Chapter 90

The visit is a great success for all parties involved. Well, at least for Anne and her friends.

At first, Anne is a little apprehensive over their reception, she and Darcy have not been very close for at least a decade, and there is that little thing between them. She is rapidly coming to terms with his marriage, in hindsight Anne wonders whether she could ever have been happy with a righteous, rather unbending man like him. Elizabeth is so playful, she is just perfect for him, Anne can imagine her fearlessly teasing him out of his shell. Though it may have taken her quite a lot of courage at first to challenge Mr Darcy's dignity, he was so impressive in Miss Elizabeth Bennet's presence.

Anne realises she is mostly afraid that Darcy will be resentful, that he will be displeased to have her visit him because he has not yet forgiven her for claiming him against his wishes. She does not fear Elizabeth's reaction, which is actually surprising. But somehow she knows Mrs Darcy is kindly inclined towards her, whatever the impression she made when they first met at Rosings. Elizabeth is not the kind to hold grudges, Darcy is.

But her fears prove unnecessary. When the butler announces them to the party assembled in the lovely, fashionable drawing-room, they are received with the greatest cordiality by Darcy and Elizabeth, and by Mr Manners. After the formal introductions are made, they sit down, Angelina and Sophie showing some of their disappointment at the absence of their idol. But all is not yet lost, for soon servants bustle in with everything needed to enjoy the coffee associated with a morning visit, and Mrs Darcy, now really the hostess and not just her cousin's lively partner, addresses one of the servants. Anne can only discern 'Georgiana' and 'Eric' in what she is saying, but that's enough, Anne knows Eric is Mr Fielding's first name.

That is a pretty familiar way to talk to a servant, even such a handsome one, but Anne seems to remember the fellow from Darcy's numerous past visits to Rosings: it's his valet Simon, who never did know his place, something maman wasn't above noticing and complaining to Mrs Jenkinson about. Anne has no clue what a valet is doing serving coffee, but that is none of her business anyway. He leaves the room and surely enough, shortly afterwards the door opens and Georgiana and Mr Fielding enter the room. Together, and obviously very much in love.

But Sophie and Angelina don't care at all. Their rather dark and plain faces light up in adulation, and the resulting shyness seems to have them glued to their very comfortable chairs. And now Georgiana proves to her cousin that she has indeed grown in more than grace and beauty, for she unhesitatingly glides towards their visitors and kisses Anne, then shakes hands familiarly with the girls.

'It's so good to meet you, Miss Blackwood and... Oh, I'm so sorry, you must think I'm terribly rude, I know you are Miss Sophie and you are Miss Angelina, but I've only heard you were twins, not which one of you is the elder.'

Georgiana does not feel the embarrassment her words express, Anne is sure of that. She is merely showing her interest in a very polite way. The girls nearly swoon, though they are substantially older than Georgiana and obviously very worldly-wise. Angelina is the first to find her voice.

'Oh, Miss Darcy, please don't feel bad about that. Most people cannot even tell us apart! I'm so honoured you know our names! You could not have known which one of us is the elder, for our parents have ever kept that a secret. They do not want people to treat us differently, it would be so hard on the youngest. So neither of us is Miss Blackwood, we're just Sophie and Angelina, as you said!'

Sophie has also managed to get up from her chair, and she curtsies elegantly and dares to say something, too.

'Thank you, Miss Darcy. You are so beautiful, and your dresses are always stunning.'

Now Georgiana shows a tiny bit of true feeling, she still finds it hard to be treated with adulation, but Anne is sure only a keen observer who has known her for years will notice it.

'I guess my fiancée doesn't need an introduction, I've seen you in the audience more often than not, but I'm certain you will want to shake hands with him and test his powers of observation: does he know the names of his most avid admirers?'

Oh, she has caught Elizabeth's pertness for sure, but the girls love it. They shake hands with their idol, Anne suspects they'll refuse to bathe for days not to wash that touch off, then stand waiting for him to address them. Mr Fielding is quite the charmer, and such a good-looking man, he bows to each girl and names them perfectly, starting with the one Georgiana addressed last. Anne appreciates what their life must be like, always in their best looks and on their best behaviour. For a moment she feels bad about invading their privacy, but then she tells herself they need the goodwill of Mr Fielding's admirers. The Blackwood girls are well-liked among their peers, they will praise their idol sky-high, assuring Mr Fielding some new fans.

With the help of Mr Manners and Elizabeth a lively conversation soon ensues, Sophie and Angelina chatting freely with the object of their adulation. Objects, actually, for they seem as willing to worship Georgiana as Mr Fielding. And those two live up to their reputation, they are smart and kind and interested in their visitors.

When they have finished drinking coffee, Georgiana invites the girls to sit in the lazy chair next to the piano, where she plays for them, causing them to gape at her in surprise and admiration. Anne seeks out Elizabeth, now growing a little apprehensive how to start. But her hostess has no such qualms and comes to the point rather skilfully.

'Mr and Mrs Collins left yesterday, Miss de Bourgh, in your mother's carriage. I'm quite certain they will tell your mother that you are well cared for and happy in town. But I'm afraid my cousin will take it upon himself to spin a few tales to your mother, about you and Mr Manners. He is convinced that gentleman admires you because the latter spent quite some time talking to you. My cousin didn't hesitate to mention his expectations to us, and I'm sure he will do the same back in Kent. I'm very sorry he could claim hospitality from your cousin, because of me.'

Perfect.

'No need to apologise, Mrs Darcy. I know my mother, this had nothing to do with your relative's curiosity, my mother sent him. Mr Collins does not have the strength of mind to refuse her, of course he is totally dependent on my mother for his livelihood so I cannot even blame him. But I do wonder why he thought Mr Manners admired me, his wife must have told him of her suspicions. Did Mrs Collins tell you what she saw?'

Though warned by Mr Manners' obvious complexity of character and his lack of distinction towards her, Anne still feels a little pang of regret at the sight of Elizabeth's countenance. She obviously believes Mr Manners does not admire Anne, but she doesn't know how to tell a woman who has been nursing an unrequited affection for years that she is on the road to the same situation. Of course Anne knows it's not like that at all, and she will explain eventually, though Elizabeth may be shocked, being so much in love with her husband herself. To find another woman planning to marry for convenience instead of love must affront her.

'I don't think Mr Manners is the type to fall in love within a few days, Miss de Bourgh, if at all. He likes being with people, I've seen him very familiar with two ladies-in-waiting of the Queen herself, please do not set your sights upon him too firmly. I would hate to see you disappointed again, when you are doing so much better.

Of course I may be mistaken, but if I am, he should increase his attentions towards you soon. I have a feeling he can be incredibly charming towards someone he truly loves. But I also think his heart is not won easily, he is such an intricate man.'

Elizabeth is certain she is not mistaken, that much is clear. But she is thinking in terms of love, not mutual benefit, which is Anne's object.

'Thank you for your honesty, Mrs Darcy. And please do not fear for me, I am not in love with Mr Manners, I have not replaced one unattainable man with another. Romantic love is not something one has a right to, something one can count on finding in one lifetime. I merely seek to marry to get away from my mother and living death, to have a chance to live. A kind and developed husband is all I ask for. And freedom, I think I have found it at last, and I am not going to give it up.'

Elizabeth is affected, that much is clear. But she does believe in love, and why not? She's found it. A love so deep it survived rejection and even outright hatred. All she had to do was recognise it and open her heart to it. Of course she wants everyone to have that, but that is just not possible. Anne will settle for freedom and a little happiness.

'I'm very glad to hear you say you're not in love with Mr Manners. But I'm rather sad you would give up on love altogether already. Why not give it some time?'

'I guess I will, but I'm going to have a lot of fun first. Thank you very much for your kindness, Mrs Darcy.'

'We're related now, so won't you call me Elizabeth?'

See, it's more natural that way.

'If you'll call me Anne. I must admit it feels strange to call you Mrs Darcy when you're younger and so much more alive than I am.'

'Please give it time, Anne, you still need to grow a lot stronger before you can feel truly alive. And remember, marriage is not the only way to escape living with your mother. And that is something that Mr Manners can and will gladly help you with, I'm sure. Or Fitzwilliam, my Fitzwilliam, well, frankly, yours, too, and your uncle. I think none of us want to see you back in a torpor at Rosings.'

And to prove she isn't planning to sink back into living death at all, Anne encourages Mr Manners, who is looking for permission to join them, to do just that. As soon as he is with them, she addresses him.

'Angelina and Sophie want to take me dancing, Mr Manners, and whilst I have told them I can dance, I'm not certain at all that I still can. I still tire very quickly, and it's been years since I've actually danced. May I impose on you to help me try out my legs and lungs in relative secrecy? Meaning I don't mind Elizabeth or Darcy seeing me fumble, but as much as I like them, preferably none of the Blackwood girls' clique?'

Mr Manners grins broadly, and replies with surprising seriousness.

'Of course, Miss de Bourgh, though I may not be the happy proprietor of as athletic a figure as Darcy or Fielding, I'm considered an excellent dancer. And I can so imagine you don't want to risk your young friends seeing you struggle. Will tomorrow afternoon be soon enough?'

Then he turns really serious on her.

'And will you allow me to take you to a reputed doctor just before we try your dancing skills? You'll have to bring a chaperone of course, I'm sure your uncle or the Colonel will be pleased to accompany you.'

Is he ever used to getting his way! He doesn't even give her the chance to refuse, he's like maman, only a bit more subtle. Well, a lot more subtle. But it's very clear visiting a doctor is his requirement for indulging her wish to practise her dancing skills with him. Anne is tempted to refuse, she does not like being manipulated! She's had plenty of that at home, thank you very much!

But whereas she's sure that Fitzwilliam will be pleased to help her out, they have no piano at home. And Darcy is a fabulous dancer, but Anne is not going to ask him, besides, she isn't at all certain she could dance with him already and feel no regrets.

'Miss de Bourgh, I'm sorry!'

A hand on her arm pulls her out of her unpleasant musings, and Mr Manners shows his feelings openly, for once.

'I have this unfortunate habit of being just a little too decisive. Take things on myself that are none of my business. Please believe me that I am not trying to force you to visit a doctor. I will gladly help you to find your dancing feet again without any strings attached, I'm sorry if it seemed as if I was patronising you. I'm not your father nor your keeper, you are a grown woman and very capable of making your own decisions. Will you forgive me?'

Elizabeth's smile proves this is not the first time Mr Manners has overstepped himself. Now Anne wishes she'd given him a smart retort, not shown her feelings so much. But the fact is, she has been ruled for so long now, it's just too much to ask. Yet.

'Thank you Mr Manners, I'm very relieved to accept your apology. I can't seem to think of anything smart to say, I was just stunned because you sounded so much like maman.'

Now both Elizabeth and Mr Manners are almost choking with laughter, as if she has said something very diverting. Oh. She did. Well, maybe there is some hope then. Fortunately Mr Manners is not insulted, but still rather amused.

'Good, you seem to have caught Elizabeth's sense of humour already. Usually it spreads rapidly, I guess you'll be impertinent at will in about a week's time, depending on how often you two meet. So, I guess I'm forgiven?'

'You are, Mr Manners. And I accept your proposition, on both counts. I do need to see a doctor. And Elizabeth, since I'm obviously not immune to your influence and I desperately need some courage and ability to talk back to people, will you accompany us? I'd rather have you along than my uncle or cousin, no matter how kind they are to me. This asks for female company I think.'

'I'm very glad to find you so accepting of me, Anne. I'll gladly accompany you.'

Shortly after this conversation, the three girls leave, and Elizabeth seeks out Frederick to tell him about Anne's designs on him.

'I've wanted to tell you this earlier, Frederick, but I forgot in all the commotion over Mr Collins. Miss de Bourgh caught your admiring look at Simon, you know, when we were buying dresses? Only she thought it was meant for her, and now she intends to catch you. She tells me she is not in love with you, but I suspect it won't take much to win her heart, she seems so starved of love.'

He has become such a good friend, no matter how much she wants to spend time just with Fitzwilliam, she will miss this man a lot, especially once he takes Simon away with him to explore foreign countries. He does not seem surprised or worried as he replies.

'Thank you so much for your warning, Elizabeth, you're a good friend. I must admit I'm not unprepared, it's not as if I'm not under constant siege by well-born young ladies. Ask your man, he must have managed to elude any number of them since he was still free at twenty-seven to fall for a superior woman when he finally met her.

But Miss de Bourgh is smart enough, and good company. And I don't think she'll fall in love again so soon, my guess is she's still not entirely clear of your handsome man, she still watches him a lot. I'm going to assume Miss de Bourgh is merely wanting to have a good time with me, and I am very willing to give her what I think she has a right to.'

'So you had noticed already, and decided it wasn't going to cause problems? You are as familiar with her as ever.'

'You are very observant, Elizabeth, but you are forgetting I have sources of information that you lack.'

He likes being ahead of her, a big smile transforms his plain features to almost handsome. Not in a noble way, like Fitzwilliam, whose beauty can easily resemble aloofness if he isn't in a lively mood. Charming, like a slightly naughty schoolboy, that's what Frederick looks like when he is happy. Very charming, but not at all what he really is, though Elizabeth is certain he can be very naughty.

'Simon already warned me, Elizabeth. Mrs Collins told Fanny, who asked Simon whether I had to be informed. He told her he'd take care of it, and she just let it go there and then, that girl is a treasure for being discrete. Also, Mr Collins praised me excessively to my face, and again to Simon, not hesitating to express his hopes for his patroness' daughter's happiness once connected to my exalted family.'

'I should have known. But I could not see you knew, not at all.'

Frederick smiles again.

'I suppose if I wasn't a rich gentleman free to pursue a life of intrigue, I would be an actor. I've been playing a part all my life, Elizabeth, I've gotten really good at it. You see the real me most of the time, and in the company you keep I'm almost myself. But the rest of London would not recognise the Frederick Manners you'd describe.'

That is so sad!

'Don't feel bad for me, I've had an easy life, I like acting. Nobody forced me to become a public figure, I could have stayed on my estate entertaining other gentlemen of my inclinations, or handsome stable-boys and huntsmen. Even now I could take Simon there and make some changes in my staff, there are ways to find people who do not talk. But I like society, and he does, too. It's just that we cannot enjoy it together. At least your cousin is gone so we can pick up our German classes together.'

The next day, Frederick takes Elizabeth with him to pick up Miss de Bourgh for her appointment with the doctor. Once the carriage is moving, he asks, 'Elizabeth, I've just heard something that really concerns me, and I'd like your opinion. It has to do with Miss de Bourgh. You know I introduced her to the Blackwood girls, because they're great fun and of an excellent family. But now I must confess to you that I had heard some rumours of those girls engaging in pastimes that are not considered suitable for sheltered ladies, and I hoped Miss de Bourgh would agree to befriend them and find out exactly what they do. Spy on them, frankly. She agreed to do so, I expect her to have some information for me soon.

Now you know they were here yesterday, and Simon talked to their favourite retainer, a fellow in his twenties named Nick. He was very willing to tell Simon about his special connection to Angelina and Sophie. Apparently they trust him in everything, even let him make decisions as if he's their father or maybe an older brother. They tell him about some spectacular place they want to see, and he decides whether it's possible for him and his colleagues to keep the girls safe there. If so, he takes them there.

He told Simon the girls dance with him and his fellow retainers, they obey his orders when they are in some questionable place or neighbourhood. I feel bad about getting Miss de Bourgh into this. Should I warn their parents? I cannot betray Simon's involvement.'

Elizabeth takes a few minutes to digest all the information, then observes, 'Miss de Bourgh is a sensible woman, Frederick, not an impressionable girl. If what they are doing is so bad, she may be able to convince them to give it up. You should tell her, though. Unless you think she is in serious danger, then you should advise her to drop the connection. But you saw yesterday how little she likes being led or forced. She needs to make decisions for herself, and I bet she liked being confided in by you. I think she is a perfect spy, young enough to fit in, and old enough to stay sensible.

Was this retainer disrespectful towards his employer's daughters?'

'No, he actually seemed rather fond of them. But it all sounds so inappropriate.'

'Well, you'll insult Anne if you demand or even urge her not to go. All you can do is tell her what Simon heard and let her decide for herself.'

'But I cannot let her know I'm close to Simon. She'll suspect something is going on there. And he cannot tell her for he shouldn't even know she is invited to those trips. Besides, she wouldn't listen to a mere servant. And you cannot tell her, for you shouldn't know about those trips either.'

That is all true, but Elizabeth is certain something will come up to solve this.

'You don't need to tell her which servant told you, do you?'

'You are right. I'll take your advice and give her the information. Then she can decide for herself whether she wants to go or not. Thank you for your opinion, Elizabeth. I really tend to forget that decisiveness is often confused with being bossy.'

After a merry lunch with the girls and their father, Anne is ready to go out. Waiting for Elizabeth and Mr Manners in the parlour she feels rather apprehensive, what if she has something dangerous after all? She doesn't feel that bad, but she's still so tired all the time, and though she eats well, it's always an effort. And what if the doctor leaves her even worse off, as maman's favourite always seems to do?

She hasn't told Sophie and Angelina where she is going, they'll start pampering her and she wants them to take her seriously, especially since she may have to intervene in their amusements pretty soon. If Mr Blackwood finds out what they are doing they will most likely be banished to a convent, or at the very least their freedom will be severely restricted, and they're too nice to let them risk having to lead the life she led for so long. Better choose their outings a little more carefully and keep the freedom.

'I hope your business in town is not as bad as it seems, Miss de Bourgh.'

What? It's that Nick, the girls' manservant. How dare he address her so familiarly! Though he does not sound disrespectful, none of maman's servants would ever dare talk to her without being spoken to first.

But this is not maman's house, and Angelina and Sophie like this man very much, trust him like an older brother, Anne suspects he is the only thing standing between the girls and irremediable infamy. He may be the only person who can convince them to tone down their amusements just a little.

And Darcy also keeps an outspoken servant and seems very fond of him. Maybe she should try to win this man's trust, and see how that works out. He's a nice enough looking fellow, not elegant but strong, and with a frank and open face, though right now it's changed to decidedly hesitant.

Studying his very serviceable livery boots intently, he speaks in a low voice, 'I'm very sorry, Miss de Bourgh. I seem to have displeased you. Please forgive me, it will not happen again.'

So he knows he's out of line. He merely treated her as one of the girls from his young mistress' clique. Anne realises that she finds his sudden diffidence very appealing, she wants to touch him, put a hand on his shoulder to reassure him. Her strong feelings are slightly worrisome, has she been held back so much at home that she now wants to repress the people below her to feel powerful?

Keeping her hands to herself really carefully, she does reassure the faithful servant with words, and to prove to herself that she does not need to browbeat helpless servants to feel good about herself she makes sure to be very kind.

'Never mind, Nick, I know the young ladies allow you to be very familiar. You merely startled me, maman's servants do not address members of the family unless spoken to.'

Her intent to fit into this family while under their roof must be clear to him, for he lifts his gaze back to hers and actually dares to reply cheekily.

'What if there was a fire, Miss de Bourgh? Would they let your maman burn for not daring to warn her?'

Though a ridiculous example, it does bring home to Anne what this is all about: loyalty. Servants are people, too, and if one gives them trust, they return it in the shape of loyalty. Nick likes his mistresses, because they acknowledge his humanity. And she can't help smiling over his impudence, she's trying to learn some of that herself and she so appreciates it in Elizabeth. It's a sign of intelligence, and a good heart, she is convinced.

'I suppose so, it never came up. Nothing exciting ever happens at Rosings, that's why I came to London.'

And on impulse she adds, 'I'm going to consult a doctor, I've been suffering from faintness and lack of vigour for almost ten years now. I'm very afraid nothing can be done, that I'll have to spend the rest of my life in a haze of fatigue. I don't want Angelina and Sophie to know, or they'll treat me like an invalid.'

The effect is immediate. Nick bows solemnly and says with utter respect, 'I'm sorry to hear that, Miss, please rest assured no-one will hear anything from me. If you need anything special while you are staying here, please let me know. I'll make sure you get it without having to ask the master or the young ladies.'

So that's how it works. Anne is sure he isn't trying to get some hold over her, her display of trust will cause him to exert himself for her, gladly. A good servant does his work and only speaks when he is spoken to. She could undoubtedly get Nick to do that, though by now the very thought of treating a human being that way is almost disgusting to Anne. But very clearly the best servant is one who actually wants to please his mistress, because she trusts him. Nick will not merely do what he is paid for, out of loyalty he will go far beyond that, even for a mere visitor like Miss de Bourgh.

A carriage can be heard outside, and Nick peers out of a window.

'It's Mr Manners' carriage, Miss.'

Anne gets up, slowly, if she moves too fast she sometimes feels faint. It's obvious her attendant is restraining himself from offering his assistance, he is astute as well as obliging. As soon as she is standing up, however, he does hold out her coat for her, he must have had that on hand somewhere. The butler is nowhere to be seen.

Thanking Nick, Anne dons her coat and closes the buttons, then walks towards the door. He opens it for her, and as she passes him he says calmly and with apparent sincerity, 'Good luck, Miss de Bourgh.'

He is already adapting to how he thinks Anne wants to be treated: a little more respectful than Sophie and Angelina, she's considerably older after all, but with a little room for kindness and humour, even if that means talking to her without having been spoken to.

Mr Manners is already holding the carriage door open for her, and Anne can see Elizabeth inside. Well, the sooner they reach the doctor's office, the sooner she knows how bad it is.