Chapter 96

When Johnson comes in right after breakfast to hand her a letter, Elizabeth almost jumps, fearing it's another letter from Lydia with more bad news. But it's Kitty's handwriting, and Elizabeth starts reading it with curiosity. Kitty has been married to Mr Lascelles in a small and very private service in London, with just his mother and sister and her mother and father and Mary in attendance. There was no party, and now they are living on his estate with his mother and sister. The sister is Elizabeth's age, and according to Kitty's letter they get on well. They speak French at home, which means Kitty should be a true adept by now.

After several paragraphs on the house, the neighbourhood and the parties they visit, Kitty mentions something that makes Elizabeth rather anxious.

You won't believe whom we met just yesterday, Lizzy! I'm going to tell you anyway, but you don't like her. Miss Bingley, Bingley's younger sister, was staying with a friend of Lascelles, and when we visited for a few hours she played the piano for us and sang with her sister, who was staying there too with her fat ugly husband.

Poor Mr Hurst, Elizabeth has gotten to like him when last at Netherfield. Well, a bit at least. He did Fitzwilliam a good turn anyhow.

Miss Bingley told us she was engaged to this friend, a tall, handsome man with very blue eyes, who was at Jane's wedding. I danced with him, and I think you did, too. His name was Mr Grenfell. Miss Bingley seemed very much in love, she praised him sky high, and he seemed very fond of her, too, though he is not the kind of man who shows his feeling very much, I think. Not like my Lascelles, who is always paying me compliments and telling me he loves me, but who can get really angry sometimes. Then he always talks French, I've learned some very bad words.

So, did you think Miss Bingley would ever find a husband? I certainly didn't, I thought she was too old and she can split wood with her tongue, it's that sharp. We had coffee in a very old-fashioned room, but Miss Bingley said she'd have it all redecorated when her mother in law moved out. We didn't get to see her, but Miss Bingley didn't seem to like her much.

Well, now you know that Miss Bingley will soon be Mrs Grenfell. They have a house in town I think, but I'm not sure. I like the country better, I felt a bit stupid and countrified in town, I hope you have come to like it better than you did, but I guess so for you were in the papers and they said all lots of nice things. Miss Bingley didn't mention that when we were there.

Jane wrote that you are going to visit Lydia, I'm glad for she seemed out of spirit lately. It's probably because there is war coming with the French, she must be afraid for Wickham. I hope it won't make things difficult for us, Lascelles says it will not, but his mother is afraid it will, since his father was French.

Please give my love to Georgiana and Jane, and Bingley and your husband, and everyone else. And tell Lydia we plan to travel north this summer, and we can visit her. We can visit you, too, if you like that. I'd love to see Pemberley.

Your loving sister Catherine

So Miss Bingley is going to marry Mr Grenfell after all. What a mistake, the man is a menace. She hands the letter to Fitzwilliam, who is still reading the newspaper.

'Beware, Fitzwilliam, you will be shocked.'

And he is.

'You know what this means, don't you, Elizabeth?'

In fact, she doesn't.

'It means Bingley, your sister and Manners have been keeping things from us. I am very much tempted to go and ask Bingley what ails him to let his sister marry a man who rapes maidens.'

Angry is an understatement, and Elizabeth agrees. She doesn't like Miss Bingley, but she knows for a fact that any woman who marries Grenfell will be miserable. He has no better feelings at all.

'You know it's none of our business, don't you?'

'Isn't it, Elizabeth? When we know what he is, and she doesn't? I used to be very good friends with Miss Bingley, and still wish her well. Better than Grenfell at the very least. My mind is made up, I'm going out there.'

'Then I suppose I'd better go with you. Do you want to take the carriage?'

His expression softens a lot.

'We haven't rambled for a long time. What do you say we walk? I'm afraid there won't be many trees, but we have time to walk over and be back before lunch. I am meeting Anne today. I told you she accepted our offer to stay here, didn't I?'

'Of course you did, or I would have asked. It's too important not to.'

It's good to be walking with Fitzwilliam, even if it cannot rightly be called rambling, for he is striding angrily, and only her superb physical shape enables her to keep up with his long legged pace.

'Slow down, love, and cool down. You will not make any kind of impression by being angry.'

He takes her advice, but still they arrive in a very short time, to find Bingley out of the house. The butler shows them into the drawing-room, where Jane gets up to greet them, pleased with a surprise visit. But she soon notices their serious expression, and immediately guesses the cause.

'So you found out. Did Frederick tell you?'

'No, I got a letter from Kitty, she told us Miss Bingley had finally caught herself a man. Jane, how can you let them do this? You know the man tried to rape an innocent girl.'

Elizabeth cannot understand it.

'Bingley and Manners, and all their friends, for that matter, think it will reform him, making them both happy.'

Jane has always been unable to see any bad in people, and Bingley isn't any better. But to keep his sister in the dark, how far can one take a friendship? Elizabeth can understand that Frederick doesn't see the harm in his friend, he is not married himself, he cannot relate to a woman as another woman can. But Bingley, she is his sister, they grew up together! Grenfell is as cold as a fish, he will doom her to a life of misery.

'What do you think, Jane?' Fitzwilliam asks, calmly.

'I fear for her, Darcy. She is not my sister, though, and Bingley and Frederick know Grenfell a lot better than we do. I tried to get them to at least tell her, but they told me it was none of my business. As it is none of yours, really. She's Bingley's sister.'

Jane does not believe this herself, and Fitzwilliam can read her as well as Elizabeth does, so he does not elaborate.

'Do you want coffee? I expect Bingley to return any moment. He is arranging some things Caroline wants for the wedding. To be honest with you, I worry about this. They seem to care more for each other than for her, and if they would just tell her what he did, and what he did before that, she could make a well-informed decision. But now? He may kill her in a fit of rage.'

Jane bursts out crying, it's clear she is very worried indeed, and has had no-one to talk to. They must have sworn her to secrecy, and for a moment, Elizabeth feels an intense dislike for both Bingley and Frederick. They're not just hurting Miss Bingley, they're hurting her sister! Leading Jane to a sofa, Elizabeth sits down with her to comfort her, and calm, solid Jane uses the opportunity to indulge in a good cry, with heaving sobs and plentiful tears. Fitzwilliam observes the sisters in silence, not uncomfortable at all with the situation, but still very upset with his two friends.

When a servant enters with coffee, Jane stops crying instantly, sits up and apologises.

'I'm sorry, Darcy, that must have been very uncomfortable. I may as well tell you, I'm a bit sensitive at the moment, I think I'm already with child. It's a bit early to be certain, but it feels like it. And you know we are from a very fertile family. Maybe it's best if you keep it from Lydia for a while, Lizzy, it may hurt her when she wanted a baby so badly.'

Elizabeth congratulates her sister, she is obviously pleased to be with child, but this situation with Bingley and Manners doing things that go against her sense of justice is a bad, bad thing. Jane must have felt so very alone, being forbidden to talk about it with her sister, and undoubtedly her aunt as well. How can they do that to Jane? Fitzwilliam will certainly give Bingley a large piece of his mind, but Elizabeth will take it upon herself to chew out Frederick. He tends to think he is above the law and above common decency, she will show him he isn't. And she will let him know what she thinks of two men ganging up against her favourite sister, who is in a vulnerable position.

'Poor Jane, how you must have suffered. When is the wedding taking place?'

'Saturday. We are leaving tomorrow.'

'I am totally speechless, Jane.' Fitzwilliam sounds really disappointed, actually sad.

'I was a good friend of Miss Bingley's, and I wish her all the best. But she is not going to get it with such a man. Dear Jane, I congratulate you with your blessed state, and I am not going to argue with my friend in front of you. It will only upset you further. I'm very sorry this is happening, and I'm very afraid of what it will do to my friendship with Bingley. We haven't been as close since we married, but this secrecy, I'm really hurt by it. Please forgive us for barging in on you, and upsetting you. We're off to Newcastle tomorrow, good luck at the wedding and we will see you in three weeks.'

He kisses Jane on both cheeks, and she clings to him for a few moments, she really needs some support right now. Elizabeth has to respect Fitzwilliam's decision not to argue with Bingley in front of Jane, but she will certainly force a promise out of Frederick to let Jane share her worries with her aunt at the very least. To sacrifice Miss Bingley like that, it's just intolerable.

'Goodbye, Jane, try to remain calm and see you in three weeks. Do you want me to come back this afternoon? I hate leaving you like this. Fitzwilliam is meeting Anne today, I can have him drop me off here.'

'Yes, please, Lizzy, would you? I'm very upset, and no-one listens to me.'

'I'll be over after lunch then, but first I'm going to give Frederick a very large piece of my mind. It's not his own sister he is feeding to the wolves.'

And just like that they are on their way back home.

'I fear for our friendship, my love. I really wonder whether I can remain friends with two men who plan such a thing and then keep it from us to spare themselves the trouble of explaining their actions.'

There is nothing Elizabeth can add to that, she feels exactly the same. Their walk home takes a little longer, and neither of them has anything to say.

Once they have returned, Elizabeth tells her beloved, 'Let me handle Manners, my love. I think this needs a woman's touch. And besides, they're hurting Jane.'

He does not object, so she gathers her courage and stomps off to look for Manners. She finds him in the drawing-room, reading the papers, and he immediately spots that he is in trouble, and worse so than a few days ago when Fitzwilliam found out the family where Manners had placed Anne was engaging in dubitable entertainment for their daughters.

'Elizabeth, I can see I am in dire trouble. Sometimes I am too clever for my own good, and now I'm going to pay for it.'

She is not in the mood to humour him, but he does look rather funny. Still, it's Jane they're talking about.

'I am not amused, Frederick. I've just left my sister who was in tears because you and Bingley set up his sister with a rapist and you forbade her to talk to me about it. I can think of nothing you can say to make that look better than what it seems now.'

'Put that way there is no escape for either of us. It's a harsh term, Elizabeth.'

He is totally serious now, and obviously not impressed by her arguments.

'True, though. He would have raped Fanny then, and every following day, that is what he promised her. Your friend is a danger to society, especially its women, and he should not be free in it.'

'That is exactly why we want him to marry. So he will no longer be free. Miss Bingley will bind him to her, she will lead him and make him better his life.'

'You are blind to your friend's faults, Frederick. That man is a menace, and he will make Miss Bingley's life a hell on earth. But even if she were to be his deliverance, and if she were willing to marry him knowing he suffers from violent spells and has no objections to forcing his urges on helpless maidens, what gives you the right to muzzle my sister? I care about my sister!'

'Bingley also cares about his sister. Grenfell will not hurt her, nor anyone else, or he will answer to us. Permanently.'

Manners' voice is like a knife, and Elizabeth staggers back as if cut. Does he suggest they'll kill him if he ever transgresses again? Does she even know this man? Two of her sisters are married to members of his clique. Fitzwilliam's cousin is aiming to marry him. Is he a human being at all? Are they harbouring a monster in their midst?

'No, Elizabeth. Please don't look at me like that.'

His voice has softened immeasurably, to sound pained.

'We're not going to murder him. I'm sorry for the tone, the very though of him angers me as much as it does you, don't think Grenfell's deeds don't affect me. But he is our friend, we are responsible for him. If he so much as pinches Miss Bingley, or anyone else, we hand over a thick file on his misdeeds, all his misdeeds, to a judge, and we'll sue him either to the gallows, or to Australia. This is his last chance, and he knows it. And she knows it.'

Elizabeth looks up. 'She knows?'

'Yes Elizabeth, I told her myself. We had to tell her, you were both right, all three of you actually, for Jane did argue as eloquently as you. She had to know what she was getting herself into. It's not that we don't want to wash our hands of him, we cannot. He would leave a trail of victims behind him that we could have prevented. Miss Bingley is not popular, Elizabeth. She has never had an offer of marriage, and she realises she may never get another one. Grenfell is wealthy, his grounds are beautiful, he has a house in town, he is very handsome and he can be very polite and even kind. Really. She was eager to take him. Ask Lascelles if you don't trust me.

'I thought your sister was satisfied with our giving Miss Bingley a choice, and with the way we planned to secure his good behaviour. But now I wonder if we told her, she did not want to have anything do with the whole business from the start. We didn't order her to keep quiet, I suppose that just happened. She and Bingley had a big row over it, and I guess they stopped talking about it. I'm afraid it's not only keeping quiet to you that hurt her, Elizabeth. I think she's disappointed in Bingley, and she loves him less because of this. I'm sorry we dragged him into it, your sister never made a conscious decision to marry one of us. She married a normal, sensible chap and then he got dragged back in. And now his sister is involved as well. She will not back out, she wants the riches, the fur, the carriages, the house in town. The status of being married.

I can see I'm in big trouble, not just with you or Darcy, though I dread his judgement. We have driven a wedge between Jane and Bingley, and she may never forgive him, or us.'

Elizabeth doesn't know what to think. She likes Frederick, she really does, but he is so slick. She trusts him with her life, but not in this. It's his only blind spot, his friends are his all, they are above the law. And Jane, it's even worse than she thought. Not talking to Bingley, with child and unhappy.

'I can't deal with this, Frederick. I don't know whom to trust anymore, I'm just a country girl with twenty years to my name. I cannot outsmart you, or outtalk you. I have become attached to you, but where your friends are concerned you seem like a totally different man. I'm going to see my sister after lunch, and try to comfort her before we drive off to comfort my other sister, whose worthless man may be my most sensible brother-in-law after all.

But first, I'm going to cry. Cry for our friendship, for I don't see it surviving this.'

And she does just that, in silence. She has come to love Frederick like a brother, but he is a schemer, who doesn't always consider the feelings of others in his intricate plots. He counts on straightening everything out by smoothing things over with his velvet tongue, but this time he has gone too far.

She does not see his agony, she does not hear his quiet plea to forgive him. She is heartbroken.

And that is how Eric finds them. He is merely dropping in to fetch some music sheets they left on the piano, and finds an extraordinary scene. Elizabeth is sitting in a chair, face hidden in her arms, crying her eyes out in relative silence. Frederick is watching her with a face filled with heartbreak, and no clue what to do. He looks at Eric in desperation and says, nothing. Frederick speechless? This must be bad. Eric doesn't hesitate, he sits on the floor in front of Elizabeth, turns around and orders, 'Don't stand there, Frederick, get Darcy!'

'I can't, Eric, he'll kill me. I don't want to lose them.'

'Get Darcy, Frederick. If he kills you, you probably deserve it. You made my idol cry, I hate you until you give me a damned good reason.'

Frederick leaves the room.

Eric has never seen Elizabeth like this, she's always strong and has a solution for everything. He wasn't lying to Frederick, he can't stand to see her this way, and he takes one of her hands to let her know he is with her. What did Frederick do to upset her so badly?

The door opens and Darcy comes running in. He comes straight towards the two of them, Eric makes way quickly, and his tall patron picks up his beloved easily, holding her against him as if she weighs nothing. Elizabeth wraps her arms around him and buries her face in his neck, her voice sounds broken as she pleads her husband something Eric cannot quite hear.

Though the situation in the room feels very uncomfortable, and Eric would prefer to remove himself

from it, he has a feeling that would be a very bad idea. His presence is required, this is where he repays both parties involved for the kindness they have shown him.

Darcy sits down with Elizabeth still in his arms, then shakes his head slowly at Frederick.

'I'm with Elizabeth here, Manners. I don't get you at all, I really don't know what to think or what to do. Do you care about people at all? Besides your precious friends? Are we merely pawns in some sort of game you're playing?'

He isn't angry, much the opposite, he's beat. Like Elizabeth. This is very bad. Frederick must have done something horrible, his face certainly suggests it. Eric feels bound to speak.

'This may be none of my business, but can someone tell me what is going on?'

Darcy is the one to reply, since Frederick is as yet unable to speak, seeming close to tears himself.

'Manners and Bingley have set up Bingley's sister to marry a friend of theirs, a violent man who has proven himself capable of rape.'

'Miss Bingley is getting married?' The vibrant voice of Eric's beloved drips with sarcasm. Georgiana must have just entered the room, he never saw her come in.

'She must be very happy then. I thought her chances of finding someone willing to marry her were as good as non-existent. I suppose only a rapist will have her.'

What a ludicrous thing to say, Georgiana may be very young, and blunt, but there are certain boundaries and she's just crossed them.

'Don't look so disapprovingly at me, Eric, you don't know her. She made my life a misery for years, with her boring talk and her nasty mind. If she wants to marry a rapist, who am I to object?'

'The point is, Georgie, that she doesn't know what he is, since Bingley and Manners here didn't think she needed to know what their friend Grenfell had been up to.'

Grenfell, the name rings a bell. Georgiana certainly knows him.

'You want her to marry Grenfell? I remember him. He frightened the blazes out of me.'

Darcy adds, 'Elizabeth and I objected, so they forced poor Jane to keep quiet, hoping we wouldn't find out. We found her desperately unhappy.'

Georgiana probably wouldn't find this Grenfell frightening anymore, she has changed. She states boldly, 'That is criminal, Frederick. I know Caroline is mean and petty, but she is still a human being. You can't just marry her off to a madman.'

Frederick has found his voice, but only just.

'She knows what he is. We told her. And we didn't tell Jane to keep quiet, she fought with Bingley about it then told us to leave her out of it. So we did.'

'Well, if Caroline wants to get married so badly she'll take a rapist, I say good for her. Why make such a fuss about it? Just apologise to Jane, see that Bingley makes up with her, and everybody will live happily ever after. Except Caroline, of course, but she did have a choice.'

Is Georgiana right here? Eric remembers the Grenfell character now, big, loud and violent, but a mama's boy, really. Though rape is pretty bad. He doesn't know Miss Bingley, but Georgiana seriously dislikes her for being mean. Maybe they do deserve each other. But somehow that doesn't seem to be the point here, for Frederick is still ready to fall on his knees and beg for forgiveness.

And damned if he doesn't, approaching Darcy and Elizabeth, kneeling so he can face both of them while they're sitting down.

'I do see life as a game, and people as pawns, I admit. But not you! I have never felt so safe in my entire life as I have staying here with you. You accepted me when most people would have repudiated me. I love both of you desperately, and to be thrown from your protection would kill me. Will you please forgive me? I admit I have done wrong, I will better myself, I will ride to Miss Bingley tonight and beg her to reconsider. If it is important to you, I will even renounce my ties to my friends.'

Eric is absolutely certain that Frederick has never before in his life lowered himself to anyone. And he does it with dignity, it's not like Mr Collins' fawning, Frederick is pleading to save a friendship that means the world to him. Darcy and Elizabeth are staring at him, they probably didn't know he cared.

Then at the exact same time, Elizabeth bends over to him and kisses his forehead, and Darcy says a bit sheepishly, 'Well, if she actually had a choice, Manners, Georgie may be right, maybe Caroline is too sharp for a normal man.'

'I already told Elizabeth, if he harms anyone ever again, we'll sue him ourselves. We have statements and evidence to have him hanged. But it is time we submit to society.'

Eric cannot help but observe, 'It's called growing up, Frederick. Your friends are overdue, you indulge them too much.'

That'll set them thinking, how does he know?

'They are, but they'll have to do it without me. I've been their father and their mother for too long. I'd rather be with people who keep me on the straight and narrow.'

Elizabeth is not back to herself, but she's very happy to have her friend back, and, Eric realises, finally committed to them. There was always some doubt about Frederick's motives, he is so easy to love, but he never showed his love for others. He does now, embracing her with intense feeling. Elizabeth rests her head on his broad chest for a few moments, then kisses him soundly and returns to Darcy's side. But he must also have feared losing their friend, loving him but always wondering whether he was truly on their side. Now he knows, and his usual reticence is hardly visible when he carefully wraps Frederick in a true bear hug. It lasts longer than would have been comfortable if not really meant, and Eric is glad to have seen it.

Frederick has always shown him more of himself, but still even Eric often felt a distinct distance between Mr Manners and the rest of the world. Well, Georgiana and himself are no longer needed here, and there is work to be done, they have an important concert tonight. Eric gathers up the papers he came to fetch, and Georgiana takes his other arm. The piano won't wait.

When Anne has sat reading beside a sleeping manservant for decidedly more than an hour, she detaches herself from his arms and legs to dress for her meeting right after lunch. The movement causes him to stir, then he rolls over and quiets again. Anne tiptoes out of the room and lets the cook know the patient is unattended, to have someone check on him every so often until she returns. Lunch is great, but Anne worries about betraying herself to Darcy. She remembers uncle's letter just in time and reads it quickly, finding that both he and the Colonel approve of her plan, setting a date in a week's time for the visit. Good, by then Nick may be well enough to accompany them.

Darcy arrives, he must be out of his mind, for he has his chubby little driver guiding those four thoroughbreds right through the middle of town. The fellow looks as if his face is going to split grinning, sitting on the box of the little carriage they are all so fond of. It's so light and small, those four monsters can pull it to the moon if they want to. But the plain little fellow is reputed to be the very best driver ever, and Darcy is the most sensible fellow Anne knows, so she lets her cousin hand her in gracefully without the slightest apprehension. Sophie and Angelina would like a ride in this contraption, it's bound to be fast. Mr Blackwood is standing in front of the house trying not to show his awe of both Mr Darcy and his lighting-quick team.

And then they're off.

'You are a vain man, Darcy. Look at how you leave Mr Blackwood behind with a feeling of inferiority. Such a kind man, and you nearly make him cry.'

Her handsome cousin's face now breaks into a similar grin to the driver's, he is loving this, and he soon explains why. It has only a little to do with having his thoroughbreds returned to him.

'I'm afraid I just love impertinence, Anne. I cannot believe how much you've changed in just a week, I wasn't even afraid of sitting in a carriage by ourselves, though one would have expected it to be rather awkward. But it isn't, not at all. You look fine, Anne, and more beautiful every day. You'll be the talk of the town, soon.'

Now his face sobers up a lot.

'But Anne, I cannot imagine that you're not experiencing some sadness about the past. I hope you don't mind Elizabeth telling me about it, we have no secrets between us, I begged her to tell me everything on the day after we got married.'

'You are right of course, Darcy. I have been very angry at my mother, and rather sad at losing ten years of my life. But I feel so much stronger now it's almost making me giddy. Can you imagine waking up from living death and finding yourself able to do things? To be awake, able to read, take a long walk, make fun with other girls. I find it hard to dwell on the past, there is so much to be done, so many experiences to live. And knowing that there was really nothing wrong with me was also a blessing, I'm very thankful to Mr Manners for urging me to see his doctor. Though of course it has made me even more resentful towards mother.

'Well, we'll have your apron-strings cut in no time, dear Anne. How are things at the Blackwood mansion, still spying and plotting for Mr Manners?'

Anne can feel her cheeks flush, remembering last night with a man in her arms. But she pretends to merely have a very exciting story to tell.

'Things actually came to a catastrophic climax last night, Darcy. I told Fowler, you know, the Blackwood retainer, that others were suffering from the butler's bullying, and that he had to tell his master. The girls heard us talk, and he explained his dilemma, his fear of their excursions being brought to the light of day. They suggested spying on the butler and telling their father, having him dismissed without a chance to betray their favourite. We all went to bed.

I woke up in the middle of the night because I heard a noise and decided to investigate. It was Fowler, he had been beaten senseless by the bully, with the girls and two servants walking in on the abuse. He told them to go to bed and tell Mr Blackwood in the morning, but when the pain got worse and he bled a lot he went out to look for help. I found him and took him to his room and cared for his wounds. I, Anne de Bourgh, cleaned bleeding cuts like a trooper. Those were the doctor's words the next day. Anyway, I found a painkiller for him and when he slept I went back to bed.

The next morning, the master of the house set the law on the butler, who had fled the scene, apologised to Fowler for letting his staff get out of hand, revealed he knew what the girls were doing all this time, praised Fowler for taking such good care of them. My reasons for spying cut out from under me. But Fowler is in a sad state, bruises, cuts, broken ribs, he will not be escorting those girls for at least a week. And all this time everyone though Mr Blackwood hadn't a clue what his daughters were doing, and he did. He just thought they needed to have some fun while they were young, and trusted his servant to keep them safe. Well, that's it, my first spying job and it wasn't even necessary.'

Darcy looks at her in contemplation. He does have the nicest voice, and he's so calm and collected.

'That was quite an adventure, Anne. And it seems to have done you no harm. Could it be that you thrive on excitement? I've never seen you so alive, with blushing cheeks, and sparkling eyes. Maybe Manners can find you another spying job, he sure likes to play the board. I think you should not underestimate your influence, Anne. You did get him to take action, and the father to notice his household. Too bad the man got hurt so badly, he seemed very committed to his job. But at least he can stay. Simon likes him, and he's a good judge of character.

Now Anne, I'm ashamed to admit I don't really know you that well, but do you frighten easily?

I guess you can stand the sight of blood, and dare investigate a noise in the middle of the night, but what I mean is, do you fear speed? We're approaching a very long, very quiet lane, and Bob and I really want to enjoy the thrill of flying again. Can I signal him to let the horses have their heads? It's reasonably safe but it won't seem that way. It will be very, very scary, even in here.'

Yes! It'll be fun, and it will explain her blushes perfectly.

'I'm changing every day, Darcy, had you known me then you wouldn't have recognised me now. Though I think I'm turning back into the tomboy you knew when we were all young, I guess that's the real me. So yes, I'd love to get a good scare.'

He is so handsome when he smiles like that. But Anne sees a plainer face now, with a vivid shiner around each of a pair of dark eyes. Darcy doesn't notice her mooning, for he gets up on his legs and knocks on the window towards the box. Then he sits next to her, facing forward.

'Now hold on, Anne.'

It's like riding Darcy's hunter pony bareback, only more comfortable. A sickening lurch proves that Bob is not increasing speed gradually, he's really set those horses free instantly, and they have answered with a burst of speed that leaves Anne pushed into the cushions and weak-kneed with fear. She did not know horses could go that fast.

At this speed, even a tiny irregularity in the road gives a bump inside, and the usually so comfortable little carriage bounces her about as if she's cream being churned into butter. Until the bouncing stops. Are the wheels still touching the ground, or was Darcy being literal when he talked of flying? Instead of wondering whether the harness will hold and hoping the horses won't stumble, Anne takes a firm grip on the seat and looks through the windows on each side, enjoying the sensation of flying. It seems they are on the edge of the city, houses close by but not directly on this road, fields stretching out as far as the eyes can see on the other side. She can feel the carriage slowing now, the bouncing is back, then lessens, and then they are back to a sedate trot, which is still about twice as fast as a normal carriage. They look at each other and smile, Darcy looking like the boy he used to be. He has gotten a lot less serious since his marriage, Elizabeth has done him a world of good.

'Frankly, we had to make quite a detour to get to this road. But Bob will make up for it. I bet his knees are shaking worse than mine, imagine being on the box when the carriage lurches like that. He is a brave fellow, though he wouldn't describe himself as such.'

'He seems so plain and shy, but he must have the courage of a lion. That was fabulous, Darcy. Thank you so much for making me feel alive yet again. I was afraid at first, but I could turn it off really easily.'

After that, the rest of the trip is almost boring, but it's fun to see the people in town gape at the team. Brave Bob undoubtedly has plenty of trouble guiding those horses through the narrow streets of London, but inside the carriage the ride is smooth and quick.

In front of her uncle's house, Darcy hands her out of the carriage. Uncle Spencer and Fitzwilliam are waiting for her outside, and embrace her lovingly.

'You look incredibly beautiful, cousin, I'm so glad we took you away from Rosings.'

Fitzwilliam is such a dear man, how can a soldier who has seen so much action be so mild and so kind? She hugs him back with all the love she is feeling at the moment, some of it really meant for another. But it needs to get out anyway, and Fitzwilliam deserves every bit of love he gets.

'I can see you have had an exciting ride, dear Anne. You do indeed look marvellous, two more weeks and you will be the most beautiful woman in London. Did Darcy try to kill you with those monsters of his?'

Even uncle Spencer is a tiny bit jealous of the thoroughbreds.

'It was incredible. I don't think a person can come closer to flying. His driver must be the bravest man alive.'

'Let's go in and discuss the news. And then we'll take steps to secure your fortune and your inheritance.'

It's a real comfort to talk about her mother with people who know her and who have seen Anne at her worst. She sheds plenty of tears, but despite that she finds herself looking towards the future more than dwelling on the past. Despite the awkwardness, she also tells them about her mother's sin. Her uncle's reaction is twofold.

'I understand your anger, Anne, my sister has never been a very affectionate mother to you, and this time she has gone too far. But I cannot condemn her actions if seen separate from their effect on you: older people, and people who have lost their partners, need love, too. But it is unforgivable that she sacrificed your life to find her own relief. It's just the deed itself that I do not condemn.'

Fitzwilliam is very uncomfortable with the thought that his father professes to need physical love, but Anne cannot help thinking that he himself must seek solace somewhere at certain times. He is an adult, he must have needs, he cannot still be untouched. And somehow, her uncle's reasoning makes her own sin feel less poignant. She needs love, even though she is not yet married, may never even do so.

But those are both embarrassing thoughts, and Anne soon abandons that subject, easy since there is business to handle. Anne's decision to not go back to Rosings must be dealt with financially as well as practically. Uncle Spencer will secure her fortune, and Darcy will help her invest it wisely. Fitzwilliam agrees to visit on Friday, he is back to the camp the next week, where they will meet for a tour, dinner and a dance with officers he will choose himself for their suitability as marriage partner for girls like Sophie and Angelina, of a good family and with a decent fortune to their names. Second sons like himself, Fitzwilliam proposes, of great families and impeccable behaviour, if short on fortunes.

Uncle will shorten his visit to town, he is leaving on Saturday, planning to visit his sister to tell her, well, everything. Anne does not envy him the task, but he is very firm in his opinion that he must be the bearer of bad news. And good news, for Anne is obviously gaining strength daily.

And then Anne suddenly feels a strong wish to return to the Blackwood mansion. Nick will be awake by now, and longing for some company.

'Do you mind returning the Blackwood residence soon, Anne?' Darcy asks. 'We had a bit of a situation with Elizabeth's sister this morning, and I really want to see how that worked out. Whether we can still leave tomorrow. Do not hesitate to move in during our absence, the housekeeper knows, Georgie and Manners will be pleased to have you there. Unless you want to sample the joys of naughty excursions, of course, then you'd better stay right where you are. I've seen some of those places and it can be quite enlightening to find out how other people live.'

Incredible. He doesn't even object. Well, maybe she should go to one of those dances, but not without Nick.

'I'm ready to return to the Blackwoods. I'd like to have a few moments with the girls, to talk about what happened last night. It must have been disturbing to see one man target another so viciously. Thank you so much for what you have done for me, and are planning to do for me. It's as if I have a whole new lease of life.'

When Anne gets back, Mr Blackwood tells her that the girls are sitting with Nick. Good, then she has an excuse to go straight to his little cubicle of a room and sit on his bed. He is very glad to see her and unable to hide it. But he does manage to give a good reason for his show of feeling.

'Miss de Bourgh, you're back! And in one piece! When Miss Angelina told me the master saw you drive off in a tiny carriage behind Mr Darcy's famous team of thoroughbreds I feared for you.'

He does not look well. He is wide awake, and lucid, but his eyes have a strange sheen and his colour is too high. Without thinking, she moves in and touches his forehead.

'You're hot. You have a fever.'

He shakes his head slowly, and contradicts her, though politely.

'You worry too much, Miss de Bourgh. You've just come from the cold, you're cold yourself. Feel Miss Angelina.'

She does, and he is right. Angelina feels hot as well. But why then does he look so different from usual? He looks at her significantly, and she bends towards him.

'You've caught me blushing, Miss. It'll pass, you'll see. I'm sorry, Miss.'

'But your eyes, they look different.'

They really do, she looks at Angelina and then back at Nick, his pupils are so huge his eyes are black instead of their usual friendly brown, while hers are a normal size.

'I do feel different, like I'm not really here. I guess it's the pills, Miss, the doctor did warn me they might cause me to see some strange things. But it's kind of pleasant.'

'So what was is like to ride behind those horses, Anne?' Angelina wants to know.

'It was just incredible,' she replies, 'my cousin went to a long, quiet lane, and then his driver just let go of the horses' heads and they sprang away. It was like flying. I think the carriage really left the ground, for when were going the fastest, the ride suddenly became smooth whereas before it had become rather bumpy the faster we went.

And you, girls, what did you do this afternoon?'

'We went to visit Maria together, we didn't want to go out without Nick. Papa is going to interview a new guard to use until Nick is better. One who doesn't ogle. We had a good time, Leonora was there and we danced with Maria's brothers and a cousin they have over for the season. He likes Sophie, but he's poor and dresses like a peacock. Good dancer, though, but Nick spoiled us for most men. We've been sitting here since because papa wanted us to, but it's boring. Nick is much more fun when he's normal. Do you think we can still go to that dance, Nick?'

'I think so, Miss. Your father doesn't mind, so it's just my being able to stand up that matters.'

'We'll powder your eyes so those ugly black rings don't show.'

Where her entertainment is concerned, Angelina does sound a bit heartless. Better have a little talk with her after dinner.

'I'll fetch my book and mind Nick until it's time to dress for dinner. Or do you want to talk a bit, Nick?'

'Please, Miss. I know it's only because of the pills that I don't feel the pain as much, but I'm still bored. I wish I could go dancing, too.'

And so Anne, against her own better judgement, finds herself alone with Nick once again. She sits on his bed and holds him close, his weird black eyes looking up at her in adulation. This isn't right, it's the pills that make him like this, he's not slavish, he is forceful, self-assured. He will be back to himself, and to his usual pursuits, as soon as he is better. But not now, he snuggles against her, those black-ringed black eyes still watching her, his face a mess, one black cheek and a cut on the other, bandages on his head.

'How is the rest of you, Nick?'

'I've just taken a pill, but before I did everything hurt, I've stiffened up. The doctor came to check the wounds, they're fine but the cleaning hurt more than the blows that caused them. I can't breathe properly because at least two ribs are broken, and my back and stomach are one big bruise. But the worst is my tackle, Anne, I'm afraid I'm never going to make love again in my life. It's dead, I swear.'

Anne ignores his familiarity and course expression, it's the pills speaking. But again he proves he cannot be claimed, making love is his life. Falling in love with him is getting hurt. Still she cannot bear to see him so powerless, she will move to Darcy's house, but not until he is up and back to work. And yes, back to the ladies, for she can imagine his 'tackle' not working after such a beating, and possibly with those pills. It'll heal.

To distract him from such an embarrassing subject she asks him about his family, and he spends half an hour telling her about his brothers and sisters, who seem to have done rather well in life. Then he falls asleep under her loving caresses, and this time she leaves him to find the girls. She has a merry time with them, playing games in the drawing-room and listening to them singing duets. They're good, maybe Anne can learn to play the piano when she's living with Darcy. Mr Blackwood comes in and thanks her for being so kind to Nick, but he also wants to know how her trip with those lovely horses went about. When she tells him how they seemed to be flying he looks even more envious than he did before.

'Such a team must cost a fortune,' he muses regretfully.

'It does, sir, and it took my cousin two years to find the right horses. They also need a special driver for they will shy at anything. I think they may be more trouble than they are worth, sir, though a lot of people looked at them in admiration.'