Chapter 169

Yes, it was hard to get up after such a late night of dancing and drinking wine at headquarters, and of course Frederick had taken plenty of time afterwards to help Simon undress, as if he was the valet and Simon a fancy gentleman. His beloved often did that, making Simon feel very special, for no-one had ever seen this Frederick Manners but him. This man was as broad and as strong as his public namesake, with the same carefully manicured hands, the same perfectly groomed whiskers, smelling of the same expensive perfume. But this man's expression was totally different, instead of careless self-assurance he radiated gentleness and intense love, feelings usually hidden behind a carefully cultivated mask. None but his best friends had ever seen Frederick displaying any feeling his class thought unmanly: insecurity, vulnerability, even strong love was something he had been taught to hide. His leadership of a college clique and his discovery of his own perverse preferences had merely forced him to perfect his façade, the people who had seen him break through it numbering fewer than half a dozen. Mr and Mrs Darcy, Anne, maybe Georgiana and Eric, that was about it. And even they had never seen the real Frederick, the man who clung to Simon as if he was the most precious jewel in the world, who loved a low-born London servant with a dedication that sometimes frightened its object. Life was so insecure, what if something happened to him? Frederick would go to pieces. Which was why, in hindsight, Simon was glad with the close and very public tie to Anne, and thus Nick. That way, there would always be someone for Frederick to trust, he would never again have to face life all by himself, as he'd had to so much of his early life.

Frederick's loving attentions last night had in due time progressed to somewhat more heated activities, and they had fallen asleep tired but sated, too tired for Simon to worry about his last time tending Prince George. But now he could no longer postpone that duty, it was not altogether a nuisance since Prince George was actually quite a decent fellow, but Simon still feared some last-moment questions forcing Simon to lie about something or other. He was very good at lying, but he doubted he could fool such a clever man and besides, he didn't want to lie to someone he liked, he wanted Prince George to respect his privacy instead.

'Simon, I love you. Do you think I should get up myself, say my goodbyes?'

After kissing Frederick with all the love he felt for him, Simon told him the truth as he saw it.

'I prefer if you don't, my love. He doesn't expect you to, it will only attribute some meaning you didn't intend to give a mere instance of politeness. Better let me take good care of him, then have Mr and Mrs Darcy send him off with a show of civility.'

'I will do as you say, my dearest. Can I get one more kiss before you go?'

Simon kissed him again, then dressed, then kissed him once more before leaving their safe room, one more time, he would survive.

'Good luck, Simon. I'm sure you will be just fine, and when you return I will be waiting right here.'

As always, his reception left nothing to desire, Prince George was glad to see him, judging from his familiar call.

'Simon, I'm so glad you're here, and in perfect time! I'm sorry to bother you this early when your master may need your services himself, but I'm very happy to have you nonetheless!'

The prince was sitting on the edge of the bed wearing his dressing gown, he had already poked up his fire, as usual, and his well-worn saddlebags were obviously ready for his journey. The curtains were also open, the prince liked to greet the morning sun and generally opened his curtains himself when he brought new life to his fire in the shape of a few blocks of wood from the small container standing beside the fireplace for just that purpose. It wasn't a well-built fire, the merry blaze would soon die down, but by then Prince George would be on the road and the chamber would be cleaned for the next guest to have it, probably Earl Compton. Or maybe Mr and Mrs Bingley would get it, the bed was large enough for two.

'Please don't look at me in that certain way when you see my clothes for the day, Simon, I know they are horribly out of style and more than a little worn, but they're so warm and comfortable, I just cannot part with them yet. At least they're clean, the maid brought them yesterday, she had even tried to press them, poor thing. Little does she know my staff refuses to even give it the effort, it's just hopeless and I know it, but I don't care.'

Simon didn't know what to say so he kept his quiet. There was plenty for him to do anyway, Prince George let himself be washed and dressed despite his travelling outfit indeed not being worth looking at twice. It had once been prime quality hunting gear, Simon guessed, the main colours were greens and browns and the breeches matched the coat. But now it was years out of style, seams were sagging, the colours were faded and the metal buttons had dulled, and the embroidery was a disgrace, where threads weren't fraying they had faded and there was no way to know what some well-paid seamstress' prized work had once been supposed to look like.

'Please, Simon, don't look at me like Enrique did just before I left, I thought you would have some sympathy for an old man trying to keep warm on the road. If I promise you I'll throw them out and have a new set made as soon as I get home, will you pretend not to notice? Remember, this is our last time together, and then our ways will part once more. I want you to remember me well, Simon, I want you to visit as much as your mistress and her husband.'

Trying to control his expression was so difficult, and he knew he'd failed when Prince George's face turned to a pout and he said, 'You're not planning to, are you? Not just you, Manners and Mrs Manners as well. I can see it as clearly as if you've just told me. You have all been kind to my face and have nodded as if you agreed to visit, but you, Simon, do not want to at all, and you are going to make sure they don't either. Mr and Mrs Fielding, too? Please tell me they will come, they promised, he said he'd continue my lessons, that he'd teach me how to play those romantic works myself.'

How? What? Simon knew he looked foolish and caught, how could he know? And what else did he know? But he did not despair and instead tried to save the situation by being glib. Glib, but mostly truthful, lying to this man was of no use, he'd know.

'You know my master would never let anyone decide such things for him, Your Highness, nor does Mrs Manners let others decide her fate any longer. I suppose they would have told me if they intended to return to London soon, which they haven't. I am however certain Mr and Mrs Fielding are planning to visit you regularly at Carlton House. They are bored out here, they want to go back to town and be with their friends and enjoy city life. But Mr and Mrs Manners enjoy the country very much, they will most likely stay here all summer and then they will want to go abroad, with Mr and Mrs Fielding, of course.'

His tone was light but his heart quailed, what did this man know, to bluntly state that Simon was going to keep his master and mistress from visiting his palace in London? He was just a valet, a servant did not decide those things.

By now, the prince was fully dressed and ready to go. Why didn't he just go and leave them alone, why did he insist on ruining the lives of people he professed to care about?

'I see, now I've totally spoiled everything, I knew I shouldn't have said anything but if I hadn't you wouldn't have come, I took a chance and failed. Don't look at me like that, Simon, please, you know I like you a lot, I would never do anything to hurt you or anyone you love. Yes, I know, I know Manners' marriage is a sham, a distraction for the outside world to stop them from wondering when the darling of society is finally going to lose his heart. It's a marriage of convenience, she loves her guard, and he loves you. And if you don't dare to visit me at Carlton House for fear of my finding out about this, I will have to look at those horrid wigs and breeches for another decade or two.

Yes, I know, Simon, and I don't care. I've loved a man, and though I discovered it wasn't for me I'm not going to hold it against someone I like a lot. It is none of my business, and I should have minded mine from the start. But I just cannot refuse a challenge, and I was truly concerned with Mrs Manners' fate in a marriage without love, and when I found out she loved someone else I just had to know why her husband didn't mind. Can you forgive me? And do you believe me when I tell you it doesn't make the slightest difference to me? If you visit me in London I will make sure you can be together as often as you are here. I was very impressed by your arrangement, with eyes both in the front and the back of the house. I hoped you'd all agree to help me find a leak in my household, someone is selling information to a reporter and my own people cannot find who is responsible. I could, but of course I cannot be found sneaking about in my own home. Please forgive me my curiosity and talk to the others, you will not regret coming, not you and Nick either, I will make it worth your while. Maybe introduce you to my own circles afterwards? Nick posing as Manners' cousin several times removed, and you as a fashion expert?'

Dared he believe what Prince George said? He wanted to, at least the part where the prince said he wouldn't expose them no matter what happened.

'Do you know what will happen to Frederick if anyone finds out he loves a man and has relations with him?'

Simon knew he was way out of line talking to the Prince of Wales like that but he had to do it, this whole thing had so much potential for blackmail, he had to know whether Prince George wasn't planning to force them to become his next attempt to amuse himself for a few seasons. But the prince didn't seem to feel it that way, his expression became very sober and he took his time thinking of what to say in reply. Which did hearten Simon more than a little.

'You must know I have been on the receiving end of society's criticism often enough Simon, and I admit, often rightfully so. But my sins are all those people recognise in themselves. Men, especially those of some fortune, are generally eager to forgive their own sins in another, even if he displays them to a scale they cannot even imagine for themselves. Maybe because they cannot imagine how they'd have a lord's lawful wife as their mistress, or spend a few thousand on a painting.

But Manners' sin, there is no way they would ever forgive him. They would cast him out, revile him, even try to hurt him physically or prosecute him. He would lose everything, as would you, my dear Simon, and wouldn't society be less because of it? You both bring something valuable to the world, and I for one think it is your own responsibility how you live. Only God can judge you for your behaviour since it doesn't harm anyone.

I know what you face, my dear friend, and I will not let it happen. I promise to keep your secret whether you visit or not, whether you see fit to help me or not. If you choose to go abroad I will support you in whatever way I can, and if you choose to stay I will help you be together as often and as safely as possible. Though the stakes are not as high for me, I know what it is to try to keep a secret.'

And then he had to leave, Simon felt horrible but there was nothing more to say, Prince George knew it would ruin Frederick if what he'd figured out became common knowledge, they could only hope he'd keep his word.

'Can we part in friendship, Simon?'

Since there was nothing left to lose, they might as well. Let Prince George remember Simon well, and hope he would stick to his promises, even when drunk or totally smitten by some new woman or other.

'Of course, Your Highness. I trust you, and I have come to like you more than a little these last days. I'm sorry if my secret has made me less than forthcoming.'

'There need be no secrets between us now, my dear man, you know I need you, trust me to protect you.'

And he took Simon in a very intimate embrace which Simon managed to accept in the spirit in which it was offered and even return to a certain extent. What else was there to do?

Before Simon could offer to carry the saddlebags to Prince George's horse, there was a knock on the door. It was the butler, ready to take their important guest to the entrance for his adieus to the master and mistress of the house. Simon received one last encouraging look from the future king, and a hearty, 'Please say goodbye to your master and mistress for me, Simon. I hope we will all meet again in London.'

There was no innuendo in that sentence, just kindness. Simon planned to not worry about it, but even if he did he would be able to share his feelings with Frederick and most likely Anne and Nick as well. They were all in this together, although Frederick had most to lose as the darling of the London beau monde.

Once the prince was out of sight, as so often before, Simon fled to Frederick's bedroom on the second floor, to hide his face in his lover's arms and let Frederick convince him that none of what had happened was his fault and it would all turn out well.

'That was as pretty a send-off as you've ever given someone, my dearest Elizabeth. I really thought Prince George would melt instead of ride away off on his fabulous stallion. Such a beautiful creature, if only he had taken the trouble of wearing something vaguely appealing himself I would have dared say he sat that horse like a true horseman.'

Elizabeth laughed heartily, she, too, was relieved to see the back of their first unexpected guest. Though probably not as much as Fitzwilliam, and his relief probably paled compared to Simon's.

'I suppose Simon gave him an earful on that already, my love, or Prince George wouldn't have asked me which colour I thought would be most fetching for a new outdoor suit. Somehow, greens and browns are not his colours, and I think a deep blue will match this horse much better as well as His Highness' complexion.'

'I'm glad you refrained from mentioning the first. I wouldn't put it past Simon to comment on a crown prince's apparel, though, even if I wonder whether it's a sensible thing to do.'

'Well, do not be surprised if even the Prince of Wales depends on fashion advice from the valet you let go as soon as you'd caught yourself a woman.'

'Not before he'd gotten that same deeply beloved damsel an honourable mention in various newspapers with his invaluable advice, my love. Besides, what could I have done, chain him to my wardrobe and fight a duel with Manners over him?'

'True, there was nothing you could do. I will miss him, though, and for his person, not his advice, though that was always good. Did your aunt tell you when she is planning to leave? I promised Lydia she could stay until her dresses are finished, which may take as long as a week.'

'I don't mind your sister's presence that much, my love, she has grown a lot. Or maybe I have grown a lot.'

'My mother's absence makes a difference, too, you know. She and Lydia bring out the worst in each other. But Lydia has undoubtedly grown, I think you are as admirable as you always were, meaning very. Oh, all right, maybe you have gained a little sense of humour.'

'And lost a load of arrogance and presumption, dearest Elizabeth. You know I used to be rather annoying, you told me at length.'

'So I did, I remember all too well. No doubt we have all grown, including George Wickham. I am going to visit him right after breakfast to get it over with as quickly as possible. Then we can take a little breather until the next unexpected visitor is announced. Maybe that stable boy from Newcastle, looking for a job after all?'

'Oh, I'd hire him in a second, a horseman born that one, whatever colour he wears.'

'Mr Hugo would either kill him within a week, or adore him instantly. I'm afraid it would be the first, that boy did have a head on his shoulders.'

'I suppose a true horseman always has a streak of wilfulness, it comes with laying one's will on a creature the size of a horse. Think of Mrs Norman. Bob really is the exception. I'm hungry, let's go have a bite to eat. You will take your father along, won't you? I still don't trust Wickham altogether, and who better to ascertain his good behaviour than his father-in-law?'

'I will bring papa but not Lydia, though she'll want to come along. We cannot talk freely with Lydia there, so I'm afraid you will be stuck with her for the duration of our visit. I'm not even planning to tell her where we're going, she is probably aching to see her adored husband, she won't understand. Wickham wouldn't even welcome her, I guess, I suppose he has places to visit and people to see, from his past.'

'He was here more often than I used to be in our late teens and early twenties, in hindsight I guess making friends with Georgiana was a powerful motive to sometimes forego on the pleasures of town. Though neither London nor Cambridge would have much entertainment to offer without sufficient funds to pay for it. I suppose a man like Wickham would know where to find amusements anywhere, and his connection to Pemberley gained him credit here, a privilege he abused right up to our final falling out. Since I still didn't publicly discredit him, not even after his failed elopement with Georgie, I suppose I may have to take care of some bills as soon as he is off to Kent.'

That merely added another item to Elizabeth's list of things to discuss with Wickham, she'd make sure he paid his own expenses or she would see to the public denouncement herself. Without mentioning Georgiana. His past debts were public knowledge, few people would give him credit in the first place, the rumours circulating about the younger Wickham were as dubious as his father's reputation had been free of blemish.

'You think I should send someone to warn him we're coming?'

'Frankly, I like the thought of your visit being a big surprise. The look on his face will be worth the risk of finding him out of the house. What could he be doing just after breakfast? All the land is mine for miles, his friend is allowed to hunt because he was a valued help to my father but that privilege does not extend to his house guests and everyone knows that. And on a Wednesday other people have work to do.'

'I like the idea of surprising him, too. No warning then. Papa will prefer that, too.'

After a pleasant breakfast Elizabeth escaped from the house with her father under the pretence of going for a ride. Which they did, Mr Bennet on a borrowed horse and Elizabeth on her own faithful Barley. They brought halters and lead ropes for the horses instead of an attendant, this was to be a private visit, they'd picket the horses if the old huntmaster didn't have a paddock to put them up for an hour or so.

Elizabeth knew where to find the old huntmaster's house, and she was planning to make a nice detour to show her father some of the countryside on their way over. She could tell her father was impressed by the beautiful grounds, but when he finally spoke up it turned out not just by the wealth his daughter had married into.

'Remember how you never wanted to ride a horse when you were still a girl? I thought they frightened you, but seeing you sitting that beautiful creature I realise you were meant to be a horsewoman, just not as society tried to force you. Though you rode that lady's saddle well enough, my dear Lizzy, this is quite another thing. A real hunter, with more than a little Arab in him, and yet together you seem like a centaur out of the old Greek mythology, not a mere horse and rider at all. I am so incredibly proud of you.'

'Why thank you, papa, that is quite a compliment coming from you. I thought you were merely rendered silent by the overwhelming wealth of my husband.'

'The one I advised you not to marry. Well, that, too. But one large property is much like the other, it looks much as I had imagined, just on a little larger scale and more prosperous than I expected this far north. Whereas I only have one favourite daughter, and I'm glad you had the excellent sense to marry a man who wants you to just be yourself. Who is proud of you riding a hunter astride, and rightfully so. Have you already partaken in a real hunt?'

'Certainly, a fox hunt. It was very exciting, very fast with several challenging jumps. Barley took them without hesitation, Mrs Norman trained him well, Fitzwilliam would never risk my neck having me ride a badly trained horse. Barley looks very temperamental but he is in fact very obedient. And I've had plenty of lessons myself, I do think I am a good rider by now, though I've seen better horsemen near Newcastle and Mrs Norman here makes me look like a beginner.'

'Well, I'm glad your husband lets you risk your neck in a safe way. You were never meant to sit indoors all day, dear Lizzy, though you like sewing well enough, I guess. You'll have plenty of opportunity to do that the coming fall and winter, better make the most of this spring and summer. And don't stop doing these things once your baby is born, just leave the little thing with someone you trust and get back on your horse as soon as the midwife says you can. Or better, as soon as it feels right to you, some midwives would prefer to swaddle the mother as well as the child.'

'Thank you for the suggestion, papa, I'll ask Mrs Norman how she got started again after giving birth. There is something else she might be pleased to know, I don't think she wants a brood of children either, she loves her work too much.'

'You did change, Lizzy, for I suppose this Mrs Norman is someone who works in your stables?'

'Not exactly, her father is the only farmer hereabouts who is not Fitzwilliam's tenant and she is very independent indeed. Her husband does work in our stables, but she trains the hunters her father breeds.'

'Still, she is a commoner and yet you take advice from her. And give some as well, I take it you have somehow discovered a way to keep from bearing child after child? If you hadn't, I would have had to tell you, Mrs Annesley's orders. She found out too late, she says, and she sometimes informs others, people she knows would welcome the knowledge. She instructed me to tell you, as you are thinking of telling this Mrs Norman.'

That was so kind of her, and such an embarrassing task for Elizabeth's father.

Before Elizabeth could ask how they had resolved their possible misunderstanding, something she felt she should do but didn't really want to, they had reached their destination, and Elizabeth decided she'd take a man's stance and just not mention the subject until her father brought it up.

She considered trying the door before tying up the horses but decided against it, she was Mrs Darcy, she could make free with a patch of grass to let the horses graze whilst they talked to Wickham, she did not need permission to do so, and if Wickham was out, they would just take a break to let the horses graze, then tighten their cinches and exchange halters for bridles once more and they would return at another time.

Ten minutes later, they knocked on the modest door of a modest cottage, freshly painted in a modest leaf green.

An elderly woman dressed in a very practical apron and cap opened the door, and nearly fainted when she saw a lady and a gentleman standing before her, both dressed smartly, though they had obviously adapted their dress for riding. The woman curtsied surprisingly elegantly for her age and size, but didn't say a word.

'Good morning, ma'am, I'm Mrs Darcy and this is my father, Mr Bennet. Is Lieutenant Wickham in? We would like to talk to him for a few moments. He is my brother-in-law, you see.'

The look of awe on the woman's face deepened, then made way for obvious affection. This elderly woman liked George Wickham a lot, it would be interesting to hear what his connection was to the old huntmaster's wife.

'It's miss, actually, my lady. I'm old Jacob's housekeeper, not his wife. People often make that mistake but I tell you, if he'd married me I'd have set him straight quite a few years ago, that ne'er-do-good. Oh, he's got a handsome pension from your Mr Darcy's father, and he may hunt for his own larder, but if young George hadn't stepped in and painted that door and the shutters with his own hands, and during his leave as well since he has to go and fight the French, well, you'd know that of course since you say he is your brother-in-law. Well, anyway, if young George hadn't done the painting for lazy old Jacob, that door and those shutters would still be peeling old paint and looking like a disgrace and with you standing right in front of them. That would never have happened if he'd married me years back, as he should have. But he never did ask so I married another, I never had a lack of suitors, you know, but my Bill died and with the children gone off to town I thought, why not keep house for Jacob, seeing as two is a lot less lonely than one. But still he wouldn't marry me.

Now please come in, George will be pleased to have the attention from the big house, he used to be old Mr Darcy's favourite, you see. I suppose he'd rather have stayed at the house with his little wife but we're mighty glad to have him to ourselves for a few days. It's been years, you see, and he always was a special boy to Jacob as well.'

Elizabeth didn't mind the elderly woman's rambling, and of course papa was tickled, so they merely wiped their feet on a decent floor mat and entered the little cottage. It looked like Earl Compton's London house but on a different scale: the furniture was at least fifteen years out of date and old to ancient weapons were the preferred ornaments. Hunting blades, old muskets and even a convoluted-looking large bow adorned the walls, though old Jacob also seemed to like his taxidermy. If he'd done those foxes, hares and several beautiful birds of prey himself, he was an artist as much as Mrs Annesley or Mrs Brewer, for they looked as if they could run or fly away at any moment. And whereas the house was a little shabby, except for the freshly painted door, there was not a speck of dust on either furniture, ornamental weapons or stuffed wildlife. A spotted fawn standing behind an old-fashioned but comfortable chair now drew her attention, she could have sworn it would soon see her and hide, but of course it was also stuffed.

'It was a late fawn, born in fall instead of spring, Jacob shot the mother and only then noticed the little kid. It wouldn't have had a chance to survive winter anyway, nature can be cruel even to the beautiful and the helpless, so he took its life and decided to have its innocent beauty preserved to remind him to always be respectful of his fellow creatures.'

It was Wickham, of course, coming towards them with a mixture of delight and pain written all over his face.

'Mrs Darcy, you honour me with your presence!'

Elizabeth would have shaken his hand, but he took hers and kissed it gallantly. He did release her hand quickly enough and kept a proper distance.

'I never thought you'd visit me here, frankly I thought you'd avoid seeing me altogether, and rightfully so. I'm sorry to have repaid your kindness so shabbily, Mrs Darcy.'

George Wickham, taking responsibility for something he did? What was going on?

'We're brother and sister, Lieutenant Wickham, why should I not wish to visit you when you are in the neighbourhood? I'm ready to leave the past behind us and I hope you are, too.'

'Thank you so much. I will not disappoint you again, I assure you.'

Now he looked at Elizabeth's father and some of his usual charm returned.

'Mr Bennet, so good to see you, and such a long way from home. Have you checked out the library, yet?'

'Oh, yes, I have. Nearly got lost, too. Fortunately I had a guide, for my son-in-law was too busy with his guests to rescue me.'

Now Wickham gained even more animation and observed, 'I can imagine! I've heard one of them is a very important man from the west, a Lord Chester.'

Papa was almost as smart as Lord Chester, he knew his daughter and son-in-law would be curious whether the staff had kept their silence about him actually being Prince George, and it seemed they had.

'Now tell me how you are, Wickham, and be honest about it. You seem a bit out of sorts.'

'Let us sit down, then, please. Deirdre will make us tea, she is so glad to have me back for a few days, she has always adored me. Most people hereabouts have heard things about Mr Darcy and myself and they tend to mistrust me because of it. I was so afraid Deirdre and Jacob wouldn't want me either, but they said they knew I'd changed my ways since I was an important man in the army now. I'm afraid they have no idea how insignificant even a lieutenant of the rifles is. And that is what is bothering me, Mr Bennet, I love what I do but I am starting to realise the danger I will be in. Being part of the Rifle Corps is a very dangerous occupation, our new colonel in Newcastle made that very clear. He did not tell the privates, nor even the sergeants. Just the officers. We're expected to lose most of our men in action before we complete a full tour abroad. How will I live with myself if that happens? Those men trust me. And what will happen to Lydia if I fall? To our child?'

For a few seconds, Elizabeth remembered the soft feelings with which she had once regarded this man, before she found out that his gentle manners were just a mask he could put on or lay aside at will. Then she remembered his gambling, his mercenary attempts at Georgiana, his general lack of principles and the memory fled, but still she was convinced Wickham was not playing a part right now. He was genuinely concerned for his men, for his unborn child and yes, in some part even for Lydia. But why not give her the support of her trusted maid, then?

'I take it you have not shared your worries with my daughter?'

Of course. Papa did care for Lydia and had every right to get involved in her affairs if circumstances warranted his interference. Elizabeth would only intercede if her superior knowledge of her sister's situation was of importance, or the influence she had on Wickham, though she felt slightly guilty over what would be using a lingering preference towards her for her own ends. Well, her sister's well-being, which was not in fact her own interest. Was it?

'Certainly not. I've been pretending everything is fine and so far she seems to believe me. But I think our maid, Abbey, was on the verge of telling her the truth, she was less gullible and of course her life was less sheltered, she must have heard things in church or from her mother or her friends. She asked me about it one day, in private, and I told her what my superior had warned me against and begged her not to tell Lydia because of her delicate state. That was about a fortnight ago, and as far as I know she kept her promise.'

'But you decided to not bring her along to Kent to make sure she didn't tell?'

'Yes, that was part of the reason to leave her behind, though I know it hurt Lydia to not bring her along. But I want Lydia to fit in in the south, and Abbey is not very sophisticated, she is not going to help Lydia gain polish.'

'No, that was my responsibility as her father, and I have failed her in that.'

'I beg to differ, Mr Bennet, for your eldest two don't seem to lack finer manners. Lydia simply wasn't ready to bow to convention but now she is, and I want her to have every chance to improve herself. I thought having a smart local maid might help her learn the local customs.'

Here Elizabeth felt obliged to point out some facts about staff.

'Abbey has principles and she knows her place. Aren't those the most important traits for what a maid is supposed to do? We had to lay off a maid that had been in the family for ten years because she thought she ran the household, she just couldn't accept another woman as her superior. I know papa hired Hill to keep mother in check, but I am sure it took a lot of effort to find someone like her. Other households have had trouble with staff taking more responsibility than desirable, it is hard to find the right balance.'

Like the stablemaster in Newcastle, and Wickham's mother's replacement, the nurse who had browbeat Fitzwilliam's mother during her pregnancy with Georgiana. But she couldn't specify those cases to Wickham so she merely continued.

'I understand why one might want staff to have influence, especially since you will be away from home a lot, but such a maid is not easily found, she would have to be chosen carefully. Lydia is with child and she needs help and someone to trust right now. She had sophisticated friends in Newcastle, why not let her have Abbey to help her settle and give her the chance to find some good companions of her own rank?'

'You think officer's wives of a similar calibre and worth might want to be friends with her in Kent? I've heard people in Kent are very much above themselves, and I have no reason to believe that isn't true.'

'Not everyone in Kent is Lady Catherine de Bourgh, lieutenant,' Elizabeth said, laughing, 'her daughter is in fact one of my very best friends, and Mrs Manners' maid is a sweet, unassuming girl, and they are both from Kent. Besides, won't most of the officers in the Corps be from elsewhere in England, like yourself? I think people like to claim that those from other cities are stuck up. Some of our London staff were terribly stuck up, and others are the best people I know.'

'I suppose you are right, Kent cannot be filled with terrible people like Lady de Bourgh, and Lydia does make friends easily. I wouldn't want to hire a maid to find Lydia doing the housework and the maid enjoying herself. So you suggest I send for Abbey and encourage Lydia to find new friends among the officers' wives?'

'Exactly, and should Abbey's journey from Newcastle be too expensive I can certainly help you with that.'

'Well, I suppose that won't be a problem anymore. With my advancement comes added responsibility but there are benefits as well. We can afford Abbey and even a nursery maid. And by the time our firstborn needs a governess I suppose I will have made a fortune in France. Or Spain.'

And before Elizabeth could offer any help they might need, her father interrupted.

'So that takes care of Lydia, but I still want to know how you are, Wickham.'