.'

'She will have to take her lady along, but Mrs Jenkinson is much older than Anne, my father has an elderly housekeeper who will manage to keep her indoors while Anne goes to parties with us. You know, I'll ask my father for help, he can handle his sister no problem. He has never concerned himself much with cousin Anne, but if I tell him she's desperately unhappy, he'll help. He loves getting the better of aunt Catherine. Did you write him about Georgiana's engagement?'

'I did, the very day she told us. But it was New Year's Day, I don't know if my letter will beat the newspapers. I'm afraid Johnson may have sold information to other reporters. I asked the regular staff to keep an eye on him, but it may already be too late.'

'Well, there is nothing you could have done but allow your sister and Mr Fielding to be married, Darcy. Some matches are made with hard work, and some were meant to be. You couldn't have stopped your sister from loving Mr Fielding, you could only have made her very, very unhappy, and that is what I'll tell my father and brother if they disapprove. Of course the fact that aunt Catherine will be beyond livid will tickle my father to no end.'

In the end, they decide that the Colonel will write to his father and convince him to invite Miss Anne to his London house to visit a few concerts with his younger son's friends. Then if she comes, Mr Manners will introduce her to a little group of quiet, friendly girls, and they can go to concerts and dances together under his and the Colonel's protection. When the season ends, Anne will hopefully have an invitation to visit one of her new friends in the country, and who knows, she may meet someone special.

In the following days, the Colonel does not come home drunk anymore, but at most slightly intoxicated and rather jolly. Mr Manners takes him along to several gatherings, and Elizabeth does wonder a bit what the two of them are up to, but since the Colonel's spirits improve, maybe she should just be glad of that.

No news of Georgiana's engagement appears in any of the newspapers, and Mr Goodfellow's piece is exactly what Mr Fielding might want. More requests for concerts come in, and Mr Fielding's new calendar is starting to get filled up.

He plays his first two public concerts for a higher class audience, and they all accompany him, though Georgiana still pretends to be his pupil rather than his fiancée.

No further reviews appear in the paper, these concerts are too exclusive for a journalist to be admitted, they will have to wait for his appearance in the middle class hall to know what the general public thinks.

Elizabeth acts as she planned, and takes Simon and Georgiana along on a visit to the little shop where she bought her acclaimed highly risqué fashion.

She requests to talk to the owner, who is surprised to hear that the ensemble praised as high fashion in the society pages of the London Times was one of her own creations, sold to Mrs Darcy ready-made.

'I did congratulate myself, ma'am, that apparently I had the right instinct to predict those little coats coming into fashion soon, if some high-bred lady got one of them all the way from France, in the same colour I had used, and with embroidery too! Never did I dare to hope it was my ensemble out there, and Mrs Darcy a customer of mine without my even knowing! My staff never realised either, and one of them sold you the exact hat that was described in the papers to go with it!'

Though a bit disconcerted at her staff not recognising Mrs and Miss Darcy when they were in her shop the first time, Miss Filliger, a stately young woman of about thirty, is highly gratified to have them return to buy more of her creations. Imagine the estimable Mme Beaution, a French fashion expert!, mistaking her work for that of a Parisian artisan!

'Do I understand correctly, Mrs Darcy, that you want to buy and order enough new dresses and accessories for two weeks, for yourself and Miss Darcy, without telling anyone I made them?'

'Exactly, Miss Filliger. I can tell them immediately, but then you will be overrun by rich customers without having anything to sell them. Also, the impact will be much larger if it turns out that dozens of what they think are French creations turn out to be yours. If you expect all your ensembles to impress Mme Beaution and her peers, waiting to tell them who my seamstress is will make the thing huge, much bigger than telling them straight away.

And waiting a fortnight will give you a chance to prepare some dresses in advance, to make money while you're in the news. You can even make copies of the ones that get the best reviews in the papers.'

'I suppose it will be great fun if they all wonder who made them for weeks, and then Mrs Darcy reveals she bought them ready-made, in a shopping-centre in an unfashionable part of town. I like it, Mrs Darcy, let's do it your way.'

Under Simon's supervision they let Miss Filliger decide on a whole new wardrobe, some pieces ready-made, needing only a few adjustments, and some pieces to be made on order. For the lady who is not just the owner, but also the creative mind of the little store, has a whole pile of sketches of garments she'd like to create.

'I cannot make all of them for my shop, some need to be fitted exactly to the customer's figure, some need expensive fabrics that I cannot afford to invest in without asking for an advance, and some are just too daring to make in the hopes of selling them; if I don't find a buyer for them I'd lose my work and the investment in materials.'

Simon leafs through the whole pile, making four smaller piles, one for Mrs Darcy, one for Miss Darcy, one for ladies of a different shape, who will undoubtedly start to frequent the store once word gets out. And one pile of designs that are probably too impractical to actually wear, though Simon loves some of them and hopes there may be a market for them in the future.

They choose fabrics for the creations they want to have made, and Elizabeth and Georgiana try to form an image of what they will look like in that particular colour and pattern, not always succeeding, but trusting in Miss Filliger's talent and Simon's taste.

He chooses a lot of accessories as well, happily delegating some of the choosing to the lady designer, who knows every shop in this centre and has an excellent idea where she can buy what she doesn't have the skill, the time, or the inclination to make herself.

'So you'll have these five ready-made dresses delivered to our home, as well as two more of those little coats and the umbrella and these hats? And you'll visit the day after tomorrow to take measurements for the rest?'

Elizabeth is determined to wear each and every one of these dresses more than just once, whatever Mme Beaution and her cronies say. Let Simon and Fanny change the accessories and her hair, she is not going to spend Fitzwilliam's money to please the fashion reporters! Not more than she already is, she realises.

'Yes, ma'am, and I promise you they will all be ready in time. Should I read much praise on the ones you wear first, I'll hire extra help to prepare the collection Mr Close picked out to start with once you reveal our secret.'

Hearing Simon addressed by his last name still startles Elizabeth, but she understands Miss Filliger's reasoning to inquire after it. She wants to show him her respect, since she trusts his insights in the minds of the highborn ladies and the fashion reporters they follow when choosing their attire. If he is right, she can become a very wealthy shop-owner. If he is not, she's sold a dozen dresses to a couple of rich ladies.

Paying cash for what they buy ready-made, they open an account for the rest. As they stroll back towards home, via the same coffee-room they visited last time, Elizabeth wonders whether this is all a good thing, or a bad thing. Does adapting to the outside world mean giving up some part of herself? Or is she still growing to fit her role as Mrs Darcy?

Well, she will undoubtedly soon find out, but at least people will not find her countryfied.

The next day, there is news from cousin Fitzwilliam's father.

When her brother hands her the letter to read for herself, Georgiana feels very mature. The letter is short and to the point, and exudes a kind of humour, apparently her uncle finds it entertaining rather than outrageous that after his nephew, his niece should also marry far beneath her. But by now Georgiana knows there was no choice in the matter, Eric was meant for her, and the other way around. She flatters herself that she has plenty to offer him, not just a name and a fortune. They spend every waking minute together, and she is finding herself ever more useful in keeping him firmly grounded when everything and everyone around him seems to have gone insane.

He is immensely popular already, the two concerts he has played so far were sold out, and many people who Georgiana talked to afterwards professed they had seen him at the Ball, and couldn't get the last piece out of their minds, they just had to hear it again.

It is a peculiar situation, everybody wants a piece of him, and Georgiana has no claim, not yet. She is still pretending to be nothing more than his patron's sister, and sometimes she does feel excluded, especially at those moments when he assumes his stage persona, the beautiful artist who is miles removed from ordinary mortals like herself.

Her uncle's letter gives her relief, first of all because he is obviously not set against the match, though there is nothing he can do to prevent it. And secondly, because the reminder of her rank makes her feel a little less ordinary, though she immediately regrets the feeling of arrogance that seems to come with such a thought. But most importantly, now her uncle knows, they can make the engagement public and she will have the right to walk beside Eric as they enter a venue, and wait in the dressing-room until he actually goes on stage. He will feel supported, and she will feel loved.

'I'm planning to invite Mr Goodfellow over to tell him about your engagement this afternoon, Georgie, do you agree? That way you will be able to accompany your beloved to the private party tomorrow, they are truly exclusive in their invitations.

Of course, as Fielding's patron I cannot be slighted, and you and Mrs Darcy will be allowed to accompany your fiancée and husband. They're very traditional, you know, they prefer not to have gentlemen over, but if they have to allow them it's better to have them escorted by a lady.

Strangely enough, Manners was already invited, though he is a man and single. I suppose he is society's exception to every rule.'

And when they arrive at one of the most impressive mansions in London for this very private affair, Georgiana is glad she has been in the papers once again, that morning, for it seems as if every noble lady under thirty is planning to win the talented Mr Fielding for herself. Even though they know he is a cow-herd's son.

Even though they know he is engaged to Miss Georgiana Darcy, Georgiana can see it in their eyes, they know he is taken, most of those ladies are long married anyway, undoubtedly many have several children, but still they seem to hunger for him, they want to touch him, be it the hem of his coat or a loose tendril of his black locks.

These ladies should be the cream of the nobility, but they look mostly very hungry.

Still, they have to stay behind, to chat with their peers, drink champagne and eat dainties by the dozen, while Eric holds on to Georgiana's hand firmly, taking her to the concert-room, still empty except for row upon row of chairs, and a magnificent piano on the raised stage.

As Eric is going through his usual ritual to get to know a piano, Georgiana sits by and watches him with infatuation. He is so handsome, and he so loves to do this, despite the crowd and the adulation. For it is already very clear Eric doesn't handle that very well. He was raised in humility, and to suddenly be adored by those above him is too much to just take in stride.

Mr Manners merely laughs about it, saying 'I told you so,' for he did predict this.

Eric has advanced to testing the tuning, and this piano is perfect, again. It's a brand Georgiana doesn't recognise, Eric observes it's Italian, and he is very eager to try it, but still he does not skip even one part of his ritual. Georgiana hopes he is not growing superstitious, but he seems far too rational for that, he probably fears to overlook an important step in his preparations, which is why she stays absolutely still unless he asks a question or just chats with her.

The warming up follows, Eric still takes his time to keep his left hand strong.

Next are the variegated scales, and his face lights up.

The scales change into the practise piece quickly, and now Georgiana understands why he was so eager to play this instrument, it's like her Clementi, so light, so clear. After a few more bars he makes room on the stool for Georgiana, and they play some Bach together, they've translated their favourite harpsichord piece to the piano, and the result is very gratifying. But not nearly well-executed enough for the stage, and Georgiana soon retreats to her chair on the side.

The romantic pieces are still beautiful, but not as deeply moving as they sound at home, on one of their larger, smoother instruments. Still, these are infatuated ladies, they don't know that, they'll love it anyway.

'Do you mind?'

No stage persona now, this is Eric at his sweetest, and he sounds quite concerned.

'A little. Most of them are married or engaged, you're engaged, why the fuss?'

'I have no idea. But you know I'm yours forever, don't you?'

'I do.'

'That makes me happy. I don't know why they do it, but Manners predicted they would, and he says it will get worse before it gets better.'

'Never mind, my love, just play your best, and tomorrow we will be together again all day. I'm glad we're officially engaged, though, somehow it feels good to have a claim on you.'

Georgiana manages to say this with a smile, and Eric returns it.

'I know, I've been there. I was so jealous, so hopeless, with all those eligible bachelors circling you at the Ball. I know how you must feel.'

'They were serious, though, and at liberty...'

'….and I was convinced I didn't have a chance. So you see, it might be worse. I'm glad about that, I wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone I loved. Can I have a kiss? Then we can mingle a little, I'm done here. Do stay close to me, these ladies scare me with their hungry gazes, I think they want to devour me. I feel as if my engagement is my only protection.'

As they indeed let themselves be introduced to their host, a petite lady in an immaculate mustard coloured dress with priceless trimmings, Georgiana finds Eric is treated with much more respect than when they first arrived here. No-one gapes at him, or tries to surreptitiously touch him, apparently some kind of calm has descended on the room, maybe the delicious treats that are being offered from all sides keep the ladies occupied.

Observing the crowd, Georgiana wonders which of these perfectly dressed ladies are the queen's ladies-in-waiting. They all look rather conservative in their choice of dress, the few gentlemen present wear breeches, Eric and Fitzwilliam really stand out in their long trousers and unadorned black shoes, their cravats Simon's usual works of art, their hair done in the latest style, which closely resembles Georgiana's own hair when she has just woken up from a bone-chilling nightmare.

Well, at least Simon and Fanny are very happy to be allowed to gild their master and mistresses again, and of course Simon insists on helping Eric as well.

Mr Manners does not stand out half as much, and Georgiana wonders why, until she notices he is wearing breeches and incredibly gaudy shoes. And his coat has a bright colour! How did she not see that before? He must have worn his dark overcoat outside, and in here he sort of fades out against the similarly coloured background, a patchwork of brightly dressed noble ladies and the occasional green or ochre-breeched gentleman.

Georgiana does not need to say anything, for he has already seen her expression, and he hangs his head and confesses, 'I can handle my own valet, but how could I refuse Simon? He practically forced me to buy this and wear it, 'to blend with the crowd' he said. What do you think? Should I have resisted? My valet was mighty pleased to dress me up in it, he's secretly very old-fashioned.'

'No, he was totally right. Look at Eric and Fitzwilliam, they stand out like crows in a coop filled with softly plumed doves. Which is all right, if one doesn't mind being stared at. You blend right in, and will be able to spy on everyone and anyone without being noticed, which I know you love to do.

And you look much better in colours than you think, truly.'

'Thank you my dear. How are you holding up under the adulation?'

'Reasonably well. Eric said you predicted it will be worse before it gets better?'

Mr Manners nods seriously.

'They control themselves now, because that young lady in blue, yes, with the peacock plumes, she works at the palace, and the stout lady over there, you see her? In pink? She's also one of Queen Charlotte's ladies-in-waiting, and of the highest rank. One doesn't demean oneself before either of them.'

As they stand there, the stout lady is moving towards them, and Georgiana is tempted to warn Eric, who is still talking to their hostess, that someone important is coming. But Mr Manners whispers, 'Don't say anything, he's always polite, better he doesn't know, he'll be more natural that way.'

True, for Georgiana herself wishes she didn't know either. But she can hide behind Eric, and Mr Manners, and since she is still naturally shy she is also always polite.

The lady introduces herself without the slightest hesitation, which of course Georgiana is not used to, since she outranks most people and is used to the other party waiting for her to do or say something. This is much better, no need to do anything but reply politely.

To Eric it doesn't matter, he grew up in a middle-class household, where everyone was polite to every stranger because they were all potential customers. And since he knows everyone in this company outranks him he can just wait until they address him, then be himself.

Even Mr Manners does not initiate a greeting, he waits for the lady to decide whom to greet first, and when she decides for Eric, Georgiana feels nothing but triumph. Mr Zumpe was so wrong to tell Eric he would not be accepted among the higher class. Georgiana is reasonably sure she outranks Mr Manners, though him being an adult male and herself an underage girl probably does count, but this lady chooses to greet the star first. Apparently rising fame bestows a rank all of its own.

'Mr Fielding, I have heard so much about you! I'm Lady Harrington, and I'm looking forward to this concert so much! Did I read in the newspaper this morning that you are newly engaged to Miss Darcy of Pemberley?'

Blissfully unaware that this is one of the most powerful ladies in the realm, Eric bows and shows his happiness so clearly that Georgiana has to swallow hugely not to cry for joy.

'Indeed, my Lady, Miss Darcy has seen fit to accept my offer for her hand, though I have nothing to give her but my talent.'

'And such a great talent it is, Mr Fielding. I'm sure I haven't seen a happier man in my life, nor a happier young lady.'

And with that she turns towards Georgiana.

'Miss Darcy, congratulations on your engagement. Such a charming and talented man, you are the envy of the room right now. Though you are so beautiful yourself there will be plenty of gentlemen envying your beau.

I'm so glad to finally get a chance to talk to you, and your brother and his gorgeous new wife. I must introduce myself to the two of them later, I've heard Mrs Darcy is the new name in fashion. You are both so wise, your brother and yourself, to marry for love, not money or connections. I commend you.'

Georgiana curtsies and says, 'Thank you, my Lady.'

She cannot think of anything else, her natural shyness has taken over once more, but it doesn't matter, Lady Harrington does not expect a sixteen year old maiden to have something sensible to say to one of the Queen's ladies.

Then even Georgiana is surprised, as Lady Harrington embraces Mr Manners familiarly and warmly, and says, 'Frederick, I swear I would not have recognised you without your minister's coat. Who managed to hoist you into this fitting attire? Your valet must be a master of diplomacy, or more likely, armed and dangerous. But it becomes you well, my dear, you look in excellent health, and dare I say, happy?'

'Yes, Jane, I think I finally am.'

Mr Manners does not say more than that, and not because he is unduly impressed either, he is obviously familiar with this lady, even friendly. No, he's not impressed by her rank or her considerable presence, Mr Manners is affected by her kind observation, she must know something about his situation.

But she does not explain or question further, she merely looks at Mr Manners one more time, fondly, and says, 'Come, let me introduce our musical genius and his beautiful fiancée to my close colleague, Miss Colman, she's even more impressed by Mr Fielding's ravishing looks, being so much younger than myself. I must admit, she was a bit put out to read of your engagement, Mr Fielding, so soon after discovering your beautiful music at the Ball.'

Showing no discomfort at all, Eric asks, pleased, 'Your friend was at the Ball? So she has heard my music already.'

'Most of us have, Mr Fielding, it's the main event of the year, we wouldn't miss it for the world. That's why we all love Mr Manners so much, he provides us with superb entertainment and a chance to meet a suitable partner. I met my husband at the Ball, you know.'

Eric is obviously flattered, most of these ladies have already heard his music, and want to hear it again! His stunned silence speaks louder than words, for the Lady adds, 'I'm afraid we're all admirers, Mr Fielding, we'll be back again and again, every time you play a venue our husbands or fathers allow us to visit.'

And the young lady they are walking towards, the one with the peacock feathers, openly shows her admiration, despite her apparent rank. People make way for her until she meets them in the middle of the room, and this lady doesn't start by greeting Eric, she looks straight at Georgiana and nods ever so slightly.

Georgiana curtsies in return, guessing this young lady does indeed outrank her, though not certain at all since she has never made a study of comparative ranking and proper etiquette as so many girls at her school did. Often driving Mrs Annesley to despair with her negligent attitude, Georgiana always did prefer playing the piano.

'Miss Darcy, we were all so jealous of you when we read about your engagement to Mr Fielding!'

Georgiana does not have to say anything, for the young lady continues, 'Of course we expected as much after seeing the two of you together at the Ball, but still, we had some hope your brother would object, leaving Mr Fielding a bachelor just long enough to be introduced to him and have a chance to talk.'

What can a girl reply to such a statement? But again, it is not needed, for Eric is now being greeted, and rather familiarly. Miss Colman actually takes his hand in both hers, does she also behave like this in Queen Charlotte's company? Everyone can see her do this, what has gotten into her?

'Mr Fielding, I am so looking forward to hearing you play again. Even before I knew you were the best pianist ever I was desperately in love with you, you are so handsome and you danced so beautifully at the ball.'

Eric manages not to pull back his hand from her touch, he allows her to hold it until she lets go by herself, and he bows and says, 'Thank you for your compliments, Miss Colman, I'm glad you enjoyed my music. If you tell me which piece you particularly enjoyed, I will make sure to play that tonight.'

The young lady's face lights up, and she describes what can only be Eric's first composition. He nods and says, 'I know exactly which piece you mean, I'll play it tonight. It's the first I wrote myself, I'm still amazed people actually like to hear what I have composed.'

By now, more ladies dare to come closer to Eric, and Mr Manners has to step in to prevent them from crowding their party. It's a bit disconcerting to see one's intended so in demand with other ladies, and Georgiana is amazed to find that none of them seem to mind his humble origins.

All the more reason to enjoy being engaged, if she had been censured for promising to marry a penniless commoner she would still have been happy with Eric, but she would have minded being exposed to people's opinions. As it is, her situation is very enjoyable, and it's better these women all know from the start that Eric is not available, that falling in love with him is of no use whatsoever.

Fortunately it's time to prepare for the actual concert, and Mr Manners leads the two of them straight to the nearest door, guarded by a liveried servant, who at the request of Mr Manners opens it to let them into an empty hall, decorated in cream and blue, with beautiful paintings hanging from the walls, and priceless China vases on display.

'You follow me, and I'll lead you to the stage. Do you want to make an entrance, or have your audience enter while you are playing an accompaniment?'

Judging by his expression, Eric seems to find that last a good idea.

'This crowd is so worked up already, I'd like to try the accompaniment, soothing music they can enjoy while waiting for their turn to find a seat. Will Georgiana be close?'

He has taken her hand, and Georgiana uses it to lift his to her face, and drop a kiss on it.

'Marking your territory, Miss Darcy?' Mr Manners' deep voice observes with humour.

'You bet, Mr Manners. Why were those ladies all over Eric? He's engaged, isn't he?'

Mr Manners sounds serious as he observes, 'Engagements can be broken, you know, and some of these adoring ladies are very desirable, or at least they think they are. Maybe they think they still have a chance, before you're finally married.'

'But why, Manners? I'm nobody. Why would they want to try to get what their family wouldn't approve of?'

Eric shows real disturbance, but nothing a few scales won't calm down instantly.

'Somehow it doesn't seem to matter, I'm a bit surprised myself. Usually they weigh every asset a gentleman has minutely, match it to one of their own, and now they'd throw all that away? For a pretty face, and a unique talent? Some of those girls have no relations to please, they're already quite independent at an early age, but those are indeed rare. Most must have their relations' consent to chase you.'

Maybe they should get married as soon as she is seventeen then, though Georgiana doesn't want to fetter Eric to herself, he had enough of that with Mr Zumpe. She trusts her beloved, he loves only her, these admirers disconcert rather than please him.

'If this doesn't die down soon, dear Georgiana, with your consent I'll talk to your brother about getting married by special licence, I remember him talking of these occasions as a meat-market, and I feel like meat now, pinched and prodded to check its tenderness. I feel I have every right to escape that process, I am nothing and I have nothing. Except you, my love.'

Eric still cannot believe it.

'Who'd have thought I'd be in demand like this. Though one bad review will probably send them home instantly.'

Georgiana doesn't think these ladies have fallen for his musical qualities alone, she guesses his handsome face and smart clothes have as much to do with his popularity. And indeed Mr Manners comments, 'I don't think these girls strive for a career as music-critics, Fielding, I think they adore your pretty face and your melancholy air. That won't change with a bad review. I'm afraid you're stuck with them for now, but don't despair, they'll help you gain independence quickly by buying tickets to every one of your concerts and demanding you be invited to play whenever maman or papa set up an evening's entertainment.'