Dear readers!

It is with mixed feelings that I address you directly, to warn you that Revelations is nearing its end. I've enjoyed writing for you, to spin out a tale without haste in a world that is always in a rush and where relevance matters more than anything. Revelations isn't relevant, it's just a bunch of privileged people living the life they want, and imagining their story has given me purpose and peace of mind as well as a lot of practice writing and researching. But for me it is time to move on to other stories, stories all of my own, in which the world will still move at a more sedate pace but where people generally are a little less privileged, having to work for a living, or having to manage their own household. Like in Revelations these people live small lives but with large loves and strong feelings. There may be some magic involved, I generally read fantasy myself and I love the idea of people possessing talents this world doesn't have to offer.

I want to thank you for your consistent attention for my work, so many of you have left encouraging comments, and useful critique that has enabled me to become a better writer. I suspect we have another three or four chapters of Revelations to go, and then I will thoroughly revise the last thirty-something chapters and publish them as an e-book, the fourth and last in the Revelations series.

Of course it is entirely possible I may miss Revelations too much to actually end it, in which case I have an idea for a spin-off in London, with Anne and Manners solving little nuisances for Prince George as his covert representatives, Simon and Nick of course operating behind the scenes and changing the fashion at court in passing. Considering the research involved that would be a long-term effort, though.

For those of you enjoying smut, I can recommend one story of my hand not suitable for this platform because of, well, smut. It's called Mistress Agness and it's out there for you to find.

Well, that was it, thank you again for your commitment to my interpretation of a very influential story, please enjoy reading the few chapters that are yet to come,as I will certainly enjoy the writing.

Kirsten

Chapter 166

It was over! Against all expectations, Wickham was proven not to be Fitzwilliam's relation by blood, such a relief! And tomorrow, Prince George would leave, Lady Catherine hopefully to follow soon after. With dear Jane to arrive a few days later, and uncle and aunt Gardiner, they would be amongst those they loved most once more. But first there was the rest of the day and the whole evening to survive with their badly matched set of house guests, and the task started with Lydia. Sending for the seamstress immediately would keep her pleasantly occupied and away from Prince George at the very least. And during dinner papa would have to make the sacrifice of guarding his youngest daughter from making a spectacle of herself and her family. It was the least he could do, with what he was expecting them to keep from her mother.

Lady Catherine must have left the room quietly for suddenly Fitzwilliam took her in his arms and lifted her high, kissed her full on the lips and crushed her against his chest.

'I'm free, my love!' he said with a feeling voice, 'I was so afraid to have to let that miserable loser back into my life! I cannot stand the way he looks at you, and then my jealousy makes me feel undeserving of your love. Well, you know better than anyone what it made me become. But now I can forget about him, I won't even mind him being in my village for a few days. We'll just be nice to your sister, give her a few decent dresses, and then they will both be off to Kent. Do you want me to ring for Mrs Annesley now? I really wonder what problem she is facing with her work, she finished that last piece without any mishap.'

'I suppose this one may be more difficult, this is not a mere copy of a work she has seen countless times, this is a unique portrait of someone you and Georgiana knew well. She probably doesn't want to make a mistake and only find out when the piece is finished. If you don't mind I'd like to see to Lydia before we do anything else, I'm thinking of having the seamstress over for measurements as soon as possible, Lydia will love the attention and we can spend all the time we need with Mrs Annesley without worrying about my sister.'

'By all means, my dearest Elizabeth, I understand why you'd want to do that, and she will be so happy with a few new dresses. But my love, I do think your sister knows how to behave before someone truly important. I don't think there is that much danger of her exposing herself. Not more than Mr Collins, or aunt Catherine. And at least your sister is always in an excellent humour.'

Well, that was certainly true, but still Elizabeth preferred to keep an eye on Lydia, and avoid her being with Prince George without someone to check her exuberance and informality.

'Shall we meet Mrs Annesley in the dining room in half an hour then?'

And fortunately, in half an hour Elizabeth was in the dining room, having left Lydia in her own guestroom with Georgiana, waiting for the seamstress with her measuring tape, sketches of dresses and fabric samples. Georgiana having taken Lydia in hand in Elizabeth's absence was such a relief, she would take care that whatever Lydia ordered would be proper for an officer's wife. And Lydia herself had asked for Fanny to be there as well to give advice, which was of course to be expected, Lydia had always been fond of Fanny and at home her maid was her only company: she wasn't as stuck on rank as she had once been. Elizabeth did not doubt that the three young women would have an excellent time together, talking about fashion and married life.

Fitzwilliam and Mrs Annesley came in together, her beloved carrying a very large frame and the artist still looking radiant, but much less apprehensive. Apparently, Fitzwilliam had already talked to her, let her know he and Elizabeth blamed papa for whatever was going on between them. Elizabeth wanted to be angry at her father but it was hard, imagine living with her mother and Mary day in, day out. It was enough to drive a saint mad, let alone papa.

After an informal greeting, Mrs Annesley busied herself setting up her work to be admired, and Elizabeth had a little time to tell Fitzwilliam about her errand.

'Lydia is in excellent hands, your sister offered her assistance and Lydia asked for Fanny herself.'

That caused her to wonder whether Lydia had her own maid along, Mrs Reynolds hadn't mentioned her, nor had Lydia herself. Maybe Mrs Annesley knew, she had undoubtedly been in the common-room for at least one meal.

'Mrs Annesley, have you by any chance seen my younger sister's maid among the staff, a young girl called Abbey? Shy girl, dark hair, no uniform but probably a worn dress?'

Mrs Annesley looked up and offered, 'I didn't see a girl like that at the table and I think I would have noticed a girl not in a uniform, it's difficult to not be a housekeeper all of a sudden, those habits stick.'

'Thank you, I suppose I'll have to ask my sister why she didn't bring her maid. That girl was the only company my sister had most of the day, and a great help arranging her little household. She will need her in Kent, my sister cannot run a household by herself. But it can wait, for now I suppose Lydia is very happy, choosing new dresses. I'm very excited to see what you've done so far, Mrs Annesley.'

They all looked towards the centrepiece as it was displayed more or less in its eventual hanging spot, only resting on the floor instead of hanging at eye height. It was a huge undertaking, a portrait of Fitzwilliam and Georgiana's mother as she had looked in her prime, tall and slender but very poised. And this was not a copy of a painting, this was an original work of art based on the two paintings of Mrs Anne Darcy currently residing in London. There were more in the gallery here, and several throughout the house, and from looking at the portrait it was obvious why Mrs Annesley needed help: the background, dress and figure of the subject were all outlined and even partly filled in with embroidery already. But the face only held two loving eyes and a nose, the area around the mouth and cheeks was still a rough sketch on the linen background.

'I made up the dress in the style of that period, and in colours she reputedly loved but also fitting in the scheme of the dining room. And the eyes were easy, they were exactly the same in both portraits, I could merely copy them. But somehow, the mouth and how it related to the cheekbones was different in those portraits I had at my disposal, either one or the other painter did not paint his subject faithfully. So I have come to ask advice of you, Mr Darcy, you have known your mother in person, though not in this stage of her life, but I was hoping you could tell me which painter was right. And of course you have more portraits here to compare, a living model would be easier but any improvements on my current sketches would be very helpful.'

'The eyes are exactly as I remember my mother, Mrs Annesley. It is magnificent once again, the fabric is so life-like it's as if one can feel the silk of her dress and the velvet of the hangings behind her. Would it be a good idea if I showed you all the portraits we have of my mother, so you can make several sketches, which I then compare to my memories of her?'

'That is exactly what I was hoping you would do, Mr Darcy. I don't know whether Mrs Fielding has useful memories of her mother to do the same?'

'She was seven when our mother passed away, after a lingering illness. I suppose Georgie remembers a completely different woman than you are depicting. But of course I will ask her to look at your sketches, maybe she remembers more than I think.'

Suddenly, Elizabeth had an idea.

'Your aunt, Fitzwilliam, she knew your mother when she was young. After what she told us today I'd bet she remembers her exactly.'

'You are right, Elizabeth. She also said Georgie looked just like our mother, but I frankly don't see such a strong resemblance. Maybe that is because I remember my mother as she was later in life, and aunt Catherine remembers her as she used to be when they were young women together.'

'Lady de Bourgh is here right now, isn't she?' Mrs Annesley asked eagerly. 'It would be such a help to show my sketches to someone who actually knew her as a young woman.'

Then the good lady's face showed she'd had a profound revelation.

'And if your sister looks just like her, Mr Darcy, your aunt may be able to point out which parts of her face resemble your mother most.'

Then she seemed to regain her strong sense of propriety.

'If she wouldn't mind troubling herself for me, of course. It is quite a favour to ask of a lady of her standing. I suppose I'll manage with the paintings here and your help and maybe Mrs Fielding's.'

'I don't think it will be too much to ask, Mrs Annesley. Aunt Catherine never loved anyone as much as she loved her sister, not even her husband or her own daughter. She will not only be eager to help you catch her semblance, I strongly suspect she will want one of her own. But if she does, please let me handle the negotiations, I want you to receive the payment you deserve for the effort you put into these works of art and though my aunt can be unreasonable, I know how to handle her.

I think this is it, we'll be able to catch my mother's likeness perfectly, I cannot wait to see it finished. Do you want to start with studying the paintings in the gallery and the house, or do you want me to fetch my aunt straight away whilst you gather your sketching materials? I'd want to show her your work first of all, so she knows you're not merely playing with expensive materials.'

'By all means, Mr Darcy, please show your aunt my work. You know you once promised me to expose my work to the people of your acquaintance, rich and important potential customers, and Lady de Bourgh certainly qualifies as such. And if your aunt loved her sister so much, she is certainly entitled to seeing her likeness before it is hung in this room for anyone to see. I even dare ask you to bring Mrs Fielding, if she is willing, so your aunt can point out the likenesses and I can compare them to the paintings. Portraits are so dependent on the talent of the artist, and not all of those will have done your mother's features justice, some just aren't all that good at painting hands, or noses, or skin tones.'

'If you want exposure to rich and influential people, Mrs Annesley, I suppose we need to include one other in the party. It is not often that we have the chance of introducing you to one of the most influential patrons of the art in our own country.'

'You mean...the Prince of Wales? But, that is way too much honour! He collects Dutch masters, even trying to compare them to my work would be a grave insult to his outstanding taste!'

'I've been to Carlton House, Mrs Annesley, and I've come to know our prince a little these last days, and I am very sure Fitzwilliam is right: Prince George will love to see your work, and we should use this opportunity to show it to him. He'll beg to visit you at home in London to see more, I am quite convinced. Please fetch you sketching materials, and we'll gather a few people to help you solve your problem before twilight sets in.'

Of course Mrs Annesley did want Prince George to see her work, even an unfinished piece, so they parted for a a quarter of an hour to each run an errand.

'If you ask the prince, I'll find my aunt. I really do believe she'll want to see this, and help perfect it. Do you think my aunt and Prince George are all still in the drawing-room?'

'I only know one thing for sure, I left Georgiana with Lydia, I suppose she isn't done there by far but Fanny can help Lydia choose dresses, she's as good as Simon these days.'

'I'm glad you will still be an icon of fashion when Simon finally leaves us, my love.'

'Well, then we'd better hope Fanny soon finds herself with child, or she'll want to return to London to work for a mistress who goes out more often.'

'I don't think she'll force Bob to be an ordinary stable-hand in another household, my love. There is only one place where he can drive a team of thoroughbreds. I think Fanny will sacrifice her ambitions to her husband's, as happens so often. Poor Mrs Annesley, slaving away over a brood of children for years and years with her talents. Still, she's happy now despite her husband doing so poorly. Now, frankly, I think Prince George will be at headquarters, he did not visit to hear sonatas played on a Clementi, he came for Eric's work. So maybe you can start looking for him there, if he is in the drawing-room after all I can ask him to come as well as your aunt. And I'll step by Lydia's room as well to fetch Georgiana.'

'Maybe it's better if I do that. Choosing new dresses often involves standing around in one's chemise. Lydia wouldn't mind you seeing her undressed, but I suppose you will.'

Fitzwilliam laughed heartily, and kissed her with love.

'Thank you for saving me from certain humiliation, my love. I hadn't thought of it at all, and even Fanny would tell someone if she'd seen me barge in on my sister-in-law in just a chemise. I'd never live it down, not among the stable staff. And to be sure the entire village would know within a day, all seamstresses likes to gossip. Please fetch Georgie as well, and I'll hang onto my dignity a little longer.'

And so they separated, Elizabeth going towards the large staircase, up to the second floor, wondering whether she should have fetched Georgiana first, the prince might not feel like being torn away from his favourite music, not with his departure imminent. For the sound of music soon proved Eric at the very least was at headquarters, and Elizabeth discovered upon entry that indeed both Mr Collins ánd Prince George were guests there, enjoying Eric playing some of his new work.

'Mrs Darcy! Your cousin and I are stuffing our memories with music, hopefully enough to see us through summer!'

That was undoubtedly true for Mr Collins, living in a small village on a low income, but Prince George could have any music he wanted any time he asked. Well, except Eric's, but Elizabeth understood their brother and sister were sorely tempted to spend summer in London, to work on Eric's career and most likely because they were bored with country life: they were not fond of sports or the outdoors in general.

The music had stopped, and Eric didn't even look disturbed with the prince interrupting his playing. Elizabeth thought he and Georgiana rather liked the spoiled heir to the throne, and Prince George generally treated them even more like valued friends than he did the others. Of course the prince was old enough to have a child Georgiana's age, though he obviously took Georgiana very seriously indeed despite her tender age. He just didn't try to be gallant towards her, he had accepted her as a respected artist instead of a beautiful woman.

'I'm glad to hear that, Your Highness, it is after all what you came to visit for. May I bother you for a little deviation from your plans for the day? It has to do with art, though of a different nature than the Dutch masters. Our London housekeeper makes the most beautiful pieces of needlework, her work is more like painting than the crafting you'd expect. I thought you might like a chance to see it before you both return to London.'

'You certainly may, I'm always in for looking at beautiful things, Mrs Darcy, I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll continue soaking up Mr Fielding's music afterwards. If I was travelling by carriage I'd beg him to play through the night and sleep on the road, but I suppose since I'm to remain on my horse all day that isn't a sensible thing to do. Oh well, I haven't given up on convincing them to visit this summer.'

He got up from his chair and bowed to Eric, who smiled in acknowledgement and said, 'And most likely not in vain, Your Highness, we're both sorely tempted. When you return I'll play my oldest compositions again, to help you through the first weeks. And if you practise well you may be up to learning to play them yourself by the end of summer.'

'Do you really think so? Of course, when it comes to music you are perfectly serious. I will make time to practise, Mr Fielding, I really want this. Now, Mrs Darcy, please lead on to where art awaits us.'

Before they had closed the door behind them, the music had resumed.

'I have to pick up Georgiana as well, she's helping my sister choose dresses.'

'Did your father bring your sister after all, then? I thought he came by himself.'

'That is my middle sister, this is my youngest sister, Lydia. Her husband has been promoted to the Rifle Corps and is moving from Newcastle to Kent. She is using the opportunity to visit, she won't be able to travel such a distance any time soon.'

Now Prince George looked thoughtful and observed, 'Your brother-in-law the lieutenant, you told me about him. I'm glad you take such good care of your sister, I suppose a few new dresses will make facing a whole new set of officer's wives a lot easier for a woman even younger than yourself. Your relatives moving to the camp in Kent is good news for my father, but rough for your sister. Does she realise what her husband is volunteering to go up against?'

'I think she does, though of course not even Lieutenant Wickham will truly understand until he is actually out in the field. I don't think he has ever seen action.'

'Yes, I'm afraid you may be right about your brother-in-law not knowing what war is like, not yet. He is not in there with her whilst she is choosing dresses, is he? Is he a gentleman-like man? Otherwise he might feel very out of place in a house like this.'

Oh my, Prince George was at it again, what was she going to tell him?

'He is not staying with us, though he certainly has the manners to mingle with the gentry. I suppose he preferred to stay with some acquaintance in the village.'

'Your brother-in-law is a local? Did your sister meet him through your husband? Maybe even in this very house? That is very romantic, though one must observe your sister might have chosen a man with more in the way of a fortune, if she cannot afford to travel north to be with her sister.'

Incredible! Was there anything this man couldn't deduce? Simon had warned them, and he was right, Prince George could make a stone talk.

'I'm sorry, Mrs Darcy, I'm making you very uncomfortable. I gather your sister did not meet her husband here and could never have, though he may be more intimately acquainted with the place than I guessed at first. The source of his excellent manners no doubt. I will not bother you about him, you go fetch Mrs Fielding and we'll go see some art.'

Saved, for now. Better make sure Eric kept him occupied all evening or he'd figure out a way to get to the heart of that story as well.

When Elizabeth knocked on the door of Lydia's room, Fanny opened it with a curtsey for her mistress and let her in. Lydia was indeed in her chemise, chatting happily with the seamstress, who was listening and measuring at the same time, now and then jotting down some numbers in her notebook.

'Lydia, I need Georgiana for half an hour. Will you manage with Fanny's help? Do listen to her, my dear, you know her ensembles have made the papers more than once.'

'Sure, I know Fanny is the best, though she says some fellow named Simon taught her all she knows. How can a man know about dresses, Lizzy?'

'He used to be Fitzwilliam's valet, Lydia, and I suppose he had a lot of sisters to teach him about clothes. But you really don't have to wear dresses to know what they look like, it's like a painting or a piece of furniture, you look at it and see if it matches with the room and the people. Or not, some people have no taste at all. Simon knows exactly who looks good in which kind of dress. I suppose he doesn't know which are more comfortable to wear, though. Now can I take Georgiana?'

'By all means, if she wants to come. We're having a great time here, you know, and she is a married woman, you cannot force her to do anything.'

Of course Elizabeth had had eye-contact with Georgiana all this time, and her sister-in-law was bursting with curiosity and more than a little diverted by Lydia's way of talking. Inviting her along with a wink and a nudge of her head, Elizabeth hoped Georgiana would understand she didn't want to have Lydia know what they were going to do. Keeping her away from Prince George as long as possible was pure wisdom.

Georgiana was surprised to find the latter waiting for them in the hall, that was probably not something he did on a regular basis. But he looked patient enough, and addressed Georgiana as soon as he saw her.

'We're on an important mission, Mrs Fielding, we're going to see some exquisite needlework that according to Mrs Darcy deserves to be called art rather than embroidery.'

'You mean Mrs Annesley wants our help, too? How? I'd love to be of use to her, she has such a magnificent talent.'

Georgiana had always been astute, and she had gained even more self-assurance with Prince George's support. Might he already be called their patron? Not until he'd done something to significantly improve their careers, Elizabeth decided. She then tried to explain to Georgiana why she was needed.

'Mrs Annesley hopes you may remember your mother well enough to tell which of her portraits are the most alike. Fitzwilliam is asking Lady Catherine to join us as well, since of course she remembers her dear sister at the age of the portrait.'

'And my aunt said I looked a lot like our mother at that age, maybe Mrs Annesley can use me for a model.'

'There was that, too. Though your brother doesn't see the resemblance that clearly, so it must be subtle.'

'I suppose familiarity has a lot to do with that, Mrs Darcy: if you see someone every day you see them as themselves, no matter how much they resemble someone else. Mrs Fielding's aunt hasn't seen her in years, to her the resemblance would be much more profound.'

Was Prince George right? Fitzwilliam had never known his mother in her youth, that might also explain. But that wasn't Elizabeth's concern, Mrs Annesley would either see the resemblance or she wouldn't, and she was the artist.

'I'm looking forward to seeing an artist at work, though I suppose she will mostly be sketching today, not stitching. Please lead on, Mrs Darcy, Mrs Fielding and I will follow you wherever you go.'

And again they were stuck in the back of the house doing nothing, whilst their partners were forced to entertain people they didn't particularly care about, just for propriety's sake. Nick felt like breaking something, but he didn't want to complain to Simon, it would make him look spoiled. Nick had ridden a lesson with Anne that morning whilst Simon had been left at the house to fend off Prince George's nosing into things that were none of his business. His friend had had just a few hours in private with Frederick today, and with Prince George likely to drop in at any moment those hours had been anything but tranquil. No matter how loosely the latter took his own marital vows, he even cheated on his mistresses after all, he'd draw the line at two men making love. There was no doubt in Nick's mind that if Prince George found out about Frederick and Simon, something really dreadful was going to happen, even if that something was as yet unspecified.

Since they were sitting in the common room together and everybody else was still hard at work, Nick decided to ask Simon a question that also occupied his mind quite a bit. With Georgiana and Eric likely to go back to London after the coming visit of family and friends, everything would change. What if Frederick and Anne decided to also pack up and leave?

'Do you think that if Eric and Georgiana move back to London, we'll go, too? I like it here, riding, hunting, being with Anne by day at headquarters. I don't think I'd like to go back to town that soon.'

'Are you turning into a gentleman, Nick? Riding and hunting, reading newspapers and playing billiards with the other men whilst your lady watches in admiration?

It was obvious Simon was teasing him, but still Nick felt the remark as a reproach: he did feel like a gentleman at times and he loved it! He did not want to be relegated to the back of the house, especially not without a useful task to do, especially not in London, where there were no outdoor activities he would be allowed to join.

'Nick! That was a joke! Look at you, back to Fowler the doormat in the blink of an eye. You're not a servant anymore, that is just a role we play! I thought you were over this, or I would not have teased you with something that is obviously deadly serious to you.'

'I'm sorry, Simon. And Frederick did try so hard to help me get over my humility. I'm afraid being relegated to the servants' quarters has set me back. I know there is no alternative right now, but it does make me feel rather useless.'

'Don't I know, Nick. But it's better than London, isn't it? We've had some precious times here, and we will again as soon as Prince George leaves. I don't want to go back to London either, Nick.'

That was difficult to imagine, Simon was born to live in London.

'But I thought you'd be bored here, you relish being in town!'

'That may be true, but I want to be with Frederick above all else. You know what going to London means, don't you?'

Actually, Nick didn't. He supposed Frederick had a house in town where they might come to similar arrangements as here at Pemberley. Better ones, since Frederick could actually pick and choose his own staff.

'If we go to London, Anne will get invitations from Carlton House constantly. Frederick will join her, and the two of us will be stuck at Frederick's place or in the back of Carlton House. And there is no way in which Prince George is not going to try to get his hands on Anne, or find out the truth about who holds Frederick's heart. I'm convinced he will not succeed with Anne, but believe me, he is going to find out about Frederick and me, and then all will be lost.

Therefore I am going to enjoy Derbyshire as much as you do. I will improve my riding, though I don't think I'll ever dare ride a hunter. And I'll shoot and fish, and play billiards, just to be with the man I love, and to avoid having to return to London and face Prince George. And I'll do everything I can to ensure we will go to the continent, though frankly I am deadly afraid of dirt, discomfort, angry peasants, petty kinglets and, God forbid, the French. But to stay in London is to lose everything, and Nick, Frederick will listen to me. Really. Because he loves me and respects me. To him I am not a servant, nor are you, nor does Anne think we are hers to command. We made a commitment to each other and we will decide together where life will lead us next. Sitting here in the back of the house, pretending to be at our master and mistress' beck and call, it is a cover and nothing more. Now feel free to act out your cover for someone is coming. But first tell me you believe me.'

Nick felt more respect and, yes, affection, for Simon than ever, and he took his friend's hand and assured him, 'I believe you, Simon, and I will do anything to keep you and Frederick safe. Anne hasn't said anything about going to London and I suppose she doesn't want to leave, she loves riding and playing billiards and everything happening outdoors as much as I do. I, too, will face foreigners and danger before letting Prince George expose the people I love. Why, that looks like Mrs Brewer, I suppose she is bringing more pie for our royal guest. I could really get used to living like a gentleman, Simon, no doubt about it.'

'And live like one you shall. Mrs Brewer, how have you been?'

Mrs Brewer had indeed arrived with several boxes undoubtedly containing sweets for the prince. She seemed much calmer than at the time when Nick had accompanied the ladies of the household and Prince George on their visit to artist's home. Of course there was little danger here of running into some lord or lady, but Nick thought the change might go deeper than that. He suspected Mrs Brewer had been rather lonely and out of touch with people in general, clinging to her husband as her only companion. But these last days, the senior members of the Pemberley staff had been in and out of her kitchen to help her make enough confectionery for the Darcy household, and Mrs Brewer had flourished under their kind attentions. Even the cook had taken her turn in the tiny but spotless kitchen, shelling nuts and carefully composing the sweet mixtures of sugar, cream and flavours Mrs Brewer had a talent for developing. Cakes and pies were an important part of a cook's repertory, and if the occasion presented itself, even the most highly admired cook should improve his or her accomplishments. Well, every professional should improve himself, Nick could subdue almost any assailant without seriously damaging him, the huntmaster knew how to offer his master and his friends an exciting chase without destroying fields or risking disastrous accidents befalling the hunters. Each had his own talents, and each learned wherever he could. And Mrs Brewer relished teaching others how to improve their sweets.

'Simon, Nick, I'm glad to find someone in to help me try this new pastry I've developed. I've often wondered how I might make pastry a little less heavy and I think I've managed. I won't bother you with the details, just try one of these little bite-sized pieces. They may look savoury, but they are sweet.'

The good woman handed both of them a small pastry, somehow it looked sweet, maybe it was the subtle glaze on top, glaze was apparently something one associated with sweetness.

'Thank you very much, Mrs Brewer,' Simon said as he accepted a piece of confectionery. 'Mr Darcy certainly lets his staff have its share of the bounty, but this makes me feel special.'

Nick thanked her, too, and as he bit in the delicious, flaky crust to encounter a filling that was more fluffy than creamy, he really did feel what Simon had just said. Maybe it wasn't so bad to live in both sides of a great house, maybe they actually had the best of both worlds. Sometimes he did think it might be a rather boring existence to be so privileged as to never have to work. To him the pastimes of the gentry were new and he enjoyed them, but might they not eventually lose their attractions? Wouldn't the satisfaction of having accomplished a task well become as valuable in due time? Shouldn't he celebrate the opportunity to be useful every once in awhile?

They both took their time savouring the treat, Nick did wonder whether it was at all lighter than Mrs Brewer's usual work, but frankly, with his eating habits, he'd have to eat a whole plateful to notice the difference. That was something Anne would be better-qualified to judge, she often refrained from eating food that was heavily spiced or too greasy or creamy.

'This is just fabulous, Mrs Brewer, the flaky pastry fits well with the sweet filling, and it does taste a lot less heavy, but that may also be because you have substituted the cream in the filling with something much lighter.'

Simon didn't hesitate to confirm Mrs Brewer's hopes, but now Nick thought of it, he'd gotten acquainted with his friend's eating habits lately and Simon wasn't slender for nothing: he was as picky an eater as one could expect anyone raised in a working-class family to be. Deciding to be frank since it didn't insult Mrs Brewer's work but rather his own qualities as gourmand, Nick offered his own comments.

'I love it, Mrs Brewer, it looks sweet and it tastes even better. First flaky, then fluffy. I wouldn't dare say anything about lightness, though, food is never too heavy for me, I'd have to eat a plateful to know whether it was filling. It doesn't seem to be, but I've heard that some fluffy foods can be quite deceiving that way. My mistress would be the ideal person to try, she generally dislikes sweet and heavy food.'

'I wouldn't dare presume to offer her my sweets if she generally doesn't like them, Nick. I'm very glad you both like it, and I suppose Mrs Darcy will tell me what the family and her visitors think of it, she is always kind enough to ask and let me know so I can improve on my recipes.'

'Your pies are the best, Mrs Brewer,' Simon now observed, 'if you ever feel the inclination to move to London I'm certain you could find a position with Prince George straight away, and start experimenting with chocolate.'

'Can you imagine Lord Chester actually being the Prince of Wales? Mrs Reynolds told me, said I'd find out sooner or later. You really think he likes my sweets? He seemed to when he visited, but I've heard he employs two French confectioners.'

'I've come to know him quite well acting as his valet, Mrs Brewer, and he does not flatter when he doesn't mean it. He loves your sweets, and if you had ambitions to move to town you could ask for a place in his household. Or start your own business in town, I can't think of anyone who wouldn't like this.'

Though Mrs Brewer liked compliments as well as anyone, it could easily be seen that she wasn't altogether comfortable with the attention of a prince. Which Simon also noticed, changing the conversation smoothly towards something he knew she'd like to hear.

'Mrs Brewer, did you know Mrs Annesley is here for a short visit?'

That was good news to the good woman.

'Mrs Annesley is here? I can't wait to see her, tell her how much good her kindness did me. Is there a chance I might visit?'

Simon responded easily enough, he knew this household well.

'Why don't I ask her to call on you, wouldn't you love to show her your home and be all by yourselves for a few hours?'

'Oh, yes, I'd love that, she showed me her most beautiful works, I'd like her to see mine. Would tonight after dinner suit her, do you think?'

Well, since Mr Bennet would be expected to join the family in the evening, Mrs Annesley would have plenty of time to spend with her friends. And if Mrs Reynolds didn't want to miss a moment of her friend's visit, she could join her at the Brewer's house.

'I will ask her, and send word if she cannot make it. Will that suit you?'

'Oh, yes, very well. I'd better fly home to make some preparations then, I'll just give this to the cook and make some of my best sweets, Mrs Annesley likes them. Good day, gentlemen!'

'Good bye, and thank you for the treat, Mrs Brewer!' Nick said.

'See you later, Mrs Brewer. I won't forget to ask Mrs Annesley.'