Chapter 83

After dinner the ladies retreat, and Eric finds himself in the company of his host. Of course they exchanged polite greetings before dinner, but during dinner the Earl was mostly occupied with talking to Mrs Annesley and Mrs Darcy. To Elizabeth. It's still difficult to think of her as a kind of younger sister, she may be younger than Eric, but she seems a lot more experienced in the ways of the world. Still, he can try.

'I'm rather sorry I don't have an instrument, Mr Fielding, I can't wait to hear you play. Time sure appears to have come to a standstill in this house, or at least it must seem that way to you. You know I only see that now, I suppose because I haven't been here for a very long time indeed.

I used to always see my Alice in every room I entered, smiling sweetly at me, overjoyed as she explored her beautiful house with the new decorations finished just that day and turned out so well, exactly as she wanted them. But now I realise that is more than fifteen years ago, and my dear wife left us almost eight years ago already.

I guess time needs to resume its course, I'll talk to my son and my niece Anne to see what can be done about the house, give it a thorough renovation. Seven years must be enough time for Fitzwilliam to come to terms with his mother's loss. We left things this way for him, but I find it oppresses me to live in the past, and I used to like to visit London.'

The Earl seems caught up in his thoughts, it's good to see him show such humanity. But before his musings become sentimental or embarrassing to a relative stranger like Eric, his host collects himself and continues their conversation where he left it.

'Maybe you can give us some good advice on an instrument when the work is done, Mr Fielding, I'd like to have a piano here. But for now I'll hope for an invitation to Darcy's place, and I suppose we'll visit some of your concerts. Though I'd also like to hear Georgiana play, the papers always say she's such an excellent pianist, and I have not heard her play for almost a year.'

'I'll be happy to give you some good advice on buying an instrument, my Lord, and of course I'll play for you when you come over. Georgiana, too, I imagine you will not believe how much her playing has developed in the time you have not heard her perform. I've never had a pupil like her, she practises so consistently, and is so talented and determined.'

'Doesn't she mind being in your shadow, Mr Fielding? I really wonder, she's so ambitious herself, but she'll never eclipse or even match you. Won't it be very hard to see your star rising, having to sit in the audience herself?'

That is a legitimate question, and one Eric has often asked himself. Won't Georgiana start to reproach him for taking all the spot-light, even her share?

'She has told me repeatedly that she realises she will have to share me with my audience. And I suppose that means she will not mind standing in my shadow. But sir, we have already had several requests for her to accompany me on stage, but she has refused because as yet she finds her skills lacking. She does not want the audience to accept mediocrity because she's a girl, those are her own words. If she keeps progressing she will be good enough for the stage in six more months, she may gain her own fame. And we're accompanying Mr Darcy to Pemberley this summer, there will be no concerts and crowds, though we'll practise of course. I suppose I will spend some time composing, I hope there will be time to spend on the piano. You see, I've promised Darcy to let him teach me to ride and shoot like a gentleman.'

'Of course, what would life be without riding or shooting?'

The Earl seems to find this very funny.

'But seriously, you look and behave like the perfect gentleman, if you ride and shoot you'll be welcome anywhere. Do you speak French?'

'Passably well, my Lord, my former patron made sure I was schooled very thoroughly. And he's from Germany, I lived with him and his family, so I'm fluent in German.'

The older man nods in appreciation.

'With matters as they are in France, speaking German may turn out to be a very strong asset. Aren't the Germans the most accomplished composers?'

Well, that is something Eric hopes to find out soon, attending Mr Goodfellow's music gatherings twice a week.

'I'm sure they are among the best, but the French and the Italians are also very gifted. I wouldn't dare to choose, but I have to admit I play music, I have not made a study of it.'

Lord Compton laughs heartily, 'You're very diplomatic, Mr Fielding, and very modest. I don't wonder my son is so eloquent in his praise of you. And I haven't heard you play even a single note, yet.

Do you never drink spirits?'

'I do enjoy a glass of good wine, but never more than one, and I steer clear of spirits. Somehow they don't agree with me.'

'You are a wise man, Mr Fielding, a wise man. I know a lot of men in places of power who still have no idea of the effect spirits have on a man. Let us join the ladies, I sure we can spend another hour in pleasant conversation before it is time for bed.'

It feels weird to return to a drawing-room without an instrument, they're so used to spending a large part of their evening listening to music. Elizabeth really enjoys having quality music available at any time. If she wants to hear a reel, she requests one and gets one, with a thousand variations, or simple, as it is supposed to be. Everything Eric learns from Mr Goodfellow's friends, he relates or even demonstrates, it's like having one's favourite entertainment every day. Like having a birthday every day.

'Mrs Darcy, I have never seen my cousin so happy. Thank you so much for allowing me in your circle.'

What is it with these people that they treat her like a middle-aged dowager? Miss de Bourgh is at least five years her senior! Better let her know, but kindly.

'Thank you, Miss De Bourgh, I like to think Fitzwilliam is as happy in our marriage as I am. But I assure you I do not lay down the law in our house, though you may have been told that is the case.'

'Oh, that is exactly how I remember you from your time at Rosings! I hope we can be friends, I can use some of your spunk when I return to mama. Still I'm sure neither of my cousins would have even considered inviting me over to London if you had disapproved. I saw Fitzwilliam introduce you to his father, and I saw Darcy's reaction to beholding that scene. He would die for you, and rejoice!'

Another one of those hopeless romantics, but Elizabeth knows it's true, no matter how embarrassing: if she had objected to inviting Miss de Bourgh, the poor girl would still be a virtual captive at Rosings.

'I have reason to believe my impertinence is catching, Miss De Bourgh, though my eldest sister has always resisted the affliction and stayed perfectly polite. But your cousin Georgiana certainly has caught a hint of it.'

Dear Georgiana, she can be almost impudent these days, the shy girl Fitzwilliam introduced her to in that Lambton inn is almost forgotten.

'Dear Georgiana! I barely recognised her, she has grown so self-assured and beautiful, and she used to be so terribly shy! That is what I want, Mrs Darcy, I want to stand up to my mother like she said you did, and just ignore her when she seethes and rants. She told me in minute detail how you refused to obey her and even insulted her by suggesting she was impertinent to you instead of the other way around, and all I could do was wish I'd dare do that myself. And still I only found out how things really were between Darcy and you when Fitzwilliam kindly explained, it's as if I was fast asleep, and Fitzwilliam woke me up, brutally at first, but very beneficial once I was over the worst shock.'

'I'm very sorry to have caused you unhappiness, Miss De Bourgh, I must admit I watched the two of you when I visited Rosings with Mr and Mrs Collins, and neither of you seemed to care about the other. But of course not all feelings are displayed openly in such company, though at the time I believed I showed mine quite markedly.'

'You did, I told mama you could not be planning to trick Darcy into marriage since you disliked him and didn't hesitate to show him and everybody else. I admired your valour and frankness from the first. Imagine him not giving up on you, it's so romantic!'

When the gentlemen return to the drawing-room, Fitzwilliam joins the conversation and Elizabeth can take a second to consider both uncle and niece. She sincerely believes there is reason to like both, which is quite a relief. Miss de Bourgh is much livelier somehow, Elizabeth can almost believe she used to be a tomboy. And Lord Compton certainly isn't a crabby old fellow as she feared, in fact he is rather charming, and she has found not a single sign of condescension in him, not towards herself, but not to Mrs Annesley or any of the servants either. There is certainly hope that the next three weeks will turn out rather well, and if Elizabeth's share in helping Miss de Bourgh is teaching her to be impertinent, it's a role she is perfectly suited to, and one she doesn't dislike one bit.

They return to their house via a much quicker route and are dropped off at their own slightly more modest front door to find Johnson waiting for them. He does not look merely attentive at his master's return, he actually looks a bit agitated, even anxious. Or is it the light of the lamp casting strange shadows across his face?

As Fitzwilliam hands Elizabeth out of the carriage, Mrs Annesley remaining seated since Bob will take her home in the carriage, Johnson hovers over his master impatiently, something did happen, and he cannot wait to tell them about it. After a polite 'Good night, see you tomorrow!' to Mrs Annesley, Fitzwilliam closes the door of the carriage and signals Bob to set the team in motion. When the carriage is gone, Elizabeth points out Johnson's agitation to Fitzwilliam, who turns towards the butler to receive the news.

'I'm sorry, Mr Darcy, but you have visitors. They arrived in a splendid chaise-and-four with full equipage.'

As Johnson describes the livery of the attendants Elizabeth feels a little shock: it's Lady Catherine's. But Johnson is not done.

'I advised Simon to let them wait in the drawing-room, he seemed to know these visitors and was inclined to send them away and let them come back later, but I've always been taught that's not the hospitality one shows such wealthy people. Though when they got out their looks weren't nearly as grand as the carriage, and the lady and gentleman seemed rather impressed at the sight of your entrance. The chaise pulled out as soon as the gentleman closed the door, the driver did not wait for his passenger's approval.

Simon did not wonder about that, though, so maybe he was right to have wanted them awaiting your return elsewhere. I hope you're not put out with him, sir, I convinced him to let them in. The lady was very obviously with child, and close to her time I gathered, she looked very tired. Simon led them to the little pink sitting-room to wait, and the gentleman couldn't stop admiring everything, as if Simon were the master here. Though I admit he looks very regal in his livery.

I hope I did well, sir, I know Simon has been with the family much longer but he is not used to being in charge of the whole house, Mrs Annesley usually makes those decisions.'

Fitzwilliam looks at Elizabeth in wonder, and she must mirror his expression: a pregnant lady and a gentleman in Lady Catherine's chaise? Dressed plainly? Stunned by the house and paying excessive compliments?

'It cannot be your cousin, can it? And your friend, Mrs Collins?'

Elizabeth's heart nearly fails her, Charlotte and Mr Collins, in their pleasant, elegant town house? Instantly remembering the lively scene at the dance at Netherfield, when her cousin introduced himself to arrogant Mr Darcy, she can feel the blood rush to her cheeks in shame, then drain away totally at the realisation there are no other people known to Lady Catherine who can claim hospitality from Elizabeth, though of course Fitzwilliam has plenty of connections in common with his aunt. But with a sinking feeling she just knows, with absolute certainty, who their unannounced guests are.

'Elizabeth, my lovely, don't take it so hard, please! I'm not a self-important prig anymore, remember? I'll bear with him, I'll tease him as Mr Bennet does, and besides, we have Manners now. Imagine the two of them together. Come here, my love.'

Before she knows it she is in his arms.

'He is your cousin, you know. Since I have the most obnoxious aunt currently in existence, it's no more than fair that you should have some silly relatives to compensate. Let's go in and receive them, see what they want. I suppose my aunt sent them over to spy on my niece, and I propose we give her what she wants. We'll feed your cousin a load of information he won't dare to pass on to aunt Catherine, then sit back and enjoy. Let us men handle your cousin, Elizabeth, you just make sure your friend has a nice time, she has undoubtedly suffered a lot of inconvenience travelling in her state, all to obey aunt Catherine, she deserves some compensation, don't you think?'

Well, if Fitzwilliam doesn't mind a visit from Elizabeth's cousin, who is she to object? Mr Collins is family after all, and Fitzwilliam is right, Charlotte will have suffered enough about this, better give her a warm welcome instead of making her feel even worse.

The others have arrived by now and approach them, Georgiana asking with some concern, 'You aren't ill, Elizabeth, are you?'

'No, I'm quite well, it's just that Lady Catherine has sent some spies to keep an eye on Miss De Bourgh and they happen to be related to me, so they can claim hospitality from us. Let us go meet them then, Fitzwilliam.'

As Manners, Georgiana and Eric go in, the latter two undoubtedly straight towards a piano to make up for lost time, Fitzwilliam addresses Johnson.

'You did well, Johnson, to advise Simon to allow these visitors entrance to our home instead of turning them away. I know why Simon must have deemed it more sensible not to let hem in, but I hope we will always be hospitable to our friends and relatives. Mind you, not just those with expensive equipages.

You were right to be hospitable, and Simon was right to restrict their access to our private quarters. I find it very heartening to see my staff working together as a team, thank you.

Oh and Johnson..'

'Yes, master?'

'I would very much like to keep the presence of these visitors a little quiet. I trust you will not mention them to anyone.'

'Of course, master. Simon says the ability to keep one's mouth shut is the most important quality in a servant of a great house. I will take his advice to heart, sir, as I will yours to treat everyone politely, no matter their rank. Thank you, master.'

Well, maybe they can hold on to him after all, he seems to be growing into his position rather nicely.

Knowing Elizabeth's reluctance, Darcy enters the little confidence-room ahead of her and without knocking first. It's his house, after all. Simon's doubts about letting them into the house seem legitimate, since Mr Collins grovels even more than usual, as if he feels caught at something.

'Mr Darcy, sir, a thousand excuses can't express my intense regret at having to disturb you and my fair cousin in your truly magnificent city abode.'

He has indeed gotten chubby, as has Mrs Collins, but of course she's in the last stages of a pregnancy, Mr Collins doesn't have that excuse. Elizabeth's cousin seems the last person to choose when looking for a spy, he's so incredibly conspicuous with his constant bowing and scraping, though his facial features are indeed perfectly bland. But if Mr Bennet can find enjoyment in his company, Darcy will, too. It's just a matter of perspective after all.

Offering the round-cheeked fellow his hand in greeting, he speaks out with the superior attitude Mr Collins expects of the gentry.

'Mr Collins, such an unexpected pleasure to see you in town! You must have travelled in style, for my butler recognised your carriage as my aunt Catherine's equipage. I suppose you have an errand of hers to fulfil?'

Better let him know secrecy is of no avail, and now Darcy is starting to understand his father-in-law, it's so gratifying to be able to totally bewilder this pompous piece of humankind.

'Your butler? Lady Catherine's errand?'

Yes, servants are people, too. They have eyes, and intelligence, and they know things. They can recognise a carriage and tell their master about it.

'We can discuss Lady Catherine's errand later. First let's find you a room, or possibly a double room, I suppose a clergyman like you needs a private space for undisturbed contemplations. You must be tired with your journey, especially Mrs Collins.

Have you dined already?'

'Oh yes, Mr Darcy, or may I call you cousin Darcy now, since we're related?'

'Mr Darcy will be just fine, Mr Collins. You wouldn't want me to call you cousin Collins, now would you? That wouldn't be dignified at all for a man of the cloth. So you did have dinner?'

'You are so right, Mr Darcy, it wouldn't be dignified at all. Your remarkable intelligence is truly a unique trait of your excellent family! We didn't have dinner exactly, sir, your servant, the young man who showed us to this room, I didn't quite get his place in your household but a very polite man he was, he told us al kinds of interesting facts about the family-history and the building itself. Well, that servant brought us some cold meat and bread.

'To tide you over to supper' he said.

You know your livery resembles that of Rosings so very much, that at first I said to dear Charlotte, Charlotte, I said, isn't it as if we were at Rosings, except a smaller version of it? Of course your furniture looks different somehow, and your panelling and the flooring, too. But the livery looks just like that of Rosings, white and gold.'

Right. Of course Mr Bennet has lived with the worst kind of foolishness for years, he must be used to it. Darcy only experienced Mr Collins that one time at the Netherfield ball. Maybe Elizabeth is right, maybe this surprise visit does throw a little pallor on their elegant family party.

But Mrs Collins cannot be far from her confinement, she's huge, and obviously suffering for it. It must be a strapping baby in there, maybe even two. Two little Mr Collinses. Elizabeth's cousin cannot possibly have a first name, he was born and christened Mr Collins.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth has taken charge of poor Charlotte, she should not be travelling at all this close to her confinement. Not that Elizabeth believes in separating mothers-to-be from society, let some try to do that to her once she's in this stage.

Oh please let it take years before she ever gets there, Charlotte looks as awful as Elizabeth has always imagined being with child must be. Fat body, puffed up red face, stringy hair, her dress too narrow on all sides, and so incredibly tired she's not even ashamed of Mr Collins' obsequiousness towards her friend's husband. Would it be very bad to hope to stay barren? Fitzwilliam did not marry her to breed an heir, though he says he loves children. Elizabeth likes children well enough, her nephews and nieces are precious, did aunt Gardiner look this awful just before her time? Though Elizabeth must have seen her with child, she cannot for the life of her imagine trim, perfectly groomed aunt Gardiner with stringy hair and popping seams.

There must be a measure of negligence on Charlotte's side, too, she hasn't got a personal maid after all, nor enough staff to take care of all the domestic duties in the parsonage. She must have been working too hard even before this trip.

'I'm so sorry, Eliza, to impose on you. Lady Catherine insisted on Mr Collins' going, and I couldn't stop him, I'm just too tired to argue, so I opted to accompany him instead. But I'm afraid I made a grave mistake, I feel awful. Did I just hear Mr Darcy offer us two rooms? Can you please make sure I get my own room, dear Eliza? Close to the privy? We have never shared a room, it's hard enough to get some sleep as it is.'

'Of course, dear Charlotte, and don't feel like you're imposing on us. Fitzwilliam has promised to take Mr Collins under his wings, so that I can spoil you. Will you feel better after a quiet night? Maybe a bath first?'

'I don't dare to bathe anymore, Eliza, I've lost my balance several times. If I fall I might hurt the baby, and I'm looking forward to my little son or daughter so very much. It'll be such a blessing to have a tiny life to care for, with wee little hands and feet, and sweet innocent smiles. We'll have such a good time together!'

A tiny life to care for? A sweet and innocent baby? That is true, babies are cute, even Mr Collins' baby will be sweet, babies are supposed to be round and chubby. Imagine what Fitzwilliam's baby would look like... That isn't easy at all! What did he look like when he was a boy? Mrs Reynolds called him a sweet, good natured boy, but he couldn't have looked at all like what he is now, a tall, handsome man with an athletic figure.

'I'm sorry, Charlotte, I'm keeping you on your feet when you should be resting. I have a very sweet, very capable maid, who I'm sure will be very pleased to help you take a nice, hot bath safely. Fanny will baby you as you deserve, driving in a carriage for hours in your condition, to spy for Lady Catherine. Great Lady or not, she ought to be ashamed of herself.

But not you, Charlotte, we'll spoil you rotten before you go back, if you are up to some shopping, eating pie and going out in the evening. We go out almost every night, our new brother is playing concerts all over town and we need to chaperone Miss Darcy until they are well and truly married.

Now, let me introduce you to our friends and we'll have some supper, and after that your bath will be ready and a comfortable chamber close to the privy. I'll tell Fanny to take extra care of you, which she loves to do. You just come with me and let the gentlemen handle Mr Collins.'

Well, Charlotte clearly did not expect such a reception, and Elizabeth is glad Fitzwilliam has taken everything in stride instead of making a thing out of it. Poor Charlotte at least is thankful for it.

'Yes, please, Eliza, I'd like to eat a little, talk a little, and a bath would be like heaven. You have such a beautiful house. You know I did think Mr Darcy admired you when you visited us, but you always denied that so decidedly. I'm glad I was right, he's such a handsome man. And kind, too. Look at him talking to Mr Collins, he's just the perfect host.'

Fortunately Charlotte walks to the drawing-room easily enough, and Elizabeth directs her to the most comfortable sofa in there. After their introduction, Manners immediately starts a friendly conversation, and soft piano-music from Eric and Georgiana finishes the picture of domestic bliss. Elizabeth leaves Charlotte to Manners for a few moments, to ring for Simon and ask him to have a bedroom and a bath prepared for her friend Charlotte.

'She need not be lodged near her husband, Simon, just near the privy. And I suppose you were going to keep an eye on him anyway?'

'I was, ma'am. As soon as I recognised the livery and the equipage I knew they were sent to spy on Miss the Bourgh. I'm sorry I wanted to turn them away, Mrs Darcy, I didn't know Mrs Collins was with child. Frankly, I feel a bit like those innkeepers in the Bible, though I suppose Lady Catherine de Bourgh's carriage is to be preferred over the bony back of a donkey any day. I'm glad Johnson intervened.'

'Don't feel bad, Simon, he didn't want to let them in out of kindness, he didn't want to insult someone who could afford an equipage like that. We're just glad you're taking advice from each other, and especially Johnson from you. It's such a bother to have to hire new staff.'

Simon smiled fondly at his mistress, he still didn't know his place, but he was going to leave them soon and she would miss him terribly. Not just for his extraordinary skills, but also for himself.

'Your friend will be in the best hands, Mrs Darcy. Is he truly your cousin? A relative of your father's?'

It is hard to acknowledge, but unfortunately true nonetheless.

'He is. It's hard to understand why my friend married him, in full possession of her wits, but she did. But she just told me she's looking forward very much to having the baby. It'll keep her occupied for the next ten years, poor Charlotte. Please be very kind to her, and keep an eye on him, and we'll all survive. Probably. Though I'm glad Fitzwilliam keeps his rifles at Pemberley and not here.'

'Mr Manners will help keeping him amused. He likes to study human behaviour, he'll be thrilled to meet Mr Collins. I bet Mr Bennet enjoys having him around.'

'You are so right. My father considers his nephew one huge joke, I suppose especially now Jane, Kitty and I are married well. Before that he must have been slightly worried about the entail, Mr Collins could have thrown us out on the day my father died. A fine landlord he'll be for my father's tenants.'

'Then let us hope your friend presents her husband with a fine, smart boy, and protects him from his father's indoctrination in humility and servility.

Do not worry a bit, ma'am, Fanny will spoil your friend and keep her baby safe, she has seen her mother with child countless times and knows what to do.'