Chapter 126

It's always difficult to part with Elizabeth but it won't be for long, just two days and one night. He will survive, though it will be harder now Georgie is married. Married, at seventeen. And tonight they will go out in public for the first time after their wedding. Darcy need not accompany her anymore but to stay in all by himself is not a pleasant prospect. Oh well, no need to decide, yet. And remembering the last time he had to sleep alone things aren't that different at all: though not yet acknowledged, the intimacy between Fielding and Georgie had already been rather profound at that time. But tonight, they will be together and he will be alone. Even Manners will not sleep alone, nor Bob, nor Anne. Well, provided they'll dare roam Mr Collins' humble abode in the depth of night. Imagine the fellow catching them at it, that would make a right scandal!

But Elizabeth will be as lonely, and she will undoubtedly think of him and long for him.

'Come on, Darcy, no moping! They're not even around the corner, yet.'

Manners is in an excellent mood, well, of course, he's had his way in everything, engaged to Miss de Bourgh, Anne happy with her retainer, all of London celebrating for their favourite master of entertainment.

'Before you retreat to brood, Darcy, may I claim an hour of your time today? I have an important document to sign and I'll be indebted to you if you'll be my witness. And of course you'll come to the concert tonight, won't you? It'll make for great entertainment, the two ardent lovers bemoaning the absence of their sweethearts.'

Curious, Darcy agrees, and finds himself in Manners' carriage with its owner and Simon, of all people. Simon is not comfortable at all to be in public with his lover, months of secrecy have taken their toll.

'Relax, Simon, you're my valet now. Even an engaged man can have his valet accompany him on a little stint of business. Better get used to it, my man, we'll be doing this a lot.'

Not being called by a pet name does quiet Simon quite a bit, but he behaves like a servant and keeps his mouth tightly shut.

The carriage halts before a modern building in the middle of town, and Darcy's curiosity mounts. What are they doing out here? Now Manners leads him, and Simon, straight into one of the most ostentatious hallways Darcy has ever seen, marble, not white but pink, not just on the floor but also covering the wall higher than Simon's head. It has been polished until it mirrors his own face back at him. Simon is getting more and more uncomfortable, he knows what is going to happen here, it has something to do with him. The lamps and the doorknobs look like polished brass, but Darcy fears they may be plated with gold instead. Doors are solid oak, probably because they couldn't get marble hinged or they would have used that. Most people would be impressed by this hall, but Darcy is not most people. He finds it overdone and in rather bad taste, it's just too much of everything, there is no balance, it's all over the top like his aunt's furniture, supposed to impress but failing in his own case. And Simon is not impressed either, not by their surroundings at any rate, he is nervous because of what is going to happen.

There are no staircases in the hall, though he knows the building is at least four stories high from seeing the outside, and it's obviously not someone's house, there are liveried attendants at every door and two on the outside door, but they look more like guards than like house staff. Though broadly built and haughty looking, Darcy guesses these guards are more for show than anything else, he doesn't see them hiding a slapjack under their liveries, let alone be able, and daring, enough to use one.

'I'm afraid I'm going to have to find myself a new lawyer, soon,' Manners comments in a low voice. 'I think too much of my money is being spent on trappings by my current man. And it doesn't even work, it's too much, as if they expect to make better deals by showing off. It's hard work I want from them, not an effort to outclass their customers. What do you think, Simon? I can see what Darcy thinks of the decor without asking.'

And Darcy realises anyone can see that, better show a little more dignity here. Simon comes to life just a tiny bit and observes dryly, 'I've seen quite a number of great houses when travelling with Mr Darcy, and some of them were in atrocious taste. But I could understand why their owners would want to show off their wealth and status. This not only beats all of them in tackiness, I don't understand why they'd do it, I guess your reaction must be typical: why pay for this when you only want your legal affairs handled professionally?'

Legal affairs, a lawyer, what are they doing here? Not sign a contract for Simon's service, that is not a matter for a lawyer, besides, from what Simon told Darcy he isn't going to be in Manners' service. It will appear that way to the outside world, but there is not going to be a master-servant relationship between them. Darcy approves, imagine a man expecting a certain amount of labour from his wife!

Before he can rack his brain to come up with alternatives, they enter one of the guarded doors and come into a large room which exudes an entirely different atmosphere, but still shows the same hand in its decorations: expensive, over the top, in dubitable taste. The room is large, the ceiling is high, and there is very little in the way of furniture to fill up the immense space. The space is much longer than it is wide and there are only the two large windows at the very back, making two hopefully polished-brass lamps a necessity rather than a fitting part of the design. For whereas the elongated space is panelled to a man's height with priceless walnut instead of marble, and the floor is made of a dazzling geometrical wooden inlay, there is no fabric at all in the entire space, nor a single painting or other ornament. And yet these lamps are incredibly ornamental, cast in the shape of a clawing lion, one extended paw holding the actual basin with oil and the wick. They are in horrible taste and totally incongruent with the room, they must have come from the owner's former office. Or maybe a curiosity shop. Darcy really hopes they are made of brass and not gilded, though they do shine almost unnaturally brightly.

Once past the lamps the room is bare except for a huge desk on pillared legs right in front of the windows at the very end of the space, forcing visitors to cross the entire length of it. This is going too far, no way would Darcy walk this gauntlet every time he needed some advice, he is glad his lawyer has a rather cluttered office, with shelves filled with books and a filing cabinet. A locked filing cabinet. There are just two chairs on their side of the desk, and Simon approaches it as if he plans to remain standing, but Manners won't have that. He shakes hands with his lawyer and greets him as heartily as he greets everyone, then says, 'You seem to lack a third chair, Donovan, you knew I was bringing my own witness, didn't you?'

The lawyer, taken aback by his bluntness, stutters, 'I didn't expect you to bring a gentleman to witness this signing, Mr Manners. I'll have one brought straight away.'

And he rings a little bell, at which sound the liveried guard comes in, crosses the entire room, hears his master's wishes then crosses it again. Manners does not sit down but introduces Darcy to the lawyer, then Simon. Darcy's name surprises the man and he observes, 'It is an honour to receive you in my modest office, Mr Darcy, I hope you will be pleased by our service.'

Well, he needs to adjust his welcoming speech for his office is no longer modest. And he was clearly planning to keep Simon standing, a lawyer will know the names of all the families that matter and Simon's certainly isn't one of them. But Darcy does not show his displeasure and merely mumbles a polite nothing.

By now the guard is returning, it takes a while since he needs to lug a chair all the way across the room, but he manages and puts it down next to the others. They all sit down, and now Darcy will find out what they are doing here.

'Will you both please read that very carefully, Mr Darcy, Mr Close, then if you, Mr Close, as beneficiary, would sign here, and you, Mr Darcy, as witness, sign here? Then Mr Manners can sign and I will seal the whole.'

The lawyer hands Darcy the document first and he is not going to embarrass Simon by objecting, though a beneficiary should read and sign first in his opinion. Of course the language is convoluted and almost impossible to understand, but Darcy has had a similar document made up himself not six months ago, so he knows exactly what it entails. Manners is safeguarding Simon's future as Darcy has Elizabeth's, he is securing ten thousand pounds in his name, half of which is to be invested in a thriving business which Darcy guesses is Mr Blackwood's, and half of which is to be kept safe at all times. Simon will not receive his independence after Manners' death, it is his from the moment the document is sealed. He can take it and leave Manners whenever he likes. This is profound, but Darcy schools his expression to neutrality since the lawyer should not know there is an emotional tie between his client and Mr Close. Let him think it is some debt of honour, like Darcy paying off Wickham to let go of his claim on the living deeded to him by his godfather Mr Richard Darcy.

Simon also keeps a straight face while he reads the document carefully, then signs it in the designated spot. Manners signs as resolutely, without checking it beforehand, at least he trusts his lawyer, who then seals it and offers it to Simon.

'I don't need to tell you this belongs in a safe, do I, Mr Close?'

Proving he can easily pass for a gentlemen if he likes, Simon replies with a dignified, 'You need not, Mr Donovan, it will be safe. Thank you for your concern.'

The lawyer is impressed, no wonder he needs an office like this if he impresses that easily, and they all take leave, then walk back, Darcy taking care not to scuff the priceless floor with his well-worn boots, had he known they were going to a palace he would have dressed the part and worn shoes. But he manages to his own satisfaction, and soon they are back outside, where Manners' carriage is still waiting. Once inside, Manners sighs, 'I really need to change lawyers, what is yours like, Darcy? Does he take new customers?'

'Mine is very down to earth, I'm a satisfied customer. But I would not change immediately, he'd remember his last case forever, scrutinize what went wrong, you don't want him to remember your deeding some commoner a fortune all that well. He might wonder what it was all about, send someone to investigate. Better let him handle one or two more cases, then change.'

'Darcy, you're priceless, thank you. I know there is a risk involved, but I need to know Simon will not be forced to serve anyone ever again should something happen to me. I know I will have an heir to my property soon, Anne will inherit everything and I'm sure she'd take excellent care of Simon, but like you said about Elizabeth, who knows what will happen? Better to be certain.'

'You do realise I can just take this money and run, Frederick? I couldn't say anything in front of that fellow, and I suppose you planned it this way, but why? Why not upon your decease?'

The very thought of losing Manners makes Simon's voice sound rough with feeling.

'I love you, Simon, and I want you to be free no matter what happens. With your own fortune I hope you will never feel dependent on me. Shall we take it to my bank, or do you want to keep it yourself?'

'Of course we'll take it to your bank, that lawyer is honour bound not to tell anyone about it, isn't he? If we place it with your valuables no-one will ever find it.'

Not until Simon needs it, unless Manners leaves him or sends him away. And Darcy is the witness, it is his duty to point this out to him.

'As witness in this transaction, Simon, I feel obliged to point out to you that it does not answer Manners' intention to leave it with his belongings: should he ask you to leave him, you will not be able to retrieve it. And should he pass away and leave an heir who is not kindly inclined towards you, that person would hold your future in his or her hands. To be absolutely safe you will have to keep it with you or store it somewhere else. Will my bank do? I think I can be considered neutral in this case.'

Simon doesn't like that at all, he is speechless with outrage but doesn't dare talk back to his employer, actually, former employer, but Darcy still is his host and he is quite certain Simon will always defer to him. But Manners intercedes and says quickly, 'Thank you again, Darcy, I am absolutely certain I will always love Simon but I did say I want to make sure he is provided for. Will you please take Darcy's offer, Simon, and give it to his banker for safekeeping? It would make me very happy.'

And again Simon shows them the gentleman he will be abroad by acceding graciously.

'I will, dear Frederick. Whatever makes you happy, I will do it instantly.'

'Really?' Manners drawls, 'I suppose that is an offer I cannot resist.'

Imagine Nick's surprise when he is about to climb on the box of Mr Darcy's pretty little carriage and Mrs Darcy calls him back, 'You don't want to share that narrow box seat with Bob and Fanny, Nick, they were married just three days ago and they will be unbearably intimate. Better sit inside with us, it's warmer and you will actually be welcome there.'

When he is sitting next to Anne and opposite Mrs Darcy the latter nods as if to herself then addresses him, 'I did wonder why you were wearing so many layers. You were expecting to ride outside. Better shed a few or you'll be sweating soon, this carriage is very snug and the weather has been so much warmer the last few days, it'll heat up quickly.'

With those fiery horses, too, they're not the tallest or strongest Nick has seen but they are muscled like greyhounds and reputedly as fast.

And with poor Mr Darcy waving his wife goodbye, they are off. Since their little conversation at Mrs Fielding's wedding Nick has had to revise his opinion of the gentleman, he is still a bit careful around such a powerful man but apparently Anne and himself had him to thank for another amazing night together. He did take Nick to the side for a few moments just now and asked him to keep an eye on his wife as well, make sure her cousin treated her with respect.

'Mr Collins has no real influence anywhere, you can talk back at him without suffering any consequences. With Manners and myself to back you up you need only refrain from doing him physical harm. And don't let him catch you sneaking through the hall at night, he is a snoop himself so be careful.'

Though Nick is certain Mrs Darcy can take excellent care of herself, he did promise her doting husband what he asked for, it cannot hurt to make a good impression on a gentleman of his influence.

Since they have decided to keep Dora in the dark about their involvement for as long as they can, there will be no exchange of intimacies during this trip, but Mrs Darcy knowing will have its advantages for she has promised to make sure Nick will not be relegated to the servants' quarters, if they even have such at the parsonage where they will be staying. Apparently, Mrs Darcy's cousin has a very small house.

So what can they talk about on the road? Nick wishes to make a good impression on Mrs Darcy, from what Anne has told Nick she has the reputation for fearlessness and loving banter, and though Simon told him she inspires great respect in her staff despite her tender age, so far she has been nothing but familiar and friendly with Nick. Apparently, Colonel Compton loved her more than a little and was sorely hurt when she married Mr Darcy, his own cousin. Time to test his future hostess with a little gossip from behind the scenes.

'Sitting with the drivers on Mr and Mrs Fielding's wedding was quite a novelty to me, Mrs Darcy, Miss de Bourgh, did you know they gossip as much as house staff?'

Ah, the ladies like gossip, too, of course, who doesn't. This will be Nick's only task in the near future, and it promises to be a diverting one.

'Your Mr Hugo, Mrs Darcy, did not deign to join the other drivers, or maybe he didn't dare to leave the horses with Bob having gone back to his little wife. Which meant the others felt free to wonder whether there could be any truth in rumours that Mr Darcy was exceptionally jealous of other men paying attention to you. Mr Bingley's driver remarked he'd heard of your husband throwing a tantrum at his master's country house and yourself calling him to order instantly. Over a lazy and singularly unattractive gentleman apparently, which made him loath to believe it.

'You know how people make up the strangest things about the Darcy family,' he said, 'they just cannot accept that their staff don't talk about their master and mistress. I've heard rumours that the first thing Mrs Darcy did in their town house was to lay off their first maid, who had been in the family for ten years, because she didn't like her looks. Well, I've visited their town house and I can assure you, there was nothing wrong with that maid's looks, but all the more with the inside of her head. She had it coming, she thought she was the mistress of the house herself. Bob didn't dare get himself a cup of coffee at the last.'

Some of the others nodded, I suppose they had visited, too, since everyone present was family.'

Mrs Darcy is interested to hear what kind of gossip is flying about, and she even deigns to explain.

'We did lay her off for her looks, you know, just not that kind of looks. From the moment I crossed the threshold of that house she tried to murder me with her eyes, it was enough to make Mr Darcy anxious over my continued health. And she did bully the staff, which was the main reason for having her dismissed. Did they have anything else to say of her? I'm kind of curious how she fared, she was pretty nasty towards us in the end, even to her beloved master.'

Now Dora dares to say something, which may be considered a miracle.

'Begging your pardon, Mrs Darcy, but I did hear things about her when Miss de Bourgh was staying with the Blackwood twins. Felicity, their maid, said she was a washing woman in the part of town where her parents lived. She said the maid had been laid off because you didn't like the way she looked at you, and that she told everyone that Mr Darcy's valet loved men instead of women. That is just ridiculous, all the girls love Simon, and even Felicity said she wasn't surprised that the woman had been reduced to a washing woman if she talked trash like that. We all like a bit of gossip but there are limits. Everyone knows a valet has to have a certain way with gentlemen or he couldn't do the job. Colonel Compton's man is as familiar, maybe Mr Manners' former man wasn't exactly, but he was old and had a family.'

Mrs Darcy certainly seems interested in what is going on in the back of a great house, and Nick will oblige her, since Dora appears to be in a talkative mood.

'You must have met any number of gentlemen's and genteel ladies' staff, Dora, living and working on such a great estate.'

'Oh, yes,' she replies, 'Lady de Bourgh received a lot of important visitors and their staff was always made to feel very welcome. It's fun to live in a large house, there are so many different people about, gardeners, huntsmen, you name it. We always had a great time, you'll see when we go fetch Miss de Bourgh's stuff, I'll introduce you to them. They won't tell on us, they liked me and they'll like you. And they always felt sorry for Miss de Bourgh.

They did gossip a lot about their mistress, I suppose that is not respectful but she is not like you and Miss Anne and Mr Darcy or Mr Blackwood, she does not care about her people. But servants are people, they see things, it doesn't do to just ignore them, we don't like that. Some of the gossip was very improper, I'm sure, for they'd be laughing and talking and when I came closer they'd all fall silent instantly. I suppose because I was still very young, but maybe they were afraid I'd rat them out to Miss de Bourgh. It was something to do with the Lady's doctor, I suppose they didn't like him much and neither did I. I wouldn't have told on them for the likes of him, I assure you. Begging your pardon, Miss de Bourgh, but some women were mothers themselves and when I described those bloodlettings of his they would shake their heads and say, 'Poor Miss Anne, let that butcher try touching one of my children!'

I'm sorry I never told you any of this, Miss, maybe I should have.'

Anne's reaction makes Nick fall in love with her all over again, hopefully Dora won't notice for he just cannot keep his love for her from showing.

'I remember what is was like for you, Dora, with Mrs Jenkinson hovering over me all the time, and mother bossing everyone half to death. You were not the woman you are now, you know, you were not only younger but also a lot less self-assured. You've learned as much as I have from living in town, coming into contact with people like Felicity and Nick and Simon who have not been browbeaten all their working lives. Besides, I don't know if I would have believed you, I felt so weak all the time, how could a little blood account for all that? I never realised how much it added up to until Dr Parker told me. Let us be glad I was saved and feel much better now, Dora.'

And to Mrs Darcy she says, 'Isn't it incredible how mother never realised everybody knew? About her and the doctor? It's why you keep your number of staff down, isn't it?'

'I was never used to having much staff anyway, and Fitzwilliam was a bachelor and always staying with friends. I suppose now we're married we should have servants all over the place, like in those private houses where Eric plays once in awhile, and like your mother has at Rosings. But I'd rather have a little privacy, let the people talk about our lack of dignity in our household rather than have their servants discuss our most intimate habits among themselves.'

And Nick almost guesses they have something to hide besides their valet having an affair with their best friend and their cousin sleeping with a servant. Something very intimate that concerns only them. Well, Nick has not heard any gossip about the two of them flying about other than the original opinion that Mrs Darcy hooked a big fish for his money, but not only has he seen with his own eyes that isn't true, the love between them is almost palpable, that rumour is getting old now they have been in public so much. Anyone can see they truly love each other, and Mrs Darcy is truly the darling of society, no paper has ever published anything even near criticism about her, well, not until she revealed how Mrs Fielding, Miss de Bourgh and herself bought their French couture ready-made in Cheapside. And even those articles made more of a fool of the reporter than of Mrs Darcy, considering the number of well-to-do ladies and ladies' daughters overwhelming Miss Filliger's boutique right after their publication.

The countryside flies by outside the carriage while they talk about all kinds of innocuous subjects, Mrs Fielding's wedding, the plans to go abroad, speculations about Mr Manners' estate, their coming trip to Pemberley. Dora mostly listens, but sometimes she dares say something, and both ladies take her remarks very seriously.

Since they have left early and are travelling incredibly fast, they will be at Mrs Darcy's friend's house by lunch, but first they drop off Dora at her parents' house in a village close to Rosings, but on the opposite side of Hunsford, where they will be staying.

'I can't wait to see my father and mother and brothers and sisters again, Miss de Bourgh, thank you so much for taking me along. And Nick, shall we meet tonight at eight at the back entrance of the park? For our little excursion to the house? Wait until the other maids hear I live in London now, in Mr Darcy's house, with Mrs Darcy and the famous Mr Fielding, they'll be seeing green with envy.'

She is not nervous at all about breaking and entering, which is why Nick won't be either.

'I'm certain someone will be able to show me where to wait. I'll be there, Dora, enjoy your stay with your parents.'

Those parents turn out to live in a tiny village with picturesque houses, and Dora is certainly loved at home, before they are out of sight Nick sees a whole bunch of people running towards her and embracing her. Nick knows what it is like to grow up in a loving family, even if his parents were away from home very often, and he feels sorry for Anne that she had such a love-starved youth after her beloved father passed away.

Since they are no longer restrained by Dora's presence, Mrs Darcy comes straight to the point.

'Mrs Collins wrote they cannot put up four thoroughbreds nor any extra staff, so Fitzwilliam has reserved a double room for Bob and Fanny at the Hunsford Arms. Bob will take care of the team and nothing else, Fanny will visit Mrs Collins just after lunch tomorrow, an hour or so before Bob will pick us up for our trip back home. I will insist that you get a room right next to Anne, Nick, since you are her guard. Do not let my cousin browbeat you into accepting anything less, and please keep in mind that he may inform Lady Catherine of anything he hears from us. So be very discreet visiting each other as well as talking to him. I think he will behave but contrary to what he may seem he is the most unpredictable person I know.'

Both Anne and himself nod, frankly Nick didn't expect to be able to be with Anne during their stay at a minister's house, a relative of Mrs Darcy's. But they are getting used to sneaking around, they will find a way to be together if at all possible.

'I will be very careful, Mrs Darcy,' he promises, and Anne does the same.

The second morning after their wedding Eric feels like a different person, all his ambitions suddenly seem so overwrought, his life is fine as it is, isn't it? He is almost bonelessly relaxed, his usual drive to get to work either gone or fast asleep. It should worry him to be so free of anxiety or drive but it doesn't. He merely smiles at his lovely lady and spreads some delicious preserve on another piece of toast.

What has happened to him? Why doesn't he feel the slightest need to practise or compose? Is this the end of his creative genius, will he be an ordinary pianist from now on? Oh well, would it matter? He has the girl of his dreams and he can earn enough money to keep both of them with concerts and lessons. Plenty of spoiled young ladies in London who want to improve their accomplishments. Then Georgiana won't have to cross the North Sea and risk the swamps in the Lower Countries and the poor desolated areas of Germany, nor the unforgiving heights of the Alps. Or Napoleon's armies, the news is always alarming these days. They'll stay here in London and raise a brood of beautiful children, and spend every summer in Derbyshire with Darcy and Elizabeth.

Eric cannot remember pleasanter musings ever having occupied his mind, and while he spins images of a cute little house in town and a whole flock of little girls and boys filling it, he does not notice his beloved and her brother watching him with rising amusement and more than a little warmth. But, though Elizabeth is away from home and Mr Bennet has reluctantly returned to Longbourn, no-one in this household is allowed to escape being made fun of. It would set a bad example.

'What have you done to your husband, my dear sister?' Darcy asks Georgiana. His face betrays barely concealed amusement. Though it is admittedly a little late to be having breakfast, Eric suddenly notices his brother-in-law looking disgustingly bright for a man who should be pining for his little wife, her having left early this morning.

'I don't know, we didn't do anything really out of the ordinary,' she replies. 'He didn't even push me to put in some practice before breakfast.'

'Of course he didn't, it's almost noon! If Mrs Annesley didn't have a special thing for him you would have gone hungry until it was time for lunch.'

Frederick now involves himself in the discussion, looking up from his newspaper.

'I'm afraid you're wrong there, Darcy. Simon would never suffer Eric to go without his breakfast. He'd waylay him with it if necessary. But you are right, he does look different, almost relaxed. I'm afraid you've spoiled him for good, Georgiana.'

As soon as Eric has enjoyed the first bite of his piece of toast he replies calmly, 'You can tease me as much as you like, nothing can disturb me today.'

'I remember that feeling from when I was just married. It'll pass, as soon as you get used to...well, let me say, certain physical exercise you didn't previously engage in. It takes a lot of energy and leaves a very lazy, self-satisfied feeling in its wake. You'll be back to your usual drive in a few days.'

'Too bad, Darcy,' Eric replies only half truthfully, 'I could get used to being lazy and content.'

Of course that is the wrong thing to say, for at that very moment the door opens and Johnson enters with a boy in a livery even smarter than Simon's. Eric has seen plenty of boys with envelopes come to the house to request concerts, but somehow this one is different, Johnson treats him with respect instead of careless indifference, Frederick and Darcy both seem rather pale all of a sudden. Frederick throws Eric a look that says, 'Let me handle this,' which he is pleased to do but not because of his lazy mood of that morning. It's gone altogether with the atmosphere in the house suddenly thick enough to cut with a knife. The boy has no envelope, and to Eric's astonishment he adresses Frederick first! He must be a noble page to outrank Frederick.

'Mr Manners, pleased to meet you. Congratulations on your engagement to of one of England's brightest flowers! I'm looking forward to the day that I'm old enough to join your famous New Years Eve Ball.'

Frederick thanks the little fellow, he cannot be much older than thirteen but he speaks like a young lord. He greets Darcy in a similar manner, then turns towards Eric himself and bows not an inch less deeply than he did to the two men of rank.

'Mr Fielding, I presume? May I congratulate you on your recent marriage? My good friend Lord Fortescue was enchanted by your lady wife, then Miss Darcy, at the Ball last year.'

He does not offer Eric a chance to reply, either he still needs to learn some of the finer points of genteel behaviour, or he is a bit nervous about his assignment.

'Mr Fielding, I have a request from His Highness the Prince of Wales for you to come and play for him tomorrow evening. He wishes you to entertain him and a few of his friends in the music room of his residence at Carlton House. Of course you will be suitably compensated for your trouble. He begs you to bring Mrs Fielding since he has heard you play a delightful Italian duet, he is fluent in Italian, you know. You are to report to the back of the house at seven 'o clock sharp while the Prince is dining with his guests. You can then get to know His Highness' instrument, or actually his instruments, for he has had a harpsichord taken out of storage for Mrs Fielding to use.'

Now it is clear the page expects Eric to be flattered and assure him he will be there at seven, with Mrs Fielding in tow. But he cannot: he has a concert planned in a middle-class theatre and it is sold out, he cannot cancel on a whim, not even a prince's, that concert was planned at least a month ago. Eric can see Frederick all ready to accept for him but that is not acceptable. Not only does Eric disapprove of what he has read about the Prince, how he treats his lady wife and how he spends money like it is nothing. Eric also does not believe in favouring the rich and spoiled over hard-working people. Mrs Darcy predicted he would become the darling of the common people, and Eric wants to keep faith.

With utmost politeness and gentility he bows and replies, 'I am honoured and thankful to have caught the Prince's attention, he is known as a patron of the arts in all its disciplines. But I'm afraid I cannot oblige him, I have a prior engagement for tomorrow in the shape of a sold-out theatre. Of course I will be pleased to choose some other time to play for him.'

Now Frederick and even Darcy do not agree with his statement, and the page is almost outraged. How dare anyone refuse an invitation from his master! But Eric is steadfast in his belief and he can see Georgiana agrees with him. She cannot be eager to be the centre of attention for so many people of rank, but generally one doesn't refuse a Prince anything, not even if one prefers his parents' morals.

The boy has recovered from his shock, he will be a great diplomat some day, when he is grown up. As politely as before he observes, 'Though it is highly unusual for artist to refuse an invitation of this kind, I am just a messenger and I will relay your regrets to His Highness.'

He bows to each of them, then spies Georgiana still sitting at the table behind him and bows decidedly deeper to her.

'Mrs Fielding, I am so pleased to meet you. We pages are all very jealous of Mr Fielding, of his talent, but especially of having gained your love.'

Well, he is very charming, though maybe a bit forthcoming for a page, even one of high descent. Georgiana curtseys and observes, 'Thank you very much, my Lord, will you please give my respects to Lord Fortescue?'

That pleases the boy and he affirms, then has Johnson lead him out. When they hear the front door close, Frederick shows his feelings for once and blurts out, 'Are you out of your mind? Refusing an invitation from the Prince of Wales himself? Your future king?'

Put that way, maybe he is right, but still Eric doesn't really understand why he should disappoint a few hundred people to please one spoiled brat. He has been gaining knowledge of the world really quickly through reading the papers and talking to people of all walks of life, notably Mr Goodfellow, who is very well-informed and who loves to teach.

'Well, I admire you for sticking to your promises, Fielding,' Darcy says, 'and if the Prince throws a tantrum over it he'll just disappoint me even more.'

Darcy reads the same paper, obviously, since it's his. Georgiana also comments.

'I agee with both of you, those people have paid for their tickets, they have a right to their entertainment. Though it would have been quite an honour to meet the Prince, they say he is very courteous.'

Eric laughs at her expression, 'Do I need to be jealous?'

'They say our Prince prefers his women well-ripened, so I guess there is no danger whatsoever.'

'All right, all right, I stand corrected,' Frederick sighs. 'And that young prig of a page was just insufferable. I bet he sings a different tune before his master. Who apparently reads the papers, or has them read for him, to know so much about your repertoire, Eric. And I suppose we're all too insignificant to take action against.'

But that very afternoon the page returns, his attitude much the same but his message a pleasing one.

'His Highness wonders whether you will be able to indulge him tomorrow afternoon instead? At three? He really wants to hear your romantic music, he has read and heard so much about it.'

The boy addresses Eric in person, which is as it should be, Darcy may be his patron and Frederick his advisor, but he is the artist after all.

'It will be my honour and my pleasure.'

Eric looks at Georgiana significantly and she replies, 'I'm fine with it. Why don't we take the little piano, to give your music the full impact?'

She is right, and he asks the page, knowing full well the boy has no authority at all, but convinced it won't hurt to make him feel important, 'Would it be acceptable if we bring our own instrument for my romantic pieces? I suppose His Highness has an Italian instrument, and despite their superior technology my compositions have a greater impact when played on an English piano-forte. It's only a little thing, not too heavy and it fits through most doors.'

'The Prince has plenty of space in his music room and it opens towards the gardens, so I guess there will be no problem getting it in. And he insists on the best, I am certain he wouldn't be satisfied with hearing your music less than perfectly represented. Please bring the special instrument.'

Well, that's it, they all bow once more, each party satisfied with the proceedings.

As soon as the page has left, the others' observations start, and not just towards him, towards his beloved as well.

'You are my hero, Eric, to lay your will on the Prince of Wales himself,' Frederick states.

'And mine,' Darcy affirms, 'but Georgie, won't you be very nervous having your second performance ever in front of such important people?'

She shrugs and replies, 'We play together all day long, I can dream those pieces. Of course I'll be nervous before strangers, but there'll be a lot fewer of them than at your usual concert.'

Of course she will be nervous, but Eric will be, too. Admitting it won't change a thing, they will do what they have to do and give it their best effort. Darcy's reaction just proves other people are different, Georgiana and Eric are so much alike: Georgiana is ready to perform on stage, so why worry about the rank of her audience? A performer is either ready or not, whatever the status of those who are enjoying the show. Admittedly, routine makes performing easier, but so does having one's husband to lean on. In this instance, Eric will be the experienced one and help his beloved feel confident and able. And some other time, she will help him negotiate or show an interest in others. That's what being together is all about, isn't it?

'You're ready for the stage, my love, and you're right, one audience is the same as another. I wonder whether being married will change the way people approach me. Well, the way ladies approach me. But I guess we'll find out tonight. Do you want to join me, play the sonata together?'

She shakes her head resolutely and observes, 'I know it may sound strange, but I'd rather start with a smaller audience, no matter how important. I wasn't that nervous when we were playing the renaissance piece, but the very idea of performing for more than a hundred people makes me shake with fear.'