There was a bit of a lurch when the horses took off with a sudden burst of speed, finding Frederick doing his utmost to trust the solidity of Darcy's carriage and its tack, and the sure-footedness of his horses, to enjoy the thrill of the experience. The scenery, a rather flat plain covered with heath on both sides of the road, flashed by and still they were gaining speed. As Anne had described, at first it was as if the carriage rattled across every little stone on the road, but when suddenly that stopped the silence was almost eerie, for they were going really fast now, there should be a sound!

Prince George was almost ecstatic, was he one of those men who needed to do dangerous things every so often, only barred from actually doing them because he was heir to the throne? He didn't look especially reckless, he was not athletic at all. Nick was a more likely candidate for that, though he seemed rather aware of risks. They did have their need for romantic adventures in common, at least they used to have. Well, Frederick didn't wonder whether Nick would like doing this, he would. Probably from the box.

And then it was over, the rattling sound returned then slowed down, until they were back to a calm trot and then a walk.

'Thank you so much for taking me along, Mr Darcy,' Prince George exclaimed, he was indeed thrilled. 'That was great fun!' he added, almost to himself.

'I didn't know horses could run that fast, Darcy,' Frederick commented.

'They cannot keep it up for long,' his friend admitted, 'not this all-out run. In a trot they last longer than an ordinary team and they are quite a bit faster.'

With the spectacular bit of the trip over they soon turned back towards home, though through different villages to make the trip more interesting, as Darcy said. Frederick had to admit he hadn't seen a single view or village on the trip over, their conversation had been that intense. But he did not regret talking of music and horses and other less shocking things on the way back, the prince's frankness had rattled him more than he liked to admit, and he felt rather sorry for the man, but also for his poor wife, who had been at the mercy of her parents all her youth, then married off to her cousin without having a say in it, and now she was undoubtedly a prisoner in a rich house while her husband lived with his one mistress, had several others at his beck and call, and still felt free to make eyes at other men's wives. Like Frederick's own, although by now Frederick knew the prince was not the kind to force women into his bed. Apparently there were plenty who'd have him of their own free will. Maybe Princess Caroline would have done better to not have protested her fate by refusing to wash and showing herself off as an ignorant peasant girl. Maybe she would have liked her husband better if he had made an effort to please her, though he would always keep his roving eye.

'Are you happy?' Georgiana asked Eric. They were pausing their practice for half an hour and Georgiana felt it was time to ask him that question, she thought he might miss having an audience. If Eric didn't enjoy the rather monotonous life of a gentleman they could return to London after the family visit and pick up their more exciting habits of performances and lessons.

'I'm the happiest man in the world, my love. Doesn't it show?'

Well, it did, but that was not the point.

'I'm sorry, my love, I was just teasing you. I know what you mean, I love you, I'm incredibly happy to be married to you and to be with you, and to have time and most importantly peace and quiet to compose instead of having to dodge admirers and reporters. I've enjoyed my time in the country so far, learning to ride and shoot, exploring a beautiful landscape and interesting villages. But I'm afraid living like this a whole summer will be rather boring for both of us. Seeing the prince all taken in by my music I do miss my audiences, our friends, our lessons. Don't you?'

Georgiana couldn't help feeling the same way. She had never minded being at Pemberley before, she had always been content with her piano and her brother's company, even if that was usually paid for by Miss Bingley being present as well.

'I do, my love. I never used to mind spending summer here, but now, the memory of London with all its pleasures makes me long to be back there. And our new connection to Prince George could make life in London even more exciting. Somehow I'd feel cheated if we spent a boring summer at Pemberley then went straight to the continent, never making use of our new contact until our return after a year or maybe even two: by then he'll most likely have a new favourite and our chance will have passed. Better spend the summer in the prince's company a few times every week while we still can, then go to the continent from there.'

Eric nodded, he clearly felt the same way.

'I knew you were used to spending summer here, I was afraid to spoil your pleasure, but it seems we're of the same opinion. And dear Georgiana, I am very worried about Prince George's remarks on war in the Lower Countries. I really do hope we can convince him to tell us as much as he is allowed to, I'm not that set on going to Vienna anymore, not if it endangers all of us, Mr Clementi can help me for some time yet and you heard the prince assure us he'd be able to get my work accompanied by an orchestra. I think I'd rather stay put and make some money to add to yours to invest in our future. Maybe have a few children, in a few years? And visit my parents, if you don't mind.'

'You want to visit your parents? You never talked about them before. But of course we'll visit if you want to. Do you know an address? You were quite young when you left, weren't you?'

'I think Mr Zumpe knows, and he'll tell me. And if he refuses or doesn't remember himself, I'm pretty certain Frederick will know what to do.'

That was certainly true. And since only one of them still had parents to visit they surely should. Georgiana remembered her mother with the most grief, although she had been only seven when she passed away. But they had been very close, whereas her father had usually been away from home or busy with Fitzwilliam. And besides, Fitzwilliam had spent as much time with his little sister as he could, in some way he had always been more like a father to her than a brother. As George Wickham had been her brother, somehow his attempt to elope with her had become less important over time, and his kindness to her in those difficult years after her mother passed away more so, she hardly reproached him his selfishness anymore, and she would not be very disappointed if he did turn out to be her half brother. She had loved him her entire youth, and never hated him, though of course what he had done to her and to Lydia was despicable.

'You'd better write to Mr Zumpe then, for to return to London first and then drive back north would be a waste of time. We could easily visit from here, I suppose it must be closer to your parents and we can borrow Bob and the thoroughbreds.'

'True. I'll write him then. I suppose I shouldn't mention the prince visiting to hear my music?'

'I guess not, though it's a bit of a shame, he'd be so proud of you.'

'If I tell him I have learned to ride and shoot he will be very pleased already. And that we have brought his wedding gift along. And remember, he has sold a very expensive instrument to the prince as well, through Mr Clementi but on our recommendation.'

'I forgot, but he won't,' Georgiana observed, laughing. That would make Mr Zumpe happier than any honour befalling his adopted son, he was a tradesman first of all and he had a family and dependants to keep after all.

'You really don't mind going back to London?' he asked, and Georgiana could wholeheartedly reply, 'Not in the least. I think we should try to visit your parents first and it may take a few weeks to find out where they live. Do you know the name of a village? Some are so small you may be able to find their house once you're there.'

'If they still live in the same place. I suppose I'll write Mr Zumpe and ask, I was still so small when I left and with my mind stuffed full of music. Already. Shall we talk to your brother and Elizabeth tonight? I'm sure they'll understand.'

'I think Frederick will be more disappointed, though I suppose he will also understand. Now Fitzwilliam said we'd better bring the Zumpe back upstairs, since aunt Catherine is on her way and we don't want to be practising in her presence. Shall we ask Nick and Frederick to lift it for us? We'll spend a lot more time together in our headquarters once she arrives, I'm looking forward to being amongst ourselves once more, where our friends can be themselves.'

Eric nodded, and they went off to find Nick and Anne to spend some time together.

During dinner they talked and laughed like intimate friends, Prince George seemingly no longer a stranger among them. But Anne knew that was just on the surface, Frederick at least would never be less than wary with the snoopy prince trying to get to the bottom of his love-life. Prince George suspected Frederick of having a roving eye, like the prince himself, though it should be obvious he had not the slightest interest in Elizabeth or Georgiana, he'd have to prefer a totally different kind of women, maybe common women, servants or even cheap women. Anne knew Frederick had often hired the latter to entertain his clique of college friends, and he had used them as a sort of cover towards his own staff. His driver would swear to his master preferring them and compared to Darcy's staff Bates was rather talkative, if Prince George had thought to ask him he'd have plenty of reason to worry about Anne. Well, better that than the truth, there was nothing he could do about it anyhow, Anne and Frederick were lawfully married and not even a prince could change that. If he had that power and rumour was to be believed, he'd annul his own marriage first.

Still, Darcy seemed to have let go of his reticence towards Prince George, apparently bragging with one's enviable team made a man more forthcoming towards the suitably impressed other party. For it was more than obvious the prince had indeed been impressed by his ride behind four thoroughbreds going at full speed. She'd just not thought Darcy was that easily won.

After dinner they all gathered in the explorer's headquarters on the second floor for Prince George to show them exactly where the French were making things difficult for innocent travellers, most importantly those from Britain.

'And of good birth. Our class isn't particularly popular in the Republic, and everyone would know your status immediately. Even if merely being abroad didn't give it away with travel to the continent being rather expensive, your refined manners would. I know of at least one English gentleman having had to flee France, leaving behind his French wife and child.'

They were all crowded around the large table, Prince George and an array of maps the centre of attention, Elizabeth and even Darcy also present, hanging on his lips. The soft and spoiled ladies' man had made way for the heir to the throne for an hour or so, and inspired quite a lot of respect in Anne at least. Still, she'd not let herself be taken in, she was convinced this was not the real Prince George, he was making the most of an interesting situation, he was acting the wise ruler to impress them. Maybe just to impress her, though her vanity didn't really suffice to actually believe that herself.

Pointing out the Lower Countries, the prince observed, 'We fought a heated battle here just last year, in alliance with the Russians. It did not end well for our side, we had to retreat after suffering significant losses. I would not recommend sailing to any port there while the Batavian Republic is still under French vassalship. Too bad, since there are some really lovely galleries there. I have some superb works from their best painters, magnificent talents.'

So the Lower Countries were out, as was France itself. Too bad, Anne would have loved to see Paris.

The prince now tried to lay out three maps in such a way that they matched up to form one large map of the German empire, and though the scales didn't quite match his efforts gave a reasonable overview of the states involved. There was Hanover, a small country in the northern part which was part of the British Empire. And Mecklenburg, which was where Queen Charlotte was originally from.

'I'd advise you to take a ship to Bremen, it is a strong and safe independent city with a beautiful harbour, and close to Hanover, where my connections will be pleased to receive you. Then travel south, avoiding the smaller states as much as possible since their dukes and kinglets are generally not very trustworthy. And I'd take the Eastern route to Vienna, for Switzerland was overrun by the French last year. But mostly I would advise you to desist. The situation in France is much more serious than people here realise, they have taken a large part of Germany, the Holy Roman Empire is weak and the German states are too small and divided to defend themselves against the masses of the Revolution. The French army is modern and their officers are not men of blood, but men of talent, the best rise in the ranks. Which means they have more officers than we do and generally better ones. Do you know anything about our army?'

Darcy observed, 'Our cousin is a colonel and our brother-in-law, Elizabeth's younger sister's husband, has been selected for the Rifle Corps. They have both told us some, but not enough to know what we are up against.'

'The Rifle Corps? That is a signal honour, though very dangerous. It's a desperate attempt to stop the slaughter of our troops whenever we meet the French skirmishers, they do not keep a formation but attack wherever it hurts the most, in small groups of highly trained soldiers. Like the French skirmishers, The Rifle Corps takes only those that can shoot well and think for themselves in the heat of battle. Your relative will be in grave danger and sooner than you think, but he will save hundreds of our troops each time he sees action. Is your brother an officer, Mrs Darcy?'

'A lieutenant, Your Highness.'

'That's a little safer but not much. Still, they do select only the best for the Rifles, I've heard their rifles are as good or better than what we use ourselves. And so they should be, since deer and grouse generally don't return fire.'

Frederick laughed and retorted, 'I do prefer to hit my mark on the first aim when hunting boar.'

Anne was a little shocked by their callousness towards the men who were risking their lives far away from home to defend their King and country, though in a way she didn't care that much about George Wickham either. She only remembered him as a boy, when he had been kind to her the few times they'd met. She thought she'd like to see him again, just to see how he'd grown up and what all the fuss was about, especially since Elizabeth had apparently quite liked him at one time.

In general, though, what the prince told them was not very heartening. If they wanted to avoid all risk of coming near a scene of strive they needed to travel a lot more to the east than they had been planning, Switzerland and Italy were out of bounds altogether, and even the Danube was no longer entirely safe with the French having access to its higher reaches: they could easily send troops down into Austria, and whilst Vienna would be relatively safe, the country being involved in a war would make the populace less inclined to think of music.

Looking at the faces around her she could see Darcy and Elizabeth worried, of course they were, with their relatives and friends planning to do what might turn out to be a rather foolish thing. Eric and Georgiana were less disappointed than she expected, they had counted on hearing bad news, maybe the prince had warned them earlier. Of course he had presented a very tempting alternative already. Nick, who was present at Frederick's request since, 'A guard needed to know what he was up against before agreeing to take the job,' didn't look very impressed at all, he probably didn't mind where they stayed as long as he got to be with Anne at night and maybe a part of the day. They'd had such a good time that afternoon, he was so sweet and so... manly.

The only ones showing the slightest sign of regret were Frederick and Simon, they had wanted to go on a Grand Tour to be together as two gentlemen instead of as master and servant. Well, they could always dress like common tradesmen and take a trip north, no-one would wonder who they were then. Men travelled together all the time, even shared rooms to save money, only the well-known Mr Manners would attract attention and only close to London. If he went to Newcastle, to the guesthouse where Elizabeth and Darcy had been staying earlier in the year, not a single question would be raised about the identity of two befriended merchants. People like mother didn't use an equipage because they actually needed all those attendants, they went accompanied by a bevy of liveried servants to make sure everyone knew who they were. It was much easier to do the opposite and disappear for a few weeks.

After about twenty minutes of last year's battles of the Russian, Austrian and British alliance against France, Anne could no longer keep up with the names of German cities, city states, rivers, mountains and local kinglets, nor with the Swiss, Italian and other equivalents. Frederick, Eric and surprisingly, Nick, were still listening as if they knew what Prince George was talking about, and Darcy was making as impressive an effort. The rest were obviously trying to come to terms with the knowledge that France was a lot more dangerous than they had been led to believe. Prince George feared they might even threaten Britain itself.

'Our navy cannot be rivalled. Still, if the French gain too many new colonies they will soon be unstoppable, even at sea. France is a huge country, and though they say its people have taken the power, in fact a few very ambitious men are in control. Ambitious but also competent, which its kings never used to be. They have all the officers they need since, again, they only look at competence, not birth. And no insubordinate rabble as privates either, but every younger son out to improve his country and his own life by bringing the illusion of freedom to ever more people. Our army will have to change, too, or we will surely perish.'

'How do you know all this, Your Highness, and why don't we?' Anne asked, expecting to get a vague reply.

'I can see you thinking, Mrs Manners, the Prince of Wales, that fat man who squanders our taxes on Madeira wine, married women and Dutch masters? How can he know what we don't? If it's so serious why doesn't he do something? I'll tell you. A friend of mine is very active in Parliament, and he insists on keeping me informed. I do not always agree with his views, for instance, he sympathises with the Revolution, which I think is destined to bring great harm to the continent and maybe even Britain. Did you know there has been an attempted landing of the French in Ireland, to gain a foothold there? This Napoleon and others like him are not merely trying to stabilise a country in turmoil, they are out for conquest and it will be our task as the most powerful nation in the world to stop them. But I do acknowledge that the common people are much more capable than most of our class give them credit for, as we will all find out when they make France more powerful than it has ever been. This friend of mine tells me what he is supposed to know as a member of Parliament. But I have no power to act, nor does my father allow me to influence him. I merely keep informed and hope the King will protect this country and the colonies depending on us. Currently his prime minister seems more bent on subjecting Ireland, but maybe he knows even more than I do.

I'm afraid it's not in the interest of those who rule us to let the people know everything that is going on, which may be why my friend Fox is so adamant that liberation of the people is a good thing that will make our world a better place eventually. I doubt that. I think most people are dumb in whichever layer of the populace, but what can a single man do about that, besides making the most of the life he is granted?'

This apparently was quite a sore point for the prince, and Anne was not going to rile him up by suggesting he was really close to a position where he could indeed make a difference. Instead she thanked him for his reply to the questions she had actually asked him.

'I think I understand, Your Highness. Though I cannot fault the people of France for taking charge of their own lives if their king was as bad as the papers say, but still I prefer things remain as they are in England, and that is not just because I prefer my head attached to my body. I suppose there is much we can do to improve things for our people so they don't need to revolt. I intend to take good care of my tenants once I inherit Rosings, and as I said earlier, I intend to give them a lot more freedom than my mother does now. But I suppose most need some direction, to take good care of the land and their houses, and save up for when they are old or to give their children a good start in life.'

'Your wisdom puts me to shame, Mrs Manners,' the prince said in a perfectly serious voice, but still Anne suspected he was either having her on or flattering her.

'I so want this Gothic conservatory, and I really cannot resist my wine, my chocolate and the occasional Vermeer, but I suppose I should be much more sensible myself.'

Still Anne could not see or hear whether he was serious or making fun of her. Fortunately, Frederick came to her rescue by addressing Nick.

'As born Londoner what do you think, Nick? Do you think there is any danger of a revolution in England?'

Nick was utterly surprised, since riding himself into the picture more or less accidentally he was planning to keep a very low profile, and only Frederick's insistence had practically forced him to be present here tonight. He did take the time to think, then carefully framed a respectful reply.

'I'd say not, Mr Manners, most people I know are pretty satisfied with their lives. But of course as a servant in a great house even I live a privileged life with a solid roof over my head and plenty to eat. I know no truly poor people, my parents have their own tiny house which my siblings and I pay for, they did indeed work hard to save up and give us a good start, and now their care is paying off. But we are all in good health, and have a good position, I cannot imagine that is so for all the good people in London. Still, to incite a whole people I suppose the majority must be dissatisfied and I think if that were so I'd have seen signs, especially in town. So I guess your head is perfectly safe where it is, Mrs Manners.'

Nick sounded so incredibly respectful towards Anne that no-one would guess they were lovers. Simon had told Nick that Prince George was convinced they were, but after this he would start to doubt. Anne doubted herself that this was the same man who'd lain in her arms a few hours ago, after loving her so passionately that Anne would have married him instantly if she hadn't already been married to Frederick.

'I'm glad to hear it, Nick. And I'm also very glad you are taking our coming trip seriously, since you will be our last defence against any threats.'

'Thank you, Mrs Manners, I'm determined to do my job well.'

She nodded at her most condescending, let the prince make something of that.

They talked of the French and the continent for as much as another hour, then enjoyed another hour of melancholy music in the drawing-room, during which Prince George again spent most of his time by Anne's side. When it was finally time to seek out their bedrooms for the night she was tired of being on her guard all the time, and she felt a bit sorry for that. She really liked Prince George and would have loved to talk with him freely, he was obviously very well informed and had much to tell anyone. She wished he could just accept the situation as it was and enjoy their company instead of putting them on the defensive with his prying.

On Monday, Simon was almost pleased to attend to Prince George after having assisted Frederick with his dressing. On Saturday evening the prince had been rather quiet, he'd merely excused himself for letting Mr Fielding's music touch him again and told Simon again how much he liked Mrs Manners and how he hoped she'd have a chance of some happiness. Since Simon had had his say on that subject and wasn't going to admonish the man who would one day be his king, he merely mumbled the appropriate acknowledgements without actually saying anything.

On Sunday morning, Simon had been in a hurry to attend to his own master and the prince before it was time to go to church, and the prince hadn't even tried to engage his borrowed valet in serious conversation. And then after church, which comprised of a really subtle sermon by Mr Eliot on the subject of letting others be, and some surprisingly good singing, Simon almost started to think Prince George had actually taken Mr Eliot's message to heart. He still couldn't believe Mr Darcy had actually done it, asked Mr Eliot to address the constant gossiping among the staff. Except it probably wasn't just the staff showing its worst side with the Prince of Wales honouring their master with a visit, gossiping was inherent to human nature and people in a village did their share of it. There was every reason to admonish them to remember the golden rule to 'do unto others', for who liked to be the victim of tales? Simon did think the message might have been a little too subtle for most of the people present, though Mr Eliot had described gossip well without actually using the word or pointing a finger at those who most often indulged in the spreading of tales.

Anyway, the sermon had been talked over at dinner in the servants' quarters, and Simon hoped in most local households as well. But he seriously doubted that someone like Pauline would have understood how the sermon concerned her, if not for Mrs Reynolds. He really had to credit the housekeeper with that, she often used dinner to explain serious issues in words even the thickest of the servants could understand.

And with Prince George refraining from further inquiry into his master and mistress' private life the whole Sunday, Simon hoped he'd taken the message to heart and would stick to it. That he had understood was more than clear, for not only was Prince George possibly the smartest person Simon knew, he had told Simon himself that if Mr Eliot was a fair representative of the British clergy, he was proud of their level of education and looked forward to becoming their head some day. Of course they both doubted that all clergymen were of Mr Eliot's level, but neither spoke his mind, for that would have cast a blemish on their spotless behaviour that day. Simon had merely expressed his own appreciation of the kind and upright minister, then tried to convince the prince that pantaloons were the future and breeches very definitely a thing of the past and to try one while he was still Mr Chester to the locals. For no-one had addressed him as anything but a visiting gentleman, though Mr Darcy received so much respect from his tenants that he might as well be a prince himself in how respectfully they treated him to his face, and hopefully among themselves as well.

So, after a quiet Sunday, Simon entered the prince's bedroom in an excellent humour, and found himself welcomed as heartily as before. The prince was still in bed, but he had opened his own curtains and poked up his fire, the latter of which he seemed to have done creditably since the room was warm but not sweltering.

'Simon, there you are! Just in time for another glorious day filled with music. I've taken the liberty of opening the curtains myself since I expected this to be a magnificent day. And I was right, just look at that lovely spring sky. I swear, Simon, I've never had a Sunday like yesterday, filled with the most beautiful music a man can be privileged to hear but only after attending an edifying religious service, which added a certain sense of righteousness to the whole day.'

Well, apparently that was as far as religion influenced Prince George's behaviour, to make him feel righteous a whole day, then revert to his usual self on Monday.

'I'm glad you weren't bored, Your Highness, Sundays in the country can be long and very dull to an active mind.'

'Sundays in town no less, my dear man, the things I have suffered before coming of age, the endless monotony of sitting with my parents in my best clothes, waiting for the day to creep by. First the sermon, in view of everybody who mattered anything, and then at home with my brothers and sisters. How were your Sundays when you were a boy?'

'I was fortunate, my parents were members of a church where children attended a different service from the adults, we were taught religion but in child-sized portions, and we were taught religious music, and might even play quiet games the minister thought suitable for learning to relate to other children.'

'That is quite extraordinary!'

'It was, I almost liked Sunday until I entered my first service, where religious observance became another duty instead of a privilege.'

'Do you have many siblings?'

'I have four sisters and a much older brother.'

'Could you play with your brother despite the difference in age? My brothers and I were always horsing around and testing each other, whenever we were allowed to, which was more often than you might expect from a couple of princes.'

Simon really had to remind himself to be on his guard, this was approaching dangerous grounds, the affable prince was back, gaining information where one didn't mean to give any.

'I did horse around with my brother, though of course he was much stronger than I and I never had a chance to prevail. But it prepared me for life outside, for though my sisters rather spoiled me at home, London children play on the streets more often than not. I've had to fight to prove my mettle, we were all a rough lot by necessity but it was hardest for me. When you grow up looking like a little angel, complete with blond curls, you have a lot to prove to the neighbourhood bullies.'

'You had blond curls as a child?'

'As a little boy, yes, but also when I was thirteen, fourteen. And I was even more slender than I am now.'

'You must have been as beautiful as a girl. I can see how that would cause problems.'

He had no idea. To be considered unmanly and knowing he actually was what they accused him of. Few boys had fought as determinedly as Simon had to prove himself to himself, often as not losing and getting beaten black and blue as a result. Still it had gained him respect and even protection from older boys who appreciated his efforts. Until he discovered that women found him irresistible and he didn't need to fight anymore since he could use his influence with women to gain the respect of his peers.

'One day I was fed up with being twitted over my looks and I had one of my sisters shave my head. It grew back in darker and a little more straight. I've kept it short ever since.'

'So you might still have blond curly hair if it were longer?'

What did the prince care? He was a ladies' man, wasn't he?

'Yes, Your Highness, I suppose I would. But a valet should not care about his own appearance overmuch.'

That dry statement caused Prince George to laugh heartily.

'Oh, Simon, go fool someone else. I've never met a valet who wasn't vain as a peacock. You hide it better than most, but then you are much better endowed than most, you don't need much adornment. Still, look at your clothes, tell me you didn't have them made to size.'

Simon bowed his head, he was vain, he had to admit it.

'I did. It looks ever so much better that way.'

'And it's subtle, it's a livery and yet it is not. As if you are not to be marked a servant. Why, Simon? And why not grow your hair?'

'My master likes to keep ahead of things, and all servants talk. We're his eyes and ears behind the scenes. The way I look now people hardly notice me, though it works even better for Nick. I'm too handsome, women tend to check me out. If I grew my hair they'd stop and stare. So I keep it shorter than I might like.'

Prince George nodded, he accepted this. By now he was washed, shaved and dressed and Simon had no reason to stay, so he started to clear up after himself as he usually did just before he left.

'Simon,' said Prince George, and Simon turned around to hear what he had to say.

'Have you ever kissed a man?'

Somehow, Simon expected this question, there had been a certain look in the prince's eye. He was curious, he loved beautiful things, and though not a thing, Simon knew he was beautiful.

'I have, Your Highness.'

'How was it, compared to a woman?'

'Very exciting. Even the most eager woman is careful. A man is not.'

Which was not true, Frederick was much more tender than any woman Simon had had, but that was none of the prince's business. Let him think a man would totally overwhelm him.

'That is exactly as I'd describe it. I was just wondering whether you had tried.'

'So you have?'

'Certainly. It's more common than you might think, though no-one will admit it. I blame school, having lived exclusively among men for years some just don't know what to do with a woman anymore, though most learn eventually. I was merely curious, and I admit, drunk, and he was so incredibly beautiful and quite willing. He'd never had the slightest interest in women he told me, I hope he didn't tell anyone else. Poor chap. Just be glad you were raised with four sisters, it saves a man a world of trouble.'

Simon had always been glad to have four sisters, but not because they saved him from being attracted to men. Strangely enough he knew exactly how to relate to women, he just couldn't feel physical attraction for them, not enough to form a lasting bond. But he was glad to make a joke out of it.

'I know you have sisters yourself, Your Highness, so you must know how much trouble sisters are. Though I suppose you were raised with them, in my case it was more like being raised by them. My mother was happy enough to let them take care of me, she had plenty of work to do.'

'I only met my sisters at mealtimes, and later during the holidays at mealtimes. We barely know each other.'

'That is very sad, Your Highness. I've actually never worked in a household where there were several young children, I suppose they are mostly under the care of a maid or a nurse, very different from when I was a boy.'

'Do you see yourself as anything else than a valet, Simon?'

'I'm very good at it, Your Highness, I couldn't think of anything else I might do that would allow me to make a comfortable living.'

'But isn't it demeaning and rather boring to wait upon someone day in, day out, without a day off? You have a true talent for dress, you have me ready to try a pair of pantaloons, and those black cravats are such a unique touch. And your uniform is a marvel. I'd hire you to bring my wardrobe up to date, the way we dress at court, even mine, is a disgrace. What use is applying the most modern standards to one's home, then walking around in it dressed as our grandparents did?'

'If you put it that way, I see what you mean. I think I'd like that, enable men to dress much better. Women, too. I'll consider it, for indeed the idea of still serving as a valet ten years from now does seem a little, well, dull.'

And with Frederick's five thousand Simon could easily start his own business in ready-mades. 'Close to fashion', if one pronounced it right it was even funny.

'I can see you like the thought of that. Well, keep it in mind, I'll have plenty of work before me if I want to introduce modern dress at court, it'll take a few years and I'm afraid I won't even profit, I keep gaining weight. And that reminds me of breakfast, I hope we'll get some of Mrs Brewer's pie again. Maybe I should move my court to Mr Darcy's garden, to be near Mrs Brewer's kitchen. Thank you very much for your help, I suppose I'm staying in this morning to enjoy as much of Mr Fielding's talent as I can, which means I won't need to change until dinner. So I hope to see you tonight, to help me make ready for another evening of delightful conversation. I think I've found a way to make sure that Mrs Manners will always be as happy as she is now, I'll tell you all about it then.'

And here Simon thought he'd gotten away easily.