Chapter 118

Frederick is very pleased to find Anne seeking him out, and after talking to her cousins and uncle, Anne is very conscious of the advantages a match between the two of them would offer her. She feels as safe with Frederick as with her male relatives, and on top of that she knows he takes her even more seriously. Frederick respects her choices, even if they are not proper for a woman of her class. For any woman, frankly.

'Meeting family is always good for a few disturbing realisations, don't you think? Which is why I have more or less avoided mine ever since I discovered certain unacceptable preferences in myself. Are you all right, Anne?'

'You are so right. I love them and I want them to approve of me, but I want to be taken seriously as well. You give me so much respect, Frederick.'

He merely nods in acknowledgement, but she can see he is a little affected. To lighten up the mood, she is in an excellent humour after all, she asks, 'Who is the tall woman no-one seems to like?'

Apparently that is just the right thing to say, for his face almost splits in a broad grin. Then his expression changes to shrewdness and he says, 'That, my dear Miss de Bourgh, is the brand-new Mrs Grenfell.'

And of course everything she has heard the last weeks falls into place instantly.

'Bingley's sister? Married to the..' and she whispers, 'rapist? Your college friend?'

He nods, a little guiltily, but not very much so. Mostly, he seems pretty satisfied with the outcome of the marriage he more or less arranged.

'Prepare to be insulted, I'm going to introduce you. She does not like me, but her husband's respect for me borders on fear so she will try to be polite. And fail, most likely. She cannot be anything but mean these days. How intimate may I be? We're reputed to be engaged already, but I suppose you don't want to confirm that to a compulsive gossip?'

'You be as familiar as you always are, Frederick, she knows you, doesn't she? It will make her wonder how much is your usual familiarity, and how much is love. Or eagerness to inherit Rosings. Let her ponder.'

Frederick is very, very pleased with her reply.

'I am yours to command, Miss de Bourgh, I admire you so much. I can't wait to see what fault Mrs Grenfell will find with you.'

He takes her arm and marches straight towards Mrs Grenfell, who is trying not to look forlorn in a group of people who either don't like her or don't know her. For a very short moment, Anne feels sorry for her. And then a haughty gaze comes bearing down on her, looking for faults no doubt, and looking again. Anne does her own share of looking, if it comes to haughty behaviour she has had the best example all her life, and she knows she outranks this woman. Mrs Grenfell is at least her own age, and dressed charmingly and expensively, but something about her dress is off. Is it too revealing for her status as married woman? No, Anne doesn't care about propriety that much. It's not her dress, it's her figure, Mrs Grenfell is starting to grow a little heavy on top, like Anne's mother only less so, of course, she's half her age, but still it is not flattering in today's fashion. Without the low waist and heavy skirts of her mother's time, a heavy bosom and a little extra weight are difficult to hide.

'Mr Manners, such a pleasure to see a familiar face! And if I may believe what the paper says, this must be Miss de Bourgh.'

Well, if she wants to make an impression in London she will have to brush up on her etiquette. There is no excuse for addressing a gentleman of Mr Manners' standing before spoken to. Despite his familiarity, Frederick is always treated with the utmost respect by his peers.

'I would advise you to always treat what you read in the society pages of any paper, not just that one, with a certain reserve. But in one thing you are right, this is indeed Miss de Bourgh. Anne, this is Mrs Grenfell, Bingley's youngest sister.'

Of course his use of her first name puzzles Mrs Grenfell, and again she speaks first. Gushes actually.

'Such a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss de Bourgh. Your cousin and I used to be very close and he sometimes mentioned you, though I would never have recognised you from his description. You are so beautiful, no wonder you have caught the attention of the society reporters. I'm certain you will be the next first lady of the beau monde, your dress is so...perfect, and Mrs Darcy doesn't look at all like those raving reviews in the paper.'

Elizabeth is indeed dressed for a quiet party at home, her gown is as beautiful as ever, but her hair is done in a simple style and she is wearing little jewellery and no make-up at all. Anne knows both Elizabeth and Darcy prefer it that way, and to Anne she still looks fabulous. But Dora is out of her senses having Fanny back in the house, and she insisted on trying out some of the tips Elizabeth's adored maid gave her, making Anne look as if she is about to go to a court ball. Still her dress is from the little shop Elizabeth discovered, and even Anne's lovely necklace is one Elizabeth brought her as a gift from Newcastle, saying with a big wink, 'Don't those stones look just like real sapphires? They're glass, Anne, can you believe it? Fitzwilliam wanted to bring you a teaspoon with one of these stones, but that would have been just ludicrous. This is way more useful, you can wear it to your fairytale wedding.'

As if hinting that Anne's sense of style is better than Elizabeth's will please Anne, it is just ridiculous, and rather despicable. In the short time they have known each other, Elizabeth has done so much for Anne, and they have become so close. Anne cannot wait to deepen their acquaintance, hopefully ending up in a solid friendship.

'As soon as Miss Darcy is married, I wouldn't wonder if we will rarely see Mr and Mrs Darcy in public again. You will be a worthy successor, Anne, though I think Mrs Darcy has one more surprise in store for the society reporters before she retires.'

Frederick can be very dignified when he wants to, but though Mrs Grenfell looks positively curious, she says loftily, 'Speaking of retirement, Mr Manners, when she heard of my planning to visit dear Georgiana for her birthday, Cuthbert's mother insisted I ask you not to forget your promise to take her to one of Mr Fielding's concerts. Did you really promise to take her to a concert, the old bat? Rather you than I, I say. Anyway, I did as she asked. Did you know she has an acre of garden around her house? An acre! Cuthbert virtually beggared himself to get rid of her. I had her garden ploughed and seeded so she can never be tempted to move back in, even if she gets lonely. We'll have a real live hermit, Miss de Bourgh, Cuthbert is looking for a really smart one, who actually has something sensible to say.'

According to the in-house gossip, dear Cuthbert is not exactly qualified to separate the smart from the not-so-smart, but then, he did go to college with Frederick, so he must know something.

'I will certainly invite Mrs Grenfell senior for the concert I promised her, and I think I can do a little better still. And since there is no better time than the present, Mrs Grenfell, Anne, I'd like to excuse myself for a few moments to talk to Earl Compton.'

Fortunately Mrs Grenfell does not expect Anne to entertain her without her supposed fiancée and moves back to her brother and sister-in-law, who are chatting with Mr Bennet. Though Anne would like to listen in on Mr Bennet's reaction to Mrs Grenfell, the knowledge that Nick is in the house is starting to distract her, and she decides to investigate. Everyone is busy talking or playing cards, Georgiana is playing the piano for cousin Spencer, Frederick is indeed talking with her uncle, whatever did he mean by doing more than he promised for old Mrs Grenfell? Well, Anne is planning to visit every single concert from now on, just to store up on society before a long summer of country living, so she will find out eventually. It is very clear he is planning something, another scheme.

Leaving the drawing-room is not remarkable, the privy is in the right direction and no-one will think twice finding her anywhere in between. Before she reaches the right turnoff, someone grabs her hand and pulls her into a window-seat. Hidden behind a thick curtain, the window cold against her back, Nick takes her in his arms and kisses her intensely. Shocked and delighted, Anne doesn't even protest the risk of discovery, she loves the excitement, it makes her feel truly alive, and they embrace and kiss again, with even more heat.

'Simon offered his room, he's busy with all the guests, as are all the others. I'll go first, see you in five minutes?'

And he is off without waiting for a reply, he knows what she will do, she wants him as much as he wants her. Five minutes take forever when one is counting them, and when Anne finally peeps through the curtains to see whether the coast is clear, her eyes are used to the relative dark of the hall and she can see someone approaching. A tall, feminine shape, not Georgiana, she wasn't wearing feathers, so it has to be...Mrs Grenfell? Keeping perfectly still and controlling her breathing, Anne watches the tall shape glide past her hide-out, towards the servants' quarters, and inside! Anne knows this house perfectly, she has done her share of sneaking after all, and she dares to follow almost on Mrs Grenfell's heels, there are two more nooks to hide in between the door and where she is now. But Mrs Grenfell is not lost, she does not return. Of course she has been here before, she used to be good friends with Darcy.

Sneaking through the door, always perfectly oiled by Simon, in total silence, Anne reaches Simon's room without meeting Mrs Grenfell. She cannot follow her all the way to the common-room or wherever she is going, but Nick can. Quickly, she enters Simon's room, to be caught in a solid crush against Nick's broad chest, and she takes a minute to relish his closeness. But curiosity wins.

'I just saw Mrs Grenfell sneak inside the servants' quarters, Nick, you have to warn Simon, she cannot be up to anything good. I cannot be seen here, but you can. Will you, please? And then come back here?'

'I'd do anything for you, my love. Is she very dangerous?'

'Not physically, but she can flay you with words. I suppose Simon knows her, he can handle her. Darcy doesn't like her, frankly, no-one seems to. But she has a purpose here and we need to find out what that is.'

With a kiss, Nick is on his way out, his livery as smart and as neat as ever. Again, time slows down to a crawl, Anne listens at the door but she hears nothing. Then Nick returns, laughing. He hasn't been away for more than five minutes but he looks as if he has a story to tell. Before telling her anything, however, he invites Anne on the bed and takes her in his arms. She settles against his side, perfectly at home once again.

'Now tell me, please, I'm dying of curiosity!'

He laughs, such a magnificent sound after his rather hopeless attitude while he was secretly staying over, and says, 'It was quite a spectacle. I went straight to the common-room, saw the lady talking to Dora, but no Simon in sight, just the Earl's driver and Brave Bob chatting. I guessed things were too busy for Simon to be in the study, so I went to the storage space and found him contemplating table-cloths. Simon is truly the only man I know with an opinion on table-cloths.

I told him about the unknown lady in the common-room, and he thanked me and went over straight away. I eavesdropped shamelessly, I wanted to go back to you but I knew you'd want to know what happened right away. Simon addressed the lady without the slightest hesitation, he is a brave man, Dora went back to what she had been doing, some needlework, and I heard Simon tell the lady that Mrs Darcy's maid was busy in the scullery since there were guests and the cook had requested her help. She tried to pull rank on him, called him insolent and threatened to have him dismissed, but he didn't move a muscle, merely said coolly he'd have to have Mr Darcy's permission to disturb a maid from a duty assigned to her by the cook since that worthy outranked him. Then she demanded to talk to the cook, and when he came out of the kitchen beyond irritation, I mean, he was busy making dinner for twenty-odd people including the staff and I suppose Simon never told him it was a lady guest asking for him, she took one look at him and thanked him, then went back to her side of the house without further comment. I merely stepped aside to let her pass, she gave me as much notice as I'd give my own shadow, then Simon threw me one amused look and asked me to help him with something, after which he went his way and I mine right outside the common-room. Apparently, I am helping him choose table-cloths right now, for half an hour. I have no idea what all the fuss was about, but I suppose Simon will tell me later this evening.'

And then they forget all about the incident, Anne every bit as eager to make love as Nick is. Fortunately he has brought his precautions, half an hour turns into an hour, and when they are lying on the bed together, kissing and snuggling to prepare for their coming separation, a knock on the door cruelly disturbs their peace.

'It's me, Simon,' a voice says very softly and calmly, 'they are asking for you, Anne. What shall I tell them? That you've retreated to your own room for a nap? Quickly now, the master thinks I'm upstairs in your room inquiring.'

Nick calmly gets up and opens the door, urging Simon inside.

'It's bit strange to see you whispering at your own door. We're decent enough.'

Which they aren't, at all, but Anne finds it hard to care, she's as good as engaged to Simon, why shouldn't he see her scantily dressed? And Simon shows no sign of shock, he's pretending to be a ladies' man after all, Nick cannot know, not yet, that Simon may never have seen a woman in a state of undress before. And he doesn't show any interest in Nick either, though Nick shows a lot more bare skin than Anne does.

'I've taken a few hours rest each day for the past week so I guess it's reasonable. Maybe I should get back to the habit of taking a nap in the afternoon. And maybe we should have these trysts in my own room, Simon, Nick, what do you think? And thank you so much for covering for us, Simon.'

'Better put something on then, Anne. I was sent to fetch you if at all possible, apparently the next game used to be a favourite of yours. Mr Darcy wanted to go himself, but Georgiana stopped him and told him to send me. I can wait here. And you'd better go to the common-room, Nick, Dora has an interesting tale to tell about Mrs Grenfell. Here, let me help you put your hair back up.'

And after Anne cleans up at Simon's washstand, Simon actually helps her dress as if he were her maid. Frankly, Dora would be jealous if she knew how good a maid Simon is. In five minutes she is back to her original splendour, and he even checks out Nick before they leave him to clear up the mess they have made of Simon's bed. One last kiss and Anne follows Simon out. Once in the hall he asks calmly, 'Do you feel shame? Anxiety?'

Anne does some soul-searching and concludes, 'No, not even when you came in with me in my chemise only. I'm just sorry to have to leave him.'

'I'll take good care of him. As Frederick takes good care of you. Do you know he looks just like Frederick? As broad chested and as muscular. They could be brothers.'

So Simon did look at Nick, but not very obviously. 'I can imagine, they feel the same.'

By now, they have almost reached the drawing-room, but Simon apparently wants to accompany her all the way.

'I know where to go Simon, I don't need a guard or anything.'

'I know, Miss de Bourgh, but I need to talk to Mr Darcy for a few moments. I didn't get the chance to tell him about Mrs Grenfell, yet, and what she said to your maid certainly justifies a little warning towards him. Or rather, the mistress, I think I'll tell Mrs Darcy.'

'What did she say to Dora, Simon?'

'In short, she offered her a magnificent salary to move to her employ, until she found out Dora wasn't actually Mrs Darcy's maid. Then she was still interested, but first she wanted to see Mrs Darcy's maid.'

'But didn't her husband...'

'He did, which is why the master and mistress need to know. If she starts bothering Fanny things will most likely get out of hand, and sadly Fanny might suffer for them. She has quite a temper, she may say some terrible things to Mrs Grenfell. I'd rather it didn't come to that. I may send Violet a note of warning as well. She probably still likes me, I took leave from her quite beautifully. Violet is Mrs Grenfell's current maid. I flirted with her at Netherfield to head off rumours about my inclinations, create some gossip to make me seem rather too free with my favours.'

'Like Nick, you mean?'

Simon laughs, 'Like Nick, only I never flirted with any of the ladies, just the maids. They gossip more, you see, I didn't really want to do anything with them, I just wanted them to talk as if I did. But don't worry, Nick's a reformed man.'

Well, if he isn't, Anne is not going to beg him for his love. Still, Nick has been a lot less forceful lately, he may be further gone in love than Anne herself is.

'I'm not worried about Nick. Worried for him, maybe, who knows where he will find himself once the Blackwood twins get married.'

'You can hire him yourself, you know. You have money, and it's not unheard of for a single lady to keep a manservant as well as a maid. To protect you, you see. But I guess Frederick has already thought of everything, I suppose he has a plan ready to keep Nick close to you.'

They enter the drawing-room together, where Anne is received heartily, her uncle and cousin Fitzwilliam a bit worried.

'I'm perfectly fine,' she assures them, 'I often take a nap in the afternoon, I prefer to rise early and of course with the concerts at night we're generally back home late.'

Mrs Grenfell is back with her brother and looks at Simon with more than a little alarm, as he follows Anne straight to Darcy and Elizabeth, who are at the table, ready to play a card game Anne really did especially like when they were all kids. They exchange a few words, and Elizabeth leads Simon out of the drawing-room, undoubtedly to hear Dora, then warn Fanny and give instructions to the rest of the staff. Of course Fanny may work for whom she wants, Elizabeth will not try to stop her from finding another employer, but there is no way in which she would ever want to work and live in the same house with a man who tried to rape her.

Elizabeth almost cannot believe Simon when he tells her he found Mrs Grenfell in the servants' quarters, trying to find Mrs Darcy's maid to convince her to change employ. As they move through the hall she observes, 'I'm glad you take this as seriously as we do, Simon. I can imagine you must have felt at least a little uncomfortable refusing a visiting lady what she asked for. Did she give you a hard time?'

'Only a little, ma'am,' Simon replies, 'I hid behind Cook's professed superior rank in the household. But she confused poor Dora terribly, and I'm quite certain she will not give up until she has managed to talk to Fanny. Do you mind if I send a little warning to Mrs Grenfell's maid? I kind of feel sorry for her, being discarded like that.'

'As long as you don't actually put it in writing, Simon. Better invite her to have coffee in some establishment and tell her in person, imagine the scandal if a note from you to her were to be intercepted. And better not tell her about Mr Grenfell's misdeeds either, she is rather loose-tongued, isn't she?'

'She is. You are right, but that sounds like a lot of hassle. Maybe I should forget about warning her, then. Too much potential for mischief, I don't like her that much.'

'Besides there not being much she can do about it. If Mrs Grenfell wants to let her go, she will, and her maid can only hope to get good references. Your friend, the one who will be redundant soon at the Blackwood's, seems to be very fortunate in his employer. I'm glad he is, I kind of like him, and it's all too easy for someone like that to just be left standing.'

By now, they have reached the common-room, and Fanny is just taking a break with some coffee. Dora is done with her sewing and is holding a large bowl, whisking something with great energy. She is such a good girl, always prepared to help out in the kitchen, like Fanny. She even seems as discrete as Fanny, though that still has to be proven beyond doubt.

Simon starts, of course with Mrs Annesley out he rules the roost.

'Did you hear what just happened, Fanny?'

It's almost as if Fanny is a different person here! She curtseys to Elizabeth and replies submissively, 'No, Simon, I know something did happen and it involved me, somehow. But no-one explained, Cook said better let you handle it.'

'It's not that bad, Fanny, don't worry. It's just that Mrs Grenfell, Miss Bingley that was, is trying to get to speak to Mrs Darcy's maid. She doesn't know you were the one her husband assaulted, and she wants to hire you so she can become the next first lady of London fashion. We are afraid she is not going to give up, and we want you to think of what you will say when she manages to catch you.'

Fanny has listened to Simon with growing anger, and is no longer humble when she retorts, 'Well, I'm certainly not going to work for her!'

Then she is silent, trying to regain her calm, and Simon says very gently, 'Of course you aren't, Fanny, but you cannot just confront her with the truth, they kept it from her because she talks. In two days, everybody in London would know it was you. You don't want that, Fanny. You want an excuse, and someone to be with you all the time to keep her from pressuring you or threatening you when you refuse. When you refuse calmly and with a good reason that has nothing to do with the truth.'

'It may even be best if you face her now, Fanny, with the master present. It may save you some anxiety, or the risk that you'll be rude to her.'

Elizabeth cannot imagine that her maid would want that, but she has to offer the possibility.

'Yes, please, ma'am. I'd like to do that. But the master might get angry at her, can't we have someone present who is very calm? Maybe Mr Manners? If he doesn't mind?'

'I'll see what I can do, Fanny. What will you say?'

'Well, I like it here. And let's see... I'm convinced Mr and Mrs Fielding will go to Vienna and I hope they'll take me along. Mrs Grenfell doesn't know about Bob, no need to elaborate, is there? I don't want to leave this family. Will you summon me to the master's study? Most people feel a bit impressed by it, and I've helped clean it really well just yesterday, I'll feel proud to look at my work.'

'Fanny, you're the best. I'll arrange it with the master and Mr Manners, Simon, you tell Bob and make sure he is ready to support Fanny in case she gets upset anyway. Another week, Fanny, and you'll be married. I'll make sure to tell the master to give both of you some time off together as a honeymoon once we're at Pemberley.'

And while the most of the party is playing a lively game with all kinds of little presents, Darcy bluntly confronts Mrs Grenfell with her burning desire.

'Mrs Grenfell, it has come to my attention that you have a certain question you want to ask Mrs Darcy's personal maid. My housekeeper Simon, Fanny herself and Mrs Darcy all feel it will prevent unfortunate misunderstandings if you get the opportunity to do so right away, before rumours get a chance to rear up their heads. Fanny has requested that Mr Manners be present as a kind of witness. Will you join me in my study?'

Of course Mrs Grenfell looks caught, and stunned. This must be the last thing she expected, but it should serve her purpose. Darcy merely looks at Manners, who comes straight towards them.

'May I take maybe twenty minutes of your time, Manners? Mrs Grenfell has an urgent question for Miss Baker, and the latter has requested you be present.'

'Miss Baker? Oh, you mean Fanny! Of course! One moment, please, while I excuse myself to Miss de Bourgh and her cousins.'

When he has returned they move to the study and once there, Darcy rings the bell. Then he invites Mrs Grenfell to sit in one of the chairs on the other side of his desk, and Manners pulls another chair towards it. He does however not sit down in it, but rather stands behind Darcy, as if placing himself outside the conversation. When Fanny enters she doesn't even look very uncomfortable but merely curtsies and at Darcy's signal sits down next to Mrs Grenfell, waiting patiently for someone to speak.

'This is Fanny Baker, Elizabeth's personal maid, Mrs Grenfell,' Darcy introduces her.

'You are indeed very pretty, Fanny,' Mrs Grenfell observes. 'Sometimes people exaggerate, but in your case that is not true. I am looking for a personal maid to make a reputation in town, Fanny. Your mistress has made quite an impression, which is exactly what I would like to do when I join society next winter. I was hoping you'd consider changing households.'

Fanny manages to look flattered and replies respectfully, 'Thank you ma'am, for implicating that Mrs Darcy's success in society is somehow due to my work. And thank you for the kind offer. I am however perfectly content to be Mrs Darcy's maid, Mrs Grenfell, I have no wish to change employers.'

'I can offer you a substantial raise, Fanny.'

Fanny is obviously not impressed, which makes Mrs Grenfell suspicious and rightfully so, since a girl like Fanny can certainly use every penny she makes.

'Don't you want to make more? Or have you heard things? About me, or about my Cuthbert? I assure you, we run a very informal and pleasant household. Little formality and a lot of freedom, and no household chores for personal staff. Your hands will be sacred to my care.'

Again, that should tempt Fanny, apparently she was helping out in the scullery when Mrs Grenfell tried to see her in the servants' quarters.

'I like this household, Mrs Grenfell. And I don't mind helping out in the kitchen or the scullery, my mother taught me hard work and I like making a difference.'

'Is there someone in the household that you are particularly fond of? Maybe that handsome rogue who stole my Violet's heart, eh? You want to stay close to him?'

That is downright mean, to accuse Fanny of being in love with a colleague, most households do not tolerate such goings-on. Fanny does colour but she is not afraid, she trusts Darcy implicitly, and Manners' presence must give her heart, she knows he still holds sway over Grenfell and his college mates.

'I resent your implications, Mrs Grenfell. I am above every suspicion in my behaviour, as my master knows perfectly. You are not tempting me to come and work for you with your manipulations.'

Temper, temper, Fanny does have one, and it's on the verge of breaking loose. She makes one valiant effort to control herself and excuses herself beautifully.

'I'm sorry, Mrs Grenfell, I was out of order. Please excuse me for losing my calm. Nevertheless I have to refuse your kind offer, I am perfectly satisfied with my current position and nothing can tempt me to leave Mr Darcy's employ.'

Well, Caroline hasn't changed a bit, if anything she has gotten more touchy. She allows her own temper to flare up and threatens Fanny right in front of her employer.

'Unfortunately a servant doesn't always have a say in these things, dear Fanny. If Mr Darcy were to find fault with your attitude towards his guests you might find yourself without a job. And Mr Darcy is known to set a rigid standard for his staff's behaviour.'

As Fanny feared, according to Elizabeth, Darcy finds himself on the verge of losing his own temper. How dare Caroline threaten his staff with some supposed rule of conduct? She doesn't have a clue what is going on in her own household. And even worse, Fanny is showing signs of an imminent explosion, another second and she will be accusing Mrs Grenfell's husband of assault and debauchery.

'I think you will do well to respect little Fanny's wish to stay with the family of her choice, Caroline.'

Darcy had forgotten how forceful Manners can be when provoked.

'It is not exactly good conduct to threaten a perfectly innocent little maid with her master's displeasure when sitting right opposite him. This conversation has just reached a natural conclusion. You, Caroline Grenfell, will graciously accept Fanny's refusal to change situations. She wants to stay with Mrs Darcy, and I don't blame her for they are a golden match. You will not try again, and you will not talk about this conversation to anyone, or I will make your social life dryer and colder than the Mongolian heights. And you will stay away from Dora, too. To prevent misunderstandings, she is Miss de Bourgh's maid, and she does not want to become your personal maid either. You know people say I am intimate with the King? I am not. But I am with everyone else who is someone in London. So beware to displease me. Take heed of the better newspapers this week and you may learn how to become an icon of fashion. Now off with you, back to the drawing-room.'

Darcy almost gets up himself, and Fanny does, but not unwillingly so. To prove to Manners he doesn't object to his intervention, Darcy signals Fanny to sit right back down, and leans back himself. Mrs Grenfell flees.

Poor Fanny now stutters, 'I'm sorry, sir, I lost my temper anyway. I had it all worked out, but I still let myself be provoked. I guess I'm a pretty bad maid, to not be able to take some insults.'

While Manners, always familiar, walks over and sits down on the now-empty chair, taking her hand, Darcy says soothingly, 'Caroline Grenfell can provoke an octogenarian into a mouth-frothing rage, dear Fanny. I wanted to kick her, too, once again it was only Manners who kept his cool. You are a perfect match with Elizabeth, she has a temper as well. Get even by having your mistress noticed at the wedding amidst all the splendour of Miss Darcy's dress and Mr Fielding's handsome, happy face. I've heard Miss de Bourgh will be bridesmaid. If you can get Mrs Darcy in the papers despite their competition, you'll have won. Though of course Miss Darcy will also be in your hands, and she will certainly make the society pages.'

Fanny is all smiles again, she loves a challenge.

'I will certainly try, Mr Darcy. Thank you for your kindness, and Mr Manners, thank you for your timely interference. You did frighten me for a moment, you're usually so kind. Can you really do that, get someone excluded from society?'

'Oh yes, my dear Fanny, I can. But Mrs Grenfell will most likely not need my help to be shunned by the beau monde. She lacks gracious manners and she is getting a bit heavy on top. She needs to adapt her style or she will be hopelessly behind before she has started.'

Such a cruel verdict, but Darcy knows plenty of money and a handsome partner are not enough to be really fashionable. One needs to have a certain something in one's air, as Miss Bingley once said, but mostly, Darcy has discovered the last few months, one needs to be nice to people, an art Manners seems to have perfected. And Fielding is a natural, which Darcy is certain Manners is not. A really nice man would not be able to shut up Caroline so quickly and totally.

'Now run along, Fanny, and tell Dora she need not be afraid of a similar scene. Mr Manners has prevented that quite beautifully. See you tonight, with Simon.'