Chapter 85

Even though Mrs Collins seems a lot better the next day, Elizabeth still plans to stay at home to keep her friend company. They spend a quiet day reading, chatting, listening to Georgiana and Eric practising.

Jane drops by for a short visit, to hear the news from the Lucas family from Mrs Collins and tell them about last night.

'We had such a thrilling night, Lizzy, everyone was so nice to us, they treated us almost like royalty. I didn't know being famous was like that. Though they did make Mr Fielding pay for his fame, by having him present the birthday girl with her gift as if he actually knew her. I suppose he could have refused, but he is such a kind man and it certainly made the girl very happy. Though I can imagine dear Georgiana breathing a sigh of relief once she has his ring on her finger.

Mr Manners spent a lot of time on Miss de Bourgh and her new friends, though I suppose he did keep an eye on the proceedings for he asked Bingley to warn him if a man he pointed out in the back were to come forward. Afterwards we found out that man was Mr Fielding's former patron, who you told us hadn't treated poor Mr Fielding very well. Bingley did keep an eye on the fellow but he and the girl he was with went away as soon as all the rest of the audience had moved to the front to wait for their turn to talk to Mr Fielding. They really love him, Lizzy, it's almost unseemly to throw oneself thus at an engaged man.

A lot of those girls who couldn't talk to Mr Fielding talked to us, they seemed rather envious that we knew Mr Fielding personally. Georgiana has changed a lot, hasn't she? She used to be so shy, but now she talked to many of the people there, though I suppose a lot of them envy her even more.'

Imagine Jane realising those girls were jealous. She used to be unable to even see bad in anyone, but now she certainly seems to be a lot more aware of the realities of life. Maybe living with Bingley's sisters has taught her to be less naïve. In a way Jane has been even more countrified than Elizabeth herself, but her sister is certainly learning about people now.

'We wouldn't mind to do this a little more often, you know, if you want to spend a night together now and then. It was very pleasant, we really need to go out now we're still in the city, and this is a perfect way to do it.'

That isn't a bad idea at all, Elizabeth can think of a few things she'd like to do with Fitzwilliam in private, and Eric is now playing nearly every night. He is really serious about gaining independence, for besides performing at night he and Georgiana insist on keeping their own books and learning about investments by day. The concerts are just for another month and a half, but it's hard work anyway. But Eric is right, after their summer at Pemberley another performer may have taken his place in the hearts of the rich and noble, success like this can be very temporary.

Charlotte has a lot of news to tell them about her life at Hunsford and her family in Hertfordshire, and she loves to describe the little things she has prepared for her new baby. Finding herself rather curious how these things go about, telling herself it's for Lydia's benefit that she wants to know, Elizabeth asks many questions about midwives, births, Charlotte has been very open before about things they wouldn't dare ask any other woman, and she has a lot to tell them now. Jane is also listening eagerly, of course she needs to know, too.

Then they are briefly disturbed by Johnson coming in to deliver the day's mail, he respectfully hands Elizabeth a letter then moves back out silently. It seems his improved behaviour has at least outlasted a day.

Checking the envelope, Elizabeth asks her friend and her sister, 'It's from Lydia, do you mind if I check it out quickly?'

Of course the other ladies want to know what news Lydia has, and Elizabeth opens the letter and scans it quickly.

My Dear Lizzy,

I was not going to bother you with my troubles since I thought you must have something better to do. Wickham has shown me the newspaper several times when they were writing about you, and Miss Darcy and her fiancée. I never thought you were that interested in fashion but that dress you wore on Jane's wedding was certainly very pretty.

But since you wrote to ask I cannot keep silent anymore. A few weeks after our return from Netherfield I started to bleed, and it would not stop. The next day I had terrible pains and Wickham got a doctor. The doctor, a nasty old man with hair in his nose and ears and terrible breath, said I was losing the baby and nothing could be done, except take care of myself so I wouldn't get the fever. My best friend came over and the doctor sent a midwife, and something was born of me that the midwife would not let me see.

She said it was better off dead, but Lizzy, I wanted my baby so.

I was sick for another day, then got better quickly. My friends are very nice and say I will have a healthy baby next time. But I'm afraid that this is my punishment for not going to church regularly and for being with Wickham before we were married. My friend says that is not true, but how would she know? She's not a minister, is she? Don't worry too much over me, I'm healthy and Wickham is doing well in the ranks. He says he can join the rifles but he cannot afford the commission. I've heard the rifles are very dangerous and with war looming I'm very afraid.

Dear Lizzy, if you could spare the time for your little sister, I would be so happy if you could visit. I know it's far but Wickham says Mr Darcy's thoroughbreds can make it in four days. Please give my love to Jane, and don't tell mama what happened, she'll only worry.

Your affectionate sister Lydia.

'Oh no, poor Lydia!'

Fitzwilliam looks up in alarm at her exclamation, and Jane and Charlotte send her worried looks.

'Why didn't she mention it before? She's lost the baby! Poor Lydia, she must be in agony, and writing for weeks as if nothing had happened. Why? She wanted this baby so, and with war threatening!

We must go and see her immediately, Fitzwilliam! What if...'

She cannot speak her mind before Jane and Charlotte, but her beloved will know what she means instantly: what if Wickham did force her to take childbane?

'Are you telling me Lydia was expecting, Lizzy?'

Jane didn't even know?

'She didn't tell you? She told me at Netherfield, I supposed she'd told you, too. Then when she didn't mention it in her letters I wrote to ask her specifically, and this is her reply. I thought you knew, Jane.'

'Of course we'll have to go an see her, my love,' Fitzwilliam now observes.

'But it's on the other side of the country, the slow team will take almost a week to get there. We need the thoroughbreds. And we cannot leave in a rush anyway, Elizabeth, we have guests, and Georgie needs a chaperone.

'Bingley and I will be your sister's chaperone, Darcy. Lydia is my sister, too. I suppose it's better if you two go, since she didn't even tell me about her pregnancy, and Wickham got his position on Darcy's recommendation. But we can do our share, and minding your sister will be a pleasure.'

'And Mr Collins and I have both seen enough of Miss de Bourgh to be able to assure Lady Catherine that her daughter is well taken care of. Aren't we, Mr Collins?'

Charlotte repeats what she has said about Miss de Bourgh loud enough for Mr Collins to hear, and he readily replies, 'Yes, my dear Charlotte, you were right yesterday afternoon, when you told me Miss de Bourgh was looking healthy and happy. I could not help but draw the same conclusion myself. And there seems to be such a thrilling bond between her and Mr Manners already, I would not be at all surprised if a very desirable connection were to result for both gentleman and young lady.

He is taking such prodigious care of your cousin, Mr Darcy, I understand why you should want to keep him in the family in any way you could after Miss Darcy made her fortuitous decision and such an eligible gentleman was left standing.'

Incredible, how London gossip reaches even the inhabitants of a humble parsonage in Hunsford. Though Mr Collins ought to be ashamed of himself to read such trash, he's a clergyman!

'So you agree with me that we should go back to Hunsford as soon as possible, to give Lady Catherine relief from her worries? To tell her all about her daughter's current well-being?'

Her marriage has certainly taught Charlotte diplomacy, and though Elizabeth has felt sorry for her, for having made such an awful choice of husband to gain an establishment, her friend still doesn't seem too unhappy. She seems to have found a kind of middle way between guiding him very subtly and ignoring him.

Ever since marrying Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth has sometimes thought she might have offered her friend a home, if only they had known beforehand that Elizabeth would make such a fortunate match. But today she cannot be sorry for her friend anymore that things worked out differently. Charlotte will be very happy as a mother, even if her husband is a pompous ignoramus, much happier than she'd have been as an old maid living on her friend's charity.

'Yes, my dearest Charlotte, I do think you are right. We need to relieve Lady Catherine's worries as quickly as possible, I'll send for her Ladyship's carriage immediately, have it prepared for our return tomorrow.'

And with that heartening promise, his attention is back to the music.

'I still think we should wait for the thoroughbreds, Elizabeth,' Fitzwilliam observes. 'If I send an express we can have them over in three days, four at the most.'

'In three days we can be at Pemberley ourselves, can't we? Even with the slow team?'

He's not happy at all to have to use those solid mares outside town, but Elizabeth does not want to lose any time, poor Lydia needs her.

'Dear Lizzy, there is no need to rush. Lydia knows you cannot come immediately, and remember, she isn't in any danger now. Better take a little time to arrange things, it's quite a drive and you may encounter bad weather that far north. Please do be safe!'

Well, that only proves Jane's sense, it would indeed be foolish to rush into things in the middle of winter. Better make careful arrangements than be sorry afterwards.

'Of course you are both right,' she admits to her sister and her husband, 'we should take enough time to plan this trip. It's not a mere morning's drive like going to Hertfordshire. You arrange things as you think best, my love, and I'll write to Lydia that we're coming as soon as we can. You are coming with me, aren't you? It does mean meeting Wickham again.'

'I promised you I'd get Wickham into the rifles if at all possible. I understand your sister doesn't like the idea, but she's not the one on the battlefield. If he wants to distinguish himself despite the danger I can only applaud that. Despite not looking forward to having to notice him again, he is family.

But I cannot do without you anyway, my love, you know that. This may take as long as a fortnight and we haven't been away from each other for more than a day since we got married. Besides, travel in winter may be dangerous, I want to make sure you're safe.

Let me send an express to Pemberley to have the thoroughbreds brought to London for a long trip, and we'll leave as soon as they get here. That will give us time to make arrangements for Georgiana and be good hosts to your friend and cousin. I have certain obligations to my uncle as well, I did promise to help look after Anne, you know.

I realise she'll probably be just fine with my uncle staying for three weeks altogether, but it feels wrong to just pack up and storm out. Your sister doesn't seem in any danger, and she will not expect us to arrive within a week. I'm kind of curious how things work out with Anne, and I really want to attend Mr Goodfellow's lecture on Renaissance music on Wednesday. I think it's my duty as Fielding's patron to be seen at these occasions. Scruffy little Goodfellow will be very important to Fielding when he returns to London in fall, he'll remind the people how entertaining Mr Fielding's concerts are. Let's give him all the attention he may feel entitled to from his new friend's patron.

If we plan to leave coming Thursday there will be plenty of time to arrange everything to our liking.'

Darcy busies himself that day with making arrangements for their trip to Newcastle, while Manners enjoys himself hugely with Mr Collins. They talk politics, religion and discuss what makes a man noble, and Manners even manages to get a word in edgewise. Maybe that is because Mr Collins keeps getting distracted by Georgie's and Fielding's continuous playing, on the piano-forte but also on the harpsichord.

'I don't think I'll ever get used to how you all keep talking whilst a true master reaches out to the very heavens with his precious gift.'

Despite being rather busy, Darcy cannot help but laugh at the exasperated remark.

'I've lived with four hours of practice each day ever since Georgiana discovered the piano-forte when she was about nine. If I hadn't learned to ignore piano practice I'd have gone raving mad before a month had passed. Her first efforts didn't sound like she does now, you know. And of course Fielding is even better, but when he practises he also repeats one bar of music for as much as an hour at a time, which to me sounds just the same when he finishes as when he started. And I guess we're up to six hours a day now, though I must be fair, they practise at least two of those hours upstairs in Fielding's room.'

Mr Collins' expression shows he does not approve of two young people all by themselves. But Darcy is not going to excuse himself to a man like Mr Collins, he is the master of this household and he does as he sees fit. He knows Georgie and Fielding exchange a few kisses and share the occasional embrace, but he also knows they will not cross the boundary of decency. Fielding would never blemish his muse by touching her inappropriately. He may even be superstitious, afraid to lose his inspiration, lots of truly gifted people supposedly are.

Before Elizabeth and Mrs Collins tire of each other's company, it's time to dress for dinner with their guests, uncle Spencer, Fitzwilliam and surprisingly, Anne, who will attend dinner with her family and return to her friends after the concert tonight. Apparently those Blackwood girls visit every single one of Fielding's concerts that they are invited to or their father allows them to buy tickets for.

Darcy has decided to include Bingley and Jane in the party, soon they will be separated from his friend and sister-in-law by the arrival of summer, better enjoy each other's company while they still can.

With the entire party assembled in the drawing-room, Elizabeth has to finally conclude she does like Lord Compton a lot. Miss Anne must have complained to him of her mother sending Mr Collins to impose on his relations to spy on her daughter, but the old gentleman does not show the slightest sign of disdain towards Elizabeth's fawning cousin. He is patient with Mr Collins' windy address, and he is positively kind towards Charlotte, who of course cannot help being ashamed of her husband bowing and scraping to the Earl, engrossing that noble guest's attention far longer than etiquette allows.

'Mrs Collins, so nice to meet you!'

The Earl finally concludes Mr Collins' monologue on his patroness by addressing his wife. Of course the chubby man cannot do anything else than accede to the illustrious Lord Compton's wishes and finally shut up.

'And you have such a lovely new dress, too! Anne told me all about your little shopping expedition, she was so sorry you were too tired afterwards to drink coffee and discuss that little trip, but I'm sure you two can make up for that tonight and talk to your hearts' content. You look much better now, very well-rested. I hope you will be able to accompany us to the concert later, I'm looking forward to going out, haven't done that for at least a year and likely more.'

What is that all about? It's funny to see Mr Collins staggered with all the attention his lady receives from a veritable Earl who on top of his lofty title is Lady Catherine de Bourgh's brother, but still Elizabeth is more intrigued by Lord Compton's hints that something remarkable happened during that shopping trip that Miss Anne and Charlotte will want to talk about. Share confidences about, actually, that is more or less what the Earl is hinting at.

Did something happen? Two women who were dying to look good in a new dress found what they were looking for, but Elizabeth hasn't seen anymore more spectacular than that. Oh well, she is certain to find out, Charlotte has always confided in her.

And pretty soon Charlotte and Miss de Bourgh are indeed seated together in the little corner of the room that is perfectly suited to having a very private conversation. Their talk seems to be very animated, and Elizabeth cannot help thinking Miss de Bourgh should have spent so much time on Charlotte before, it would have made her life at Rosings much more enjoyable. Charlotte is truly worthy of attention from such quarters, her parents aren't rich, but her family is respectable enough. As respectable as old Mrs Jenkinson's undoubtedly.

But maybe Miss de Bourgh needed to be shaken loose from Rosings, or from her attachment to Fitzwilliam, before she could start showing some signs of life. And of course it was never in Charlotte's power to initiate a friendship with Miss de Bourgh, the latter being of such high rank. Never mind the past, though, it's good to see the two of them finally connecting, though Elizabeth does wonder what they are talking about in their private little corner.

Elizabeth so wants to watch them together, but her attempts are foiled by Lord Compton and his younger son keeping her attention on themselves giving their opinion on a matter that concerns Elizabeth very much since her youngest sister is involved: Wickham's promotion to the rifles.

Only now does Elizabeth understand that Fitzwilliam used his connection to the Colonel to gain Wickham his position in Newcastle in the first place. Lord Compton seems to have had something to do with it as well, but Elizabeth cannot as yet put her finger on his exact role in Wickham's career. He does seem to be very knowledgeable on the subject of army life.

'Of course being in the rifles means living with constant danger, Mrs Darcy, they look for weaknesses in the enemy lines and exploit them, or even create them. But they are trained very well and have the best resources. And they are our best hope to counter the French troops and therefore command a lot of respect. Your brother-in-law could do much worse than join their ranks, it's a great honour even to be considered.

From what Darcy and yourself told me about this fellow I wouldn't have thought he'd measure up to their standard, Fitzwilliam.'

The Earl also seems to know more about Wickham than Elizabeth expected, of course the Colonel knows about Georgiana's planned elopement with Wickham, and apparently his father has also been told.

'Frankly, father, Mr Wickham has done much better than I would have expected from one of his ilk. I knew him as a child, of course, and met him once much later, when Darcy asked me to help get him a commission. Since then I have been kept abreast of his development regularly, you know, to stay ahead of things. He strikes me as a sensible, intelligent man whose main vice is his inability to restrain himself in the face of boredom and temptation, which is strange, since his father had a reputation for being a very stable man. But the rifles will keep Mr Wickham constantly occupied, preventing him from falling into that trap again.'

That is mostly said to his father, but then he faces Elizabeth and continues.

'Though the battlefield is always dangerous, Mrs Darcy, I'd prefer to be a low officer in the rifles over the same rank in the regular infantry. A smart man who cares for his men can advance quickly in the rifles, and in the field even the junior officers are allowed to make a lot of independent decisions. Which, as you will get immediately, saves lives, the battlefield is no place to stand by waiting for orders from up the chain, situations change quickly and being able to react instantly can mean the difference between life or death.'

Talking about his professional life shows the Colonel at his most dignified and adult, and Elizabeth is impressed with his bearing.

'Apparently the privates like Mr Wickham and trust him, and so far he has managed to steer clear of the vices that cost him in the past, women and gambling. I beg your pardon, Mrs Darcy, I suppose I shouldn't talk about such things in the presence of a lady.'

Frankly, Elizabeth is glad to be treated like an adult and a human being, and she doesn't hesitate to let the Colonel know. Everyone expects her to be impertinent anyway.

'I'm actually very glad my brother-in-law is behaving, Colonel. And I find it very refreshing to talk as equals, I do my best to act like a lady so as not to bring shame upon my husband, but it can be very hard not to be taken seriously. Thank you.'

'You are a delight to all of us, Mrs Darcy.'

The Earl seems to think Elizabeth's heartfelt expression of gratitude some kind of joke, but she has no chance to feel indignant, for he adds cheekily, 'And since we don't need to walk on verbal eggs around you, Mrs Darcy, let me add that Mr Wickham always shared his preference for loose women and gambling with my own lamented brother-in-law Richard Darcy. According to my poor sister Anne that was not a coincidence. Though she never shared her suspicions with anyone but me, if she was right, she was not the only victim of her husband's escapades. Seen in that light, Fitzwilliam, I would go so far as to call Darcy and your exertions on Mr Wickham's behalf no more than the poor man's due.'

Is he suggesting what Elizabeth has suspected for some time now? Well, that is enough to shock both herself and the Colonel. Still, there is no proof, and the Colonel's reaction really brings home to her that it would be wise to keep these speculations from Fitzwilliam until there is. She decides to explain in a way that will mislead the Colonel, he may discuss these things with Fitzwilliam and she doesn't want her beloved to become upset without proof.

'Mr Wickham did tell us one time that the late Mr Darcy used to take him on certain trips to the seedier parts of town. While Fitzwilliam was learning how to run an estate.'

This explanation pacifies the Colonel, but Elizabeth wants Lord Compton to know she has picked up what he really meant to say, so she adds.

'It's usually the elder son who gets to bear the responsibilities of an important family, is it not, Lord Compton?'

The Earl certainly takes the hint, for he replies, 'That is the undisguised truth, Mrs Darcy. But since he is also the one to profit most from the estate, it seems more than fair that he does the lion's share of the work. Younger sons are often left much worse off.'

Of course this is a sore point for the Colonel, who concludes this shocking part of the discussion with a heartfelt, 'Amen to that. Let us get some dinner, talking makes me hungry.'

It is difficult to let the subject go, but Elizabeth will do it, she has no doubt the Earl will get back to her about this and then she will find out the truth of the matter. But for now she will forget all about it, they have company and dinner is served.

Dinner is a truly superior affair, Cook has once again found that perfect balance between sensible food and impressive dainties worthy of Fitzwilliam's status in life. The new dish is a success, Cook's efforts having developed the recipe Lord Compton's cook wrote down at Fitzwilliam's request into a veritable feast of flavours and textures. Miss Anne certainly seems to enjoy it, and Elizabeth also likes it, boiled cabbage is a menace, but buying greens in winter must be rather difficult in town and prepared like this the humble and plentiful vegetable is perfectly palatable.

And again, Miss de Bourgh is eating much better than she used to at Rosings, and Elizabeth is not the only one to notice.

Miss de Bourgh is seated by Charlotte, after having talked to the latter rather intimately before they moved to the dinner-table. Busy as both ladies are continuing their lively chatting, they do not notice Mr Collins keeping a close eye on the two of them. He's actually quite subtle, despite talking to Frederick on his one side and Bingley on his other, nothing his wife and his patroness' daughter do seems to escape his notice.

Elizabeth, Lord Compton and the Colonel continue their conversation during dinner but in a more general manner, eating and talking, and Elizabeth learns a lot about being in the army. The Colonel truly holds quite a high rank, and when describing the daily routine in a camp, or relating an exciting anecdote from the time he himself was still an ensign at the front of the action, he seems to totally forget the regrets and the lingering affection he has been showing so clearly in Elizabeth's presence. With his father listening in attentively and yes, showing obvious pride in his brave son, Colonel Fitzwilliam is the polite and entertaining gentleman Elizabeth got to know at Rosings.

Of course Elizabeth cannot help checking out the rest of their company once in a while, especially Miss de Bourgh and Fitzwilliam. She expects her beloved to be jealous of his cousin and his uncle, but she is not going to encourage his irrational behaviour by avoiding the Colonel. She is convinced the latter can only get over his infatuation for her by interacting with her in a normal situation, not by watching her from a distance. And if that causes Fitzwilliam one of his strange moods, so be it. If he has one of his tantrums she'll face it as she promised him, by indulging in her own feelings. If he acts like an insecure boy, she'll treat him like one and comfort him.

But for now he controls himself admirably, he's sitting with Jane and Georgiana and seems perfectly fine. It will be such a treat to be together once again for their journey to Newcastle, just Fitzwilliam and herself in the carriage, it will be so much like their honeymoon. Elizabeth doesn't expect Lydia to be in the depths of despair, after her first impulse to rush to her sister's side, common sense once again has taken over. Lydia doesn't feel things as acutely as Jane or herself, she always manages to see the brighter side of things and was probably feeling a bit low or lonely when she wrote that poignant letter.

After dinner there is music, of course. To Elizabeth's surprise it's Georgiana who takes place in front of the piano, Eric sitting down with the others, ready to enjoy the music. But not before he has introduced his beloved rather formally.

'Since I will be entertaining the audience tonight, we've decided Miss Darcy will perform for you in this slightly smaller setting. Enjoy.'

There is no anxiety in Georgiana, she looks the part of the professional pianist. And despite being in her company constantly and hearing her practise for hours each day, every day, when she starts to play Elizabeth is surprised by her proficiency. That is one of Eric's virtuous pieces she's playing, and Elizabeth cannot fault her performance. Georgiana has improved manifold again, and Elizabeth never noticed. Is she developing Fitzwilliam's ability, or disability, to shut out constant playing? How can she have missed Georgiana's huge improvement?

Those two must have been working towards a wholly personal repertoire for Georgiana in the privacy of Eric's apartment, for Elizabeth is absolutely certain she has never heard the next piece her sister-in-law is playing. And the next, Elizabeth doesn't even recognise the style, it must be something Eric discovered through his connection to Mr Goodfellow. Good for them, to have Georgiana play her own music, that way she'll gain self-confidence, not comparing herself to Eric all the time.

The applause is as deafening as a small family-party can produce, and Georgiana looks at Elizabeth in particular. Carefully showing her surprise and admiration, Elizabeth knows Georgiana will explain later.

For now Eric joins Georgiana on the stool and they play their sonata, and another new piece, most likely one of the Bach's from Frederick's bundle. Those two have been very, very busy behind closed doors!

They finish with two harpsichord pieces, a Bach and a very lively assortment of folk-songs, and then they close the lid of the little instrument. That's it, Eric will not be playing solo until the concert tonight. He looks so incredibly proud of his fiancée, they have put so much work in this, without anyone noticing. For Elizabeth no longer reproaches herself for having missed Georgiana's great leap, they have carefully hidden it in duets and lessons, this little show-off was carefully prepared in the deepest secrecy.

As Lord Compton, the Colonel and Miss de Bourgh congratulate their cousin and niece on her virtuosity, Eric approaches Elizabeth with a very broad smile. See, she was right, they kept it from all of them, which frankly required total secrecy in Elizabeth's case, she would have heard.

'We've been putting our freedom to good use, Elizabeth,' Eric offers.

'You certainly did! Most engaged couples sneak kisses in private, but you two secretly prepared Georgiana for her own career as stage-pianist! And you're good, I never suspected a thing!'

'We had the hardest time keeping it from you, I admit. We can fool the rest, but nothing escapes you. But you did doubt yourself for a moment there, didn't you?'

'Have you been watching me? Yes, I did. I even blamed myself for not noticing before, until I started to realise I would have heard, you did it all in private. How you must have driven that poor girl!'

Elizabeth knows this is not true, but Eric deserves a bit of teasing for keeping this from her.

'You'd think that, but in fact Georgiana is much worse than I am. She drove herself much harder than I would dare, and worse, she wore me to a thread keeping up with her. She could sit back and enjoy the show at night, but I had to coach her all day, then work the evenings.'

It is obvious Eric doesn't mean this at all, but in a way he is right, he works evenings as well as mornings and afternoons. Not the playing, those concerts are a source of joy for him, but the talking afterwards. Elizabeth has seen him after one of those sessions often enough, totally wrung out. She takes a good, hard look at him to see how he really is doing, but can see no signs of overexertion or anxiety. He seems calm and intensely happy, and undergoes Elizabeth's scrutiny with a little smile, he is such a handsome, charming fellow.

'All right, Elizabeth, I admit. You've seen right through me, I love it! It was Georgiana's idea to choose a number of unique pieces and study them to the highest possible level. I suggested to do it in secret, to surprise all of you. Wasn't she just magnificent?'

He is so much in love, Georgiana is such a lucky girl to have met the perfect match for her.

'She was, Eric, I was stunned by her progress, and her courage to study unique pieces, not try to measure up to your playing all the time. But you must have spent all your time together on her work, aren't you afraid your own development will suffer for this?'

'Mrs Darcy, you noticed! I'm so sorry, Elizabeth of course, still working on that. You would notice, if anyone would. It is true, I have been neglecting my own studies a bit, there is not much hope for me to find a suitable tutor any time soon, so I've decided to make the most of my current fame and postpone my ambitions for a few years.

I still want to be the best pianist ever, but it can wait until Georgiana has developed enough to benefit, too. You know, Elizabeth, since Georgiana and I are allowed to love each other, those other things seem a little less important somehow. I mean, I love playing the piano, and I love being one of the best players in England. But I also love composing, and despite what you may think, I love teaching as well. I do! I can see you don't believe me, but I do, and I will learn how to adjust to my pupils' ambitions, not their potential. Remember your sister? I didn't ride her at all, did I?'

It's true, he didn't drive Mary to her limits, he merely advised her several pieces and tried to help her to improve her technique.

'I remember, you didn't drive her as hard as you tried to do to me.'

He smiles, a bit embarrassed, but also rather cheekily.

'Darcy was right, no-one can force you to do anything, Elizabeth. I tried and I failed miserably. You know I thought it was a waste of your potential, but in the end it was you who taught me something important; there are other things in life besides playing the piano. And I'm very glad you and Darcy and Manners are prepared to do those things so Georgiana and I can play the piano all day anyway.'

Such a saucy remark, he must have caught some of Elizabeth's impertinence, or maybe he got it through Georgiana. Well, it will not do him any harm, despite what he says he has become a lot more self-reliant since he moved in with them, and he is still very likeable.

By now, Georgiana moves closer to her beloved to share the attention and the praise of especially Mr Collins with him. Elizabeth finds herself addressed by Charlotte, who takes her to their own quiet little corner of the drawing-room and immediately starts to explain what all the fuss was about. Tone conspiratorially, she starts, 'You must have seen me talk to Miss de Bourgh a great deal, Eliza.'

Elizabeth nods calmly, eaten up alive inside by curiosity until Charlotte elaborates.

'When we bought those lovely dresses, and your manservant was offering both Miss de Bourgh and myself accessories to try on with them, I caught Mr Manners staring in our direction in absolute adulation.'

So they did catch him at it. Elizabeth can barely keep herself from swearing, she has come to like Frederick a lot, and it is painful to realise what such a tiny slip can cost him. But Charlotte is not done.

'Of course he wasn't looking at me, he was admiring Miss de Bourgh! She saw it, too, and came to the same conclusion. That dress was very becoming, and she has gained a lot of colour and spirit. I can imagine a man admiring her now, and Mr Manners is not a very handsome man, though he is by far the kindest gentleman I ever met.

So, Eliza, what do you think? Does Mr Manners admire Miss de Bourgh? She tells me she quite likes him and wouldn't mind getting an offer from him.'

With an effort, Elizabeth forces herself to look interested and even credulous. Apparently they don't even consider a man admiring another man, which is good. But at the same time Charlotte hardly seems to have noticed Simon, though he did her a very great service finding her two flattering dresses and matching accessories. Somehow Elizabeth is disappointed to find her friend refusing to acknowledge servants as human beings.

'You didn't expect your friend to admire Miss de Bourgh?' Charlotte inquires, having caught her displeasure, most likely.

Elizabeth tries to sound nonchalant as she replies, 'He doesn't strike me as the type to fall in love head over heels, no. He is very worldly-wise, Charlotte. Though he is kindness itself to everyone around him, and generally well-liked, I don't think he is very likely to commit himself to just one person.'

In fact Elizabeth believes Frederick will be as faithful to Simon as Fitzwilliam is to her, but it won't do any harm to sow some doubts with the two eager ladies, be it on a different front than where the real trouble lies.

'Well, you know him better than we do,' Charlotte replies, a bit disappointed to have her news received with less enthusiasm than she hoped. But since she was actually right about Fitzwilliam, that time in Hunsford, she may decide her friend Eliza is just not very good at reading men, and stick to her conviction that Mr Manners admires Miss de Bourgh. He did look at her as if he was struck with her after all.

Soon after this conversation they set out for the concert, and Elizabeth makes a resolution to warn Frederick that every kindness directed at her will cause Miss de Bourgh to entertain expectations of him. His familiarity when dealing with practically anyone may very well confirm her suspicions and make her determined to get him.

Mr Collins certainly seems to wish for the connection, but he is very quick to see an advantageous marriage, as the unfortunate rumours he spread to Lady Catherine after Jane's engagement to Bingley proved. Though in a way they were the ultimate means of uniting Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth, by provoking the Lady to pay her unsolicited visit to Netherfield and afterwards to Fitzwilliam in London.