Chapter 159

When Simon had taken Mr Collins to meet Mr and Mrs Darcy, and Mrs Reynolds had somehow spirited away Hughes, allegedly to look at some peculiar kind of fowl in the kitchen garden which Lady de Bourgh's guard had shown a great interest in, Nick was left all by himself in the large common-room. He did not rue this enforced solicitude for he had some things to contemplate before he faced anyone else.

First of all, how much he liked country life, the fox hunt this morning had been the crown on his efforts to be a gentleman. Most of all the riding lessons, of course, the speed and the excitement were such as he had never expected to experience. But also those painstaking hours Frederick, Simon and Anne, and even Mr and Mrs Darcy, had spent on him, helping him to lose the London accent and the coarse expressions, teaching him how to dine properly, how to make innocuous conversation, how to stand, walk and dress like a gentleman. Without that, he would have felt utterly out of place here, but as it was he had come to love this life, the constant entertainment, the total absence of duties either pleasant or unpleasant, the freedom. The richness of the food, the gentility and intelligence of his companions. Did he ever want to return to London? Probably, but not until he'd spent his whole summer here. Travelling abroad would be fun, too, but much more dangerous, and tiring. Why go through all that trouble to look upon yet another large city? Did they really think it would be that different from London, did they think the outskirts wouldn't be as badly maintained and poverty-stricken as the outer reaches of London? They probably didn't even know how common people lived.

Well, Nick was glad he now knew how they lived, and to be allowed to participate in a lot of their activities. Which meant he was done contemplating his own life and should occupy himself thinking of that other subject: Dora. Frank seemed to think that Nick was his main advocate towards the girl of his dreams, whereas Nick mostly thought they would have to sort this out between themselves. But maybe he could give Frank a few hints, the boy was so shy and inexperienced and Dora was, too, so much so that she wouldn't even notice how irresistible such shyness made her admirer.

For a few moments Frank had embarrassed Nick, by addressing him whilst in the company of the master and lady of the house, though they hadn't seemed to mind. Frankly, they had both seemed distracted by the arrival of someone they obviously didn't like very much. In Hunsford, Nick had seen enough of Lady de Bourgh and Mrs Darcy together to know there was no love lost between those two ladies.

Frank had greeted Nick like an old friend, which was rather amusing since at that time of their visit he'd been convinced that Nick was his competitor for Dora's affection, which Nick might have been if he'd wanted to. But as it was, Nick was rather happy to see Frank so determined to win Dora, however this turned out it would do Dora a world of good to have an admirer. It gave a woman such a boost to her confidence, and Dora would need to be very self-assured if she wanted to make it in the city as a lady's maid. It was by no means certain that she would be allowed to come to the continent, and if not, she'd have to find herself a different position. Then again, they might stay in London all winter, and if so, Nick didn't doubt that Frederick and Anne would be regular visitors at Carlton House, which meant Dora and Nick would sometimes reside in the servants' quarters there. Nick would have Simon to help him fit in and besides, few people dared cross Nick these days, with his confidence as a guard well-established. But Dora would have to fight for her position, women were so much less forgiving to one another, one mistake and she might find herself ostracised. She might be treated miserably by the prince's servants just for her mistress being of a lesser rank, or because she was from the country.

But that was of a later concern, maybe Dora would decide to return to Kent with Frank after all. For now, Nick had to decide whether he was going to prepare Dora for Frank's imminent arrival in the common-room, as Frank had pleaded him to do, or to just let her be surprised. He had not promised Frank any interference, had said he needed to think about whether it would improve his situation. Hughes thought it would and had almost pushed Nick to do just that, but Nick really didn't know whether his involvement would help Frank.

As it turned out, Nick's involvement was inexorable and entirely spontaneous. He hadn't at all decided what to do, yet, when Dora came storming in, obviously looking for someone. When she saw him she merely smiled sweetly, as she always did since she'd conquered her infatuation for him, as if she remembered something precious lost years ago. It was flattering to be remembered with such kind feelings, but it was rather embarrassing as well since there had been nothing between them and it wasn't all that long ago either. How many years did Dora count anyway, not even eighteen. Maybe at that age a half-year's infatuation counted as eternal love. Well, Frank would undoubtedly understand better since he was of a much more suitable age for Dora, and in love with her, whilst Nick had never been in love before falling for Anne.

'Nick! I was helping Fanny inventory the storage room when one of the maids told us Lady Catherine the Bourgh had arrived with as many as four retainers, and Fanny told me to go check whether there was anyone I knew who could tell me about Frank. Or maybe he'd sent a letter, or a little present. He used to give me presents, and I merely accepted them and never saw what they meant. Can you believe how foolish I was?'

'You were merely very young, Dora. I suppose you just weren't ready for love not to recognise it in another. So you'd like to hear from him again so soon? His latest letter arrived only last week.'

Her expression became so dreamy that Nick's hopes for Frank were rising quickly.

'Oh, yes, I'd love to hear about him, maybe Hughes came, they're good friends, you see. Did you see anyone? Fanny said you were going on a real fox hunt on one of Mr Manners' hunters. Is that true?'

'It is, Dora, and it was the most exciting thing I ever did. We didn't get the fox but I wasn't sorry for that, though I know they're a real pest for the farmers and villagers.'

Dora did not let him finish but interjected, all admiration.

'So you really did go on a hunt. You're like a gentleman yourself, Nick, all concerned about villagers and farmers. You never spent a thought on people like that in London.'

True. He'd eaten potatoes and carrots without ever spending a thought on the people who grew them. He'd enjoyed those Old Rookery pies without considering how many eggs and how much cream and white sugar were used to make them. Their visit to Mrs Brewer had enlightened him on that. He'd never have any responsibility over anyone, so why think of their plight?

'Somehow they were much further away there, Dora. Or maybe it's listening to gentlemen talk that has made me aware of country people. Anyway, that is not the point. The maid was right, Lady Catherine did arrive, and she did bring Hughes, I saw him myself when we returned from the hunt.'

Dora's face lighted up, and Nick couldn't help it, he had to tell her.

'Dora, he brought Frank. For you. Well, and for Frank, of course. He'll be over any time now, he was a little shy, wanted me to tell you first. Are you pleased?'

Pleased was not the right word to describe Dora when hearing the news, she was in total shock and her eyes filled up with tears. She stammered, 'Frank? He's here? Now?'

Nick had to control himself not to take her in his arms, that would only confuse the poor girl.

'Dora, you're not sorry he came, are you? He really wants to see you.'

'No, no, I'm glad he came, I just didn't expect him.'

Then she confessed.

'I'm afraid he'll be disappointed, he has written such beautiful things, he is so smart, and I can barely write a letter without your help. We didn't see much of each other in Kent, I'm afraid he has some ideal picture of me and that I'll disappoint him.'

That was almost too ludicrous to address, but Nick made the effort nonetheless.

'Dora, you're young, pretty, and smart. Everybody has praised your mistress' looks, and you know you made her look so good, even when she had never gone out before and hadn't cared about dresses and hair for years and years. You taught yourself to be a proper lady's maid, dear Dora. Maybe you never learned to write as a little girl, but you've learned since, haven't you? To write to Frank? And you are almost friends with Mrs Fielding, curling her hair until she really did look like a sheep and said so herself and laughed herself in stitches? Now Frank adores you, there is not a single bone in his body that is ever going to see a fault in you. I bet he is very nervous to meet you, afraid you'll find him countrified and boyish. In fact, he told me he was afraid of that. Please don't worry, Dora, either of you. You'll either like him when you get to know him or you don't. Same for him. And if you don't, life goes on, really.

Now, you dry your eyes and straighten your dress and put up your hair afresh, he can come in any moment with the other stable staff.'

Of course Dora did what he said, she was so much in awe of him, he was much older than she and rather bossy towards her. Did he consider himself above the other staff because he received preferential treatment? If so, he'd better restrain himself, it was not his intention to behave like an arrogant gentleman himself. To make up for his attitude, Nick made sure to be very kind to Dora until Frank indeed accompanied the other stable hands on their afternoon break.

She practically froze when he came in, as did he. The others studiously ignored the endearing scene before them, though the Pemberley stable hands generally liked to tease each other, and often included the house staff in their bantering. And it wasn't as if they were holding back because of the Rosings' people among their number, they were as noisy as ever and pestering Bruce that he'd returned a little white-faced after sitting on the box with Bob during their master's mad ride the day before.

Nick noticed that Bob didn't participate in the banter, he was the only man in the little party to surreptitiously look at what was going on between Dora and Frank, the look on his face even softer than usual. And yet Bob had quite a will, even Hugo acknowledged he was the best driver he knew, no chance of Bob looking white when those damned thoroughbreds of Mr Darcy's went all out. Nick really wanted to try that, too, but he didn't dare mention it, not even to Frederick. He had enough privileges as it was.

Nick was in doubt whether to help Dora settle but decided to stay out of it. Instead he joined the other group at the largest table, the cook's helpers arriving to bring coffee and a solid meal, enough to tide the hard-working men over until dinner. Since Nick had had coffee but nothing to eat, yet, he didn't hesitate to join them, though he did not lose sight of the young people, who had by now settled at a smaller table as far as possible from the rest. He drank another cup of coffee and ate a few pastries, then sat back to follow the stable talk, except Hugo turned towards him and commented, 'Oliver said he couldn't believe you've only been riding for a month, Fowler. One of those jumps you took this morning was apparently a bit more than he'd bargained for, he'd forgotten the tenant had asked permission to significantly deepen a ditch and Mr Darcy had given it. Then when he took the jump he realised his mistake but it was too late, one just cannot turn a hunt around. Were you at all afraid?'

No-one in the stable staff had ever tried to tease Nick, and he wasn't going to lie to them now.

'When I saw that ditch I did swallow hard, but you know it all went so fast, before I knew it my horse had taken it and I had made a safe landing. I will admit I was glad to be riding my master's hunter, my own Liquor would probably have refused outright.'

'I doubt that, Fowler, your horse seems to be rather competitive, I think he would have at least tried to follow Oliver's horse. But it's always more sensible to train them to take such difficult obstacles, it's not just courage but also a technique they need to learn, and muscle they have to build. One has to start small. If your duties allow I'm willing to help you teach him, you're a natural horseman, and I think Liquor will surprise us all.'

Nick was stunned, Hugo the stablemaster willing to teach someone of the house staff? It was a dubitable honour considering the reputation the stablemaster had as teacher, but if Anne could stand Eric's methods to learn to play the piano, Nick would learn from Hugo what he could about hunting.

'I'd love to, thank you so much!'

'I think Mr Manners' stablemaster made a mistake buying Liquor for a beginner, but as it turned out he is perfectly suited to you. Any other novice would have given up weeping. Well, except maybe Mrs Darcy. Did you see her take that jump? Oliver only knew she'd managed without mishap.'

'I rode right behind her, so yes. She took it perfectly, without a moment's hesitation. Her horse may be small, but he has the courage of a lion.'

As does she, Nick thought with admiration, but it wouldn't do to say that out loud among her staff.

'So he does, so he does,' the stablemaster said proudly, he'd chosen the creature after all, he could take credit for finding Mrs Darcy the perfect horse. 'I don't think I've ever made a better deal for the master, they had raised that horse as perfectly as possible, then when he didn't grow to the size their master wanted he had them sell it for a pittance. When I heard the price I really distrusted its soundness but I took Mrs Norman to view it anyway and neither of us could find anything wrong. The stablemaster there told us how he'd raised that horse from a foal and that it was sold too cheaply for its quality. So we decided to take a slight risk.'

'Well, you won. They're a perfect match.'

'As you are with Liquor, but I think that is to your own credit. Yes, and your missus', Peter, I know she is the best at what she does.'

This turned the conversation to the difference between riding and driving, giving Nick the chance to check up on the young lovers, now having their own meal and chatting without any further discomfort. Time for him to find something useful to do, he'd probably not see Anne before they turned in tonight, and time always passed quicker when working. Maybe the steward could use some help ciphering, he usually let Nick add up the simpler columns with charges of the local producers, vegetables, meat and dairy mainly. He was a patient teacher and Nick could use the practise if he was to become more proficient in keeping accounts.

Having left Elizabeth in the confidence room to read Charlotte's letter, Darcy was quickly starting to regret his lenience towards her cousin, since being forgiven had made the chubby clergyman extraordinarily talkative. And if only he'd talked as sensibly as they now knew he could, but no, he was back to his usual obsequious manner but somehow coupled with a smug familiarity that was particularly offensive to Darcy. He would not be able to stand him and aunt Catherine for days whilst the explorers withdrew to their headquarters, they had to take their share of the burden or watch him driven to insanity.

'I pride myself on having seen quite a few great houses, Mr Darcy, but yours must be the largest and most beautiful so far. Your grounds are so extensive and so beautiful, and the villages! Your aunt told me the church in Clifton had once cost your esteemed father a thousand pounds to reshingle, or was it to refurbish as well? I've heard you do not have a private chapel? I suppose your ancestors believed in the power of community, a noble objective worthy of support.'

Darcy could hardly repress a smile, he guessed his grandfather and father hadn't been very eager to have a private chapel for fear of someone expecting them to actually use it. Having to go to a nearby village was an excellent reason to spend time on devotions only once a week on Sundays. Fortunately Mr Collins didn't expect an answer, he merely chattered on and Darcy's special talent was starting to work its magic again, filtering the incessant noise to a bearable level. Hopefully Manners would be done talking to his mother-in-law by now, he always sacrificed himself to spend some time on Mr Collins. Or dared they risk introducing Elizabeth's cousin to the prince? Darcy suspected he'd find the clergyman as diverting as Mr Bennet seemed to find him. His father-in-law would be sorry to miss his nephew, if they managed to get rid of aunt Catherine before the rest of their relatives arrived.

But when he returned to the drawing-room he heard that aunt Catherine had withdrawn to her own room to get some rest before dressing for dinner. She hadn't even waited for coffee! But apparently, elderly people didn't need as much food, and she was probably rather tired of her travels. Well, it would be time for dinner soon enough.

It did mean that Manners was free to distract Mr Collins for half an hour, but before he could sacrifice himself Georgie said kindly, 'Mr Collins, welcome. Would you like to sit with us and enjoy some music? We've just finished our practice and are ready to provide some entertainment.'

What was Georgie up to? Aunt Catherine lived all by herself, and now Georgie had practised in her presence? No wonder the poor woman had fled!

While Mr Collins looked at Darcy for permission to join the two pianists, Georgie addressed Manners.

'Would you mind helping us after that, Frederick? We've agreed to take the Zumpe upstairs to our headquarters to be able to practise without bothering anyone. I suppose Eric will find Nick himself, he still refuses to ring for anyone.'

Darcy said to Mr Collins, 'Please do what you like, Mr Collins, we're your relatives, not your employers, remember?'

The latter bowed and almost ran off, he was still as skittish as a lap-dog and small wonder after all he'd been through with aunt Catherine. As long as he didn't have to be in personal contact with Mr Collins Darcy could even pity him, though he really hoped the man would behave this time.

'Of course, Georgiana, I'm ready when you are,' Manners' calm voice replied to Georgie's question. He did not comment on ringing for someone, he did easily enough, for any other servant than Simon and Fowler.

Fielding and Georgie played for twenty minutes, on the Clementi, whereas they had been practising on the Zumpe. Even after days of listening to piano music, and sitting next to Anne still deep in conversation, Prince George immediately looked up and let himself be totally taken in by the quatre-mains they were performing ever better. It was just incredible, how could people's fingers move so quickly and with such agility?

When they were done, everyone applauded, Mr Collins and Prince George loudest of all. The prince seemed to have quite an interest in Elizabeth's homely cousin, he was obviously a man of the cloth, and to all apparent signs as fond of music as the prince was himself.

Fielding got up, smiled and bowed as if they were a real audience, then left the room, presumably to find Fowler, to help carry the piano upstairs. Darcy found himself glad that Anne had such a stable man to keep her from falling for the Prince of Wales, even though her relationship with a servant was totally improper. There were clearly degrees in indecency, and Darcy preferred his cousin to be in a lasting secret affair with someone totally anonymous, rather than have a temporary, and undoubtedly public, liaison with the heir to the British throne. These thoughts weren't even formed in his mind before he was thoroughly ashamed of his own arrogance, one would think Elizabeth had cured him of looking down on those less fortunate than himself. Fowler was truly an admirable fellow once one got to know him, he'd quickly learned to improve himself when given the chance, and Darcy had to wonder whether he would have been able to adapt so quickly and so thoroughly himself when taken out of his regular environment. Fowler didn't seem jealous at all over the prince's attentions towards Anne, and Mrs Reynolds said he was always pleased to help out anywhere, quickly and efficiently.

Whilst this was all going on in his mind, Georgie had changed from the Clementi to the Zumpe, and to Darcy's immense surprise she started to play the beginning of Fielding's first work! She, Elizabeth and Fielding himself could undoubtedly hear the difference between her playing and Fielding's, but Darcy really didn't, it was as if he was hearing his brother-in-law playing. Of course Darcy quickly checked the other connoisseur in their midst, and even Prince George was totally stunned. For ten minutes she played, and then Fielding returned with Fowler.

'Mrs Fielding, you are amazing!' the prince exclaimed. 'That was as good as your husband plays it, may I come over to your headquarters sometimes as long as I'm still staying? I'm afraid I have received a message from my advisor to remind me I cannot stay in hiding forever, but I'm hoping to put him off until Wednesday. May I please, please spend as much time with you as I did before you moved the piano?'

'Of course, Lord Chester,' Georgie replied calmly. 'We're merely going to practise upstairs to spare my aunt the constant jangling, you are welcome to join us there whenever you like. And you, too, Mr Collins.'

Now Anne got up and it soon became clear why, since she walked towards the piano with Prince George following her.

'Mr Collins, please let me introduce you to Lord Chester, who is actually Mr and Mrs Fielding's guest since he came over to hear them play, but who likes a friendly chat as well when the time is right.'

Mr Collins, remembering Darcy's admonishments no doubt, proved himself suitably flattered to have this important lord ask for an introduction and as such behaved perfectly, merely bowing as deeply as Prince George was actually due and showing himself a good deal more charming than usual by waiting for the prince to speak.

'Mr Collins, I'm pleased to meet another man who enjoys Mr and Mrs Fielding's music as profoundly as I do. Mrs Manners told me you are Mrs Darcy's cousin, and a clergyman?'

Obviously impressed, but still trying his hardest not to grovel or chatter, Mr Collins' reply was almost dignified.

'I am very pleased to meet you, Lord Chester, you bear your noble title with great dignity. I am indeed of the cloth, and I have always considered superior music like Mr Fielding's to be of as exalted a nature as the expressions of my calling.'

Prince George actually laughed at Mr Collins' wit, if the latter had meant that to be funny. Darcy had never known him to have any sense of humour.

'Your service must be one I'd like to attend, Mr Collins! If religious observation were to contain superior music as a matter of principle instead of sheer accident, I'd be a most devoted attendant in church. Maybe I should talk to my father about it, he has always wished me to be more faithful in my devotions.'

But indeed, Mr Collins did not start to explain how he'd meant that figuratively, so he probably had intended to make a joke, and a successful one.

'I'm afraid I haven't managed to find a parish filled with such talent, yet, Lord Chester, but if I do I will certainly let you know. I suppose your father has considerable patronage in the church, and of course he'd want his successor to be as knowledgeable as he must be himself.'

'Why Mr Collins,' the prince observed, tickled, 'you are so right, my father is indeed a very righteous man who faithfully observes his religious duties to give a prime example to those who look to him for guidance. If you'd manage to lure me to church with music of Mr Fielding's level of competence he'd be indebted to you forever. How would you go about it? I suppose you could not sing a sermon.'

'Absolutely out of the question, my lord,' Mr Collins said strictly, he was losing track of the joke, sadly. But Elizabeth would explain her cousin's character to Prince George, and he'd most likely be able to laugh about it.

'I could not sing a clear note to save my life. It's one of the great disappointments of my life. If I were to sing a single paragraph even my most faithful parishioners would flee instantly. I would put their souls at great risk.'

He did know how to make fun! Of himself, no less!

'I am sorry to hear that, though I am not a great singer myself, either. Where would you incorporate the music then, my good man?'

'Well, I suppose a well-trained choir of boys would be really nice. Could that possibly tempt you to attend church regularly?'

'Most certainly, yes, maybe they could bring some Bach, with a little quartet of strings as accompaniment. I'd be the first in my seat.'

'And I suppose we have to allow people to sing, but what if we'd sort them by voice? Those who are tone-deaf but insist on singing can sit together, and those who cannot sing but are content to listen can be seated by those who can?'

'Oh, yes, please!' Georgie exclaimed. 'Can we ask Mr Eliot to do that in our church? It's all I ask, I will happily forego on the boys' choir if I never have to hear that family right in front of us again. There's a dozen of them with the loudest voices imaginable, and not a single one of them can keep a tune.'

'I seriously think it would be easier to get a choir, dear Georgie. The Wilmarth family will never agree to sit between the common folk. Gramps Wilmarth made a fortune in trade and he has gotten so proud I think he has his eye on our pew.'

What? Why was everyone looking at him all of a sudden? He could contribute to a conversation, couldn't he, even if he didn't mind going to church that much?

'Well, maybe we should let him have it then, Fitzwilliam,' Georgie said, laughing, 'and build a new one for ourselves in the eastern wing, you know the Coopers always sit there, and they are as large a family with a reputation of having magnificent voices. All of them, even the spouses and the children.'

Now everyone laughed heartily, by now most of them knew the east wing was the poor side of the church, but fortunately talent was not restricted to the wealthy.

While they were talking, Manners and Fowler had quietly taken their places on each side of the little black Zumpe, and at Fielding's sign lifted its sturdy legs clean off the carpet. They slowly and steadily moved towards the doors, Fielding opening the second door to enlarge the opening to allow the instrument to pass through it unharmed. Georgie carried the stool and a small stack of music sheets, those pieces would not sound good on a Clementi and were therefore kept with this specific instrument.

Since pianos did not concern Darcy very much, he settled at the drawing-room table with his newspaper, handing Mr Collins half to keep him quiet. Elizabeth was standing near Prince George, they'd most likely discuss the hunt or something, he was not going to watch them chat, it was only going to irritate him. All the explorers would have gone with the piano, after an entire morning with aunt Catherine they would be eager to be together and do whatever pleased them. Hopefully they would be back in time for coffee but if not, all the more pie for him!

Anne had been very relieved when her mother fled the drawing-room to escape Georgiana's practising, Frederick had kept her occupied and Prince George had pulled rank on her to be able to keep her away from Anne, but still the very sight of her disconcerted Anne. What she really needed was a nice, warm embrace from Nick. Hopefully they'd find a moment later, once the piano was in its new place, just before coffee. It was still amazing to see the physical strength in her husband and her lover, they kept that piano perfectly still even going up two stairs. Small wonder Eric preferred to have them lift it, it would save on the tuning.

They did not take more than ten minutes to lift that hardwood piano to headquarters, and as soon as Nick had set his side down where Eric indicated, he walked right up to Anne and took her in his arms.

'I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me, my love.'

But he was here now, and she looked up at him with all the love and admiration she felt for him. She did not need words to tell him there was nothing to forgive, he could see it in her eyes. There had been no way for him to know that her mother was coming today, and if he had, he could not have come into the drawing-room just like that, not in Darcy's house. If they ever moved to Frederick's manor or who knew, Rosings, that would change, for Simon as well.

Protected by Nick's strong arms, her face and throat covered in those little tender kisses she'd loved so much from the very start of their involvement, Anne felt free to spill a few tears, it had been a difficult morning and she was so glad to see Nick.

'Was it that bad, my love? I thought you got your satisfaction last time you met? Did she say something horrible?'

He looked at her with such love and he was so strong and protective of her, it was impossible to stay sad or overwrought. Her voice sounded rather dry when she replied.

'She didn't. And I did get my due in the parsonage, I'm just not ready to see her, yet. Actually, it was quite entertaining to see her put in her place by a Lord Chester whom she'd never heard of. I just missed you so much.'

And she kissed him, with passion this time.

'Oh, I'm so sorry! Right place, wrong timing!'

That was Prince George's voice! What was he doing here?

'Don't be squeamish, Lord Chester, you've seen two people kiss before I'm sure. You can keep me company until the bell rings for coffee. Unless...you didn't bring Mr Collins, did you?'

'Of course not, I suspect he can be reasonably entertaining but only in very small doses, and I had a feeling he would not be welcome here. Because, yes, I admit I had a vague suspicion how things would be, I'm not insensible to the feelings of others, you know, I can imagine that must have been very upsetting to your lady. I'm sorry to disturb you, Mrs Manners, Nick, I should have stayed with our host and his charming wife.'

He indeed looked very sorry, but not so much for disturbing them in what was an improper display of intimacy. It was the proof of Anne's commitment to another man, a mere servant, that caused Prince George pain, and at the same time he had come looking for it. He needed to know how serious Anne's feelings for her guard were, and now he knew.

Nick didn't say anything, of course, he still had a vague fear of powerful men and they didn't get more powerful than this one. He merely held Anne close.

'Do come in, Lord Chester,' Anne now said, 'please don't mind us, it was hard on me to meet my mother so suddenly, and you did tell me you knew about Nick and myself. I suppose you expected to see this.'

'I did, Mrs Manners, though I did not want to I needed to see it with my own eyes. And you know what? I don't even mind that much, I'm going to take your husband up on his offer and keep him company until coffee, and then I'm going to enjoy Mrs Brewer's pie for I may not get any more of it for years. You know, I should be miserable to see you devoted to another but I'm not, I'm supremely happy because you are happy. You have all made me feel so welcome here, no exceptions, even Mr Darcy has thawed immensely, thanks to your advice, Mrs Manners. When I'm back in London, surrounded by sycophants and boot-lickers I'll remember your true friendship. Will you please come and visit, even if you do decide to risk your lives abroad?'

By now he was sitting beside Frederick, and it seemed the question was mostly for him, of course Frederick was a natural leader and by law he had the right to rule Anne as well as his servants, even more so. But not in fact.

'Thank you for your kind invitation, Lord Chester, but are you sure you want us around? Georgiana and Eric are perfectly civilised, but Anne's beauty will set all your courtiers against each other, vying for her attention. And Simon and Nick will wreak havoc in your servants' quarters, Simon turning the maidens' heads, Nick inadvertently distracting your lady's attendants.'

Prince George laughed heartily at this picture of his household after a visit by Mr Manners and his lovely new lady.

'And pray, Manners, what will be your role in this whole? Will you sit right in the middle of your web of intrigue like a large, incredibly well-dressed spider, pulling strings and taking notes?'

'I thought I'd just drink Madeira wine, eat chocolate cake and chat up Mrs Fitzherbert, Lord Chester.'

Frederick still had that college-boys' humour if he wanted to and Prince George recognised it and loved it.

'You are incorrigible, Manners, I really cannot imagine how anyone could ever think you'd get along with my father. He is a tremendous bore, you'd do much better to fall in with my crowd, they'll be much more to your liking.'

'But I'm trying so hard to improve, Your Highness, to be an impeccable gentleman living an immaculate life..'

'Why? To gain the respect of dullards at the risk of dying of boredom? Better deliver on what you promised your lady wife and live life to the full. There is no better place to do that than Carlton House, I assure you. Of course your reputation as the patron of the New Year's Eve Ball is already flawless, and yet an overly talkative bird told me your life behind the scenes certainly isn't, so in fact there is nothing for me to teach you, you've kept your naughty side from the papers so far which I certainly haven't managed to. I was planning to use your reputation to polish mine a little, then do whatever we like behind closed doors. But you have to know that your driver has a very loose tongue.'

Of course Frederick knew that, he actually cultivated Bates to spread tales of his master's preference for low women to keep anyone from suspecting he was actually very faithful to a single admirable man. And Frederick's most dangerous weakness towards the prince was wanting to prove himself very smart, which in this case would help Prince George shake free of the carefully planted gossip and possibly find Frederick's true affiliation. So please, please, let Frederick resist the temptation to prove himself even more devious than Prince George already realised!

'Bates? But he has been my driver for years and years! What did he tell you?'

Even his blunt impoliteness was played, and masterfully, Anne dared add, so much so that Prince George threw a doubtful glance at Anne before telling the absolute truth.

'He told me of veritable orgies taking place, with you and your college friends enjoying every single kind of booze known to man, strings of cheap ladies, strings he said literally, and of servants sometimes being rewarded with an hour with one pearl off those strings. And yet none of this was ever found out by reporters?'

The usual stuff, good, Bates still swallowed his master's smoke screen. But if Frederick didn't act this out right, Prince George wouldn't much longer. Frederick took his time framing a reply, but not because he was in any way surprised or ashamed. Though of course he did have to weigh his words carefully.

'Well, I have to admit I have been known to throw certain parties for my friends,' Frederick now admitted, 'but not since Miss de Bourgh stole my heart.'

Which was absolutely true.

'But how did you keep that from the press?'

'Before my association with Mr Fielding no-one particularly cared about anything I did besides the Ball. I'm afraid I'm not that important, Lord Chester.'

Which the heir to the throne certainly was. It seemed as if he was going to accept Frederick's excuse that he no longer did such despicable things.

'I would love to play the game on a higher level, Lord Chester, cheap amusements do not suit my new status in life, you know, as husband to a beautiful and deserving woman. I'd like our new entertainments to give her pleasure as well.'

'A game for all of you to play in the thick of society, seek no further, Manners, Mrs Manners, I am your man. You will get to know everyone who matters, know everything others don't but wish they did, and you will let the reporters believe what you want them to. As soon as you are ready to start playing, send word to me, and I will offer you the world. My world.'

Somehow, Anne believed he could, even more so than Frederick himself. And somehow, it was as if Nick was also included in this invitation, and felt himself so. Then Eric broke their conversation by saying, 'The piano isn't too badly out of tune, we can adjust it this afternoon. Would you care to join us, Lord Chester? And do you mind if Mr Collins does, too?'

'I'd love to, and no, I don't mind that funny man's presence. But your mentioning him reminds me of something, or rather someone, I just saw in the hall whom you may want to be careful of: it was a woman of about forty, conservatively dressed, and she was snooping around. I'd never seen her before and she did not look like a maid, so I guess she is Lady de Bourgh's personal attendant. When I stopped and took a good look at her she seemed inclined to challenge me but then thought the better of it and went down the stairs.'

'Did she have a crooked nose or a moustache?' Anne immediately wanted to know, though mother's ladies were equally bad.

'Now that you mention it, she did have a rather singular shadow under her perfectly shapely nose.'

'Miss Bergman. If she would just shave that moustache she could have easily caught herself a nice husband and spared herself the agony of waiting on my mother. She is the least dragonish of the two, I suppose if your housekeeper tells her to stay off the second floor she'll oblige.'

'Thank you, Lord Chester,' Georgiana said, 'Anne, Frederick, I'll take care of it. You're our guests, you have a right to your private space, we can't have aunt Catherine threatening our hospitality.'

'I can keep an eye on the stairs, Mrs Fielding, and send any servant but the one maid assigned to this floor packing.'

Dear Nick, he still took his professed occupation so seriously.

'I'm certain Mrs Reynolds will solve this quite beautifully, Nick, but if this lady doesn't mind her instructions you may put the fear of, well, you, in her. And Nick, this is headquarters, in here I'm Georgiana. Lord Chester knows you are our friend and not actually Anne's guard. Though maybe Mr Collins shouldn't know.'

'I am very certain that Nick is still very much Mrs Manners' guard, Mrs Fielding. Especially with Lady de Bourgh in the house.'

Well, Prince George had seen that very accurately, and Anne rather wondered why he didn't make an issue of Georgiana insisting Nick call her by her first name and not of the prince using her husband's name. It probably made him feel very much left out, but Frederick had insisted they be formal with Prince George at all times.

'I do feel much safer now he is back at my side. May we spend a lot of time in here as well? I want to see as little as possible of my mother, Lord Chester.'

'I understand, and Nick, I do not object to your presence, you are a part of this group and I am the guest here. Besides, if we do meet in London I intend to present you as a northern relative of Mr Manners. You can then drink Madeira wine, eat chocolate and chat up Mrs Fitzherbert to your heart's content, breaking hearts left and right if it pleases you. As long as you're careful, some of the ladies in my court are very easily swayed and they do not take no for an answer.'

Anne could see what he was doing, he was offering an alternative for the continent, and if they did decide to stay put they would be pleased to accept, especially if Nick could enjoy society with them. Though that would leave Simon all by himself, something neither Frederick nor Nick would be pleased to accept. But all that was not yet of any concern, first they had a long summer with all kinds of outdoor activities before them, which Anne was determined to relish with her newly found esprit.