Chapter 94

After lunch they do set out, Anne has eaten well and is ready for a nice tour of the city in Mr Blackwood's beautiful carriage, with just the twins as companions. They are in high spirits and chat like a couple of sparrows, but they are not mean and very entertaining. Pointing out all the sights, they are pleased to give their adored older friend all the information they have on the town where they lived their whole lives so far.

The girls have invited Nick into their carriage since he is their only retainer on this outing and they like him a lot. But he is a bit withdrawn, talking only when spoken to, and giving polite but short replies. He is worried, and Anne wishes they were alone so she could ask him why.

Her strength is holding out just fine, it's as if she can feel the healthy food making new blood inside her.

'I'm hungry girls, can I treat you to coffee somewhere around here?' she asks. It's been just an hour since she last ate, but somehow her appetite is increasing all the time.

Finally, Nick shows some animation, he smiles at her and offers, 'Why don't you show Miss de Bourgh the old Rookery? It's pretty close and they have a very picturesque coffee-shop inside. Their pies are said to be the best in town, though I bet they make a mean pastry, too.'

The girls protest as one.

'The old Rookery is boring, Nick! There is nothing exciting going on there, just old people and families, why would Anne want to see that?'

He is letting them get to him, it's as if he has given up. He doesn't even answer their question, but merely falls silent, his moment of liveliness gone. Before Anne can profess an inclination to see the place, if only once, Sophie seems to have caught on.

'Nick, you're supposed to argue with us! Tell us Miss de Bourgh wants pie, not excitement. We were going to give in magnificently! What is wrong with you, has Wellesley been after you again? Don't deny it, Nick, Felicity tells me he is making your life miserable when you're not with us. Why don't you let us talk to papa, Nick? He'll put an end to it.'

'I've told you, Miss Sophie, a butler is much more important than I am. Your father would merely tell him to treat me better and but that would make things worse for me. Please believe me, Miss Sophie.'

Incredible, how Mr Manners can assess a situation in less than half an hour. But he also promised to intervene. Anne has trouble keeping still, her heart aches for poor Nick. Sophie doesn't seem to have such scruples, she sits on his lap and kisses him squarely on his lips. He accepts the affection with equanimity, shows his admirer a little smile, but no encouragement at all.

'Better not let anyone see you do that, Miss Sophie. It can get both of us in a world of trouble.'

Anne can hear his unspoken comment: but mostly me.

Sophie does not like to hear that, it seems an ongoing discussion between the two of them, but she does go back to her own seat and offers, 'All right, let's show Anne the old Rookery then. I feel like eating pie, and it is a beautiful place.'

Nick does not show triumph, just relief. Another place where his young ladies will be seen in their supposed habitat.

But they do not accept his assertion that he is a servant and cannot join them for coffee. He doesn't even try to resist and walks towards the building with them. Anne is stunned with the beauty of this place, it's a patch of old forest with ancient, thick beeches around a grassy open space, a haunt for the green people shrunk to the size of a park. The trees are bare of leaves, but their black trunks are perfectly shaped and very beautiful. The Rookery itself is a very old wood-framed building, Anne guesses it may be a remnant from the Middle Ages. It's a kind of single large space, with a large rookery on top. The rookery is inhabited, Anne suspects there are very few vacancies at the moment, so many birds in one place.

'Don't they, well, you know, crap all over this place?'

Now a true smile breaks out on Nick's face, finally.

'They do. If you look closely, you can see that the seats outside are surrounded by large poles, over there, and over there, and opposite those two, can you see them?'

She does.

'In summer, or when the weather is good enough to sit outside, they pull up a large sheet of canvas between those, to keep the stuff off the furniture and off the customers. But today it's better to sit inside, there is a nasty wind blowing.'

He does not like going in with them, and he likes sitting down at a table even less.

'Don't be sour, Nick, Anne says she'll treat you to coffee. Don't you like pie?' Angelina really doesn't see anything wrong in a servant joining them at the table. All around them, families and old people, as the girls predicted, are sitting at tables with their servants hovering over them. Nick is very uncomfortable. Suddenly Anne makes a decision.

'Don't fuss, Nick, just sit down with us and let me buy you a slice of pie. You deserve it. We're not a family, nor old, and we can sit at a table with whomever we like, as long as we behave ourselves and pay our bill. Now come with me, you can help me choose. Do you know what you'll have, girls? I want to have a look at the interior, and at the wares before I decide.'

Who cares what those people think? Anne is in London to amuse herself, and by golly, she is going to do so. And eating pie with a kind man standing by and looking on is not her idea of enjoying herself.

'I couldn't eat a bite with someone hovering over me, Nick. And you cannot stay in the carriage, for who would keep an eye on us?'

The girls already know what they want, 'We come here often with our parents.'

Anne takes Nick along to put in their order at the counter, and she stares down an attendant who looks like she might object to a liveried servant actually eating pie in this establishment. She forces him to choose a slice, and orders one herself, since they don't have anything savoury. Instead of making haste towards their own table, she takes the time to walk around the large space and look at the lovely details, gold leaf ornamentation, painted murals, pewter and bronze vessels hanging from the side beams. When their order is ready and taken to their table they walk back without hurrying, Anne sitting down beside Nick with a little flutter at feeling his arm against hers.

'All right,' he admits, 'it is kind of cosy in here with the three of you. Thank you for the treat, Miss de Bourgh. I can't wait to find out whether rumours are right this once.'

They are. Anne doesn't like pie, she usually finds the sweetness cloying, making her a little nauseous. But this is wonderful, she can taste the fruit, with some kind of creamy filling, and the pastry is crumbly at first, but then it melts in her mouth. Nick's expression mirrors her own, stunned disbelief mixed with intense enjoyment, and the girls are triumphant.

'Isn't this the best pie in the world? I bet you cannot get anything better even in Paris!'

While Anne dares to doubt that, it isn't very likely she'll ever be in the situation to test it, and this certainly is the best pie she ever had. The coffee is as good, and Anne feels on top of the world.

'You may be right that this place is filled with old people and families, Sophie, but I still like it very much,' she comments. 'I'm glad we came here.'

'How is the pie, Miss?' Nick asks, 'I know you don't like sweet things, generally.'

'Either this is indeed the best pie in the world, or my preferences are changing, for I love it. I cannot think of something I loved eating more, and my mother has a French chef who likes to impress her with his dainties. Still, I've always preferred plain food, though this pie isn't plain at all!'

'Will you come with us to the concert tonight, Anne?' Angelina asks.

'Indeed I will, and gladly so, I'm sorry I missed it last night.'

'You did need that night's sleep, Anne, you look so much better today. Do we need to go back, or do you want to take a little walk here?' asks Sophie.

'If it's as beautiful as this place, I'd like to explore further.'

The girls know, of course. 'There is a little lake behind those trees, there will be swans and ducks and other fowl. It's not even half an hour to walk around it.'

Anne takes a moment to consider her strength.

'I'd like to do that, if Nick agrees to help me if I falter. And girls, I think I will sleep in my own room again tonight. I love chatting, but I think I need to sleep well after a day like this.'

What she means is, she needs to contemplate what she learned about her mother, and constant chatting will distract her. She wants to be distracted now, but tonight she wants to think. And feel. For she did love her mother in a difficult, convoluted way.

'I'll be happy to offer you an arm to lean on, Miss de Bourgh, should you need it.' Nick seems pleased with the chance to escape the prying looks of the people here, though he is still really enjoying his pie, slowly, to make the most of it.

The walk is indeed short, and very pleasant, and Anne doesn't need any assistance. She can feel her body gaining strength, she loved the sweetness of the pie and the coffee has given her quite a surge of vivacity. Almost giddy with the headiness of actually having some energy, she relishes the woods on the one side, and the lake on the other, indeed covered in birds, many more than one would say a body of water this size can support. She remarks on this and Nick offers, 'I suspect the locals feed the birds, so they can harvest them for meat. Not too many at a time, and no shooting them, that would scare the rest off. Just a few nooses and maybe a stone flung from a slingshot. Meat is expensive in town, Miss.'

He is right, again. Such a bird can feed a family for two days, in a stew or a soup it may last even longer. Whereas she had to eat truffles though they made her gag. That reminds her of their walk tomorrow morning. Maybe he used to catch birds that way, trying to feed his siblings, she can ask him about that. Though he did say his parents worked all day, they must have brought some food home with them.

Back in the carriage she sighs and says, 'Thank you so much for a lovely day, Sophie and Angelina. You may find this boring, but I have never seen such a beautiful little building, nor tasted such pie. I never thought I'd be hungry again, growling stomach hungry,' she explains for Nick's sake, 'not haven't had a bite for three days hungry.'

'And I wish you may never experience that kind of hunger, Miss. After which I admit I haven't been hungry like that either. My parents worked hard and came home tired, but there was always plenty to eat, though it was simple fare, nothing like what you ladies are used to. The cook sometimes lets us taste a few things, they generally don't feed us rich things like that.'

What follows is a pleasant hour of conversation in the bedroom they often share, then dressing for dinner in her own bedroom. The concert is in an upper-class venue and Dora spends a lot of effort on Anne's apparel. Studying her own looks in the mirror, Anne has to admit to herself that she is indeed beautiful, though in a different way from her mother's renowned beauty at this age. There is a painting in their gallery that shows mother at her very best, tall, with abundant curves in just the right places, dramatically coloured with dark hair, pale skin and rosy cheeks. Fashion favoured that shape and look, with the lower waists and fuller skirts. In the sleek, high waisted fashion of today the young lady her mother used to be would look mostly fat and red-faced.

Anne herself, like her namesake, Darcy's mother, her own mother's favourite, is a much less imposing sight, slim to the point of skinny, pale hair, pale skin, pale eyes, little bloom. But Dora has added a touch of powder to her lips and cheeks, and her dress really sets off her figure, hiding her current lack of curves admirably. Remembering that outing, with the handsome valet choosing the hat and the gloves, and Mr Manners looking on with admiratio...No, it can't be, can it?

They're going to the continent together. Mr Manners knows exactly what Nick told Simon during one short visit. Simon was so easy to talk to. Did Mr Manners set Simon up to spy on the Blackwood staff, just as she was set to spy on the daughters themselves? Mr Manners is not faulting Anne for liking a servant...because he likes one himself? But two men, that can't be, can it? That look though, it was so filled with love and admiration. Too much love for a newly formed friendship to be honest.

Well, if Mr Manners can spy on people, so can Anne. She will find out the truth. And then, she will keep it to herself. But first she needs to know whether it is at all possible, two men in love with each other. It does explain a lot, why he is still unmarried. Why Simon is willing to leave Darcy, they used to be so close. No, she's not going to go there, Darcy was just looking for true love until he found it. With a woman.

'Dora, you're a treasure. Look at what you turned me into, a princess, a queen. Thank you so much!'

The girl is delighted, Anne needs to know whether she can be trusted, it's not fair to keep the girl in doubt as to where she will live and work.

'Thank you Miss! But it's not all my achievement, you know, you're so much better since you came to stay here. You were always tired and listless, some days you could hardly get up, especially after you were bled. I worried, Miss, I'm so glad you feel better now.'

There is something more, Anne can see it. But asking will only make Dora shy, so she merely waits for her to speak.

'Miss, it's Fowler. I think he likes you a bit too much, for he asked me things. About Rosings, about Lady Catherine, and about you. I didn't tell him much, but it was hard, he's really nice and I wanted to tell him everything. He didn't get angry when I didn't speak up, he seemed rather pleased. But not for long, for the butler came up behind him and cuffed him, hard, for no reason at all. And he did it where it doesn't show, you know, not his face but the back of his head.

The others just let it happen, of course Felicity is just a maid like me, but the cook is tall and strong, and he lsometimes cuffs his helpers but only when they've done something really bad. I feel sorry for Fowler, Miss, but I'm a bit afraid he'll do me harm if I talk. Not Fowler, the butler. He hasn't laid a finger on me, yet, but I think he likes to bully all the servants.'

So he has already done it. And found her little maid loyal. Now Anne has to repay that loyalty, quickly, before the carriage leaves.

'Dora, thank you for letting me know. I have an admission to make. I asked Fowler to talk to you and see whether you were loyal to me or to my mother. I guess I know now. I'm sorry I didn't trust you, Dora. I'm not ever going back to Rosings, the doctor here told me those bloodlettings nearly killed me and caused me to feel so bad all the time. That is why I'm getting better.

Now I know your family lives in Kent, and if you want to go back, I will make the arrangements. If you want to stay with me, I will pay you from now on. Will you tell me sometime this week? Take some time to think about it?'

'Will you live here, Miss? For I don't think I can stay here much longer, I'm always seeing things that make me feel bad, and I'm scared whenever Fowler's out with you. If he's there the butler picks on him, and I just feel safer when he is about. I think he lets Wellesley bully him, I think he could easily beat him in a fight. But Wellesley is the boss of the staff.'

'Mr Darcy offered me a place in his house, Dora. I have some business to finish here and then we'll move there.'

'The Darcy household! Oh, I'd love to stay there. Word is there was bullying in their staff, and Mr Darcy made an end to it, just like that. Laid off his butler and the first maid for making his valet's life a misery. This is awful gossip, Miss, but they say that maid told anyone who was interested to hear and many who weren't that Mr Darcy's valet fancies men. It's vile gossip of course, he's so handsome he can have any girl he likes, I've met him once or twice at Rosings and all the maids were mooning over him. Besides, that maid used to be first maid, and now she works as a washing woman. That's enough reason to make up vile gossip, I guess, or maybe she was let off because she spun tales, vicious tales.'

So that's why Mr Manners used a servant to gather news and draw Nick out. Servants know everything! Well, not everything, but almost. But that doesn't help poor Nick. Better talk to Mr Manners again, see what can be done for him.

'I would love you to stay, Dora, just tell me when you cannot stand living here anymore, then we'll move. I'm going to try to do something about it, but I'm only a visitor. Maybe I'll ask my cousin, he's had the same problem, apparently. Thank you, you're so sweet, and take care to be safe. Maybe you can stay with Felicity while we're out.'

The girls are knocking on her door, and Anne hurries away, back to the carriage, which is going to take them to yet another concert. Anne merely hopes to have a chance to talk to Darcy and Mr Manners, she is way out of her league here.

They are in very good time and are let into the hall because Anne is with them. She is glad to see Darcy nod briefly at Nick, acknowledging the man's service to his cousin. Mr Manners must have talked to Darcy already. The former gives her a fat wink, he must have met with success at her uncle's. He comes towards her and hands her an envelope, addressed to her in her uncle's handwriting.

'Everything is in there, Miss de Bourgh. Your cousin will pick you up, Darcy that is, but it has to be tomorrow, for he will be out of town from Thursday on. Are you all right? You look troubled.'

'I am, Mr Manners, both. Can I have a few moments of your time tonight? Preferably with Darcy present? You were more right this afternoon than you will be pleased to hear: there is a situation at the Blackwoods'with the butler bullying the servants. My maid is terrified, and she has witnessed him beating up on Fowler almost daily. The girls know, Sophie even confronted Fowler with it, said he had to tell her father, but he refused, said the butler outranked him and would make things worse for him if he complained. My maid told me Darcy has had a similar situation once, I need advice, this cannot go on, what if he does something to Dora? She can't even defend herself.'

Again the hand on her arm, well, let everyone think he is interested in Anne, she has heard enough to realise a man loving a man is not accepted. If she can prevent rumours about him, so much the better, it's impossible not to like Mr Manners.

'Calm down, Miss de Bourgh,' he says softly, 'I guarantee that we will find a way to resolve the situation. There are witnesses, as soon as Fowler shows some damage we'll have our man.'

'That's just it, he only hits him where it doesn't show!'

'It may not show to you, Miss de Bourgh, but a doctor can see bruises and lumps even covered up with a nice head of hair.'

Now Anne is hearing things because she expects to hear them. She must have shown her feelings again, for he sniggers and complains, 'Cannot a man express his envy of another man's superior head adornment, Miss de Bourgh? Here, look at my receding hairline.

But here I am joking at a serious matter, which is unkind. I assure you, Fowler will not suffer much longer whichever way. Of course we will set events in motion that will set him free. But each man has a limit to which he can be pushed and prodded, and I suspect his will soon be reached. Then he will prove he can protect himself as well as others, and without a cudgel as well as with. Let's just hope he doesn't seriously injure his assailant. But even if he does, my barrister will get him acquitted, and I will make sure he gets a suitable position. Now try to enjoy the concert, and we'll speak afterwards. Do sit next to him, put some heart in him, he's kept a seat for you by his side.'

Two men hinting she will soon make a match with the other, while neither of them really fancies her. The situation is enough to make a cat laugh. If the rest weren't so worrying. Well, there is nothing she can do now, so she sits down between Nick and Angelina, Sophie chatting with a girl on her other side. Her crush is not making her careless, yet, showing her preference in public. Or else she's just not that far gone in love, Anne does not regard Sophie as very likely to sit separated from a man she really adores. All for the better, she's way too young to be thinking of settling. Let her enjoy her freedom.

Nick obviously admires Anne in her fancy outfit. He never did earlier, though she has worn it before in his presence. Maybe he had a new conquest at the time. And then again, maybe Dora is right, maybe she looks a little better every day.

Somehow Mr Fielding's music really hits her this time, and she finds herself crying several times during the concert.

'It's knowing you'll live, Miss,' Nick whispers in her ear. His warm breath sends a shiver down her spine, and for a short moment she can smell his very personal scent drifting towards her. She relishes it shamelessly. Then she understands his cryptic comment. Yes, her emotions are complicated. Part of her remembers the loneliness of her old life, and the reason she felt like that, making her angry and sad. And part of her celebrates the certainty that she will live and grow healthy.

And she has to admit that yet another part of her has tasted physical love, and its promise for the future infuses her with deep emotions, for the music also carries that promise in itself. It's really amazing how Mr Fielding's music can stir up so much feeling, and she bets every person in the audience projects their own feelings on it, not the ones Mr Fielding experienced when he wrote it.

But Nick is not open to the music tonight, his face is even more drawn than his usual bland 'I am working' expression, the only thing proving he still has emotions was his comment just now. He must have seen her cry, and he could discern her feelings.

Anne lets her tears fall freely, she's not the only one crying, and she certainly has reasons to shed a few tears. But after the show she talks to Darcy and Mr Manners instead of Mr Fielding, and Nick minds the girls, not her.

'I hate it when people do that, Anne,' Darcy says. 'I can't think of any other action than presenting the case to Mr Blackwood. Why don't you use your maid's complaints as a start?'

'And didn't you say your friends know, too? Keep it general then, don't mention Fowler in particular, but tell him the maids are afraid. Though it would be best to have some proof of physical abuse.'

'We cannot very well wait until he gets beaten up again! And one cuff each day doesn't really show much on a body, I guess?' Anne has no idea how much damage any act of physical violence does.

'I spied on my own servants and caught them in the act. Then I confronted them with their behaviour, and their reaction determined whether and how I dismissed them. Two were callous and unrepentant, one even threatened to bring down her victim. I think she is a washing woman now. One showed real repentance, I didn't fire him but gave him to my stablemaster, who had him do the very worst jobs inside and outside the house for a few months. Three days' drive away from his mother and sisters. I'd do it again if needed, spy on my own people.'

'I don't think Mr Blackwood cares that much what is happening under his roof. But I'm going to think of something, and soon, or Dora may be assaulted. She hinted fearing as much. And she cannot defend herself against a grown man, she is tiny.'

'We'll think about it, and tell you tomorrow when we meet at uncle Spencer's, Anne. Now it seems someone wants to take you home, and I'm happy to see he is very embarrassed, not likely to start herding Miss de Bourgh any time soon.'

Indeed, Nick is waiting patiently for Anne to notice him, and when she does, he bows deeply and says, 'I'm taking the young ladies outside, Miss de Bourgh. Is it all right to wait for you there?'

'It's fine, Nick, we're meeting at my uncle's tomorrow anyway, I'll come with you straight away.'

She takes leave of everyone and turns to follow Nick, who says softly, 'I still cannot believe those are all your friends and relatives. Even Miss Sophie and Miss Angelina see them as some higher form of life.'

Anne cannot help making a disparaging noise.

'Well, you know better than most how very common the high and mighty are, since you told me yourself that my mother fornicates with her physician, once a week, like clockwork.

Now don't do that, Nick, you know I don't blame you. You didn't do anything wrong, you were just the messenger. Oh, you make me want to kiss you again.'

'I'm not some weakling, Miss, though it may seem that way. It's just that at this moment I am in some trouble protecting myself because I'm not free to act. Wellesley knows some of what we have been doing, if I run to the master he'll spill the beans. If I hit back, he does the same.'

'And if he lays a hand on my maid? She's terrified, you know.'

It's dark outside, but Anne can practically feel the anger radiating from Nick's whole being.

'Then he dies.'

'And you'll hang for it?'

'If need be, yes.'

'Well, I'd rather see a different solution, and pretty soon. You may be able to tolerate a lot of abuse, Dora is slight and very sensitive.'

Actually, Anne is much more worried about Nick, but he has made it clear just now that he sees it as pity and he doesn't want it. To protect a helpless girl, however, he may be willing to take a few chances with his master.

'You're killing me, Miss! You're so nice, but inside you're hard as iron. You're not going to let this go, are you?'

'If you want me to help you with Sophie and Angelina, I have to be sure my maid is safe. I cannot risk Dora being beaten or ravaged, she'd just die on me. And right after you've proven her loyalty, too. She told me you had shown way too much interest in me. She liked the idea of living in Mr Darcy's house very much.'

'All right, you win! What do you want me to do? I need your help, desperately. And I do want to feel safe again. I'd like to hit back but I'll lose it if I do. I don't want to hang, not really.'

'Next time he hits you in front of witnesses, can you get him to do it where it shows? And do you think the other staff will stand up for you before your master?'

'Yes, and yes. But he still knows things he can tell the master.'

'Don't you see that he is using that knowledge to make everyone's life a misery, not just yours? Dora hates to see you get picked upon, she feels guilty and afraid. You need to let go of your fear of exposure to free the others. If you get fired for it, Mr Manners will find you another position. But then the staff here will be free again.'

Nick hates to hear this, but he bows before the truth in what Anne says.

'You have convinced me. I may suffer myself, but I have no right to cause others harm with my secret. I don't want to live a lie anymore. Next time I get hit, I will tell the master and hope the others will come forward to help me, and themselves. Thank you, Miss.'

The girls have heard the end of this conversation, open-mouthed. Now Angelina, the smartest and most forward of the twins, comments.

'Wellesley cannot get you fired, Nick. We like you, we want you, papa will never fire you. What does that horrid man know about you? I don't understand. What have you done wrong?'

'I've taken you to places where decent ladies shouldn't go, Miss Angelina. If Mr Blackwood finds out he'll blame me and fire me.'

'He will? Why? We wanted it, didn't we? He should punish us, not you. You never wanted to go, we always had to fight with you to go out. Why didn't you tell us?'

'I'm a servant Miss Angelina, a servant does as he is told, or he loses his job. I was afraid you'd have me replaced if I refused to take you where you wanted.'

Sophie is crying, but Angelina still seems incredulous.

'There have been rumours that you are doing indecent things, Angelina,' Anne says heartlessly, they need to face this, too.

'I hope to lay those to rest, but now Nick needs to end the bullying among the staff. Your maid is terrified, my maid dares not go out of her room at night. Nick has to tell your father about it, but if he does, your butler will tell your father about your excursions. And then Nick will most likely be blamed. Which he fears, but has to do, not for himself but for the others. It will cost you, too, for you will certainly lose your freedom and almost certainly will lose Nick. But you will know he is no longer bullied, and he will be feeling less guilty.'

'Are you unhappy taking us to those places, Nick?' Sophie, the more timid, sweet twin asks.

'Yes, Miss, I am. I know you shouldn't be there, I know that if someone spots you, you will be shamed, and I will be blamed. Then when I get home, I am beaten by a bully who outranks me, and I cannot tell the master for he'll find out about you, and curb your freedom. I have been walking a tightrope for months now, and I'm worn out and very afraid. There, now you know.

If we can get Wellesley out of the house, I can solve the rest with Miss de Bourgh. If I have to go to your father, all three of us are in deep trouble.'

Anne is surprised to find the girls a lot more astute than she expected.

'What if we catch him at something?' Angelina asks, 'then papa will throw him out without listening to him. He always listens to us, and Felicity and Dora will prove we speak the truth.'

That may work. It's to their advantage as well.

'But no more dances in backstreet pubs, ladies, nor can you be seen in a madhouse. Miss de Bourgh has a much more suitable outing planned.'

'But papa doesn't mind us going there, Nick,' Sophie offers. She really seems to believe that.

Anne is not offended that they have little faith in her choice of entertainment. She lets Nick tell them, she's starting to fade a little, it's been a long day.

'Miss de Bourgh wants to take you to her cousin's army camp and have some officers show you around.'

The letter! She forgot all about it. Well, it will keep until she is in her own room.

'That sounds like fun, Anne. But not if Nick is unhappy. Please tell us what to do, Nick, we'll do anything for you.'

A gentle hand gives her a little shake and Anne wakes up just a tiny bit. Where is she?

'Miss de Bourgh, you fell asleep in the carriage. Shall I carry you to your room, or can you walk?'

Though a haze of fatigue Anne can see Nick's face bent over hers. He looks faintly amused, which is an improvement on the rest of the evening. She feels angry and frustrated to fall asleep like a child, but she has to admit she cannot for the life of her stand up and walk in, her muscles feel like jelly.

Vaguely alarmed she tries to speak, and fortunately she doesn't humiliate herself further by slurring her speech.

'Give me a little more time, please? I would prefer to walk by myself.'

She cannot see the girls anymore, they must have gone in, and Nick is still with her. After about five minutes, she can move her arms and legs again, and she tries to get up. It works, thank God.

'This is very scary, Nick, it's as if I'm frozen solid.'

'You're doing fine, Miss, here, take my hand, you're getting there.'

The cold outside brings her back to herself, and she finds her muscles working again. Nick takes her to her room, where Dora is already waiting to help her undress.

'Good night, Miss, and thank you for giving me back my courage.' And Nick is gone, leaving Dora.

'Did you have a good time, Miss?' the girl asks.

'Well, not exactly,' she replies, 'but I think it was a very useful evening. I hope something will change because of it. And now I need to sleep, I keep overestimating my strength.'

'You are so much stronger than you used to be, Miss, and so much more alive. I'm so happy to see that. I'm sure these weak spells will go away, you never did much, you know, and Miss Sophie and Miss Angelina are always running about. You'll get used to it, and soon.

Things were quiet here, too, Miss. I did what you suggested and stayed with Felicity. We both felt safer that way. Well, I'm done, you can turn in now. Good night, Miss.'

'Good night, Dora.'

Anne is asleep when she hits the bed.

Once back home, Darcy really wants to know what Manners' game is.

'You know gossip says you're in love with my cousin, don't you, Manners?'

'I do, Darcy, and it suits me to have them think so. Miss de Bourgh knows I'm not in love with her, she told me just this afternoon.'

'You can never tell her the truth, though, so why not just keep a little distance?'

'If you insist I will, Darcy, but I am generally as familiar with everyone I like. The world just doesn't choose to see that, they want me to be in love with a beautiful lady, and will see proof of it anywhere they can. And I think very highly of your cousin, Darcy. The moment may come when I reveal my true nature to her. But not just yet.'

'Well, it's you life, not mine. I don't think Anne is a gossip, but I don't see why she should know either. Still, I concede your point that you are not treating her any differently from any other lady of your acquaintance. And if she knows your intentions, that's good enough for me, she's a woman grown.'

'In fact, she does not know my intentions. She just knows what my intentions aren't. But for now, that is enough, we like each other, we plot together, she's more like me than any of you. She likes town, and getting through to people. She's just starting, though, there is a lot she needs to learn before she can really start to play the game. It'll be my pleasure to teach her.'

'Then you'll be pleased to know she's probably coming to Pemberley for summer. There is no real reason for scheming there, but maybe you can teach her some basic rules.'

'Fabulous, I like that. You know a girl like her, innocent, even naïve, and in the possession of a good fortune, future heiress, they are generally in some danger of falling prey to mercenaries. But your cousin, she is different. I think you don't need to worry about her.'