Chapter 124

Before long they reach the church, an impressive gothic building with high stained-glass windows, such good fortune it is within a reasonable distance from their house. As she expected, there are quite a few curious reporters present, of several different London newspapers as far as she can tell, excellent, since they are planning to tell all of them about the French dresses from Cheapside. But besides the well-know personages they have all come to recognise as reporters there is also a crowd of less-than-elegantly-dressed spectators she did not count on showing up. Eric's fans! And there are so many of them, there must be a hundred at least, keeping a respectable distance from the cocky reporters.

'Right, Georgiana, Eric, if you'll just let me handle this, Anne and I will have the two of you inside that church in no time. I suppose Darcy and Elizabeth are already here, you won't catch Darcy using his slow team to what we already knew would turn out a public occasion.'

Well, he might have known, but Georgiana certainly didn't expect normal people to show up. Fortunately, Anne does not object at all to being used as a battering ram to get her cousin and her fiancée through the crowd, which has surged towards the road with the arrival of a new carriage. In fact, Anne seems to look forward to being in league with her own fiancée for the first time after their engagement, officially one might say.

The carriage halts and the throng of people gathers around to see who is arriving. Fitzwilliam is not in sight, he'd top this crowd by at least half a head, they must have indeed gone inside straight away.

'Are you ready for action, Anne? And you, happy couple?'

They all nod, and Manners signals his man to open the door, Georgiana almost afraid the crowd will surge into the carriage. But she has forgotten about Frederick's authority, the admiring crowd makes way for the new arrivals, or maybe they already know the bride and groom have arrived. The funny thing is, among the rather shabby admirers are also some shipshape characters, and Georgiana thinks she recognises Mme Beaution, the fashion specialist of their own paper. She must feel quite out of place, vying for a spot among commoners when she is usually almost a guest of honour, but that just cannot be helped at a private wedding.

Frederick exits the carriage and hands out Anne, then leads her past the rows of people arm in arm. He loves this parading, but to Georgiana and Eric it is more like running the gauntlet. Still, it has to be done, and Eric is the perfect gentleman and offers Georgiana his own hand. They follow Frederick on his heels, striding instead of merely walking, very much aware how their appearance is scrutinized by everyone present. For the first time ever, Georgiana longs for Pemberley, she used to find it boring but it will be such a blessing to be free of scrutiny for a few months, free to do whatever pleases them in total privacy.

'Mr Manners!'

Mme Beaution knows who handles their publicity and indeed, Frederick stops for a moment to address her. 'There will be a few moments for you to inquire after Mrs Fielding's dress, after the ceremony. Please be patient and make sure to come, I promise it will be worth the wait.'

She nods and he walks on, almost possessive towards Anne, who clearly loves the attention.

The fashionable lady has set an example, and now several people call out inquiries and best wishes, but Frederick does not stop again. Soon they reach the entrance of the church, where Hugo and Nick Fowler, of all people, are keeping watch. Georgiana is annoyed she didn't think of hiring a couple of guards herself, and hopes Hugo didn't have to leave the horses where they may come to harm. She expected a few reporters but not a throng of other people, how fortunate Miss Sophie never goes anywhere without her sturdy retainer. Anne greets him kindly but doesn't show any sign of attachment towards him, not even to someone looking for it. Hugo winks at Georgiana, and Frederick spends a few moments greeting the two men, exchanging a few words with Fowler. Georgiana makes sure to thank both of them, they are covering for her lack of planning after all.

'My pleasure, Miss Darcy,' Hugo offers, 'beats sitting with the horses hearing Bob bragging about his beautiful little lady. Fowler is excellent company.'

Fowler merely bows respectfully, he is such an excellent servant Georgiana can hardly imagine him daring to be with Anne, he is almost invisible and never stops watching the crowd. How can he relate to a genteel lady? Then he smiles at hearing Hugo's comment on newly-wed colleagues and Georgiana understands. This is merely his attitude when at work, it's as much a role he plays as Eric's stage persona, though she is certain he doesn't miss a thing that is happening in the crowd.

Seconds later they are inside, where Fitzwilliam is talking to a little group of elderly gentlemen and ladies Georgiana knows are her father's brothers and sisters and cousins, and even a few slightly younger ones, supposedly their children. Fortunately Fitzwilliam knows all of them by name and he manages to hide Georgiana's ignorance by introducing them to Eric first.

'Aunt Rosemary, this gentleman is Mr Eric Fielding, Fielding, please let me introduce me to my late father's eldest sister, Lady Baring. And this is her husband, Lord Baring, my Lord, Mr Fielding.'

Of course Eric is scrupulously polite and Georgiana merely follows him, she is a bit overwhelmed by the presence of so many relative strangers who have known her since she was a baby and all praise how she has grown and how beautiful she has become and what a very unique dress she is wearing. Of course they cannot possibly approve of the newfangled thing since they're all incredibly old and old-fashioned, even the younger generation who should be at most ten years Fitzwilliam's senior but certainly don't look like it.

Frederick and Anne are also a great help, these are not Anne's relatives, of course, but she already looks like Frederick's lady wife, she is so charming and open. Georgiana feels a tiny bit envious of her easy manners, until she remembers Anne's ten years of living death at Rosings and is merely glad that someone at least seems to enjoy meeting new people. The newly engaged couple greets and chats and shows interest and everyone is happy, offering Eric and Georgiana the chance to greet the other guests, Mr Goodfellow, looking splendid for once in a fashionable new coat and wearing pantaloons, Mr Bennet, cousin Fitzwilliam and his Miss Sophie and uncle Spencer.

'Thank you for lending us your retainer, Miss Sophie,' she offers her cousin's fiancée, feeling much more at ease with people she knows.

'My pleasure, Miss Darcy. Nick offered himself, you know, he always feels rather uncomfortable when the colonel is present since he can take excellent care of me, being a trained soldier. And with all your important connections he'd feel even worse. But papa insists I take Nick along, I suppose because papa thinks he may feel useless otherwise. Well, not for long, papa told us Mr Manners wants to hire Nick to guard Miss Anne from her mother. Oh, I'm sorry, I suppose that's some sort of secret. You look so beautiful, Miss Darcy, I wish papa would get our dresses from France.'

'Don't worry, Miss Sophie, you may yet marry in one of these dresses yourself. Just pay attention right after the ceremony, I'm going to show it to the reporters outside and tell them a big secret.'

Then others claim Georgiana's attention, leaving Miss Sophie very surprised.

Before everyone is seated, Fitzwilliam fetches them to prepare for the actual marriage. Since her brother will give her away, Eric has asked Frederick to be his best man, and with Anne as bridesmaid Georgiana doesn't feel as singled out as she had feared. Of course the dress is still incredibly ostentatious, and Georgiana feels she's looming over everyone, being taller than all the ladies and some of the men present, but she is the bride, she is supposed to stand out. Eric is still totally himself, which helps a lot. On the first row she can see Elizabeth, beaming with joy and pride, sitting with her father and Jane, who must be wearing one of Miss Filliger's creations as well, it's unmistakeable though in no way flashy. She is probably even more beautiful than Anne, though it is hard to choose since Anne is petite and Jane's figure resembles Georgiana's own. Kitty has also made it with her handsome husband.

Attending Eric's concerts has given Georgiana a certain habit of checking out an audience and it's hard to break. Mr Clementi is sitting with Mr Goodfellow and his friends, and uncle Spencer, surprisingly. Looking for the Zumpes she spies them at the very back, they do not feel comfortable amidst all these grand people, though they look perfectly groomed. Better remember to talk to them a little after the ceremony.

Then it's time and Fitzwilliam leads her to the altar, tall, handsomer than ever and very proud of his little sister. He should wear those black cravats as well, they'd look ravishing on him. Anne is enjoying herself hugely, incredible how she changed in those few months. And there, as splendid as ever in a black coat, though with long sleeves this time, is the love of her life, the calm, kind and incredibly gorgeous pianist, his nerves settled as always once he's on stage, his dark eyes gazing at her with intense love.

The minister starts to speak but Georgiana does not look up at him, she only has eyes for her beloved, and he has forgotten the rest of the world as well. Until he speaks his vow calmly and beautifully articulated, and Georgiana needs to pay attention again to not miss her cue to speak her own. She is not afraid to make a mistake, she has done much more difficult things these last weeks and will do something a lot more difficult in half an hour, but she will do it with confidence.

They exchange rings and then they kiss, oh how they kiss. It will have to last them a few hours, and then they'll be all by themselves. Slowly she starts to realise it is finally done, they are married, no-one can separate them from this moment on. Fitzwilliam embraces her with feeling and kisses her soundly, and Frederick does much the same. Elizabeth follows, and Anne, and then all her other relatives give them their congratulations and lots of presents. There aren't that many people attending and they can take their time talking, but Georgiana is worried, the Zumpes may feel out of place and just leave. As soon as she finds a moment she looks for Frederick and asks, 'Will you make sure the Zumpes don't leave in secret? They seemed to feel a little out of sorts.'

Frederick points to the right, where the elderly couple is talking enthusiastically with Mr Clementi and Mr Goodfellow, the young people standing by listening in.

'You've kept an eye on them!' she observes, and Frederick replies, 'Of course, my dear, I'm the best man, it's my duty to make sure all the guests are entertained. And anyway, I think Mr Zumpe has brought a little gift, he won't leave before he's enjoyed giving it to the two of you.'

As far as Georgiana knows, Frederick has not left their side, how can he know what Mr Zumpe has brought with him? But she has no time to ponder, Eric takes her hand and whispers in hear ear, 'Not long now, my love, and then you may excite me as much as you like.'

Did he really say that? Eric? He smiles at her but there is a fire in his kind eyes. She cannot help herself, she must kiss him and she does until, from the corner of her eye, she can see Mr Zumpe approaching.

'My heartfelt congratulations to the both of you, Mr and Mrs Fielding!'

Hearing herself addressed by Eric's name gives Georgiana a little thrill each time.

Mr Zumpes shakes hands with Eric heartily, then dares to kiss Georgiana. His wife and daughter are waiting at a little distance for their own turn to congratulate the happy couple.

'I have a little present for you, Mrs Zumpe and Miss Zumpe thought it was ridiculous to bring it with me but I insisted, even if it was rather unpractical. I hope you'll like it and make a lot of use of it, but somehow I don't doubt that.'

And he makes a grand gesture towards one of the large pillars of the church building, where a familiar dark shape has been pushed from behind the massive stone column. Georgiana would recognise it in the dark and she feels tears threatening, such an incredible gift!

Eric is speechless, he has recognised it as well, and it falls to Georgiana to swallow hugely and say, 'Mr Zumpe, the little black piano! You didn't sell it?'

He is very happy, his surprise is a stunning success!

'I never said I sold it, I said it wasn't for sale anymore because someone fell in love with it. Imagine the two of you taking it wherever you go, spreading romantic music on my handiwork! I'll double my sales, triple them even!'

Mr Zumpe's pretence of his priceless gift being a kind of smart business trick does not fool Eric at all, but it does help him conquer his stunned silence and say softly, 'Thank you very much, Mr Zumpe. It's really too much for a mere wedding gift, that piano is worth a small fortune.'

Now Georgiana can see Mr Zumpe is truly affected.

'You were like a son to me, Eric, loving and respectful, but though I have always loved you, I did not respect you as you deserved. Will you accept this gift from me in the hopes that it will help you achieve what I tried to take from you? The perfection of your talent, the fulfillment of your dreams? To love one's children is to set them free. You are truly grown up now, my son, and ready to spread your wings.'

Well, he did raise Eric from a boy, and Eric at least regards Mrs Zumpe as a kind of mother and Louise as his sister. And the piano will help, Georgiana is certain of it, if it travels as well as they hope. Eric embraces his former patron to thank him for his magnificent gift, but also for his profound insight. Mr Zumpe seems to finally understand what went wrong between the two of them, and whatever will happen next in Eric's and her life, Georgiana is certain it will be a relief to Eric to know that Mr Zumpe and his family think of him as one of their own, not some kind of indentured slave who got away. Now they'll only have to bring the lovely little piano back with them, it will be a good test to see whether it can handle repeated moves.

Of course she gives Mr Zumpe and his family her own heartfelt thanks, it would not be respectful to try it in a church but she is aching to. Their love for the piano brought Eric and herself together and she hasn't played a single note all day. As most guests have left the church to move to the next location, where they will have a nice lunch together and maybe dance a bit, things quiet down a lot, and now reality is starting to sink in a little: she is married to Eric, she is Mrs Fielding now, they are one forever, and no-one will ever be able to come between them! It's as if Eric has the exact same thought, for he takes her in his arms and kisses her once again, with passion. Mr Zumpe has left, with his family, they will probably meet again at the other venue.

'Now, my love,' Eric says, 'are you ready to face the crowd and show them your magnificent dress and tell them where you bought it? Elizabeth and Anne are still here to support you, Frederick is dying to tell them about his engagement, of course, and, that looks like Wilbur, trying to be inconspicuous. 'Wilbur, my man, I didn't see you before now!'

Mr Zumpe's main salesman comes into view altogether now and congratulates the happy couple, then says, 'Mr Zumpe wants me to take the piano to Mr Darcy's house for you. It doesn't look like much but it's pretty heavy for its size.'

'So good of him to think of that, I must admit I was wondering how to get it out of this church. But you can't lift it all by yourself, can you?'

'I cannot, but I've someone outside with a cart, he'll help me carry. I'll be on my way, then, I suppose the staff will let me in?'

'Certainly, and if the butler makes a fuss, ask for Simon or Mrs Annesley. Thank you, Wilbur.'

'I'm glad Mr Zumpe made up with you, Fielding, he has been back to his usual good humour since you visited with Mr Clementi, and not because the latter spent a small fortune on his top model. Good bye now, I'll leave you to celebrate your union with your perfect lady. You do both realise there is a real crowd outside, don't you? There is a back entrance you could take.'

'Thank you, Wilbur, but I'm afraid it's part of the job to face the crowd.'

Then to Georgiana, 'Are you ready, my love?'

And she is, looking forward to seeing their faces when she reveals where their fashion comes from. And looking forward to hearing Frederick announce his engagement with Anne.

When Nick sees the new Mrs Fielding approaching in her truly stunning sky-blue silk dress, in the company of Mr and Mrs Darcy and Anne and Mr Manners, he suddenly realises he is in the wrong place at the wrong time. For what else can they be going outside for in all their splendour, without coats, but to announce Anne's engagement?

As happy as he is to have a new job that will bring him close to Anne, and very well-paid he may add, he cannot really believe a man like Mr Manners will accept a lowborn servant to associate with his wife once the marriage is official. Though he cannot imagine Mr Manners going back on a promise either, or Anne accepting a life without physical loving. And his new master is associating with a lowborn servant himself, a man at that. Which makes him very susceptible to exposure and more likely to have spoken the entire truth.

A hand on his shoulder and a low voice pull him out of his rather unpleasant contemplations.

'Thank you for your vigilance, Fowler. I suppose there is a bit of a bad moment for you in store in half an hour, but first, prepare to enjoy a really good joke.'

It's Mr Darcy! He is a very intimidating figure to Nick, tall, powerful and incredibly well-dressed, and Nick has to force himself not to cringe under his undivided attention. And now he is smiling at Nick! He knows, and he doesn't seem angry but rather understanding.

'Since the ladies will be doing most of the talking, Fielding and I can offer you a little support.'

And indeed, Mr Fielding is standing on Nick's other side, smiling kindly. He is very happy to be married, and he also seems to know. One of the ladies, Mr Darcy's sister, the brand-new Mrs Fielding, now raises her voice to address the crowd that is gathered in front of the church, waiting expectantly. She is flanked by the other ladies and they look magnificent, even from behind. They are doing this on purpose, even Mr Manners is holding back, standing behind Anne, a bit too possessively to Nick's taste but what can he do? Is that why he is flanked by two gentlemen, to keep him from making a spectacle? Is he under guard? Looking up at the fearsome Mr Darcy there is no sign of tension in him, on the contrary, he is looking forward to what his sister is going to say as if it is going to be a huge joke, and when he discerns Nick looking at him he says soothingly, 'This is my Elizabeth's payback to the beau monde for forcing her to act the icon of fashion for months, Fowler, I'm sure you'll appreciate the irony. Better get used to the company you will be keeping the coming months at Pemberley, and mind you, they won't spare you.'

He loves it, and he wants Nick to be part of it. Mr Fielding merely watches his wife with adulation, of course she always had the reputation of being aloof to the point of arrogance and he won her heart, he may congratulate himself. Though Sophie and Angelina said Miss Darcy, now Mrs Fielding, was perfectly genteel, and she was incredibly nice to Nick that time he served the coffee.

The crowd has settled by now and is attentive. The reporters, easily recognised by a kind of superior attitude to prove they are not adulating fans, are burning with questions, that is more than evident. Nick wonders how he will get back to Sophie and the colonel, they left him here because he could not be missed, and Nick didn't object because he likes to be useful and Mr Manners is after all his new employer.

'Thank you for your interest in our wedding, and for being patient.'

Mrs Fielding doesn't sound as if she has rehearsed this, and she is a tiny bit nervous.

'My husband and I are very happy to share the best day of our lives with you. But that is not the main reason why we are standing here in the cold without coats, of course. We know you have been wondering what my wedding dress would look like, and what Mrs Darcy and Miss de Bourgh would be wearing. This is your moment to look your fill and ask your questions, and we will do our best not to shiver as we answer them.'

Of course the smartly dressed lady who dared speak first when they entered the church is the first to speak up now.

'Mrs Fielding, I am Mme Beaution, fashion reporter for the London Times. Please may I first compliment you on your choice of dress? It is magnificent, the colour, the fabric, the daring! And then, may I ask how you manage to get your dresses so incredibly well-fitted when you have them made in France? My dressmaker always has to adapt little things, and a model like the one you and Miss de Bourgh are wearing relies on a perfect fit. Do you have it re-fitted to your figures?'

Mrs Fielding is smiling in triumph, she hoped for this question. Nick is convinced the big practical joke will now be played, just look at Mr Darcy, he looks like a boy who has put a toad in his tutor's bed.

'Thank you, Mme Beaution, for your kind compliments. I was nervous wearing a dress like this when I knew the people expected me to wear the usual affair, covered in the family diamonds. Now to your question: we indeed have our dresses fitted in London. Remember, neither Mrs Darcy, Miss de Bourgh nor I have ever confirmed that our dresses came from France, and they don't. People call my husband a genius because he makes unique compositions in a music style that is totally new, out here, but also on the continent. The same goes for our style of dress, it is unique and was created right here in London, in the brilliant mind of Miss Filliger, who has a boutique in the large shopping area in Cheapside. We bought the dresses we wore to the New Year's Eve Ball ready-made.'

Seeing the reporter's expression Nick can appreciate the joke, and to stand between Mr Darcy and the acclaimed Mr Fielding is very pleasant when they are almost suffocating trying to check their laughs. Imagine those French dresses coming from Cheapside! Nick has heard Sophie and Angelina, and Felicity and the other girls' maids, speculating what it must cost to wear dresses and accessories imported from France. In green-eyed jealousy of course, for neither of their fathers could afford it. Poor Miss Filliger will be overrun tomorrow, which is of course exactly what these ladies intended by keeping this a secret for months. Since she apparently deals in ready-mades, she must have taken the time to build up stock to sell to the adoring masses, maybe even hire extra staff to adapt the fitting on the spot. Chaperoning genteel girls is not something a fellow does without picking up some knowledge of clothes and dressing, Nick decides he may do his girls a last favour by beating the crowd with Angelina and Sophie. If they stand on Miss Filligers doorstep before the papers are distributed tomorrow, they will have first choice of the stock.

While other reporters and some fans ask questions on hats, tucks and sashes, which the ladies answer in turn, Darcy quietly asks, 'Wasn't that fun? Tomorrow we'll see in the paper whether the good lady reporter has a sense of humour. Now I don't need to warn you that someone will soon get the luminous idea to ask the other burning question. Can you handle a bit of acting, or would you prefer to be out of sight and hearing while my cousin answers it? I'm sure you'll be welcome to sit with the drivers for half an hour until we leave for the other venue.'

Who would have thought Mr Darcy could be so nice? To a servant he knows to be involved with his cousin? But Nick will have to get used to this or let go of Anne, there never was any chance of having her to himself.

'Thank you, sir, but I'm afraid I'll have to see it through. Did they really buy those dresses in Cheapside? My mistresses will be elated!'

Let him know Nick is a professional who can control his feelings under every circumstance.

'You know about dresses? Of course, you're their chaperone, they probably tell you all their hopes and dreams and vexations. You must be the most patient man alive. All right, we'll be right beside you.'

And sure enough, a man so carefully dressed he looks like a dandy dares to address Anne directly.

'Miss de Bourgh, a certain paper has already congratulated Mr Manners on winning your hand, can you tell us whether they had the rights of it?'

Nick has avoided looking at her until now, there is nothing to gain for him if he shows his admiration openly, on the contrary, if Mr Darcy and who knows who else have been informed. But when he hears Anne's voice he just cannot help himself, he has to look at her as she says gently, 'While whoever wrote that was wrong, since I had not yet accepted Mr Manners' proposals at that time, congratulations are in order now. But not just for him, I'm very glad to be the one to finally have caught the bachelor of bachelors.'

She looks over her shoulder at Mr Manners, and though her look shows true love, it's not the way she looks at Nick. Anne has a lot of love to give, and while the reporters will relish another match made in heaven, Nick can easily see she is saving most of it for him. They have been together last night and he knows she loves him. She warned him they would announce their engagement today, but Nick hadn't counted on being here to witness it, he expected to have to accompany Angelina, not Sophie. But when he returned from his night out with Simon Mr Blackwood said, 'Better attend the wedding with Miss Sophie, Nick, they're your new connections.' He meant well, of course he couldn't know Nick wouldn't want to watch Anne and Mr Manners announcing their engagement.

'And I'm very happy to have caught the most beautiful woman in England,' Mr Manners states in his usual calm, deep voice, after which the new couple takes each other's hand, more a sign of deep affection than burning love. Nick does not feel devastated, how could he? Mr Manners is no competition, he is doing everything in his power to enable Anne and Nick to be together.

The crowd applauds, they have what they came for and a good bit more, knowing they have been imagining things about Mrs Darcy, hopefully glad to know they can buy such dresses themselves right here in their own city.

'We hope to see all you at the concert tomorrow night, one of your last chances to hear Mr Fielding play this season. Good day!'

That is a dismissal, no-one can tell people what to do as diplomatically as Mr Manners. Most people leave, only Mme Beaution lingers, trying to approach Mrs Darcy. Nick points out the situation to her husband, who is still right beside him.

'Thank you for the warning, Fowler, one can see it's your profession. Though I suppose Elizabeth can handle a single middle-aged lady reporter, I think I'll just eavesdrop.'

And he does, as Mrs Darcy allows the French lady to approach and ask, 'But the jewellery, Mrs Darcy, those magnificent necklaces you always wear. They didn't come from Cheapside, did they?'

Poor woman, she had not seen this coming at all.

'Those emeralds you are wearing now, I have not seen their likes before and I know every jeweller in London. I love your ensemble, by the way, you're not outshining the bride and yet to me you are. I don't have the figure to wear what Mrs Fielding and Miss de Bourgh are wearing, and though you have, I think your style is suitable for many different figures. And the bright accents, I have such difficulty to believe some backstreet seamstress has thought of that.'

Mrs Darcy is really very young, and indeed has as perfect a figure as Anne or Mrs Fielding, though the latter is a lot taller, and she seems inclined to take the lady reporter very seriously.

'This necklace was indeed not made in London, Mme Beaution, my maid discovered it in Newcastle a few weeks ago. Though I hardly dare disappoint you again I will tell you the truth anyway: the emeralds are not real stones, they're glass beads, Newcastle is known for its exquisite glassworks. I think they deserve to become better known, anyone can look beautiful with these.

Most of my other pieces of jewellery are antiques, they may of course have been originally made in France, I wouldn't know. My staff found them on a treasure hunt in Mr Darcy's town house. It seems most respectable old English families have rooms filled with clutter from their sea-faring ancestors, madame, sometimes it pays off to search them. It's great fun anyway. And thank you so much for your compliments on my style, I do try to dress to look like a sensible adult. Why don't you visit Miss Filliger and get to know her, she is indeed a genius who can dress any shape or figure to its advantage, and she deserves to be much better known than she is now. I suppose being mentioned by most of the reporters who were here just now will get her plenty of attention, but wouldn't it be a great idea for you to go and talk to her, then have a unique story just for your own readers?'

Mr Darcy obviously adores his wife, he watches her almost with adulation, and the self-important reporter is falling under her spell rapidly. She does not show anger or disappointment as Mrs Darcy tells her how nothing she wears has come from the traditional sources of fashion that the madame knows perfectly. Instead, Mme Beaution will have to explore new territory, one that is frighteningly affordable even for the less fortunate. Mr Darcy was right, though most of this meeting involved fashion, something most people are inclined to consider rather unimportant, it will nonetheless cause quite an upheaval among girls like Miss Sophie and Miss Angelina and her friends, as well as the real upper class.

But that won't help Nick find his way back to Sophie and the colonel, does he dare beg a ride from Mr Manners?

'Fowler!'

It's Mr Manners himself, without Anne, Nick cannot find her, the whole party seems to have left quickly while he was watching Mrs Darcy with the lady reporter. The burly gentleman lays a hand on Nick's shoulder familiarly, guiding him away from the entrance, what is going on? His voice is low and soothing as he observes, 'I'm sorry you had to see that, Nick, I didn't know you would be here. I hope you're not angry at me, we did have to make it seem a little real, you see. Will you ride with us? It seems Colonel Compton has already left.'

'He did tell me before he left, sir. But still I wondered how I'd get back to Miss Sophie, thank you for offering me a ride. It wasn't as bad as I imagined it, and Mr Darcy was very kind. I thought he was making sure I wouldn't cause a scene, but I suppose he was merely concerned.'

'Darcy talked to you? Do you mean to say he knows you are seeing Anne?'

'Almost certainly, sir, didn't you tell him?'

'Will you please call me Frederick or at the very least Manners, Nick? Anne considers Simon her fiancée, too, so I guess in a way you're mine. And I wouldn't have dared tell Darcy, I'm not that brave.'

'I'm sorry, it's very hard for me to be familiar. I suppose I will have to try harder.'

'You didn't have any trouble in the carriage this morning, what changed?'

'Watching Anne from a distance, being at work all day, I don't know. The colonel treats me like one of his men, he is very nice to me. Maybe it's seeing all those gentlemen in their finery, it makes me feel lacking.'

'Lacking what, Nick? Beauty? I lack beauty and yet I'm unmistakeably a gentleman. And it's not rich clothes that make a gentleman either, though it may seem that way. Maybe being a gentleman doesn't make one a better person anyway, it's you Anne loves, not me or Lieutenant Talbot.'

'And yet I can never marry her.'

'But that is not your fault, that is because she was raised to expect a life without hardship. It's not her fault either, you're from two different worlds and I don't blame her for choosing to live in the easier and more entertaining one. But don't worry, we'll help you to fit in. I wish you could see Simon in the right clothes, you'd instantly understand. Never mind, we're here, I suppose you know my carriage by now. No, you're not going to sit on the box with Bates, you're going to sit with Anne. She felt very bad for you just now. Come, I'm your new employer, I want you to get to know your new charge.'

Nick does not have the heart left to resist him, even though he dreads sitting in a carriage with the happy new couple. Does he even have the right to refuse Mr Manners' commands? This is all rather confusing.

But when they reach the carriage things don't go at all as he would have expected. Mr Manners opens the door for him and lets him go first, and as soon as Nick is inside he is pulled in by Anne to sit next to him. She kisses him with passion, then exclaims, 'I'm so sorry, Nick! I never wanted you to have to witness that, but I really didn't expect Mr Blackwood to send you with Sophie where they would be in company all the time!'

Even more confused, Nick looks around the carriage, Mr and Mrs Fielding are sitting opposite him, mostly very busy gazing into each others eyes with infatuation but in no way scandalised or insulted, and Mr Manners has dropped down on the seat right beside Nick.

'Oh, you're all upset, my love, we'll find a way to make it work, I'm sure of it.'

It's like Mr Blackwood suggesting Nick had been damaged by the blows to his head, this is too much, he is not a weakling, he can handle a little adversity! He's just confused by this constantly fluctuating line between formality and familiarity. Despite his slight irritation, he makes sure to sound calm and kind, Anne means well, she loves him, worries over him.

'I'm not upset, Miss de Bourgh, just confused. I thought we had agreed to keep certain things a secret and yet I have been addressed by Mr Darcy himself in a rather familiar way not half an hour ago. And Mr Manners keeps pushing me to be familiar when we have signed a contract for my employ only yesterday. I can't address my employer by his first name, or ignore his commands. I've been a servant all my adult life, I cannot adapt that quickly, changing from respect to familiarity in an instant. When I see a fitted coat I show respect, it's what I was taught to do.'

He is upset, he realises it now, just not over what they think he should be upset over. Anne still holds him tightly.

'Never mind, Nick, we all understand. Just sit with me for a few more moments then, and Frederick will have to forgive you for showing him respect. I'm sure you've had a busy day, keeping that crowd away from the church.'

'And listening to Hugo's bragging over his conquests, no doubt. You have the reputation of being a ladies' man, Mr Fowler, he undoubtedly thought he'd met either a co-conspirator or a rival.'

Miss Darcy, no, Mrs Fielding, is totally right. The man who was posted at the entrance of the church with him, Mr Darcy's stablemaster apparently, did brag about his conquests during his stay in town. Nick cannot help smiling at her astute remark.

'I guess the former, Mrs Fielding, Simon once mentioned to me how Mr Hugo wanted to join our supposed expedition and he'd had to come up with some pretty far-fetched excuses to keep him from finding out we were not going anywhere. Fortunately Mr Hugo was more interested in talking than in listening, for had he asked where we had gone, or had wanted to know any detail of whatever excuse Simon had made up, he would have found us out instantly. Won't we get enmeshed deeper and deeper in a net of lies, Mr Manners? Is it really possible to keep secrets from one's colleagues?'

'I suppose this is the real reason you're upset, Nick, but it's not that bad. People don't know you, yet, and they are looking for the place where you fit into their lives. They will keep an eye on you and contemplate your actions until they think they have you figured out. Once they have, and for some it takes longer than for others, they'll ignore any action of yours that doesn't fit into their image of you. Until they do, you will have to be a little careful with what you say and do. I've been keeping secrets from my best friends from the moment I met them, they would not have accepted the real Frederick Manners. And when I met people who could accept me for who I was I kept secrets from them because I didn't dare trust anyone anymore. You'll learn which people are in which group, and you'll gain the confidence to trust those you can. Then the familiarity will come naturally. The contract we signed and the salary I pay you are a cover, Nick, I do not want you to obey me, not even in public. If you disagree with any of my orders just tell me, I'm sure you'll have a very good reason which I want to hear. And in matters of safety and security I will obey you, without hesitation, you are a trained observer and I am sure you see danger long before we do.'

Nick suspects that is not true, Mr Manners is very observant, but its nice of him to say so.

'And Nick, if you can train yourself to not fit people into a certain image but can manage to keep seeing their actions for what they are each and every time, you'll have earned your place in our little group, whatever your parents did for a living.'

He sort of understands that, but safety? How dangerous can playing the society game be?

By now they have arrived at the other venue, not something Nick is looking forward to at the moment, though he realises he has chosen to do this as his future job, accompany Mr Manners and Anne wherever they go, make friends behind the scene, hear things. So he sits up and straightens his livery, reluctant to leave Anne's arms but that cannot be helped. Hopefully there will not be a crowd in front of this venue, though it probably has its own security. When the carriage halts he is the first to get out, to hold the door for the bride and groom and the newly engaged couple.

Eric has followed the conversation in the carriage with more than a little disquiet. He is newly married and perfectly happy, and ready to be merry and dance with friends and relatives, but at the same time he realises how privileged his life has become. He could so easily have ended up in a similar situation as Nick Fowler, a life-long servant at the beck and call of others. Except he would not have consented to sleeping with someone else's wife, under no circumstance. But he was raised a gentleman, with a gentleman's principles, what if he hadn't been gifted with a musical talent? Though Fowler treats him with the same respect as he does the other gentlemen, Eric feels a kinship with him, as he has always done with Simon. Being privileged is not his birthright and it still feels as if he has to earn it, over and over again.

'You're not regretting getting married, are you, my love?' Georgiana asks with a sweet smile.

'I am not. I was just lost in thought, it could have been me, you know, working for a family day in, day out. I wasn't born into affluence and respectability. And I wish to be alone with you, I know these relations have a right to entertainment but I have been in company too often these last months, I want to be among ourselves, where we don't have to play a part and where the people we like can be with us instead of being banished to some other part of the house.'

'I'm afraid Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth will never allow Simon and Nick in the drawing-room, but you know we can invite them into our own apartment and to the boudoir. That reminds me, Simon used to sit with us sometimes when there was no company. Before my brother fell in love, though Elizabeth didn't banish Simon, he did that himself. But Mr Zumpe's servants didn't sit with the family, did they?'

'No, they didn't, but they had their own lives. Your servants seem to give up a life of their own to be not quite part of your families. I'd gotten used to it, but seeing Nick Fowler just now brought it all back. I suppose personal maids and housekeepers live much the same way in the rich middle-class families, I'm just a little sensitive because it could have been me.'

'Not with your talent and drive, Eric. But let's talk about this tomorrow, with Simon and Frederick, and give our friends and relatives one more hour. And then we'll retreat and do all kinds of naughty things. I can't wait to feel your bare skin again, and straddle you but without a stitch on either of us.'

That is just too much! The very thought of sitting at the piano with his beloved straddling him turns him on instantly, he can barely keep from kissing her, she is still so young, but there will be no shyness from her, tonight.

The hour turns into two but they are enjoyable hours, with a lot of great food and plenty of dancing. Of course Eric gets to lead the first dance with his beloved, a veritable orchestra playing the accompaniments. Georgiana chose it on recommendation of Mr Goodfellow, and it is indeed a fine company of musicians. Eric dances the first two with his wife, and then releases her more easily than he did at the New Years Eve Ball, to Darcy, of course, and their cousin and uncle, and Mr Bennet, and Mr Gardiner, to Bingley, Mr Zumpe, Lascelles, Mr Goodfellow of all people and Manners. And he truly enjoys dancing with Elizabeth, still very much his idol with her liveliness tempered by solid reason, the gorgeous Mrs Bingley and the just as gorgeous Anne, Louise, Kitty, Miss Sophie Blackwood, who nearly faints dancing with her former idol despite her engagement, Mrs Gardiner and Mrs Zumpe, and several relatives of Georgiana he has only been introduced to this morning. But eventually they end up together once more, just before they get to take Mrs Darcy's little carriage back home, all by themselves. Hugo, the Pemberley stablemaster, holds the door of the carriage and bows politely, not saying a thing, which is a miracle since apparently he couldn't stop talking to poor Fowler all day. In a flash they are back at the house, Johnson opening up with polite congratulations, Simon and Mrs Annesley waiting in the hall with their best wishes.

'I didn't know where you wanted your little piano so I had them put it in an empty room in the back of the house to warm up. I thought you'd want a bit of privacy first. There is a bottle of wine in your room. Good night, Mr and Mrs Fielding.'

Simon bows outrageously, and Eric feels a little thrill to hear Simon call Georgiana 'Mrs Fielding'. They are really married, and free to do whatever they like together. Though it is still very early they retreat to their own bedroom, where the fire is built up to give an almost scandalous warmth to the room. Suddenly a bit shy, they do not send their clothes flying, but merely sit on the bed together and kiss.