Chapter 151

If Simon had any expectation of the prince's reception of an unknown valet it would have been relief coloured with a certain suspicion. Relief to be helped attain the level of comfort he was used to, to be clean again, to have his hair combed out without losing too many strands, to have stiff muscles from his long and wet ride massaged back into pliancy. All in a slightly uncomfortable silence, which even Simon would not dare to break.

But nothing was less true. When he knocked on the prince's door a voice sounded from inside, 'Please enter, my saviour!'

The voice was coloured with fatigue but still there was humour in it. Simon entered, walked straight towards the dark shape sitting on the side of the opulent bed, and bowed.

'Simon, so glad to see you, no need to bow, I'm the supplicant here. Please help me, I struggled into dry clothes this afternoon but I didn't do it right and as a result I've been feeling grubby and badly dressed ever since. My cheeks itch, my thighs and back hurt, I want to join the ride tomorrow but I'm afraid to have to forgo because I cannot stand straight. And yet I've had the best day in months.'

He did look very worn out, and a bit lonely, and Simon decided to be his usual self, competent but lacking proper deference.

'What would you like first? A shave, to get to know me a little? Then a bath? We can have one set up in the room right through that door. I can have you as clean as a baby in half an hour, and spend some time working the knots out of your muscles.'

As Simon described his plans, the face of the man before him lighted up. Deciding there and then to stop thinking of him as the crown prince, Simon felt himself soften towards the chubby fellow, he was rather endearing, actually. Instead of asking Prince George to move to the chair in front of the mirror beside the washstand, Simon held out his hand and once it had been taken, helped its owner towards it. Then he took a towel and a bar of lavender soap from the wardrobe, and after wetting the prince's cheeks and his own hands he worked the fragrant soap into a thick foam and massaged that gently over the days-old stubble. With satisfaction Simon noticed the prince giving himself up to what came next, the razor drawing away foam and stubble alike, Prince George showing not the slightest reluctance to let this strange valet at his throat with a sharp implement.

Ten minutes saw the shaving completed, Simon deciding to rub some soothing ointment into the prince's skin, the bath would not be ready yet. By now, Prince George was almost asleep on the chair, he really enjoyed the care he was given, making it very rewarding for Simon to spoil him. He was not a very manly-looking fellow compared to the gentlemen of Simon's acquaintance, but thinking of Grenfell Simon realised that a pleasant character was most important of all.

Guessing the bath would be ready by now, Simon helped his charge undress, actually Prince George was much better behaved than either Mr Darcy or Frederick, or even Eric: the prince allowed Simon to do as pleased him, not trying to do certain things himself or trying to assist. The prince's valet had him well schooled!

The hunting gear the prince was wearing was still clean enough, and Simon put it away neatly, together with his boots and hat. The wet travelling clothes had been taken from the room to be laundered and dried, and a dressing gown had been left by the maid on duty. Before slipping it on him Simon took a good look at his charge's naked shape, and while it was obvious that the papers had been exaggerating Prince George's weight, it also proved he liked sweets and spirits a little bit too much. He wasn't nearly as muscled as Frederick or Nick, though of course they had a much more robust build as well. The prince might have felt grubby, he wasn't really, Prince George was likely a fastidious man, which Simon appreciated since he guessed the man was used to being helped with everything and Simon would be expected to do that for him the coming days.

Once in the room with the steaming bath Simon took the dressing gown and put it away for the moment, then he helped the prince into the bath. That wasn't altogether easy, since apparently the poor man was suffering quite a bit from sore muscles, which impressed Simon with his charge's hardiness for he hadn't noticed before. Apparently the Prince of Wales could bear some discomfort, or maybe it was the company.

'You are very gentle, Simon, I appreciate that. Will you tell me a little about yourself?'

And why not? Just refrain from mentioning that one thing.

'I used to be Mr Darcy's valet for ten years, Your Highness. My new master begged him to let me go, and begged me to take service with him. Said he needed my skills more than Mr Darcy.'

'And do you agree?'

'Mr Darcy never cared much for public occasions, and now his sister has married Mr Fielding I suppose he and Mrs Darcy will rarely go out anymore. Mr Manners is the heart of the beau monde, with the reporters watching I do agree he needs a valet more than Mr Darcy.'

'You are a true diplomat, Simon. And how do you like your new master getting married?'

'He could not have found a kinder and smarter lady anywhere, Your Highness.'

'Do you think your master values those traits above Mrs Manners' beauty?'

Such an old fox! Fishing for the level of affection between Frederick and Anne. Fortunately there was work to be done for Simon, his charge now being completely submerged in the hot water, only his head still dry. First he wet the thinning hair, then applied just the right amount of soap to totally clean hair without making it feel ropey or dry and worked it into the prince's hair. When the prince was almost asleep with the gentle massaging of his head, Simon rinsed his hair carefully, making sure the soapy water did not touch the prince's eyes or mouth.

'I am very certain Mr Manners appreciates every single one of Mrs Manners' qualities, Your Highness. She is very beautiful indeed, and he certainly knows it and appreciates it. But he loves her for her keen mind and kindness of heart.'

A very political answer, but of course it was nothing less than the truth. By now the prince's hair was clean and it was time to soap the rest of his ample body, not forgetting all the intimate places that might have suffered from a long wet ride. Like most gentlemen, Prince George had little body modesty towards a personal servant, he offered every single one of them for a thorough soaping and rinsing and he obviously relished the massage Simon didn't hesitate to apply to the nicely warmed thigh and calf muscles of his highborn charge. Simon had as little reluctance to touch a man as those gentlemen had to be touched, needed to be touched to be taken care of properly, even Mr Darcy, even when the latter already must have known about his valet's preference for him. The intimacy just didn't have such a meaning.

The prince sighed.

'Then he must deserve her, for I still have a hard time looking past that beauty. I know she is smart to the point of brilliance, I know she is actively drawing my attention towards her to tempt me away from Mrs Darcy, with her husband's permission and without the slightest actual interest in my person. Such a heart-breaking prospect, the most beautiful angel in the world choosing a marriage of convenience instead of being worshipped as she ought to be.'

Simon, of course, could not tell the Prince of Wales he was overreacting, nor that Anne was worshipped beyond what any girl might expect. And neither dared he hint to the prince that what he had to offer was even less. For why would a woman with a fortune of her own and the prospect of becoming the lady of Rosings choose to be a mistress to an older man when she could be the wife of a respectable gentleman? But it wouldn't do to even hint at being so rude as to point that out to the second-most-powerful man in the kingdom.

'Gossip does as little credit to Mr Manners as it does to you, Your Highness. I do indeed think he deserves her.'

'And who knows better than an intelligent servant? Most men hide from the world, but not from their closest attendants. Which is why I chose not to bring Enrique, I didn't want him around when I hoped to become part of the family. Maybe I somehow did expect my feelings to be stirred by Mr Fielding's music and I didn't ant him to see that. Whichever, Enrique loathes travelling and he cannot ride. I suppose you don't either, since Manners told me you're a city boy?'

He was so frank towards a servant he didn't know at all, Simon didn't wonder he feared a reporter being hidden among his staff. Taking a Spanish valet to prevent his closest servant from being a spy in his household made excellent sense, especially since Prince George was reputed to have a love of wine, which made a person talkative, and apparently his valet was the one he chose to take into his confidence. Well, Simon had always been close-mouthed and being with Frederick wouldn't change that. If he heard anything truly private he'd keep it to himself, as he always had before.

'I am indeed a city boy and up until about a month ago I had never even sat on a horse. But Mr Manners has allowed both myself and Mrs Manners' bodyguard to learn to ride. I suspect he doesn't want to be stuck to using a carriage or doing without his attendant when he feels like going somewhere.'

They had decided not to tell the prince about Vienna if they could help it, and if he found out anyway he would not hold it against Simon that a valet didn't talk about his master's plans for the future.

'You're learning to ride? Good for you, and very smart of Manners! I may follow his example and have Enrique learn to ride, though he'll hate it. Too bad you won't be able to join us when we ride out tomorrow, I've heard Mr Darcy has a beautiful estate, and after spending ten summers here you might want to see a bit more of it before you move on to your new master's home.'

Well, if Prince George didn't mind, Simon would indeed like to join their outing. Maybe he could get him to request Simon's presence.

'Fortunately, riding demands a lot of practice, and also outside the riding paddock. I may yet see the park from the back of a horse. My master usually lets Mrs Manners' guard join his charge, he may allow me to come as well.'

'He has Mrs Manners under guard? Isn't that a bit excessive?'

It was, without their usual excuse of the trip to the continent.

'Her mother once tried to kidnap her back to her estate. Mrs Manners feels safer with an attendant.'

'Is Mrs Manners' mother truly that bad? She did tell me about being stuck at home for a decade, but wasn't that due to her mother's ignorance rather than malice?'

'Though I have a reputation for discretion to keep up, Your Highness, I will tell you this much: anyone not as convinced of her own superiority would have questioned her daughter's treatment much earlier. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is Mr Darcy's aunt, I've often visited her estate with him, and she is indeed a tyrant. Her staff had suspicions of what caused Miss de Bourgh's illness but they didn't dare tell their mistress. And when Miss de Bourgh escaped further harm by going to London her mother really did try to have her abducted by a low-life. Miss de Bourgh's ordeal was indeed due to ignorance, but it was wilful ignorance.'

That came out a little too firmly for an obedient servant. It was just a bit of a sensitive subject for all of them, but that didn't mean he should give away the fact that Anne was more like a friend to him than his mistress. Still, it did get the prince's attention away from her body guard. For a few moments.

After the hot bath and the massage Prince George was surprisingly nimble getting out of the tub, and Simon supposed he'd expect his attendant to dry him completely, which neither Mr Darcy nor Frederick ever did. Still, Simon knew how to do that gently but thoroughly and made sure to leave no damp spots anywhere, then wrapped his charge in the dressing gown he'd hung before the hearth to warm just a little.

'Thank you very much, Simon, I feel like a different man. My heart moved by Mr Fielding, my mind cleansed and piqued by Mrs Manners and Mrs Darcy, and my body revitalised by your kind care. I suspect I shall sleep like a newborn baby, and I'm looking forward to talking with you a little more tomorrow. I'm glad I braved the weather to come here, and I'm very glad I came by myself, it's so good to meet people who are just themselves. Good night, Simon, sleep well!'

He did not seem to have registered Simon's lack of deference towards his betters just now, good. They all had to be much more careful towards this man, he was very perceptive and so ingratiating one wanted to tell him everything. Pleasant company, but mostly very dangerous.

As they gathered near the stables, Darcy was of two minds whether to look forward to their ride or to dread it. He had left Elizabeth to Prince George easily enough yesterday, he did trust her and as long as he didn't have to see them together he found he didn't worry at all. In fact, the only thing he still worried about was himself, what if he had one of those episodes again? Elizabeth had promised him that if he did, she'd indulge herself in cuddling him instead of trying to hush things up and sort them out in private as she had done that time with Mr Hurst, and she'd do it, too. He'd make an utter fool of himself, and upset his beloved. That had to be avoided at all cost. But he generally felt out of sorts for some time already before they happened, there probably was a chance to make himself scarce in time to save his dignity even if he had another one. And wouldn't it be fun to show his beautiful grounds to the Prince of Wales?

Georgiana and Fielding had decided not to come along, they wanted to practise but they also feared the ride would be too fast for their comfort, which Darcy thought was not at all unlikely. Prince George wanted to see Elizabeth riding a hunter, and he would probably expect her to take a few jumps as well as gallop. She looked so lovely in her riding skirts, and she had given Darcy such a magnificent reminder that morning of the love and the desire she felt for him. And she'd told him about Prince George's observation yesterday, how he had noticed the love between them, but also the absence of true passion between Manners and Anne. Well, theirs wouldn't be the first marriage built on much more sensible foundations, and as they had all observed before, passionate love wasn't always a guarantee for a happy union. Sometimes, excellent sense and similar habits were good enough.

Simon and Fowler would be joining them as well, Fowler as Anne's guard, and Simon on the prince's express invitation. This time, Prince George had been politeness itself and had asked Darcy before even discussing the matter with Manners. Good, he liked to be taken seriously, even though the prince's visit was meant to be informal. Darcy foresaw little danger from Simon and Nick's behaviour towards their respective lovers, both men had total control of their feelings, but though Anne was similarly sensible, Manners had sometimes unwisely shown his preference for Simon. He could not afford such sensibility today, but generally Manners was a much better actor with an audience. And of course they'd all keep an eye on him.

It was a merry set of people mounting their horses and setting off towards Anne's favourite little village, the one they had passed on their way over from London. It was quite a ride, but the weather was surprisingly fine and everyone was eager to go out. Darcy was almost flattered to find his beloved by his side from the start, he had taken the lead and was childishly happy to have her join him, in her lovely short coat and her flowing riding skirts with woollen underpants hidden beneath the sturdy fabric, with her favourite winter boots still very useful since it was dry but not exactly warm. This was her newest pair, she usually wore the first pair he'd given her to any activity where they might get soiled, and riding after weeks of rain she was certain to get her boots dirty, but with Prince George in their party of course she had chosen to risk the good ones. Even Elizabeth had her vanities, slight though they were.

The prince's horse was even more beautiful in bright daylight than he had been in the driving rain, a road horse, not a hunter, but a beautiful creature nonetheless. He reminded Darcy of Cavort, except that he was a rare golden colour with white mane and tail, but his build was as solid, and he carried himself with such dignity that Darcy really thought he had to be a stallion, not a gelding. Knowing that the prince didn't have a hunter available both Darcy and Manners had decided to use their own road horses, it wouldn't do to be better mounted than the heir to the throne after all. Somehow, bragging with carriage horses was acceptable, and Darcy really planned to invite Prince George for a nice fast ride behind his thoroughbreds, but outshining a prince with a hunter was unfair and unwise.

And thus the only one in their company riding a better horse than Prince George was Elizabeth, who had just the one horse, and one suitable only to a small, elegant lady. They made a stunning combination, and Darcy felt only pride to see her ride Barley astride, without even a twinge of doubt as to the propriety of her doing so.

And Prince George obviously agreed with him on that, though fortunately his attention was mostly glued to Anne's spectacular presence, sitting her grey mare astride, with blue riding skirts and a grey coat with a brindled grey fur collar. He rode beside her without even trying to hide his admiration, and Darcy's gaze was involuntarily drawn towards Fowler. He was at the very back of their little group, with Simon, the most appropriate place for a servant, even a guard. His expression was elated, this was not his first outing in the park but he so loved to ride, every time they went out it seemed his first time. He did not show any interest in Anne besides a professional one, he did keep an eye on her all the time but that was his assignment. He looked very competent and very content, his black Liquor almost as excited as himself, and yet always aware of his undisputed master. Fowler's casual competence in every physical activity was almost enough to make Darcy a little envious, but no more than that: Fowler had turned out a rather likeable fellow, but he would never have the chance to be more than a dependant and at the mercy of Anne and Frederick. He had such control of his feelings, he might be fuming with anger and despair right now and not show it.

Simon also showed elation at being allowed to join the group, apparently he had made quite an impression on Prince George with his attentions to the prince's personal comfort. Of course the Prince of Wales would never even think of allowing a servant to join a riding party of his own, but he had asked nicely whether Darcy objected to Simon's presence. And besides, though the prince did not know it, Simon and Fowler often rode along with them, if they were ever going to develop a good seat they would have to practise, and not just in the riding paddock.

After ten minutes at a walk along the bank of the river, Darcy split off the well-travelled path and took another one of those narrow tracks straight up the hill. His sense of direction and his knowledge of his own grounds made him reasonably certain it would lead them to another one of those magnificent views, with a nice smooth slope down into the next valley. It would be a superb chance to offer their horses a first opportunity for a nice gallop, they were all fresh and eager to stretch their legs.

Of course they all took the time to admire the view from the top, Prince George as ready to praise the beauty of the countryside as all the others, and then, with a warning from Darcy, they were off. Barley quickly took the lead, he loved going fast and so did Elizabeth. Darcy could have kept up with her easily, at least for the first half mile until his black started to tire, but he felt responsible for the rest and dropped back a little to watch how they were doing. Anne and Prince George were coming on nicely, their horses looking fabulous at a run, followed by Simon and Manners in a very orderly way. But Fowler's horse had taken the opportunity to break loose, and it seemed Fowler was not going to force the black streak of lightning to a slower pace. He was merely enjoying himself hugely, letting the fractious gelding have his head until he had caught up with Elizabeth and Barley. Instead of allowing Liquor to turn their encounter into a race, he then checked the horse's speed subtly but inexorably, until Elizabeth looked straight at him and called out something Darcy couldn't understand.

But the effect was immediate, within the blink of an eye both horses stretched again, their riders flattened against their necks, and a race ensued. At first it seemed Fowler would win, but then Barley shot away so fast that for a moment Darcy thought he was out of control, with the hedge bordering the road and the stream across the road approaching fast. Giving his own black his head he rushed to Elizabeth's side, to help her if her horse should refuse to stop or even go straight towards the stream.

And at first it truly looked like something was terribly wrong, Barley slowed only marginally, and was heading straight for the hedge. The fence was open right before them but Barley passed it in a flash, still going towards the hedge and sailing over it with at least a foot clearance. Guiding his own black towards the opening where the fence would soon keep some farmer's cows in, he was relieved to see Elizabeth sitting up in the saddle, slowing Barley to a walk within at most three horse lengths. Fowler had also jumped the hedge and had slowed his horse well before it reached the stream. The others, including himself, were reaching the road only now, their horses eager to rejoin their faster stable mates.

Heart still beating wildly, Darcy was rather upset to see Elizabeth riding on quite calmly, Fowler by her side, talking and laughing as if nothing had untoward had happened. Their horses were breathing a bit fast, but so was his own, and they strode happily enough, snorting contentedly, stretching their necks and touching noses shortly before continuing at a fast walk eagerly. Just as Darcy realised nothing untoward had happened, Elizabeth had planned to do that as soon as she had seen that hedge and Fowler coming on fast, a large golden horse appeared by his side and matched strides with the black.

'You are the most fortunate man in the world, Mr Darcy, I hope you realise that.'

The prince's voice was quite normal in volume, but very intense.

'I have never seen anything like it, such courage, such fire. I thought those horses were on the run, starting with the black, but I'm certain both your wife and Manners' younger brother knew exactly what they were doing.'

Darcy would be a fool if he admitted he'd been scared out of his wits, he had promised to trust Elizabeth and he would, at least towards any man who admired her. His body had already calmed down, and his voice sounded as sedate as he wanted it to.

'I guess the black was out of control for a split second, Fowler would never presume to overtake his betters like that. He is a natural, but Liquor does test his mettle every time we go out. It would have been kinder towards him if we had started out with a canter. But, you are right, he had him back under control rather quickly, and I suppose Elizabeth didn't mind proving Barley's superior speed at all. I agree with you that she never lost control, and that jump...'

'I seem to remember Manners' valet telling me they have been riding for a mere month. You mean to tell me that fellow on the black horse, Liquor, really?, has only been riding for four weeks? Look at him, he is thrilled! He should be quivering in his saddle, praising his Lord to have kept his seat!'

'Fowler has taken to riding like no-one I've seen before.'

In fact, Darcy himself had taken slightly longer to find his seat, and he had been put on the back of a horse as soon as he could walk.

'You betray yourself, Mr Darcy. This servant is talking to your missus as if he is indeed Manners' brother, or rather his cousin, in possession of his own estate, and you do not seem to mind at all. But you do mind his being a talented rider, just a little bit.'

'You have caught me out, Your Highness. I do envy anyone who sits a horse like that after a mere four weeks. It took me years to learn to ride like that.'

'I took me more, and I would never risk my neck that way, not anymore at least. If I were Mrs Manners I'd feel very safe with a guard like this one. I am convinced a good horseman cannot be a bad person, a horse knows instantly. And there must be a reason for Manners to choose his wife a guard who looks so much like him. He is a very deep and intriguing man, I'm glad to have the chance to get to know him. Thank you so much for your hospitality, Mr Darcy, and for letting me be one of your family for few a days.

You go see your wife, she is trying to catch your attention.'

And Elizabeth was, probably because of the crossroads approaching ahead. Darcy was worried, Prince George saw so much, despite everyone being on their guard he was finding out more and more about how things were in their family, as he so aptly called it.

A few weeks ago, Nick would have been afraid of being in for it after letting Liquor draw so much attention to him. He did lose control for a few moments, when Mr Darcy suddenly rushed down that slope full speed without warning. Or maybe he did give a warning but he and Simon never heard it, keeping a little distance from the genteel folk.

He had Liquor back under control soon enough, but then Mrs Darcy challenged him to a race, and he was not likely to refuse such a thrill. That slender brown horse of hers was incredibly fast, there had been no way to keep up, but when she jumped the hedge Nick knew he wanted that, too, so he took the chance and did. Once on the road they had slowed to a walk, and she had not stopped to wait for the others, so he'd joined her.

'Did I just see you jump that hedge, too, Nick?' she asked, and he affirmed.

'I did, ma'am, it looked easy, the way you jumped it.'

'And was it, after a month of riding lessons?'

'I didn't have any trouble getting Liquor to take it, nor did I come close to falling off. So I guess it was, ma'am.'

'You must be the best natural horseman I've ever met, weren't you afraid at all?'

'Merely to have been out of bounds, Mrs Darcy. I'm just a guard, I'm not supposed to brag with my skills. Which I wasn't trying to do, I just like riding so very much. I did lose control of Liquor when you all suddenly chased down that hill.'

'You didn't hear Fitzwilliam's warning? Maybe we should incorporate a hand signal for those in the rear. I'm glad you are all right, and I'll make sure Fitzwilliam doesn't fault you for what was in fact my doing, I felt like racing and your Liquor seemed the most likely candidate to join Barley in a fast run.'

'And yet he couldn't keep up, ma'am, Barley is really very fast, though he isn't all that large.'

'His father and grandfather have a lot of Arabian blood in them, you know, those desert horses. They are supposed to be really fast. Except I guess that in the desert it is more difficult to run into things, like road signs, and fences, and rivers.'

'I have indeed heard they have very few rivers in the desert, ma'am.'

She laughed heartily, and offered, 'I'm glad you could join us, Nick, though Prince George is obviously wondering what Mrs Manners needs guarding from. Be prepared to have him address you, you may be certain he will.'

Nick did not expect that but she seemed so certain, and she knew Prince George best of any of them.

'I thank you for the warning, ma'am. I suppose I'd better return to Simon's side, though it's too late to keep a low profile.'

She nodded to give him permission, then looked for her husband, who was talking with the prince.

Nick held his horse for a few moments, to let the others pass, then joined Simon, who was riding by himself, surprisingly calm after such a sudden gallop.

'You certainly managed to keep a low profile, what got into you?'

Mrs Darcy had brought that message a good deal more kindly, though of course she had challenged him to do it in the first place.

'My horse ran wild, and when I had him back under control Mrs Darcy wanted to race the horses so I did. But it was foolish, I admit, now Prince George has noticed me. But in my defence, I didn't hear a warning we were going to gallop down that hill and Liquor is quite a fractious horse, he got away from me for a second.'

'Never mind, Nick, I was only teasing you, I wish I could ride like you. Now mind your tongue for we are about to have some company, and he can get a stone to spill its life's story, I swear.'

And Simon immediately inclined his handsome head to the prince, who had reined in his horse to ride with them. Ahead, Anne and Mrs Darcy were riding with their husbands, both couples looking a true ideal of marital happiness.

Nick followed suit, taking a good but covert look at Prince George. He sat his beautiful horse well, though he was certainly a little portly. His coat was more practical than magnificent, his face round like a full moon, and his hair seemed to be thinning under his tall hat. There was no way that this man could be a competitor for Anne's affections, Nick would respect him as a superior but he would not fear his influence on the woman he loved.

'My good man,' he addressed Nick, 'you are truly a superb rider! I have heard you only learned a month ago, I am stunned! The way you took that fence! Were you afraid at all? By the way, might I ask your name?'

Well, now he had to say something.

'My name is Nick Fowler, Your Highness, I am Mrs Manners' guard. I thank you for your kind compliments, I just love riding so much, the speed, being one with the horse, the excitement, I'm never afraid when riding my horse.'

'Liquor, I've heard you call him, an intriguing name.'

'Liquor is his short name, Your Highness, I actually named him Liquorice, because he is black.'

'Ah, that explains a lot. So you are never afraid on a horse. And you are a guard, I guess that means you are a brave man in general. Tell me, Nick, is there anything you do fear?'

Well, that was an easy one with the Prince of Wales riding next to him.

'Yes, Your Highness, I have a tremendous fear of powerful men. I suppose that may sound singular to you.'

'Surprisingly little, my friend, remember, however influential a man, there is always someone who can harm him. I for instance have long feared my father, who is little forgiving of mistakes, especially in his eldest son. I suppose you have always worked in a dependent position.'

'Yes, Your Highness, ever since I was fifteen years of age.'

'That is rather young, were you always a guard?'

'Mostly, though I have also served as chaperone for two young ladies. They preferred entertainment that would have caused the usual elderly lady to blanch or even faint, and still their father chose to indulge them in their taste. My qualities as a guard were sometimes very useful.'

'I can see that he trusted you with their respectability as well as their lives.'

'They were like sisters to me, I would have given my life to guard them from harm.'

'And would you give your life for Mrs Manners, Nick?'

Damn the man, he was smart. Nick couldn't hide that he would, without a moment's hesitation.

'I would, Your Highness.'

'She is lucky to have such a loyal man. I understand why Mr Manners entrusts his wife to you. But she can hardly be like a sister to you.'

'That would be highly presumptuous, Your Highness, she is no feckless girl but a woman grown.'

'A woman grown, that she certainly is. And yet she is still so young, and so fresh and beautiful. I cannot help it, Nick, when I see such a beautiful, admirable woman I fall in love instantly, each and every time. It has gained me some unforgettable times but it has cost me at least as much. If you were to ask me what I fear most it would be reporters. They have their opinion of me all thought out and they see confirmation in anything. I would so love to be faithful to one woman, but somehow another always crosses my path who is even more special. How do men like Darcy do it? Give all their love to one woman, unconditionally? I've never understood. Do you? Nick? Simon?'

'I have certainly never been able to give my love to a single woman, Your Highness,' Simon said, laughing. 'I've never met one who could tempt me to stay true to her. But I'm sure if I met the right person I would be faithful until the day I died.'

That last was said with more than a little irony, and Nick could see that Prince George appreciated Simon's sense of humour very much, though of course he did no know where Simon's self-critique originated. Nick found himself answering honestly, though carefully, somehow he felt a case had to be made for the faithful.

'I used to be a real ladies' man, I never intended to fall in love and worship a single woman to the exclusion of everything else. But it happened when I least expected it, and I haven't so much as looked at another woman since. And I used to have a different one every day.'

'Wasn't that difficult, living in a household?'

'Some of the staff disapproved, but my master knew and he sort of admired me for my prowess. His wife had strings of lady friends visiting to see me.'

'Really? Ladies, of your master's class? And you gave that up for a single woman? Did you marry her? Did you leave her in London? I would never have guessed you to be a family man.'

'Alas, she wouldn't marry me. For her I would have become a family man, if only she'd have me. But I see her now and again, just enough to keep me going. No family for me, not yet. I may still convince her to start one, though.'

'You sound so determined, Nick, in the face of such adversity. I almost feel ashamed of my wandering eye. Until I see another pretty face and I am lost in love once again.

Well, I wish you both a pleasant ride, I'm going to spend some more time on one or both of those charming ladies here, I'm really very much in love with both, but of course they're way too young for me. Mrs Darcy could have been my daughter! Still, I'll enjoy her delightful conversation and her husband's incredible self-control, any other man would have challenged me by now. At the very least to a game of billiards. I'll have to be more careful of your master, he is less envious of his lady's attention but ever so much more subtle, it wouldn't do at all to anger him, I'm sure his enemies never see him coming. But Mrs Manners, she is a true delight, not my daughter's age at all. Do you think she would have me, just for a night? He is not that good looking. Though he is probably a very good lover, that must be it. Athletic, which I certainly am not. Much gentler than he presents himself to the world outside, I bet.'

Nick looked at Simon and they couldn't help smiling. Simon just had to do it.

'You may be right, Your Highness, you may just be right. I'm guessing Mrs Manners is very satisfied with her man, but I'm just a simple valet, what would I know?'

'You're not fooling me, Simon, there is nothing simple about you. I guess I'll just enjoy the ladies' company then. See you both later.'