Chapter 149

When the remains of a fine tea had been cleared away by two maids, the weather had also cleared a little, and Elizabeth told their party she dared risk a ramble in the woods. Though Anne knew Elizabeth would happily go all by herself, Anne wanted to talk to her and to Nick, and going out was the perfect way to manage both. Darcy was not going to leave his wife's side while the Prince of Wales was in the house, but Anne wanted to talk to Nick and Elizabeth alone, so Frederick would have to come, too, to distract Anne's forceful cousin. One look was enough to assure her new husband's presence, and one look to Eric was enough to assure Prince George's absence. Well, a look and a little gesture, or maybe a few gestures, of the two of them playing for him. Eric nodded, and offered, 'Your Highness, I suppose you have had enough of a drenching for today, and no-one has proven that walking in the rain isn't detrimental to one's health anyway, so would you mind staying in and listening to my new work?'

Of course the man accepted eagerly, Anne didn't doubt he had really come for Eric's music, it did tend to get stuck in one's mind. And rummage in one's memories, picking out those most likely to affect one's feelings, but that didn't usually happen the first time one listened to it. It hadn't for Anne, anyway.

So they left Prince George to Georgiana and Eric, and while the others waited for their coats, Anne fetched Nick from his small room, where he was reading a thin book, more like a journal.

'It's mighty interesting, this rich man, still a boy actually, travels exactly where we want to go, except maybe thirty years ago. You know Fielding is right, it gets pretty exciting in places, and not like Pierre's travels but with bandits and worse. Of course thirty years is a long time, but still I'm glad Frederick is teaching us to shoot.'

She took him in her arms, glad he hadn't seen what had happened in the drawing-room, but he needed to know for those maids might have heard what she said and tell the rest of the staff, which meant that sooner or later Nick would hear of it. He needed to know it was all an act, to keep Prince George entertained and turn his attention away from Frederick and Elizabeth. Prince George was not like other men, he was reputed to be devilishly clever, and Anne had no doubt he knew that men could be in love with men. He'd add two and two in seconds, Frederick had to be more careful talking to him. But first, Nick.

'We're going for a walk, will you come with us? I need to talk to you and Elizabeth, about the Prince.'

'Sure, if you think no-one minds my coming along.'

'You need to be there, and you're my guard, how can you guard me if you're not with me?'

'I am convinced. Let me get my boots and coat, it's still miserable out there.'

The others were already dressed to go out, and Frederick held Anne's coat for her, then handed Nick an umbrella.

'Will you keep my lady dry, Nick?'

'I certainly will, master.'

After a whole month of juggling familiarity and formality, and a thorough heart-to-heart talk with Frederick right after the wedding, Nick was as accomplished as Simon at being humble in public and equal in private. Darcy no longer frowned at him when he sounded servile, he knew it was Nick trying his best to protect Darcy's cousin. Teaching Frederick, Simon and Eric dirty fighting and letting Darcy join, at his own request, had done wonders for her cousin's respect towards Nick. Some might call Darcy arrogant, but when he was learning something his teacher was his master for as long as the lesson lasted, and that attitude had enabled him to outstrip Eric within a mere week of joining their lessons. Of course Eric was not fighter material, he had only learned to escape an attacker then find help. Simon did a little better but wasn't a born fighter either. But Darcy had the right attitude, he had almost caught up with Frederick though he'd never be as strong, and Frederick had given even Nick a challenge with his solid build and his past as college wrestler. Still, Darcy made an excellent sparring partner these days.

And Nick had forced Anne and requested Georgiana to learn the same as Eric, how to escape from an attacker then get away, and then Georgiana thought she knew enough. But Anne wanted more, and Nick did not hesitate to give her more, so now she also knew ways to disarm an attacker and how to follow up, even using Nick's slapjack. They often wrestled before going to sleep, their efforts usually ending in frantic lovemaking, but never again without Nick's protections. Despite Anne's bantering about children that afternoon she was waiting for her moon time anxiously, for the very first time in her life. It should be there any day, and it was announcing itself with some bothersome physical discomforts, but Anne feared those might be the same that indicated a pregnancy.

But anyway, since Nick had floored Darcy a few times to show him anger was a bad basis for an attack, then taught him how to get rid of the anger and stay calm under any circumstance, Darcy had accepted him as one of their own. In fact, Darcy might have used Nick's tricks to stay calm in the face of Prince George's charming greeting of Elizabeth.

They left the house in twos and threes, Darcy and Frederick in the lead, and Anne and Elizabeth following with Nick as their attendant, holding Anne's umbrella over her and him, while Elizabeth protected herself against rain with her very own umbrella.

'I actually prefer just getting wet, but I'm afraid it'll hurt my dignity,' Elizabeth observed.

'No-one is going to see you out here, ma'am,' Nick offered respectfully.

'I know,' she replied, 'but every time I come back into the house after doing something less than respectable, Mrs Reynolds comes passing by and catches me at it. I'm convinced she doesn't do that on purpose, but when she sees me wet through I'm sure she'll look at me in a certain way that makes me feel very young and very countrified.'

As the rain pattered on their umbrellas and the gardens made way for the woods of the circuit, the path beside the river that was open for visitors, Nick just smiled at Elizabeth's funny remark, and Anne prepared to warn Nick that the Prince of Wales seemed to admire Anne a lot and some of the staff might have heard her not exactly discouraging him for his flattery. But Elizabeth was ahead of her, and maybe for the best.

'You know we have a surprise visitor, do you Nick?'

'I do, Frederick told me when we were moving that little black piano to the drawing-room. I went back to my room afterwards, to read up on the Lower Countries, but I certainly hope I'll get to meet him. Imagine, Mrs Darcy receiving a visit from the Prince of Wales.'

Anne was shocked to hear Nick actually teasing Elizabeth with Prince George's supposed preference for her but Elizabeth was deadly serious, though not offended by Nick's presumption.

'He is actually Eric's visitor, Nick, come all by himself, aching to hear Eric's music again. But obviously you know the Prince of Wales' reputation beyond his being a lover of culture in all its aspects. He is an admirer of beautiful, intelligent women, all of those, not just my own charming person, and you happen to love one of those. Prince George really admires Anne, and you know he doesn't respect the vows of matrimony all that much.'

Now Elizabeth looked at Anne to explain her position to Nick, who had gotten the message and was listening in all seriousness.

'I do not want him, Nick, but neither do I want to insult him. So I have been kinder than I might have wished to be, also to draw his attention away from Elizabeth, since Darcy was right there with us and he does have a temper. You and Frederick are more controlled. Some of the maids were present, they may talk. Please don't misunderstand, I love only you, I don't want to have anything to do with him. But I will have to be kind to him for a few more days, and I suppose we will see a little less of each other with a visitor present who shouldn't know about us. But we'll be together all night, won't we?'

Anne missed him already, they'd had such great times in their explorer's haunt.

'You do not have to jump for anyone, Anne, not even the Heir Presumptive,' Elizabeth now interjected. 'If you want the afternoons or evenings to prepare for your trip just take them and retreat to the second floor. Eric and Georgiana will entertain our guest with music, he did not use that as an excuse, the music really did haunt him. We're out of sight of the house, you can take a few minutes together right here, and I'll join our husbands.'

But that wouldn't do for Anne, she really needed to warn Frederick that his cleverness was no match for the Prince's, or at least that he had too much to lose to match wits with the devious heir to the throne.

'I have to warn Frederick, he was not careful enough towards the Prince. The man is much older and schooled in intrigue than he is used to, he cannot drop any kind of hint of our true relationship. It's just too dangerous. Most men don't want to acknowledge the possibility of love between two men, but from what you have told me, Elizabeth, I wouldn't be surprised if the Prince's clique is so worldly-wise that they know it exists. Any hint may lead to discovery and shame. I'm sorry, Nick, but our time together will have to wait.'

She did take the time to kiss him, she wanted to, she had missed him. But Nick wasn't upset at all.

'Whatever happens, Anne, I will not desecrate our love with petty jealousy. I've seen scores of women, even though you're the only one for me now. I'm not going to drive you away with base feelings, that would make me a terrible hypocrite. You be as close to Prince George as you like, I suppose he is a nice man despite his little weaknesses, and I am certain he would be an excellent man to have on your side. I mean, he will be the king one day. Just enjoy yourself, and be you, and return to me at night. I will survive, just as I survived the wedding. Let the maids talk, I love you and I want you to be happy. Now go warn Frederick for I think you are right, he does tend to think himself very clever and he may have met his match in Prince George.'

Anne rushed away to catch up with the two gentlemen, carrying her own umbrella, leaving Nick to take shelter under Elizabeth's. Of course she preferred to get wet anyway. They would certainly find something to talk about for ten minutes, Elizabeth really liked Nick and Nick adored Elizabeth as much as any man.

When the two gentlemen saw her trying to catch up they halted for a few moments, then went on together, Anne between the two of them.

'You warned Nick what happened just now? I suppose even my staff will talk about the Prince of Wales staring at you in admiration. I feel for Nick, though I'm not out of the woods myself by a long shot.'

'You are out of the woods? What about Elizabeth, Darcy? She is the one in the middle, with Prince George flattering her and you trying not to show your anger.'

Darcy looked suitably chastened and explained, 'I know, I am very aware of my own failing and what it does to my beloved. I'm sorry I expressed myself selfishly, I assure you I will see things from Elizabeth's perspective the coming days.'

'Good. Though I suppose she is strong enough, as am I. I feel more for Nick than for myself. I'm not afraid of Prince George, Darcy, he is a decent man if a philanderer. But he will not use his power to force a woman in his bed. I am planning to enjoy this visit, and I suggest you let Elizabeth do the same. It is not often that we get the chance to meet someone of such superior understanding. Nick understands, I hope you will, too. I am mostly concerned for someone else entirely.'

Now Frederick looked astounded.

'Who? What, me? Why? I'm not jealous of His Highness!'

'Not for my love, no. But we are married, and for the Prince to make eyes at your wife of three weeks may insult your dignity.'

Anne could see Frederick wanting to protest, but the silenced him with an imperative gesture and went on, 'You must be very careful not to try to prove to him that you don't love me that way, that his attentions don't hurt you. For he is smarter than anyone you know, and you do not want him to get curious about why we got married if we are not in love, and whom we love instead. For do not think the Prince of Wales does not know two men can be in love, he is the most worldly-wise gentleman you've ever met, he may be more worldly-wise than you, or even Simon. Remember the goings-on Elizabeth described? Do you think the Prince doesn't know exactly what is happening in his circle?'

Frederick hung his head, then kissed Anne chastely.

'I bow before your wisdom, Anne. You caught me out, I did exactly what you said. And I agree it is dangerous. Do you want me to pretend to be hurt or jealous?'

'No Frederick, I want you to be careful! You do not have to act what you are not, just admitting you do not want him to steal your wife despite not loving her is enough. Don't act more than you feel, he will notice, just don't try to actively prove you don't care, it can only cost you. Just be silent. Say nothing. It will give him no information, and it will make you seem unfathomable and mysterious, which I'm sure you can live with.'

'It's a lot better than being glaringly jealous like myself,' Darcy observed bitterly.

'It was not that obvious, Darcy, you controlled yourself admirably,' Anne dared state, 'and do not fault yourself for being part of a perfect match. You should be jealous of that, it is worth protecting. And I'm certain the Prince respects you for it.

Besides, you're the handsomest gentleman present, who would dare compete with you? You're rich, respected, and you have the best team of horses anyone knows of. Why feel threatened?'

Both gentlemen now stared at Anne in awe, Frederick, of course, the first to recover. He smiled from ear to ear, his good humour restored.

'Anne, you make me so proud to be your husband! You are so right about our Prince, and I will do as you advise, just be myself and say nothing. Well, I suspect I'll say plenty, but nothing of substance. I will be the perfect company and keep my own counsel. Thank you so much, I think you are right, trying to prove I have no emotional ties to you serves no function but hubris, and as we all know that deserves to be punished. May I embrace you?'

'You most certainly may. As long as you understand there will be others.'

All three laughed, and when Frederick had released Anne after a well-meant, warm embrace, Darcy took her in his arms.

'She warned you, after all,' he said to Frederick, and to Anne, 'thank you, Anne, for your explanation. Mr Kimble, the well-known actor, tried before but I think I'm a bit dense. You make it so much clearer. I understand now: I take Prince George on a ride behind my thoroughbreds and he understands he hasn't got a chance. Easy as that.'

Only the tiniest bit flustered by her handsome cousin's warmth, Anne still understood instantly that no status, no riches, not even towering intellect could compete with so much love. He seemed so cold, but his reticence hid a burning love that Elizabeth basked in every single day of their life together. No mere prince could come between those two. And she herself felt such appreciation, such belonging, her life was filled with all kinds of love she had never even thought existed.

By now, Elizabeth and Nick had caught up with them, and Darcy released Anne straight into Nick's arms, where she kissed her beloved as she hadn't done ten minutes earlier.

When everyone left the room except Eric and the Prince of Wales, Georgiana was not worried. Whatever Frederick said about the Heir Presumptive, whatever his reputation, Georgiana saw nothing but a well-educated middle-aged gentleman who truly loved music. Who loved music like few others did. Whereas most people merely enjoyed good music, even Fitzwilliam and maybe even Elizabeth, to a rare handful it was more than that. To Prince George, music was life. Georgiana wondered why he hadn't learned to play himself, it was the easiest way to enjoy life without having to depend on others. Of course to an heir to the throne dependence was an unknown factor, he could have music any time without having to beg others for it. Imposing on them, sure, but he most likely didn't even realise that. Most people were eager to please him.

But despite his obvious selfishness, Prince George was one of a select group, a group that recognised its own, the people to whom music was life. Mr Clementi was one, of course, and Mr Goodfellow and his friends. Both Eric and Georgiana had moved heaven and earth to better their lives by bettering their skills. Mr Zumpe sadly wasn't one of the group, though he didn't realise it. They had met others, but no-one had gone through more trouble to obtain more of the life Eric offered than this man, for a man he was right here with them, though his birth made him their legal ruler, or at least would make him that in a decade or less.

For now, the Prince knew he was at Eric's mercy, and he didn't blame him for that. Instead, he was positively excited about what was to come.

'Can I take this chair, Mr Fielding? I'd like to sit as close as possible, but some performers mind having their audience that close, say it hurts the music.'

Eric sat down at the Zumpe and replied airily, 'I'd agree in some cases. Some music cannot withstand close proximity, and some performers certainly can't. Though I suppose you don't have to listen to those. But the Zumpe is perfect for an intimate setting, and you are welcome to sit as close as you like. I suppose you would prefer to first satisfy that part of your mind that has been nagging you all this time? I know, I've had it myself, sometimes I could play for hours without hearing anything until after I played just that fragment. It cannot be denied.'

The pudgy man was amazed to hear of someone else, a talented composer at that, having the same affliction. Little did he know that almost everyone had those moments, but normal people just had to live with them, they couldn't summon a musician to a private audience or spend two weeks travelling to see them at their own residence. Georgiana had chosen to learn to play herself so she could satisfy her need for music. But even she had been privileged, to have time to practise, and money to buy an instrument and lessons.

'If you would be so kind, Mr Fielding. You are so right, I would try to listen to your new work and think of something sensible to say of it, but all this time I would be hearing those older works. If you would please play those first, then I'll be all the happier for having new compositions to listen to. Thank you.'

Georgiana decided to be polite so she seated herself next to Prince George, this time she was not going to play but rather enjoy the music she had so often heard already. Acknowledging her presence with a nod, the Prince showed an excitement that was truly endearing, and for a moment it was as if he was merely one of their friends. Then she remembered Frederick's warnings and reminded herself of his palace and his liveried staff, and how respectful and attentive everyone had been of him. And then Eric started to play.

He would play two compositions, his first concerto, the one he'd already finished when he had played a fragment of it for Georgiana and Elizabeth in London, still living with Mr Zumpe. And the second one, which had grown under the influence of his love for Georgiana, and his dismissal from Mr Zumpe's service, after which he came to live with the girl who had taken over his dreams. Eric credited Georgiana with being the inspiration of all his own work, and she knew he meant that. He had always had original music forming in his mind, but until he had fallen in love with his shy student it had never tried to take over his life. Now, it still did, something had awoken inside him and it was not going back to sleep, despite their happiness together the music kept coming. It was mostly glad music, but it was as beautiful as the older works.

Georgiana of course knew these compositions by heart, she could play most of them herself, though not at Eric's level, not yet. But still she felt his love, his hope and his despair, the night at the Ball that paved the way for his later fame and fortune, but nevertheless a night of agony for Eric himself, who had been steeling himself to leave Georgiana, in the firm conviction that she would not be allowed to marry a nobody.

Tears threatened, as always, and she tried to swallow them, a Darcy did not show her feelings in front of people she didn't know very well. But wait, was their guest blinking away tears himself? And why not, most people cried when they heard this the second, or third, or any other time. They didn't know what Eric had suffered but from their comments, the hundreds Georgiana alone had heard after a season of attending his public performances, she knew they all felt what Eric had felt, but under different circumstances that were very personal. Prince George, too, had known intense love and the fear to lose it, he had felt inadequate and thankless to someone he loved, and he had known hope for a better future, dashed by forces beyond his control. Truly?

She could not watch his expression, he'd notice, so instead she let herself be taken away by the music once again, ever more positive but still suffused with love. An occasional glimpse showed Prince George still very much affected, he wasn't all that bad, the papers exaggerated all the time, who knew better than Georgiana and Eric? Having been under scrutiny for months, Georgiana knew exactly how the reporters' fantasies often dictated the news. And that was just a couple of relatively unimportant musicians, imagine what they'd make up about an Heir Presumptive who didn't suit their dusty morals.

Playing the concerto and the second piece took considerably more than an hour, and when Eric was done Prince George was intensely quiet for several moments, then spoke with a husky voice, 'That was so beautiful, Mr Fielding, even better than I remembered. Your music has flayed my hardened elephant's hide right from my very soul, and pierced it again and again and again. I bow to your immense talent. Maybe I'll be able to talk of it later, but for now my nerves are still raw, my feelings right at the surface of my being. I knew this might happen, which is why I am glad it is just me and you two. You understand. My courtiers would mock me for being sentimental, and even your brother and his friend would only despise me for my lack of dignity.'

Georgiana knew that wasn't true, but trying to convince a man who had spent his entire life in the public eye that Fitzwilliam and Frederick were different was impossible and even more so, useless. What did it matter?

The prince now sounded much more sedate already.

'You clearly disagree and I am glad you do, for I would like to hear this again and again while I still can, commit it to memory, and I cannot promise myself I will not cry again.'

'My brother and Mr Manners are both feeling men, Your Highness, but their upbringing, like yours, doesn't allow them to show their feelings openly.'

'Don't I know, don't I know. The suffering we put our little boys and girls through to keep up appearances. We may have all the privileges, but the price is sometimes higher than I am prepared to pay. Had I known before what the life of an heir would be like...

Promise me you will not let your children suffer what your brother and his friends and I did, Mrs Fielding, Mr Fielding. Keep them with you until they know who they are, teach them all you know, and mostly about love. Did you go to school, Mr Fielding?'

'I did, Your Highness, but due to my talent I had special guidance from my music teachers. And I was not accepted by my peers, which sometimes made me feel lonely and worthless, but Georgiana and I have always had a faithful best friend: the piano.'

'My so-called friends may have given me the most grief of all, Mr Fielding. I would have given them, and my exalted position, up in a second, even then, to have your talent. Though your music speaks of hardship, too, it cannot have been easy to be a commoner on a boys' school, and I guess that was just the least of your difficulties.'

'Well, Your Highness, I think I was quite a happy boy. My true hardships only began when I fell in love with one of my students. A huge mistake, and one that cost me more than I'd ever thought, but ultimately brought me great happiness. It was when I fell in love with Miss Darcy that the music making itself heard within my mind wouldn't let me rest or practise anything else anymore, not until I had written it down. You heard the results just now.'

'And I hope to hear them again the coming days. Thank you so much, Mr Fielding, for indulging me, it was beyond compare. Now I'm very curious about those new compositions you wanted me to hear.'

And just like that, the charming prince was back, and the sensitive human being had once again been directed back to where a British gentleman kept his better self: hidden deep, deep within himself.

After their long ramble and the removing of pantaloons and skirts soaked to the skin, it was almost time for dinner, so all parties involved took their time washing, drying off and warming up. A private concert would take at least two hours, and Eric's new work plus discussing it would add another, there was no reason at all to return to the drawing-room quickly, so they all made sure they warmed up really thoroughly.

'I feel so much ashamed, my love, that I cannot just trust you and ignore Prince George's attentions towards you,' Darcy admitted. 'I mean, Nick was so calm about it, it must be as if I suspect you of being unfaithful to me.'

'You cannot compare yourself to Nick, my love. He has had scores of ladies, and they all wanted him to themselves. He knows his worth, and has had it proven to him over and over again. You waited for years to find the perfect woman for you, and then she bluntly rejected you, leaving you in agony. No matter how rich and handsome you are, my love, that memory cannot help your self-confidence. And besides, you are reticent by nature, he is outgoing. And frankly, he is used to being dependent on others, he knows what it is like to have no power over his fate. You don't. There are few men who can actually harm you, but the Prince of Wales is most certainly one of them. I don't blame you for being jealous, Fitzwilliam. Even Frederick felt it to some extent. Doesn't Anne just immediately see through people?'

'She does. And you are totally right about my being jealous. I just cannot help it, it has nothing to do with you, which is why I will come to terms with it myself, I will try not to make it your problem.'

'And if you do, I will just order you to our bed and spank you. That ought to prove to you I still love you. Even if you misbehave. Just don't do it in before the Prince, my love. And talk to me, Fitzwilliam, I cannot help you cope if I don't know what you think.'

'You are so strong, my dearest Elizabeth. It's so good to rely on your strength sometimes, it makes me feel so safe. Please don't let my jealousy spoil the Prince's visit for you, I know you like him. How are you feeling, my love? Do you still think you may be with child?'

That just escaped him, he had not asked before because he was afraid to disconcert her, but since he did want to know how she felt he didn't regret letting such a blunt question slip. She did look surprised, but fortunately not put out.

'Quite thrilled, actually. To think that the Prince of Wales braved this weather to hear Eric's music. With his patronage, even if they cannot go to the continent because of the war they will be able to advance their career in music. I think they both still have a lot to learn from Mr Clementi, and with a powerful patron they can meet all the people who matter.

And yes, beloved, I do think I may be with child. I have not had my moon time and I should have a week ago. Still, I have been late before, moving house tends to do that, and I have none of the complaints associated with a pregnancy. So I guess it's too early to tell, but I didn't lose the weight I gained in London, despite having been incredibly active for the last three weeks. I'm merely waiting what happens, I'm not celebrating yet, nor do I fear losing my freedom any longer. We'll just have to convince Jane to buy an estate in these parts that much sooner.'

Somehow, the idea that Elizabeth might be carrying his child made the Prince of Wales' presence that much easier to bear. It was a despicable thought, to want to tie his wife to him with his child, to make her dependent on him, but Darcy couldn't help thinking it. Part of him was prepared to forgive himself for his jealousy, it was who he was, he couldn't help feeling it. But mostly he was determined to fight it, and he would win, he would trust his lovely Elizabeth, and if his jealousy made him feel humble or angry he'd excuse himself and search out Fowler. It would remove him from temptation to make a scene and maybe offer the opportunity to share his frustration with a man who seemed much more able to deal with not being in control of his own life.

And Nick indeed wasn't worried about Prince George's admiration of Anne. He knew there was nothing he could do about it anyway, and though he hadn't met the Prince in person, he could see Anne didn't feel attracted to him at all. In fact, he admired her for planning to direct his attentions to herself to spare her cousin the agonies of jealousy. Nick had come to appreciate their host a lot more these last few weeks, he was kind and no longer seemed to find Nick beneath Anne's notice, and was letting Nick know that. Of course it had helped that Nick had shown the gentleman how to keep his cool in the most aggravating circumstances, a simple trick of the mind he had picked up to keep himself from strangling Wellesley.

And Nick loved the life of a gentleman, riding his magnificent Liquor, feeling on top of the world to find Anne watching him with admiration as he managed to impose his will on that strong and lively gelding, either in the riding paddock, trying to perform the exercises Peter or Sarah said would strengthen his bond with the fractious horse, or outside in Mr Darcy's huge park, racing Mrs Darcy's wiry gelding, trying their first jumps.

The riding was the best thing, besides being with Anne most of the time, but Nick loved all of it, billiards, shooting, fishing, reading travel journals, poring over maps. And the food, and the brandy! Most of the time he was part of the tightly knit group of explorers, but he also enjoyed being in the back of the house a few hours each day, his friendship with Simon ever deepening, helping Dora to read and write, having the occasional long talks with Mrs Reynolds and Brewer, the steward, the comradery of the stable staff who all seemed to admire him more than he deserved, even Hugo, who was not the reckless philanderer here but truly in charge of his domain. No, this was an excellent life, and he would not risk it out of sheer jealousy. If Anne did indeed show an interest in the prince, or the fellow started to make serious advances towards her, it was early enough to start getting upset. He did want to meet the man but couldn't imagine a situation that wouldn't make such a worldly-wise man suspicious. Both Simon and himself had accepted that they would probably see much less of their partners for as long as their royal guest was at Pemberley.

'You're quiet, but you're not upset at all, are you?' Anne's sweet voice asked. She was lying in his arms, enjoying their closeness for a few more moments before Dora would arrive to help her mistress dress for dinner. At least there was one inhabitant of this huge house who was nothing but pleased to have such an important visitor: instead of walking about in riding skirts all day her mistress would want to look her best, and Dora could try all the new tricks and fashions she'd learned from Fanny before they would be picked at by the London critics next fall.

'No, surprisingly little. I don't want to lose you to the Prince of Wales, but I don't think that will happen. He's old, isn't he?'

'Almost forty, and decidedly on the tubby side. I'll try to get you included in an outing so you can meet him, but we have to be really careful.'

'I know. It's better not to take a risk, though I'll be sorry to be so close to him and not get to see him. I could put on a livery and serve tonight.'

She didn't like that at all, but Nick didn't mind serving others. He'd done that almost his entire life and this time it was the safest way to indulge his curiosity.

'Please don't do it, Nick,' Anne said, 'what if you see or hear something you don't like and give yourself away? What if something happens I know you won't like and I give us away? I will find a way for you to see Prince George, I promise.'

'If you don't want me to serve dinner, I won't. I love you, Anne, and I'd do anything to make you happy.'

Of course Simon wanted to know everything that had happened and Frederick told him in detail, feeling rather obviously guilty that Simon missed so much of the fun, even more so than Nick.

'I think I'll help with the serving tonight, to catch a glimpse of the Prince of Wales before he leaves.'

'I may be able to do better, if you're not averse to serving a pudgy almost-forty-year-old: he has no staff of his own and I suspect he is used to being waited on hand and foot. He looked a bit rumpled today and the papers never mentioned him as anything but well dressed. I could offer him your services for his most basic needs. You might hear something interesting.'

That would mean being treated like a servant, but Prince George didn't have a bad reputation for either mistreating servants or bad personal hygiene. It seemed too good a chance to satisfy his curiosity to pass on, if Prince George wasn't too paranoid to accept such a favour from someone who had been set up by his advisors as his father's puppet.

'I think I can survive bathing and dressing a middle-aged man, and maybe do his hair. If he dares to trust a member of your staff so intimately. He may still think you are his father's spy, you know.'

'Then he can refuse the offer. I'll find a good moment to make my proposal, and I'll let you know.'

And that was enough talk, if they were to see less of each other, the least they could do was make their time together count.