Chapter 93

She kissed a man without being married to him. And still she is not dying of shame, on the contrary, she wants more, and soon. Examining her feelings, she has to conclude that though she likes Nick more than she ever thought she could like a servant, she is not infatuated with him. His easy assurance that he sleeps with a lot of different women, preferable noble ones, and has no wish to marry and have children, does not hurt her. It doesn't even shock her.

Instead, she tries to remember that moment in the little patch of brush, and finds the memory very vivid indeed.

A knock on the door pulls her out of her thoughts, and she gives Dora permission to enter. Fifteen minutes later she is dressed for company, and her hair is done up beautifully instead of practically. Anne is overjoyed to find her body recuperated from the morning's fatigue, she can get up easily without feeling dizzy, and she almost skips down the staircase to join the family at the breakfast table.

Mr Manners' announced visit is soon the subject of the conversation, and Anne discovers every single member of the family thinks he is coming to pay court to Miss Anne de Bourgh. And yet Anne cannot remember his giving her undue attention, especially not in public. He has treated her with respect and friendship, but Mr Manners treats everyone that way.

Finding herself on the other side of the fence, now convinced he is not in love with her, she can only just suppress a fit of laughter. She'll tell him, of course, and then it's his own choice to treat her with less warmth in public, or just let the people talk. People will do that anyway, so why should she let them lead her life for her? But maybe Mr Manners values their opinion more than Anne does. After what happened yesterday, and this morning, Anne cannot bring herself to care much about anything other people do or think anymore. She is going to enjoy herself, and though she will try to escape public exposure, fear of it will not hold her back from living life.

Be that as it may, Anne does not try to stop the bantering about her influence on one of the most respected gentlemen in town, she'll still marry him if he were to ask. Maybe. And being part of a family is nice. Although things in this family are not as they should be with the daughters ruling the roost, the mother insensible with drink most of the time, and the father trying to make everything work besides handling his trading affairs, there is a distinct warmth here. The Blackwood family may not be as rich as Anne's family, they are respectable, and Mr Blackwood certainly does his best to maintain a solid front towards the outside world. Anne bets no-one outside this house knows of Mrs Blackwood's little problem, and Nick keeps the girls in line in the more public places.

As they flatter Anne with the critical eye she has managed to catch, she smiles and accepts the compliments for what they are worth. She teases Sophie and Angelina in their turn, and Mr Blackwood beams to have such a nice family breakfast. By now Anne is reasonably sure that with her influence on Mr Manners and Mr Blackwood she can save Nick from infamy, whatever happens. If it's the worst, he may have to find other employment, but at least he will be able to find it, for she will make sure he'll get his references, and good ones.

After breakfast the girls retreat to their bedroom and start planning their next outing, Anne's first, a simple dance with just the three of them, Maria, Leonora and their retainers. Anne wonders whether she will have her own guard, too, she has not seen the second Blackwood servant around the house, he must be from the stables, or maybe even a hired guard. Mr Manners will want to know where they get him, for he will be a possible leak to the press, not being close to any of the girls.

'Do you want to invite Mr Manners to our dance, Anne?' Sophie asks, innocently.

'Don't be ridiculous, Sophie! If he finds out he won't want to marry Anne, or he'll make a fuss and spoil things for all of us. Then papa won't need Nick anymore, and you'll never see him again in your whole life! Papa will probably force you to marry a gross old man. He'll do that anyway, but at least you will have had some fun before you have to breed heirs until you get old and fat.'

Wow. Maybe Angelina needs a little information as well. Mr Blackwood would never marry his girls off, if Anne is sure of anything that is it.

'Where did you get that idea, Angelina?' Anne asks kindly. 'Your father is a good man, he'll never force either one of you into a marriage I'm sure.'

Well, that certainly breaks something loose in the outspoken twin.

'We're not exactly pretty, Anne, and we've only ten thousand on our name, and that's mostly from papa's trading. Who would want to marry us besides an old man looking for a last chance to breed heirs?'

'Angelina, listen to yourself! Who told you you're not pretty enough to marry well?'

'I can see that myself, can't I? Every time I look in a mirror? Besides, Maria's maid told me, several times.'

Their friend's personal maid? Telling vulnerable young girls they are too ugly to marry well? Well, that is something to discuss with Mr Manners, for all their maids know quite a bit of what the girls have been up to, they can't just tell them to behave or find another job.

'Angelina, you're two fine looking girls, and people like you a lot. You know that. Your papa adores you, and he will never force you to marry. And do you really think only beautiful ladies get to marry well? Love is not at all about beauty, it's about what's inside you.'

Good, she's starting to think. And Sophie is probably simpering about Nick, does he know? Probably. But he's not going to take advantage of her.

'And you know gentlemen aren't always handsome, not even the young ones. You were teasing me with catching Mr Manners, he's not handsome, and I suppose he's not that young anymore. And still I got the impression you don't think he's a gross old man.'

Judging by their reactions, Mr Manners is a catch, he'll be pleased to know even girls this age like him and admire him.

'If you think Mr Manners likes me, how can you believe you're not going to find a nice man as well?'

Angelina cannot believe how stupid Anne is.

'But you're beautiful, Anne! And you're from the best family, and rich, and one day Rosings will be yours. And Mr Manners isn't an ugly old man, he may not be as handsome as your cousin, but at least he dresses well.'

Angelina thinks Anne is beautiful? Well, that's a surprise. Like Angelina, Anne has eyes and a mirror. And all she can see in a mirror is a ghost of a girl, skinny, flat-chested, colourless, and with some clear signs of ageing around her mouth and eyes. Anyone wanting to marry her must be after her fortune and her prospects. Except Mr Manners, he likes her for who she is, but he doesn't actually want to marry her. And he likes everyone for who they are. Like Nick. Maybe Mr Manners is like Nick, finding his love wherever it is offered. It would explain his being single at his age and with every eligible genteel girl hunting him. Or he is waiting for the right one, like Darcy was. But somehow, Anne finds it difficult to compare Mr Manners to her cousin, they're so different in the way they relate to people.

'Thank you for your compliments, Angelina. And please trust me, you will have plenty of opportunity to meet a nice man who will marry you for who you are, not just for money. And maybe you should talk to your father sometimes, you'll find he loves you very much and is not planning to marry you off to anybody.'

Angelina clearly doesn't believe her, but she's obviously not willing to discuss it.

'Now I know we cannot invite Mr Manners to this kind of outing, but tell me, where will we be going to dance, and what shall we wear, and who will accompany us besides Nick? Do I know him?'

The girls are very eager to think of their coming trip, and soon forget all about marrying old men. But Anne will not. She has a plan how to keep the girls from falling into disgrace, and at the same time get them to meet nice young men who will be eager to please reasonably pretty, good natured girls with ten thousand to their name. Mr Manners will be able to tell her whether it has any chance of succeeding.

The arrival of the thoroughbreds causes quite a stir in such a quiet household as theirs, and Darcy excuses himself to greet his stablemaster and check out his pride and joy, his best team. Well, if one has to be a rich landowner, better make the most of it, the world will be watching anyway. Bob is beaming, those slim, noble horses are his pride and joy as well, and it's very obvious he cannot wait to drive them across more than half the country.

Hugo looks fine, not as tired as one might think, of course he's a fine horseman, though Darcy guesses his pupil Bob outclasses him in driving skills, if in nothing else. Hugo is a superb rider, an excellent manager of goods and people, and he has a canny eye for good horses, as well as for hidden ailments and unsoundness. He is still the best choice for a stablemaster, of course he's very good at handing out orders, too.

'Mr Darcy, good morning! You will be pleased to use these beauties again, they're frisky and very eager for a long trip.'

They shake hands, and Darcy admires his beautiful team as Bob leads the horses to their usual stalls one by one.

'They look absolutely perfect, Hugo.'

'Thank you sir! It's the new stable-boy, Bruce. He does all the heavy and dirty work, so I've had plenty of time to teach Peter how to exercise these babies well. And he has had plenty of time to keep them in perfect shape.

There have been days when Bruce fell asleep at the dinner table, but he's built up a little stamina by now. Doesn't talk back at me anymore, either, so I'm thinking of promoting him to polishing harness instead of having him shovelling manure and lifting bales of hay and straw and bundles of firewood. Mrs Reynolds misses him and so do all her maids, since I no longer lend him to her to empty the chamber pots. He does however still haul the firewood and clear out the privies, so whenever he can keep from falling asleep as soon as he sits down before or just after dinner, he is quite popular among the house staff. Quite a looker, too, with all the fat melted off him. Well, once he is cleaned up, that is, and that is only on Sundays, after the horses have been fed and the stables have been cleaned.

Anyway, I can see you've let Bob grow fat and lazy now, sir.'

What has gotten into Hugo? He never used to be this jolly, nor as impertinent.

'He has gotten a bit tubby, hasn't he?' Darcy nevertheless replies in the same spirit, 'he has bullied those big strapping mares into shape, but lost his own in the process. Getting engaged does that to some men, they know they're set for life and stop making the effort.'

Hugo checks his master out from top to bottom, as if he's a horse he considers buying, then dares to remark airily, 'Hmpf, hasn't done you any damage sir, getting married.'

'Don't you have any newspapers in Derbyshire? Mrs Darcy is the celebrated icon of fashion these days, if I let myself go the pack of wolves howling at my heels will bring me down, then fight one another to take my place by her side.'

Good, at least Darcy's still master of the bantering, even if his servants feel free to treat him as one of their own. But secretly he is quite happy to be included, and matching wits has to be one of the most pleasant pastimes he knows. Which he found out because of his beloved, before that the only way he knew of making fun with words was at the expense of others and in fact rather mean.

Which of course reminds him of Miss Bingley, and for a really short moment he wonders how she is doing. Whether she has continued her acquaintance with Grenfell. But only very shortly, for besides clever remarks, Hugo also brings news from Pemberley, and since Darcy now seems to be included in some masculine peer group, he learns a lot more than he has through Mrs Reynold's correspondence.

Apparently Peter's missus is indeed back to work, and she is presently spending a lot of time on a hunter for Elizabeth! Hugo has found one he thinks is a real prize, discarded by his former owner because he didn't grow to the size that burly man expected.

'His training was never completed, but Mrs Norman has been working with him for a month now and he is just sweet. Fast, but not truly spirited. He's a red bay, a very showy horse.'

That is such good news, so exciting!

'Better not tell Mrs Darcy, Hugo, she'll only worry about it. It'll be a nice surprise when we arrive in March.'

Hugo nods and continues with the news.

'And Mrs Reynolds has had the doctor over a dozen times this winter, sir. I bet she didn't tell you, but I thought you should know. It was the influenza, and then she went back to work too soon and caught something on top of that. The doctor told your steward that she really needs to take it slow until she stops coughing but she will not let up. We're all worried she will work herself into an early grave.'

'I was planning to spend at least a night at Pemberley anyway. I'll give some orders that she cannot disobey. Thank you for letting me know, Hugo, Mrs Reynolds is very important to all of us. Maybe I'll send her off to her family for a few weeks, or even months.'

'She'll probably find something to do out there, sir. Better let us keep an eye on her, if you order her not to work she will not do it, not in your house. But elsewhere...'

'True, we'll keep her then.'

'And that large willow on the opposite bank of the stream came down in a snow-storm at the end of December. It tore down half the bridge with it, and it was too cold for repairs all week. But now it's back to its usual sturdiness. The bridge, the tree was a loss.'

'And what about Bruce, Hugo, was he really so much trouble?'

'No, sir, I was merely joking. Driving through town with four nearly priceless horses was very stressful. The relief of arriving safely made me giddy, I'm sorry for my impertinence, I'm glad you didn't seem to mind very much.

Bruce is in fact a reformed character, he has been very quiet and humble the entire time. I did give him the dirtiest and heaviest tasks available for three weeks, not limiting myself to the stables. Clearing privies does wonders to bring a message home to a thick young lad. And he did lose a lot of weight. But I allowed him to wash every evening, not just on Sundays. And I may have had Peter give him some riding lessons, you know riding a horse for the first few times is a punishment all in itself. Especially if you have to get up the next morning, in freezing temperatures, to do hard, dirty labour all day. I wrote a letter to his mother for him and he didn't complain. Told her that the house looked pretty in the snow. Which was true.'

'Well, I'm glad you've told me about Mrs Reynolds or I would have sent her more instructions. And I'm glad you all arrived safely, I can't wait to leave for Newcastle Thursday morning. Mrs Annesley has instructions to let you set your own times, you're not in town that often so make the most of it. Miss Darcy rarely uses the carriage, but I believe Bob has found a perfect place to exercise the mares. Of course you may ride them if you prefer, but that'll take a lot longer. I'm sorry to saddle you with the riding-horses as well, but it's just for these three weeks.'

Hugo will be staying in town for the duration of their absence, and while that means he has to muck stables and exercise the slow team and the riding horses as if he is a lowly stable-hand instead of the stablemaster, it also means he has the opportunity to enjoy life in town during his ample spare time. He'll probably go to that shop with hunting gear, possibly with a list from Darcy's huntsman with things to buy. It's an expensive shop, but the quality is unrivalled, and both men make good wages which they will find hard to spend in Derbyshire. They've probably saved up all year to choose some luxury items from town.

When he gets back to the drawing-room, it's terribly empty. Georgie and Fielding are upstairs in Fielding's apartment, practising most likely. Fielding has that haunted look of an engaged man being hunted by his fiancée. Women just don't understand that those negligent caresses drive a man out of his mind.

Which more or less proves they've stuck to those innocent caresses, a few kisses, a bit of stroking. Too bad Elizabeth is visiting her sister, or they could engage in a few of those intimacies, too. Maybe not in the haystack, with Bob and Hugo chatting away in the stables, but their bedroom functions pretty well. Maybe he should have gone with his beloved and asked Bingley about his sister. They used to be so close, and now he doesn't ever think of Miss Bingley anymore.

Of course Mr Manners does not ask to see Anne in private immediately, first he entertains the entire family where they are gathered for tea. Surprisingly, Mr and Mrs Blackwood do not seem to know Mr Manners very well, Anne thought they were friends, but it is clear that her hosts are trying to make a good impression on their visitor. A good first impression. And they succeed beyond expectation, Mrs Blackwood seems almost sober, and proves to have a good conversation and a broad knowledge of literature, music and even politics. She could do so much for her daughters, if only she'd take the trouble!

Mr Blackwood shows his deference for his visitor, Anne knows Mr Manners is much wealthier and of a more traditional family, but so is Anne. Mr Blackwood treats her with a certain distinction, but not as he does Mr Manners. Who is not very much impressed anyway. But Anne is happy to find Mr Manners not paying her undue attention, he does not single her out from the other girls, and spends as much time on them as on her. Good.

Then after half an hour he merely asks to see Miss de Bourgh in private, to discuss some family matters, and their hosts show no hesitation at all to let them retreat to the parlour, now a favourite spot for Anne, for its comfortable furniture, its quiet, and the lovely view over the front yard.

As soon as they have settled, Anne asks with more than a little irony, 'Family matters, Mr Manners?'

He smiles ingratiatingly.

'Well, I did not say which family, did I? And besides, your cousin did send me over in an outrage, after having been addressed by a servant of this house yesterday evening at the concert. Were you very unwell to stay in?'

'That is exactly what I had asked Nick to tell the first person of your party to approach his clique of girls. It turned out to be Darcy. Didn't he tell you I was fine?'

'He didn't. Actually, he summoned me to justify my actions. He was rather impressive. Though he is only your cousin, I admit there was some reason to worry, Miss de Bourgh. I forgot to tell you after your visit to doctor Parker, but while the Blackwood girls were at Darcy's place, swooning over Mr Fielding, that servant you mentioned, Nick, talked about the Miss Blackwood's with one of Darcy's servants. He seemed to be rather more intimate with them than is strictly decent, and he told of outings that were shocking to say in the least. Darcy would have ordered me to get you out, but Elizabeth said you were a grown woman and well able to make your own decisions. Which is why I have come: to warn you that this servant seems to have some sort of hold on the girls, and to offer you the chance to come home with me.

Of course I'd like to know what you found out, too.'

Anne is very glad that Elizabeth interfered, she would not like to argue with Darcy about what he can and cannot order her to do. She is dependent on his goodwill for a home, after all. And she knows Nick now, and feels even more inclined to come to his defence.

'I have heard the exact same things from both the girls, and their servant. He feels trapped between their wishes and his own sense of decorum: he cannot stop them from doing those outrageous things, or he would be replaced with a more tractable servant. But he is very afraid of their being found out and becoming the scapegoat, losing his position and more. I feel for him, Mr Manners. He really does care about those girls, like a brother looks out for his sisters.

Between you and me, the mother seems to be drunk most of the time, and the father is busy conducting business, and trying to keep the world from noticing that his wife is intoxicated from noon onwards. Those girls have no-one to mind them but Nick, and he looks upon them as younger siblings.

Do you see a solution for this situation? I'm not afraid to stay here and help. The parents should know, but they'll blame Nick, when he's the only thing standing between them and infamy. They want to go to a madhouse, Mr Manners! And they went to see a hanging, on the docks!'

Mr Manners shakes his head, and offers, 'I trust you, Miss de Bourgh, you seem to have an excellent grasp of the situation. I didn't notice Mrs Blackwood being anything besides very educated, but she has not raised her girls to her own level. Something is amiss, and until you find out more, I think we must trust this servant. Mr Darcy's valet had a favourable impression of him.'

'I would like to stay a little longer, go on one of these outings, set to rights some of their misconceptions. They think they are so ugly the only way they'll get a husband is their father marrying them off against their will, to an old ugly fellow, to breed heirs. A maid told them that. No wonder they behave like heathens. They think you're my suitor, by the way, so it's good that you were so very business-like towards me today.

And I have a plan. What would you say if I ask my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam to let us visit his army camp? It's safe, it's spectacular, and he is a bachelor looking for a nice girl with a small fortune. He may know other officers looking for a nice girl with a small fortune. These girls have been going to the wrong places to meet the kind of man they can attach: hangings and lower-class dancing halls?'

Mr Manners looks like a cat in the cream.

'Miss de Bourgh, I will no longer worry about your safety. You are a treasure. Can you interest your friends in an army camp? I'm very certain your cousin will agree. What I do worry about is your health. Are you well? I didn't hear all of your consultation with my doctor, but I heard enough. You must feel betrayed by your mother, you must want to rage at her, write to her, I don't know.'

Such a dear man, and he doesn't even know all of it, unless Elizabeth told him. No, that would be too embarrassing by far.

'Mr Manners, I no longer have a mother to write to. Darcy has offered me a place in his house, and I'm certain he will be pleased to help me manage my fortune. Fortunately that is mine altogether, and I plan to use it wisely, not hand everything to a husband merely attracted to me by my independence and my status as an heiress.'

The poor man looks like a stunned ox. Anne supposes she'd better enjoy seeing him this way, it probably doesn't happen too often.

'Let me explain, it's very embarrassing as well as horrible. I only understood today, because Nick explained to me. Imagine how that must have felt to him. You know my mother had me bled twice a week?'

A nod.

'She had herself bled once a week, and the second time each week she always left with the doctor while I was sitting there, my life's blood slowly draining from me. I thought he took her away for some treatment; Elizabeth, your doctor and Nick separately concluded they did it to fornicate. I know it's true, it cannot be anything but true. My mother nearly killed me to sin with a man of very common birth and little talent.'

And Mr Manners is stunned again, struck with horror, actually.

'Miss de Bourgh, you have my condolences. I'm so very sorry to hear this. You must have been devastated.'

'I was. And Nick was very afraid I would denounce him for telling me, though I urged him to do so. Will you promise me to not let them sacrifice him, whatever happens?'

'I think I need to do better, Miss de Bourgh, I think I need to promise him. After I have met him, talked to him, gotten to know him just a little. I need to look him in the eyes, I think I owe that to your family for getting you involved in this hornet's nest. Can we just summon him?'

'He will most likely faint, but yes, this household does not hold with formalities. He was very afraid of you.'

'Of me? But I'm such a kind person.'

'Apparently you have a formidable reputation. The family thinks you know the King in person.'

Mr Manners nods, thoughtfully. 'People just don't understand me, I'm afraid. Better ring for this fellow, then, or the family will think we're making out in their parlour.'

'I bet they're expecting me to come out wearing a ring. I couldn't tell them I'm merely your spy, of course.'

With a laugh, Anne rings the bell, expecting the butler to answer it. It will be a bit awkward to ask for Nick, but what does she have to do with an arrogant butler? They think they rule the whole household, not just the staff.

But surprisingly, Nick comes in, with coffee and a few treats.

'Orders from the cook, Miss. He says you should eat several small meals spread over the day, I guess he thinks he is a doctor.'

He studiously avoids looking at Mr Manners, his words are brazen but his voice sounds clenched with fear. Anne speaks soothingly.

'Thank you, Nick. And will you thank your cook for me as well? I really appreciate this care. Nick, this is Mr Manners. He wants to talk to you for a few moments.'

Oh my, is he afraid. He's so brave to have turned up at all, he could have asked a maid to serve them. Remembering their talk, and his kisses, his strong and warm embrace, Anne does not like to see him grovel. It's demeaning, and he doesn't deserve it. Mr Manners doesn't like it either.

'No man should kneel for another, my man. Won't you face me and tell me your name? I'm not all that bad, you know, most people rather like me.'

'Powerful people, sir. I fear you because I know I have done wrong, and Miss de Bourgh says you know. I am afraid of punishment. My name is Nick Fowler, sir.'

'Is taking your master's daughters out to concerts so very bad, Fowler? I've seen you guard them, keep them from disturbing the other guests, directing the other guards. It looked like work to me, Fowler, not pleasure. I've done bad things in my youth, young man, really bad things. This didn't look like those at all.'

'There were worse things, sir.' He names quite a few of them, and Mr Manners looks on impassively. He has heard of them, of course, both from Anne and from some servant in Darcy's household.

'Were the girls in any danger, Fowler?'

'I don't think so, sir, not physically, I managed to deter them from visiting dangerous places, and from sights that might damage their soul. But they risk exposure and shaming every time.'

'They have already been spotted, Fowler, there are rumours flying. I'm surprised their parents haven't been informed. I'm not here to woo Miss de Bourgh, however tempting the prospect. I am here to give Miss de Bourgh the chance to pull out before she sullies her reputation.'

Poor Nick hangs his head in resignation and addresses Anne in a muted voice.

'It would be for the best, Miss de Bourgh. You didn't know what you landed into. I was hoping you might talk some sense in my mistresses, but you didn't ask for any of this.'

Mr Manners now sounds severe.

'And did you, Fowler? Did you ask for this?'

Nick looks miserable, and guilty.

'I didn't, but I did enable my mistresses to do all these terrible things. I did not warn my master what was going on, I went along with them to keep my job. After the first few times I dreaded exposure and was no longer able to protest. But I shall have to make an effort to stop them, my fate is sealed but maybe I can still keep the girls from falling into disgrace.'

'You'd tell your master and take the blame?'

'No-one will believe me if I deny it. Better the girls be undamaged, they'll be kept inside the house of course, but at least they'll still have a chance of a good marriage.'

Mr Manners can hardly believe it.

'I think there may still be another option, Fowler. I do not think you are responsible for your mistresses' foolishness, and I don't think you should be the one to pay for it. As I said, I've been in my share of trouble, and I always managed to extract myself. I see several possibilities even now.

I prefer the most subtle one, of Miss de Bourgh and yourself steering the girls away from the less suitable locations. She has suggested an outing herself that I am very much in favour of. You see, Fowler, we need to get them away from the level of society that is above them, men of old names and large fortune have a very refined taste in women. They will only rarely fall for a woman who is decidedly beneath them.

And of course we have to keep your charges away from men who are beneath them. There is nothing to be gained in their lowering themselves, their fortune would be wasted. What we need to do is get those girls into contact with a class of young men exactly suited to their wishes, who in their turn will find the girls irresistible. Miss de Bourgh has provided the solution by suggesting officers: her cousin is a Colonel, and she can easily arrange an outing to view the camp. I think she can even arrange a dinner party and some dancing, with a nice group of well-bred second and third sons. Army men are exciting and dashing, and every girl loves a red coat.'

Good, Nick is coming back to life, he understands now that Mr Manners is not out for his head, but wants to help.

'And the other options? I don't know if I like the idea of Miss Angelina and Miss Sophie associating with soldiers. There is a war coming, you know.'

Mr Manners is not offended by Nick's sudden change of attitude, for he laughs and observes, 'Well, I can talk the fear of God into them. I'm certain they'll stop doing foolish things after that, but I have no idea what it would do to your position here.

And you can let me or Miss de Bourgh tell your master what is going on. You may escape dismissal, and if you don't, I will make sure you land on your feet. I know a lot of people, Fowler, and a good servant is always assured of a place in a household. For instance, I know for a fact that Mr Darcy will need a new valet in a few months. I'm going to travel the continent in fall, and since my own valet refuses to leave London for more than two weeks at a time, I have begged Darcy to let me take his man and he has agreed.'

Nick is stunned and addresses Anne.

'I think I met him when you took the girls to drool over Mr Fielding, Miss. Handsome man, very easy to talk to?'

Mr Manners replies.

'Why do you think I want to take him on a long trip? My own valet is a great bore, and in Germany and Italy it will be difficult to find good company who speak the King's English.'

But Anne is stunned, too. Mr Manners is going to leave England? Such a trip may take a year or more. And here she was thinking he liked her.

The prospect of another place seems very acceptable to Nick.

'I'd love to work in Mr Darcy's house, the atmosphere in the servants' quarters was very pleasant, very safe. I get your message, Mr Manners, there is more than just this house and this family. But still I'd rather stay here, I have some arrangements... Well, never mind that. It's out of my hands anyway.

I'll just wait and see where events lead, and do the best I can to keep my mistresses safe and happy. Will you excuse me? I have a few assigned tasks and if I'm not punctual I will be in grave trouble even before anyone can find out what Miss Sophie and Miss Angelina have been up to.'

Mr Manners nods to give him permission to leave, and Nick bows deeply.

'Thank you, sir, Miss. I'm much relieved.'

But in fact he doesn't look relieved, he still looks troubled, and it affects Anne more than she would have thought.

As Nick makes a hasty exit, Mr Manners pours coffee for both of them and hands Anne one of the pastries. It's another of those meaty ones, and Mr Manners seems surprised.

'I would have expected a sweet pastry at this time of the day,' he observes, though he doesn't seem put out.

'It's because I don't like sweets. And because they think I need feeding up. Isn't that endearing?'

'Very much so, Miss de Bourgh, but something is not right in this household. That man does not scare easily, I'm sure. I think he may have some cross to bear, not from his master, but from someone in the staff.'

'The butler is rather down on him, I noticed.'

'I like him, I like your plan, let's try it. I'm not going to suggest asking your cousin or uncle for permission beyond arranging the trip, you are a woman grown. You're in no danger, but he may be, he should not be afraid to be made scapegoat, people just don't give servants that kind of responsibility. It's a father's job to know where his daughters are. The fact that he is worries me, for he is a serious chap and a good servant.

I can see you like him, Miss de Bourgh, and still I am not going to caution you against him. I am going to do the exact opposite. Should things turn bad for him, send word and I will make sure he is safe. Now, do you want me to take a note to your cousin the Colonel? I'll wait as you write.'

Anne does as he asks, begging Fitzwilliam to allow her to visit his camp with a group of four or five young ladies of good families, maybe giving them a chance to get to know some officers. She asks him to drop by if he wants to meet the girls or their parents, or if he would like to discuss some details. Then she folds the piece of paper she has used and hands it to Mr Manners without envelope.

'I trust you without reservations, Mr Manners, you were planning to take it there yourself, weren't you?'

'I am, Miss de Bourgh. I have been looking for an excuse to visit your uncle, he is not in town that often.'

'Will you tell him what the doctor said? Except maybe that one little thing? They need to know, both my uncle and my cousin. I'm not going back to Rosings, and I will need some help to secure my fortune and my inheritance. Maybe my mother is increasing her bloodlettings to keep having an excuse for her entertainment. I'll go back to Rosings to receive the key from the housekeeper after her demise.'

'Do you want me to make an appointment with them? So you can talk things over, preferably at your uncle's house?'

'Yes, please, Mr Manners. I'd like Darcy present as well, for as soon as my fortune is secure I want him to help me invest it soundly.'

'I think he can do better than that, Miss de Bourgh. Mr Fielding and Miss Darcy are learning how to manage their own finances, and I have a feeling you would rather do that, too, instead of relying on a man to do it for you.'

Yes! That is what she wants. But now she needs to go back to the girls and accompany them on a drive through the park, or maybe they will have coffee in the centre of town. As a relative newcomer she can beg them to visit the common spots for young ladies to frequent, of course they are long bored with them, but Anne can pretend she desperately wants to see all of them, and allow her friends to be spotted by the gossips who keep tabs on who is going where. That should slow down the rumours somewhat.