Chapter 131

Having woken up at his usual early hour, Nick spends a delightful half hour watching Anne sleep. He still cannot believe that a beautiful, smart girl with an impressive fortune would fall in love with a man like him, at best mediocre looking, of no breeding whatsoever, his past filled with shameful dalliances.

But he cannot doubt her love, it is as obvious and as real as his own for her. And she is safe from having to live like Nick's mother did, so he will enjoy their time together without worrying about the future. No man will ever rule Anne, Mr Manners will keep his promise to let her live in freedom, if only because he has a dangerous secret to guard. But Nick does trust the man altogether, no pressure will be needed, he is kind and honourable.

Watching Anne sleep, Nick really has to control his urge to kiss her, it would wake her, and though that would offer all kinds of possibilities there will be plenty of time for that later. She is so beautiful, her features perfectly regular, her hair almost golden in colour, she looks more Mrs Darcy's age than her own. When he has looked his fill, he snuggles back against her side and goes back to sleep for another few hours. No Dora to catch them, and very few other servants. Anne will leave her room first, and if she sees someone in the hall she can pretend to have forgotten something and go right back in to warn Nick not to be seen. With his own room right next door to hers the situation is so much different.

When they finally wake up they can hear the front door opening and closing, followed by footsteps leading away from the house. Nick suppresses the urge to see who is going away, and instead kisses his beloved passionately. She doesn't hesitate to answer his kiss, and now he has to get up anyway to see to his protection, so he takes a quick peek out of the window, spying Mrs Darcy and Mrs Collins strolling along the road towards the park. Is that a good idea? Mr Darcy charged Nick with keeping an eye on his wife, and Nick feels obligated to obey the gentleman. But on the other hand, it would be rather overbearing for a servant to try to give Mrs Darcy instructions.

'What's wrong, my love, have the pigs got in the garden?'

She cannot be serious! Laughing despite himself, Nick answers, 'The garden is perfectly fine, my love. Though a lot bigger than I thought, seen from above. No, Mr Darcy ordered me to keep his wife safe, and right now I can see her strolling towards Rosings with Mrs Collins. Should I accompany them? I can't stop her, I cannot tell a genteel lady what to do, or can I, when her husband has ordered me to?'

For some reason, Anne thinks that is funny. Nick will never find Mr Darcy's orders funny, but then he doesn't have memories of climbing trees together and sailing stones over the lake, Mr Darcy's own, private lake.

'Even Darcy doesn't try to tell Elizabeth what to do, Nick. Let it go, she'll be perfectly safe. She can handle anything Rosings can throw at her. You just come back to bed and love me. You know you want to.'

More than anything.

With only a minimum of sneaking about they manage to leave the room afterwards, finding themselves alone in the drawing-room with their host for half an hour. Actually, it is more like a living area, like Nick's parents used to have. The size of the room and the quality of the furniture are only slightly above what he is used to from his youth.

Anne is so kind to Mr Collins that he seems to have forgotten his usual humility, or maybe it's having his cute little boy on his arm that gives him a new self-confidence. Whatever the reason, the clergyman manages to talk sensibly with both of them for half an hour, Nick taking care to show Anne the deference that is her due as his mistress. Towards Mr Collins he behaves as he did yesterday, almost as one servant to another. Having an influential gentleman's approval gives him his own measure of self-confidence, and it is absolutely impossible to show respect to a man who has so little dignity as Mr Collins, even if he is a gentleman by birth and stands to inherit Mrs Darcy's father's estate. Still, there is not much he has to say on the subject of children in general and babies in particular, so he is certain not to offend his host by treating him with too little respect.

When the ladies return, obviously having had a nice stroll through memory lane, they have breakfast together. Mrs Darcy is in an excellent humour, and addresses Nick familiarly.

'Did you ever hear how I became Mrs Darcy, Nick? It's a very romantic story, one that I think my cousin hasn't heard before either.'

Though Nick has heard it just last night, he should pretend to be a mere retainer, so he keeps his reply vague.

'I've heard it wasn't love at first sight, which surprised me more than a little. Your staff talk very little, Mrs Darcy, I've never heard much gossip about your family.'

'Let me tell you about it then. We'd met where I lived with my parents, in Hertfordshire. I didn't like Mr Darcy much since he was very much above us country folk, at least he appeared to be. He was a bit, but he was also naturally reticent. I must admit I wasn't very nice to him, I liked to outwit him and thought he disapproved of me as much as I disliked him. In fact he was almost bewitched by my quick mind and impetuous manners, but he didn't show his preference at all, he seemed as distant and arrogant as ever.

When they left the neighbourhood I quickly forgot him, and when I met him again at Rosings nothing between us had changed. I thought. Until he proposed to me out of the blue, one evening in this very room. I refused him, and we almost had a row because he did not take it well.'

'You refused Mr Darcy? Cousin Elizabeth what were you thinking? You didn't have a penny to your name! And how can it be that you are married now? A man like Mr Darcy wouldn't propose to the same woman twice, that is so humiliating!'

'That is where the romantic bit starts, Mr Collins. I visited Derbyshire with my aunt and uncle, and they wanted to view Pemberley. I didn't, I felt embarrassed, but I didn't want to tell them about the scene at Hunsford and the family was away so I agreed to go. Seeing his house and hearing his housekeeper's testimonial on her master I got a totally different account of him. And then we met him on his own grounds, I felt so horrible, as if I'd thrown myself in his way on purpose. But he didn't seem angry with me, he was kind and asked to be introduced to my relatives, and to introduce me to his sister. We saw each other several times more, and I started to realise he was a much better man than I'd realised. When we left Derbyshire I was sorry I'd most likely never see him again, I'd come to appreciate his sincerity and steadfastness, and was thankful that he didn't seem to reproach me for having refused him.

Then he returned to Hertfordshire, where his best friend got engaged to my sister. Meeting regularly it didn't take long before we reached an understanding, and I soon found out I'd made the right decision: he had stayed true to his love for me for the better part of a year, I could not have found a more devoted husband.'

As Elizabeth expected, her story has a huge impact on her cousin, somehow hearing she refused a man miles above him takes the sting out of his own rejection. But only for him, Elizabeth never meant to hurt or humiliate either of them, she just wanted to marry for love. She never thought of gaining either a mere establishment or fabulous riches through marriage. Only now does she realise how naïve she used to be, thinking she had the freedom to choose a man she loved. But still she is glad she never chose wisely and accepted an offer just to have a comfortable home, or things might not have ended so well!

'It's indeed a beautiful story, Eliza,' Charlotte offers, and her doting husband admits, 'and you are a very courageous woman. But lucky, too, to inspire such devotion in such a noble man.'

Fortunately he hasn't lost his old self altogether, he can still judge Elizabeth for being self-assured and what he undoubtedly thinks impertinent. And in a way she has to admit she is, although she flatters herself that a lot of admirable men, and all right, at least one less admirable one, consider her very attractive, she doubts whether any of them would have left her so free to make her own decisions as Fitzwilliam has done.

While Anne will undoubtedly enjoy watching Mrs Darcy improving the fitting of Mrs Collins' new dresses, Nick expects to be very unwelcome wherever they will work their women's magic. Having been chaperone to two girls he knows fitting involves a lot of standing still in a chemise and petticoats. If he removes himself from the living-room they can use that convenient room to pin and sew to their hearts' content. But where to go himself?

He decides to take a walk through the garden, not something he'd normally do but more fitting to his current role as Miss de Bourgh's protector than sitting in the kitchen with the other staff. Mr Collins is very busy in his garden and Nick has to admit it looks lovely, even this early in spring.

It must be a style typical for country homes, he has never seen its like in town, it's as if the plants have not been put in a particular place on purpose, but have grown there spontaneously. Knowing Mr Collins this cannot be true, the man would never suffer anything to merely grow as it pleases while he has to obey a mistress. Most likely he is a very talented gardener, as subtle with plants as he is obtuse in daily life, with his wife and parishioners. Hopefully he will use some of his sensibilities with things that grow to raise his son in love and confidence.

Nothing in Mr Collins' garden is straight, well, except the plots in the vegetable garden and the path leading to the front door, but the rest of the sizeable plot seems more at home in a fairytale. Little paths made of cobbles here and of large stone slabs there wind through irregular beds stuffed full with small shrubs and clumps of plants sending out fresh green shoots. Rambling bushes overgrow little corners with curious seats, and in a lost corner hidden by a tall evergreen hedge, Nick even finds a beautiful pond with crystal clear water, a weeping tree bending over the water as if to tickle the sleek fish swimming their lazy circles.

'Mr Fowler!'

It's Mr Collins himself calling out as if looking for him. Apparently he has been spotted. Or maybe the grass and the trees gave away his presence to their tender. He can almost believe it in this magical place. Following the path towards the voice he soon discerns his host, accompanied by a tall figure. It's Hughes, come to bring Anne's things. A perfect opportunity to meddle a little in Mr Collins' affairs. Glad to be wearing his beautiful fitted coat, Nick greets Lady de Bourgh's man heartily, they parted in excellent spirits and Nick is glad for this opportunity to show his host how to relate to other people.

'Fowler, so good to see you!'

The tall man cannot shake hands since he is carrying all Anne's personal effects, the satchel Dora found in her mistress' room as well as the lamp. Nick offers to take the fragile object, and Hughes carefully hands it to him.

'My mistress will be very pleased to have her cherished possessions returned to her,' he says very politely and almost humbly, mostly to avoid suspicion of their closeness. But its effect on the tall retainer is extraordinary and almost opposite. Hughes' face falls and he sounds affected as he observes, 'I've known Miss Anne almost her entire life, and yet I cannot help but notice that you've gained her trust and respect as I never managed. How long have you been in her service? It cannot have been more than two months.'

Nick manages to hide his surprise and answers truthfully, 'I met her about six weeks ago, when she first visited the Blackwood family, my former employers. But she was different then, aloof, feeling superior. I suppose Miss de Bourgh changed a lot when her physical condition improved, Hughes. She has told me herself she felt too good to talk to servants, or even to have them talk to her. It was her mother's way and no servant ever tried to change that. Until I saw her looking out of sorts and asked how she was doing.'

Apparently Nick has managed to refrain from showing his true feelings, remembering that first moment of real contact between Anne and himself, for Hughes merely remarks, 'You must be right, Fowler, no-one here ever thought of asking her anything, Lady de Bourgh really objects to staff being inquisitive. And yet poor Miss Anne might have needed just that to feel a little better.'

'She says she couldn't care very much then, she had too little energy to do anything. And she told Dora not to reproach herself for she wouldn't have listened to or taken advice from a mere servant. Though she would have believed you sooner than Dora, but nonetheless she has no hard feelings towards anyone but her mother and the doctor who so nearly killed her.'

'It sounds like she talks to you a great deal, Fowler, I'm glad she has found a friend, even if it's among the staff.'

Again, Nick's feelings have betrayed him into revealing their closeness. Better change the subject or he'll give himself and Anne away.

'I suppose we do talk sometimes, but Miss de Bourgh has a lot of friends of her own class these days, Mr and Mrs Darcy, of course, and Miss Darcy, now Mrs Fielding, and her husband. But most of all Mr Manners, the most respected gentleman in town. He dotes on her and will be the best husband ever. He will take her to every party in town, he knows everyone and everyone likes him, she will never be bored or lonely again in her life.'

'You seem very glad with her choice of husband,' Hughes says almost suspiciously. Nick can almost hear him add, 'I'd guess you'd prefer to keep her to yourself.' He really needs to change the subject!

'I am, Miss de Bourgh could not have found a worthier man to bestow her hand on. Of course he is my employer...

But if you'll forgive me for asking, Hughes, how is your mistress? Is she doing reasonably well after what happened?'

The tall man does not seem overly concerned about her fate and replies loosely, 'She was well enough, a bit quiet maybe. Some of us are hoping she may be thinking very hard.'

Then his expression turns to seriousness and he addresses Mr Collins, who is walking along with them towards the house. Better leave Anne's stuff in the hall, or they'll see Mrs Collins in a dubitable state of dress.

'Mrs Darcy said something that made quite an impression on me, Mr Collins, and I hope you will forgive me my impertinence in asking. She mentioned a lot of suffering going on in this house, when I thought you must be very happy with your lovely new baby. Did she mean you, Mr Collins, are you indeed suffering from my mistress' crude behaviour?'

The way he says this proves he cannot imagine anyone taking Lady de Bourgh seriously, can it truly be that her entire staff, or at least its senior members, merely suffer the lady's mood as if indulging a child having temper tantrums? Fortunately, Mr Collins does not seem to pick up on his, he replies deadly seriously, though it obviously costs him in dignity to relate his humiliating position to a servant.

'She was, Mr Hughes. Isn't my humiliation at her hands common knowledge then? Haven't all of you heard how she browbeats me into cowering fear?'

They must know, but still Hughes shakes his head and observes, 'I have seen and heard nothing of it. I've heard you had a row, of course, but she has those with everyone, we thought nothing of it. Does she indeed frighten you?'

Now Mr Collins is brutally honest and confesses, 'So much so that I have totally disgraced myself before her several times. If not for Mr Fowler here I would have resigned today. He advises me to find support among you instead.'

'But Mr Collins, it's all just words and threats, she is an old lady, she makes noise but she never does anything. Well, expect send that bullyboy after Miss Anne, that one time, but usually she cools down quickly and life goes on. You must not resign, you'll never get a position like this again, and you have your little boy to think of. Why don't you come to the back of the house tonight after dark, and we'll talk. Just you, me and Peyton, the steward. We'll sort this out for you, it's not that hard. Or would you prefer we come here?'

They should not show him their drawing-room until he has grown some courage, better warn Hughes. But all in all this is going pretty well, Nick's friendship with Anne forgotten, his host's friendship with his colleagues started.

'We'll come here, and your lady wife can hear what we have to say as well. There is nothing to it really, it's just a trick, living with Lady de Bourgh. We indulge her whims and live as pleases us, it's as easy as that. See you tonight, we'll be here at eight.

Fowler, thank you for being patient with the mistress, and especially for taking such good care of Miss de Bourgh. It's obvious she trusts you very much. I believe you when you say her fiancée is a good man, but still I'd like to entreat you to keep taking care of her, even when she is married. There seems to be a special connection between the two of you, and Miss Anne needs to be loved after what happened here. So many gentlemen only think of hunting and business and friends.'

'Not Mr Manners, I assure you. If everyone wasn't going to Pemberley come Monday you could read it in the papers. Now you'll just have to take my word for it, Miss de Bourgh and Mr Manners are like peas in a pod, very close. And of course I will take care of her, too, it's my job after all to make certain she is safe.'

And he will throw in the love for free. But that is none of Hughes' business, and even less of Mr Collins'. Let him deal with his own De Bourgh lady, Hughes will tell him how to do that.

After they leave Anne's things in the hall, Mr Collins takes leave of Hughes and goes back to his garden, his mood improved already. While Nick stays in the hall for a few moments and talks to Lady de Bourgh's guard and warns him to keep certain secrets from Mr Collins until he has proven able to withstand his mistress' moods. Hughes does not allude to Nick's close bond with Anne again, but it is clear he suspects more is going on between the two of them. Hopefully he is more sensitive than others, or maybe he knows Anne better, Nick is trying so hard to hide his love for Anne, if it's out there for anyone to see he is in big trouble. Another hour and they will be back on the road to London, and everyone will soon forget Miss de Bourgh's quick visit.

Georgiana refuses to be nervous. No really, after Frederick's speech yesterday how powerful the Prince of Wales is, and how they should not be tempted to be familiar with him even if he seems to invite informality, she has plenty of reason to feel nervous, even frightened. But she will not. For though few things are more impressive than an audience with the second-most-important man in the country, waking up beside the sweetest and handsomest man in the world certainly is. He is also awake but as lazy as she is, too lazy even to stroke her or kiss her, they merely watch each other in bliss. Until Georgiana's hand can no longer control itself and strokes his stubbled cheek, and his throat, and his lovely firm chest. As if that releases something in him as well, they find themselves kissing with ardour, and stroking all kinds of sensitive places, until their heat overcomes their laziness and they make love with an abandonment they have never known before.

Too bad Eric has to stop for a moment to see to his protection, but Georgiana knows he still has his iron discipline, he will not risk his beloved by taking her to the continent in any stage of pregnancy. Their ardour will keep for a few minutes.

Afterwards, it is again impossible to be nervous, making love always leaves both of them drained and sated, and bonelessly relaxed, a state they have rarely experienced in their lives before marriage. They have always been driven by ambition, and though they still have the ambition, the driving force behind it is now of a more mature, calm kind instead of the insistent urge it used to be. Urges no longer seem to exist now they are truly one.

'Do you want to bring tuning materials along? The little black piano seems to keep its tone perfectly, but I'd rather not take a risk.'

'You could never go out without them, Eric. And not just for our wedding present, I know this is the Prince of Wales we're playing for, but who can guarantee he doesn't use an incompetent tuner? His own piano may be slightly off-key and you know you'll want to play your practice piece and a few sonatas.'

He nods, and kisses her again, he is so beautiful and he loves her so much.

'You are the best thing that ever happened to me, my love,' he says, knowing it is a platitude but true nonetheless. It feels the same for her, all the platitudes about everlasting love seem to have come true.

'I know. I feel the same about you.'

'You were my first love, Georgiana, I can't imagine what it would be like for a woman to make love with a man like Nick Fowler, who has had scores of women. I suppose he would be very skilled, like Pierre.'

Eric sounds partly scandalised, partly envious. He values skill above all else, but hopefully not in the matter of loving.

'I guess a man like that would be skilled, but I think I prefer exploring love together. With Pierre's tales to help us we have such an advantage, I suppose experience isn't everything, taking time for each other must be as important.'

'You don't think practice makes perfect? It does in almost everything else.'

'Even learning to play the piano only succeeds if your heart is in it, Eric, if you want to improve. And suppose you'd try a different piece on a different piano every day, you'd never truly understand any of them. Don't you think it's the same with men and women? That you need to get to know each other to really learn to love?'

'I suppose you're right, you might learn the techniques but not the feeling. Well, you have convinced me, it's the love that counts. Even in music. So why don't we dress and express our love to our little piano? Get to know it? With a familiar piece?'

'There is nothing I'd prefer to do. I can recall every minute of your concerto, but I've never played it. I think it's time you taught me romantic music.'

And soon they are once again too busy to be nervous.

When the clock strikes three, Elizabeth has not come home yet, and Darcy actually seems glad she is late. Actually, she is not late, they do not expect the party to return until four, but Frederick truly hopes she will arrive just in time to join Eric and Georgiana, and consent to do so. He doesn't even really know why, he just has a feeling it is important that she accompanies her sister and brother to Carlton House, even though she is naturally outspoken while Eric and Georgiana are always polite. But people, especially intelligent men much older than herself, seem to like her a lot, she will make an excellent impression on the Prince.

The little black piano has already been carefully hoisted onto Frederick's own carriage, it's larger and sturdier than Darcy's, that tiny thing would topple with the added weight. Bates has tied down the instrument really well, it should be safe to travel across town.

His talented friends are incredibly relaxed considering the circumstances, maybe he is exaggerating, maybe they have the rights of it and it's merely another concert in a perfectly decorated private home. But it's so very important!

It's almost enough to make a fellow jealous, witnessing the love between them, for everyone to see. It hasn't exactly deepened with their marriage, they always were as close as this. It's just a bit different, more mature somehow. Does that only come with a marriage? Will his own relationship with Simon always stay in its infancy? And Anne's? Has he doomed her to live half a life?

No, he hasn't. Anne is happy, it's just that her love for Nick started between the sheets, so to speak, as did his with Simon. They never had that simpering stage, in which all they were allowed to do was gaze in each other's eyes. Their love is as mature as Eric's and Georgiana's, it just never had a junior stage. Nevertheless there will always be moments of regret that they cannot show their love openly, but everyone's life has these little nuisances. In their own case there is plenty of compensation.

The sound of a large team approaching pulls Darcy towards the window facing the road, and Frederick follows, readying himself to plead with Elizabeth to obey the Prince of Wales' orders. It is indeed the Darcy's carriage, the four thoroughbreds a lot less feisty than usual. They must have made some speed.

As Bob helps his beloved Fanny down from the box, then moves to the tired horses, from his position by the window Frederick can see Nick holding the door for the ladies and Dora. As Johnson greets his mistress, Frederick notices Darcy is missing by his side, he is already on his way to greet his beloved, and maybe beg her not to see the Prince, not to risk catching his attention. Darcy would do well to trust his young wife as much as she deserves, or there may be trouble in store for him.

He rushes downstairs a little faster than is strictly dignified, just in time to hear Elizabeth say calmly, 'Of course I will go with your sister and Eric, who wouldn't want to see the inside of Carlton House? It's reputed to be a veritable palace, though I suppose we'll only get to see the music room. Never mind, my love, I'll be back in a few hours, you will survive. Why don't you go do something brash yourself, Fitzwilliam? I'm sure Nick knows some really shocking places to visit.'

She snuggles against her tall husband to reassure him, he really is handling this badly, it's just a concert!

'How much time do I have to freshen up a little? I suppose Georgiana and Eric are all ready to go?

Fitzwilliam, truly, there is nothing to worry about. I'm a country girl with a clever mouth and competent staff, not a sophisticated, educated gentlewoman of rank. I assure you that a prince is not as easily impressed as a newspaper reporter. Compared to Mrs Fitzherbert I am a schoolgirl, and I know it and will behave accordingly.'

She throws a single glance at Frederick, a plea for help. She wants to do this, and not out of duty but out of curiosity, the best reason to obey a future king's summons.

'I'm afraid you have a mere twenty minutes, Elizabeth. Let me call Fanny, your dress will have to do, there is only time for a quick wash and some accessories.

Darcy, you're coming with me, I had a plan for some amusement and it may as well be today. Fanny! And Nick!'

As the two come towards him instantly, Darcy gives up and releases his wife to freshen up before her audience. He looks positively forlorn, but that won't be for long. Frederick will shake him up, and fulfil a promise made to Anne, Nick and Mr Blackwood at the same time.

'Fanny, can you prepare your mistress for an audience with the Prince of Wales in let's say...ten minutes? And Nick, remember the outing I suggested for your mistresses? As a kind of goodbye? Let's try to make it work today, we'll leave as soon as Miss de Bourgh can change in her least conspicuous dress, and I'll send someone to Mr Blackwood and to you-know-whom. And wear that coat, it's very becoming.'

He still has what it takes, the only person not springing into action is Darcy, he is rather overcome by his beloved leaving him right after her long-expected arrival. But Elizabeth does not leave him like that, she talks to Fanny, who rushes off through the front door, then embraces her husband, taking her sweet time. She should be inside being made ready, apparently she is not as sensitive to Frederick's suggestion as he thought.

Darcy's carriage moves towards the stables and Bates drives up with Frederick's, as Georgiana and Eric step outside, Eric of course with his ever-present leather case with sheet music, tuning instruments and other essentials. Elizabeth also takes her time greeting them! What is she thinking, that she can keep the heir to the throne of Britain waiting because she has been away from home for a single night? She does look very pretty, she must have taken time to dress that morning, Frederick cannot imagine what for since they were travelling, even a short trip is more convenient with comfortable clothes. But ladies' wear is much more comfortable anyway than what their valets force their masters into, stiff collars, tight coats, intricately tied cravats. Like the one Eric is wearing now.

Before Frederick can work up the courage to address Elizabeth on her tardiness, Fanny comes running out, carrying a fancy little case.

'Aren't you going to greet me properly, Frederick?' a gentle voice reprimands him. 'You know the house is being watched, if you want the people to believe in our marriage you will have to at least kiss me.'

It's Anne, he has totally forgotten about her! And with total sincerity he takes her in a tender embrace and kisses her lovingly, more intimately than he has ever before. It's a bit of a risk but it turns out well, she actually leans into it and kisses him right back. Not too long, they're only engaged, but slightly beyond propriety, just perfect.

'Oh, Frederick,' she sighs, 'that makes up for your neglect just beautifully. I'm glad Nick decided to go with Bob to stay in his role as servant, or he'd be jealous. Now you let Elizabeth and Fanny sort out their own business, and tell me what you and Nick have been planning secretly that you dare subject Darcy to.'

Frederick cannot help checking the others, Darcy is back to normal, taking leave of his sister and her husband, and his beloved wife, who may have to fend off their future monarch's charms. The three enter the carriage, Fanny right behind. Great idea to take her along, she can tell them about the back of the house, if she is allowed inside. She may have to stay with Bates for a few hours, drivers are usually kept waiting outside on these occasions.

The carriage drives off, and Frederick takes Anne's arm familiarly towards poor Darcy, who finally remembers his cousin.

'I'm sorry, Anne, I should have greeted you long before now.'

She offers him an embrace, which he accepts quite easily, and says calmly, 'Never mind, Darcy, my own fiancée forgot about my existence in the heat of the moment. Poor Elizabeth, to be expected to entertain such an important and educated man after travelling for hours. Though I'm sure she's up to it, she is my example of what a woman should be, even though she is ever so much younger than I am. You made the right choice, Darcy, she is worth every minute you suffered over her.

But that's all in the past now, isn't it?'

'I'm so afraid she'll catch the Prince's eye, Anne. I can't lose her.'

'Oh come on, Darcy, she worships you. Nothing short of magic can make her fall for another man.'

'I'm not afraid of her choosing him over me. I'm afraid of her being forced.'

'You're not serious, are you? This is not the sixteenth century anymore, cousin, these are different times. I'm certain that among all his faults, our Heir Presumptive does not force women to be his mistress. There are plenty who choose to favour him with their gifts. And besides, I'm certain he prefers his women older and much more sophisticated. And he is almost forty and if rumour may be believed, seriously overweight and not very appealing. Frankly, I'd be more concerned about Elizabeth's ready wit getting her into trouble than her femininity, really.'

That is probably not true, if Frederick judges Prince George right he probably likes a woman with some spirit. But they are forgetting the most important safety.

'Darcy, Anne, stop speculating. Our Prince is already taken and quite firmly. Remember, according to my source in the royal family he has his mistress living with him. She will not give him the chance to fall for another woman. They will be in there for maybe two hours, of which at least one will be spent listening to music. Now stop worrying and go change to something less conspicuous, both of you. Darcy, may I suggest we use your slow team with your other carriage? It's not as pretty but neither does it stand out so much. We do not want any reporters on our tail.'

This seems to pull Darcy out of his ridiculous train of thoughts.

'What are you planning, Manners? We're not your college friends, you know.'

'Don't worry, there will be none of that, not with ladies present. We're taking the twins and their fiancées, and maybe even Mr Blackwood himself. Just some entertainment, but educational as well. If you don't trust me, trust Fowler.'

Of course that makes even Anne suspicious, she knows where Nick has taken his charges, though that was mostly their wish, not his. Still, it's very funny, and Darcy needs a little distraction most of all.