Chapter 176

When Hugo returned to Pemberley he did not have time to feel bad about losing Elaine, or about disappointing her, for there was plenty of work to do. He changed into his work clothes and checked on the morning feeding, as was his habit. During breakfast, no one seemed to have noticed his absence that night, of course the servants' quarters were very busy with all the visiting staff and none of the house staff at least had time to spare to keep an eye on their colleagues. Peter knew exactly which local villages and towns held markets that would be of interest to them, and the dates on which they would be taking place, and he immediately recognised the sense in searching for ponies locally.

'I should have thought of that, Mr Hugo, it just never occurred to me a locally bred team would do for Mr Darcy. You know my missus and her dad know everybody who has anything to do with horses hereabouts, no need to check out every market in every village or town. I could tell them what you are looking for and let them spread the word, I bet you'll have visitors with interesting offers really soon.'

Even better! He'd be able to concentrate on his other quest, to find himself a companion for life, and not be bothered to check dozens of inferior ponies on crowded markets in backwater villages. It was not as if he was getting any younger.

'I'd really appreciate that, Peter, please let me know what they say, whether this idea has any chance of succeeding.'

Having visitors over was generally very entertaining, even for the staff, though it usually did mean more work for Hugo. He had to pay a little more attention to discipline in the stables, his personal domain. So far he hadn't caught any of the visitors' stable hands and drivers slacking off, but without their superiors present the temptation would always be there.

Those that tried, despite undoubtedly having been warned against such foolishness by the Pemberley staff, would soon learn better. There were always plenty of chamber pots to empty and outhouses to clean and hearths to sweep in a house filled to the brim with genteel visitors and their maids and valets, plus the extra stable staff and the temporary household and kitchen staff hired for the duration of the visit. The Pemberley house staff wouldn't mind letting others do those humble tasks for a few days.

In the house, Mrs Reynolds enforced discipline, taking care that the visiting male servants would not be tempted to avail themselves of the Pemberley maids, and vice versa. Hugo didn't fear any transgressions from his charges, nor from the visitors in his realm: Mr Bingley's driver and stable boy were of a timid kind and Mr Gardiner kept strict discipline among his own staff, like most city men living in a smaller household. Earl Compton had an elderly driver and a sedate middle-aged stable helper, no fear of transgressions from them. There was only Bates, Mr Manners' driver, who might be tempted, but he knew and respected Hugo, and Hugo knew him well enough to only warn him against Pauline. Bates would not seek out trouble but might fall for a lush maid throwing herself at him, possibly not realising she merely sought to gain advantage by using her personal attractions.

No, despite the slight increase in Hugo's responsibilities it was good to have the common-room filled with people during every mealtime and at night. There was plenty of opportunity to meet new people and have interesting conversations, and Hugo thoroughly enjoyed talking of horses with some very knowledgeable men. It made the three-day wait until his appointment with Rose that much easier to bear.

And then, finally, his afternoon off had come and he was walking towards the village keeping a firm pace, finding himself whistling for the first time since he'd had to flee his beloved home country. France was the land where he'd lived most of his life, where a large part of his heart still lay though he knew he'd most likely never see it again. But today, this new land was as beautiful in its own way, especially his master's grounds at Pemberley, and he had found peace, friendship and acceptance here. Only love was still lacking, but he might be on his way to resolving that minor difficulty. For Hugo realised he wasn't actually in love, wasn't even looking for the kind of love often praised in literature and song. What he longed for was mostly a companion for life, someone to share everything with, the best friend he'd ever had. And he was reasonably certain he was prepared to pay the price for such a bond, to only share his body with the same person from now on. Though Elaine would have been more exciting as a permanent partner for that part of a marriage, Rose was a willing and very attentive lover, and having been married before she would likely be the best option he could find for a stable marriage in every other way.

Lost in thought, Hugo arrived at the modest farmhouse more quickly than he'd expected, and he entered without knocking, nobody in this village used the locks they had on their doors and everyone in Rose's family knew he was coming over. A familiar routine, yet this time was different. Would Rose be more accepting of his proposition, or did she also value him for his qualities as a lover and nothing else? Maybe she didn't want to get married again so soon or at all.

Hugo felt his mood change slightly, he had plenty of confidence but Elaine's casual dismissal of his advances had stung a little. He knew she was too young for him anyway, and frankly too ambitious for the kind of quiet, retired life he ached for, but what if no woman could trust him because of his past as a chaser of skirts? Or because of his being French, not just a foreigner but one of the enemy?

'Mr Hugo! Welcome! Mum's out in the barn with Colin, Clover is having difficulty calving and he was wondering whether to send for someone to help. I'm afraid she'll be there for some time, this hasn't happened since, you know, and neither of us know what to do.'

Jenny, Rose's youngest child at fifteen and her only daughter, seemed rather upset, and Hugo had no idea whether that was because of her thinking of her father or because what Hugo presumed was the family's cow being in dire straits. But despite the nagging doubt over the reception of his proposals, he was still in a mood to get to know Rose and her family much better, so he replied to the girl with what he hoped she would see as genuine sympathy. He did not know whether Jenny was aware of Hugo's reputation as a ladies' man, he had always been honest to Rose about his exploits but he had no idea whether her children knew, or what her relationship with them was like. He'd assumed she wanted to keep their involvement a secret since she never gave him any particular attention in her children's presence and only took him to her bedroom after they had gone to bed.

'Do you think I could be of help? I have no experience with cows, just horses, but I suppose the process is much the same.'

The girl clearly hadn't thought of that, and her reply made clear to Hugo where her obvious worry had come from.

'Could you? Oh, I never realised what being stable master entailed but I suppose there are horses giving birth all the time! I think mum must have forgotten you work with horses, or she could have asked you much sooner, she knew you were coming anyway! You see, mum doesn't want to be indebted to anyone, but I'm sure she'd rather have you than Mr Staples. I've seen him look at her a certain way in church and whenever they meet, I'm certain she doesn't want him to get any ideas because he saved Clover and the calf.'

Then she gave Hugo a meaningful look and confessed, 'We wouldn't like that either. It's fine to have you over every fortnight, but I cannot forget papa just like that and be expected to accept another man in his place.'

That was very gratifying in its confidentiality, but rather disconcerting considering Hugo's real purpose here, today. Better hope the girl would believe him when he tried to lay that particular worry to rest. Did Rose know her children knew that she and Hugo were having an affair?

'I'm sure no-one will try to replace your father, Jenny, even if your mother does decide to let another man into her life.'

'Well, if she does I sure hope it will be you! At least you have your own life, and won't start lecturing Colin on how to run the farm. And you're not some boring farmer from around here with a farmer's clothes and awful manners. I don't want to live on the Staples farm being bossed by old Mrs Staples and see her son ogle my mum!'

The poor girl had worked herself into a right frenzy, but all this time Rose was struggling with a heifer in need of assistance, assistance Hugo was rather convinced he might be able to offer. And if he wasn't, his presence might at least deter Mr Staples from forming designs on Rose. What to do? How to handle a fifteen-year-old girl who had lost her father and was now telling him more than he felt comfortable to hear? He knew he was not aiming to become a father figure for her, but he could be a friend. A bit of support would probably not be taken amiss, let Clover wait a little longer.

Hugo offered an embrace, which she gladly accepted. With the girl in his arms, he said, 'I've delivered countless foals and helped with some of the really difficult births. If you'll show me the barn I will see what I can do, and if we do have to send for help I can act possessively over your mother. If she doesn't mind, that is, I value her reputation.'

Though by the sound of it he might have ruined that already.

Reminded of poor Clover, Jenny straightened and released her hold on Hugo. It hadn't been a bad feeling at all, to comfort a girl in absence of her own parents.

'Thank you, Mr Hugo, I needed that. And you are right, maybe it is better if Mr Staples thinks you are merely a friend of the family. He is not a bad man, you know, I suppose I should not accuse him of having designs on my mother, the whole village has been very nice since papa…'

She didn't get any further and she didn't need to. Hugo took her hand and gestured her to lead the way to the barn, young women were much like young men after all, just give them something to do and they would forget their troubles for a few moments. Rose needed him, and she would be much more qualified to comfort her own daughter than a virtual stranger.

They walked side by side for a few moments, until they had to pass through a rather narrow door at the back of the house. Opening the door, Jenny turned towards Hugo before stepping through it.

'I can see why mum likes you, you're not just handsome but also very calm. Papa had a real temper, but she and I never minded that much. Patrick did, he and dad used to shout at each other a lot. Come to think of it, Mr Staples would probably be very afraid of Patrick, he is only eighteen but taller than dad was and broader than Colin. You don't look like you're afraid of anyone, though you're pretty small for a man.'

'In France, I was rather tall, but out here I'm average size at best. But you're right, I don't frighten easily. It comes with being around horses, I think. They are so tall and strong, some people fear them but I always know what they are thinking. If you respect them, horses won't hurt you, and if you can read people you know how to handle them. Though my staff obviously disagrees, they think I'm a right bully. And to be fair, Jenny, I do have a temper so they may be right.'

Of course Hugo had seen some awful things, done some, too, to his intense regret. But after surviving years of war and conflict there wasn't much that frightened him. Angered him, yes, but he'd found out anger very rarely helped, and especially not when working with horses or in a confrontation involving armed men.

By now they had crossed a narrow grassy strip with a few trees, apples probably, or pears, and entered a small thatched barn.

'Well, we're here. I'm returning to the house to start dinner. Thank you, Mr Hugo, for being kind to me, and to mum.'

The difference between Mr Darcy's stables and one of his tenants' barns was painfully obvious as he entered through the low door and saw the cramped space inside. The light was dim at the end, where he was, and the air was dusty and smelled like any well-kept barn: of hay and manure. Personally, Hugo preferred the smell of horse to that of cattle, but neither bothered him. Despite the little building's wooden frame and low thatched roof, both tremendous risks for fires, Hugo felt Colin had done everything possible to keep that risk as low as he could. The space was surprisingly uncluttered and he relied on large open doors at the front for light rather than lamps. The hay and straw were stored neatly on one side, three stalls made up the other side. To his surprise, all three stalls were occupied, two with red and white heifers chewing calmly on hay, one rather full with two humans as well as a red cow that seemed too calm to be in the birthing process.

Patrick was the first to spot him, since he was reclining on a bale of hay opposite Clover's stall in full view of the whole space.

'Mr Hugo! Of course, it's your day! We totally forgot with this mess!'

Hugo couldn't imagine this tall, polite young man raging against his father, but he knew he had a local reputation for being rather strict, maybe the boy was a tad afraid of him.

'No problem, Patrick, I've had my share of mishap with the horses, I always felt sorry that they couldn't say what was wrong with them. Though this is obvious enough, and Jenny filled me in.'

Now Rose came out of the stall to greet him, she looked relieved rather than put out at his familiarity to just come into her life this way. Though Hugo wanted to kiss her, he knew she wouldn't appreciate it in front of her sons so he controlled himself. She looked like she could use some comforting, but that would have to wait, if they even got to that point today. It would depend on Clover and her calf.

'I have never been more glad to see you, Jean, and that's saying something since you've meant so much for me and my family. We're really concerned and we have no idea whether she will yet manage by herself or to call for help. Though maybe you don't know more than we do? Mr Darcy doesn't own any cows, does he?'

'He doesn't, and he has never raised even a single foal in the time I've worked for him. But I have lived a long time before that and I've seen my share of deliveries, easy ones as well as difficult ones. I think I can at least help you decide whether to send for the troops.'

'That would be very much appreciated, Mr Hugo,' Colin replied, 'but it means getting your boots dirty, birthing is a messy business.'

Did Colin sound a tad humble saying that? As if Hugo was like Mr Darcy, not a working man like himself? Was that why Patrick gave him so much deference? This might be a very important moment for Hugo, if he wanted to convince these young men he was the right man for their mother. Hugo did spend a little extra effort on his appearance when he visited Rose, and he knew he was a good-looking man even approaching forty, but he was no dandy by any stretch of the imagination. Most days he was dressed exactly as Colin was now, in sturdy, practical work clothes. He made sure to smile as he replied.

'I work in a stables, Colin, I'm used to muck. I admit the stables I work in are larger than your barn, and the horses in it are worth a small fortune, and I have people working for me, but I don't own any of that magnificence, I just take care of it. I brush horses daily, inspect tack, cool down hunters, I get very dirty. But, I appreciate your warning since I am indeed wearing my good boots and it wouldn't do to spoil them with blood and manure. Do you have a pair of clogs or boots I can borrow?'

Patrick was already off somewhere, and Colin inclined his head towards his brother and said, 'Patrick will fetch you a pair of old boots. I'm sorry, sir, I know you work in a stables but you don't look like you do, not when you visit. You wear good clothes and you talk different, not like folk hereabouts. But I suppose that's because you are French, not because you're posh.'

Hugo laughed heartily at that description of himself and decided to be a little forthcoming.

'Of course most gentlemen have learned to speak French, that may make my accent sound like them. But I'll let you in on a little secret about myself: my uncle in France is a landowner. I'm a second son so I'd never have inherited, and our family's chateau is nowhere near the size of Pemberley, but I was raised differently than most men in this village, I guess. I didn't think it showed.'

'It does,' Rose contributed to the conversation, 'but I for one am glad you know at least something about foals and calves. We may need to send for Mr Staples.'

Colin didn't look pleased at all at that prospect, but since Patrick had arrived with a pair of boots that were undoubtedly too big for Hugo but would do very well, he decided to see to poor Clover first.

'She was showing every sign of giving birth, but then she settled. Then again she was showing signs of it happening, and nothing. I see no water sac or hooves coming. Father always said it shouldn't take more than half an hour after the first signs and I'm worried something is wrong. I saw my father help our cows giving birth so many times, I wish I had paid more attention so I'd be able to do it all by myself.'

As Rose told her son no-one could have expected him to be ready to deliver calves already, Hugo decided there was only one way to find out what was going on, and it was to check. He had done it countless times before he took service, and that was years ago, but one never forgot.

Despite her being much smaller than the mares he'd helped give birth, he was a little afraid the heifer would kick him for his trouble, but if she did no doubt Rose would do her best to make up for it. Fortunately the animal was either too distracted or too gentle to care, and he could clearly feel a little tail through the thick membrane enveloping the soon-to-be-born calf. That was not good, and obviously the reason the birth wasn't progressing. This needed expert help, and fast.

Cleaning his hand and arm in a bucket of water Patrick had fetched, he said, 'It's a breech, better get Mr Staples. This is an expert's work or you may lose the calf and even the mother. We'd better walk her until help arrives, to stop the process and have the calf drop back down so it can be turned.'

'Our father never did that, and I'm certain I've seen him deliver breech calves regularly!'

Colin was not having it, and Hugo wanted to know why.

'If it's because of the cost, I'm good for it. You cannot know everything at twenty, Colin, and if a breech birth is easier with a cow than a horse you can use this instance to learn from the best. Whenever one of my father's mares had a breech foal he'd call for help immediately, I don't know how to proceed.'

Now Rose stepped in.

'We can afford Mr Staples' usual fee, Jean, Colin is merely worried that that very competent man may charge us differently. Never mind, Colin, Clover needs him. I think you may be too hard on Mr Staples. Now, Patrick will fetch Mr Staples, and mind you treat him with respect, Patrick, or you'll deal with me! And you will walk Clover until he arrives, Colin, whilst I explain to Mr Hugo why you are risking a summer's worth of milk and the life of a cow you've known for years out of what appears to be stubbornness. Go!'

Both lads moved, without apparent surliness, and when they were out of view, Rose took his hand and lead him to the bale of straw that Patrick had occupied moments before.

'Patrick will take about fifteen minutes, if Mr Staples is in and ready to come over. But I guess he will be, if he is not on another case. Will you sit down, Jean, and let me tell you why the boys don't want him over?'

Hugo certainly didn't mind sitting next to Rose, and given what Jenny had said, he expected Mr Staples to be a creepy figure. But the heifer needed him, and Hugo would be there to protect Rose from anyone. His mere presence would probably be enough to spook the fellow, apparently people in the village were likely to be impressed by his status and single good set of clothes.

'Mr Staples, or Darren, as I used to call him, was my first love. We were both sixteen, seventeen, and I really loved him and he worshipped me. He was attentive and sweet, and already very much in demand for his talent with sick livestock, especially cows. I was young and foolish and reproached him for standing me up a few times to save someone's heifer or prize mare, I thought the world revolved around me and didn't see how much respect his talent gained him, and how much his income helped his parents. So I broke off our involvement, it wasn't an official engagement but close to it, and fancied I did it because Darren was boring and I didn't want to spend my life with him.

He was devastated, and where I soon got engaged to a farm boy from our village with a totally different character, he stayed all by himself, gaining his reputation for saving livestock against all odds, taking care of his parents and when his father died, just of his mum. I never really regretted marrying John, we had a good life together and I loved him, and not just as the father of my children. And yet for years, whenever I met Darren the look in his eyes made me feel so terribly guilty. Then when John died so suddenly I was heartbroken, but it is as if Darren has rallied over the news, as if he feels he still has a chance at me, has a right to me even.

That is why the boys didn't want me to send for him. He will save Clover and her calf, no doubt about it, but at what price? We had him over once before, when we had a sick calf, and he cured her, but he wouldn't take payment, not from me he said to Colin. Of course Colin couldn't force him to take it, he was barely nineteen years old at that time. Maybe I should have confronted him but I couldn't then, it was all so fresh.'

That wasn't at all what Hugo expected, and suddenly he remembered hearing Peter refer to a miracle worker with this man's first name, and Peter's father-in-law bred precious hunters so he'd know from personal experience. Hugo was good enough at keeping his master's horses healthy that so far he hadn't had to resort to an expert's help, but if he had trouble he couldn't handle he would not hesitate to take Peter's advice and send for him. Frankly, he could not believe that the man from Peter's tales would ever try to take advantage of a helpless widow, even if she had spurned him in their youth.

'I guess you may all be mistaken about this miracle worker's intentions, Rose, I've heard of him and his reputation is spotless. Can it be that you all see more in his behaviour than he means? He may just be nice to a widow, a woman he loved when she was still a girl. Emphatic people can be that way, you know, it's a sort of curse that comes with the talent, some of my stable boys have the same mildness.'

'You may be right. And the children are very protective of me, which is why I only wanted to meet with you in secret. I don't want them to think you are taking advantage of me when we both felt the need for some intimacy without the intense feelings of love.'

That disconcerted Hugo just a little, for he did want to be part of this family, if they'd let him. But if he was very honest to himself, he wasn't head-over-heels in love with Rose, he knew he could easily come to love her but not like this other man did, this Darren Staples. Oh well, there was still time, today was not the day anyway to ask Rose whether she had an interest in marrying him, too much was still going on.

'I think your daughter knows we're involved at the very least, Rose. She hinted as much when I first came in. And if she knows, I suppose your sons know.'

'But if that is the case, why would they be so unwilling to have Darren over?'

'You mean, why haven't your sons called me out when they are ready to refuse him entrance to your barn? Maybe they are afraid of me, apparently I'm just one step removed from a gentleman.'

'You do look very smart, and your features are much finer than most local men's. I didn't know you had such elevated relatives, you never told me anything about your past. Is it painful? Did you have to flee to save your life?'

'I guess I could just have lived a quiet life somewhere else in France, it is a very large country after all, but I did not want to risk my uncle's position so I chose to start a new life over here. I can tell you more if you like, but not now, I guess, for that sounds like someone coming.'

'Already? I'd appreciate it if you act a tiny bit possessive over me, Jean, just enough to get Darren to rethink any presumptions he may have made.'

'Your wish is my command, my lady. I will be slightly menacing but only in look, I may need your old beau sometime in the future, to save a horse that is beyond my skills to heal. I cannot afford to insult or frighten him.'

'He doesn't insult easily, but I think you may impress him a little. Poor Darren, I do feel for him.'

Three men and a cow entered the barn in silence, finding Rose and Hugo standing next to Clover's stall. Hugo found himself surprised to see that Darren Staples wasn't at all soft-looking. He had expected a small, slightly chubby, balding fellow in shapeless trousers, but instead Rose's childhood beau was taller than Hugo, with a clean-cut handsome face and almost as nice a head of hair as Hugo himself still sported, an upright posture and functional but nicely fitting clothes. His expression was open towards Hugo, but indeed decidedly softer when he approached to greet Rose first.

'It's been a long time, Rose,' he said with some feeling.

Hugo hoped she wouldn't address him as formally as she had referred to him previously, to spare him anguish, and fortunately she didn't.

'It has, Darren. I hope your mother is still in good health?'

'She is, considering her age, thank you for asking, she will be pleased to hear that. I'm sorry for your loss, Rose. John was a good man.'

'Thank you, Darren. This is Mr Hugo, the stable master at Pemberley. He is a friend of the family.'

Darren had a firm handshake, but his face was still kind and if he felt jealousy towards Hugo it didn't show.

'Good to meet you, Mr Staples, one of my staff swears you can perform miracles.'

'Darren, please, sir, that is good to hear, though maybe slightly exaggerated. People are so fond of talking. I'm pleased to finally meet you, I've heard good things of your skills with horses.'

And he hung his coat over the side of the stables and examined Clover, but not before he had greeted her as well by letting her sniff his hands. When he was done he addressed Colin, though his eyes rested on Rose first for a few moments.

'It's not too bad, actually, it's a full breech but in a cow that is fixable without too much risk to either mother or calf. I'll show you how, so you can do it yourself in the future, maybe not next time but after I've helped a few times more. Walking her like you did wasn't necessary but it has helped, it's easier to get hold of the hind legs this way.'

'Mr Hugo told me to do that, he said it was a breech and to get help.'

'He was right, I suppose he is used to horses and with them, a breech is a serious matter. I've saved plenty of breech foals, but calves are much easier. Let me show you.'

And during the next half hour, Darren Staples laboured side by side with the man who could have been his son, to save a calf and her mother, showing the younger man how to free both legs from under the calf's body one by one without damaging the cow's womb or the calf's sensitive lungs.

When the little red and white youngster was finally standing on her legs and Clover was washing her dry, Darren washed his hands, waited for Colin to do likewise, then shook hands heartily.

'Congratulations, Colin, a healthy heifer calf. You did very well, you'll soon be able to do this all by yourself. Though it may be awhile before it happens again, full breeches are rare.'

Colin couldn't help it, no matter how much he wanted to dislike this possible rival to Rose's affections, he just couldn't keep it up in the face of his kindness and helpfulness. And his expertise, for whilst this had been a relatively simple case, Hugo knew a natural healer when he saw one at work. And he was a natural at teaching as well.

'Do you want to come in for a celebratory cup of tea, Darren?' Rose asked.

Frankly, she couldn't do less for him, he deserved it. But somehow her kindness had an adverse effect, he looked at her, then at Hugo, and said, 'Thank you, but my mother will be waiting for me, I'd better go home.'

Well, Hugo wouldn't have wanted to see the woman he loved with another man, that was the most natural thing in the world.

When he had his coat back on, Colin took him to the front of the shed, where Darren graciously accepted his payment, not even trying to be gallant by refusing to accept it. Good, he had accepted that Rose was not his prize. Whatever happened next, for Hugo could imagine Rose falling for her old beau after seeing him at his best, at least Darren knew Rose had moved on from him.

'Thank you for your help, Mr Hugo,' Colin offered, as Hugo changed boots and Rose spent a few moments with Clover and her calf. 'And not just with the calf. Though I have to admit I felt a bit sorry for Mr Staples when he saw you with mum, he knows he has no chance with a man like you in the picture.'

Rose looked at her son, who showed his true age by commenting, 'Oh all right, I'll mind my own business, but you don't think for a moment he believes this 'friend of the family' nonsense? I can't imagine what the poor fellow is feeling right now, but he should have moved on in the first place. It's not healthy to keep mooning over someone, is it? And humiliating, frankly. But I have to admit he is much nicer than I expected.

Patrick, will you help me clear up the mess? We'll keep an eye on Clover, too, mum. You go spend some time with Mr Hugo.'

Which they did, though in a very decent way, there wasn't much time left anyway before dinner. During which they all carefully avoided mentioning a certain person who had saved Clover and her calf, and merely questioned Hugo over his past experiences with foals. He told them quite a few stories from his youth, describing the beauties and also the less beautiful aspects of the France he'd known as a child, avoiding mentioning the army altogether, though he suspected it wouldn't do him harm in the eyes of Rose's children, especially her sons.

When they had finished, Colin took a lamp to check on mother and baby in the barn, and as soon as he had disappeared from the room, Patrick offered, 'Mum, I'll help Jenny with the dishes, there is really no need for you two to feel obliged to stay here with us.'

Rose didn't seem put out by her son's honesty, instead she got up from her chair and offered Hugo her hand.

'I admit I could use a little time to put my thoughts in order, thank you, all three of you. I will see you tomorrow morning. Good night!'

Hugo was glad he was invited to join her, after reconnecting with someone from her past he wouldn't have been insulted if she'd chosen to spend the evening by herself.

On their way to Rose's small bedroom, Hugo felt inclined to be as honest with her as he could.

'I'm afraid my presence here may be really bad for your reputation in the village, dear Rose. If it is, I'm sorry.'

Rose opened the door, let him through then closed it. She sat on the bed still dressed, and when Hugo followed her example by sitting next to her she snuggled against him in a way that felt much more intimate than usual. He knew her body very well, and which intimacies she preferred, but somehow having shared such an experience and spent time talking afterwards made him feel so much closer to her.

'Don't worry, Darren won't talk to anyone. Nor will the children. I should have known they would find out, was it my imagination of were they rather mild on us?'

'I still think your boys may be rather afraid of my reputation. But your daughter was much kinder to me than she was about poor Mr Staples. I don't understand, he is a local and he seems very kind and respected.'

Rose was stroking his hair and face, it seemed he was still in her good graces as well, and her touch excited him.

'You're different, foreign, exciting. Or maybe she doesn't want to see me with a man with serious designs to marry.'

That was the perfect opportunity to ask the big question.

'Do you want to marry again?'

She took her time thinking, but they were kissing and stroking each other as well, which was quite distracting.

Eventually she said, 'I think I'd like to get married again, in time, yes. But I think the children wouldn't want me to, not yet, it's too soon. And besides, I'd lose you, and I don't want that to happen, Jean. You give me so much respect, and making love with you is so good.'

This was the moment to pop the real question, but somehow Hugo couldn't, what if she said no? What if she was interested in Darren? And it was a bit soon, it hadn't been a year yet since her husband had passed away. Maybe he should just wait a bit longer.

'You're very thoughtful tonight, Jean. Since the children know about us anyway, do you want to stay the night? I do feel lonely sometimes, especially at night. Don't you?'

'I do. Feel lonely sometimes, and want to stay the night.'

And soon everything was back to normal, with both of them undressed and making love eagerly. Afterwards, they settled in each other's arms, and Hugo knew he wasn't wrong to want this every night. But he did wonder whether he deserved to have a woman like Rose to himself when there was someone out there who had loved her for years, even in the face of hopelessness. Of course he would never admit that thought to Rose, it was her decision to make, and both Darren and himself would have to live with it.

It was so good to wake up in someone's arms, even though Hugo had to get up early to be back at Pemberley before the household and especially the stable staff came back to life. Colin was already in the barn, presumably to check on the calf and milk the cows. All the others helped prepare breakfast, and neither Jenny nor Patrick were surprised to see Hugo at their mother's side.

They were all waiting for Colin to join them when he entered the kitchen, but he was not alone. Right behind him, looking far from comfortable to be intruding at this early hour, was Darren Staples! Even Hugo had the decency to feel a little caught, in the kitchen of a recently widowed woman he wasn't married to.

But Rose didn't even blink, she merely offered their visitor a seat at the table and both men a cup of tea. Jenny fetched him a plate, but somehow Hugo didn't think he had come to join them for breakfast.

'Mr Staples was kind enough to drop in to check on Clover and her calf, mother. I thought he might like a cup of tea for his trouble, and he agreed to come in for a few moments.'

'I'm glad you asked him, Colin, and thank you for being so considerate, Darren, you keep early hours.'

He was not comfortable at all, the poor man, most likely he hadn't expected to see Hugo there, it had to be very painful to him.

'I usually get calls this early, farmers and stable boys start at dawn, and sometimes they spot a problem they overlooked in the dark. I'm off to a farmer next, but there was no real hurry and I wanted to make sure Colin felt your cow and calf were safe.'

Half an hour was spent on breakfast and the accompanying conversation, and then they all got up, there was plenty of work to do. Hugo was very surprised to find Darren waiting for him by the door.

'We're going in roughly the same direction, Mr Hugo, I thought we might chat a little longer. I'm always looking for new clients, and Mr Darcy is the largest possible fish to catch in this area.'

That was certainly true, but Hugo didn't think Darren wanted to have a business talk. This was a private matter, and if their roles had been reversed, Darren might have felt threatened. Hugo couldn't imagine the other man being in any way menacing, he was too empathetic to even seem vindictive or aggressive, but this did have to do with Rose. Apparently, Darren had gathered all his courage to question Hugo on his intentions towards Rose, a woman he had no claim on, not even friendship.

Even less likely to be intimidated than Darren might think, Hugo wasn't planning to let him spoil his night with Rose by forcing him to beat a hasty retreat.

'I'm certainly planning to call on you if we ever have a problem I cannot handle, Darren. And will you please call me Jean? And let me say my goodbyes to Rose and her family?'

And without waiting for an answer, Hugo took his time to bid Rose's boys goodbye, and wish them good fortune with Clover and her calf. To Jenny he said very quietly, 'Do not worry about your mum, she can handle him,' and received a smile and a wink in return. Then only Rose was left, and she did not hesitate to embrace him in front of her children and kiss him intimately. It was a surprising kiss, and an encouraging one, maybe he would dare ask his burning question next time.

'Will you come next week?' she said calmly, as if that wasn't a week earlier than normal.

'Gladly, I'll be later than usual, though, I only have the afternoon off every fortnight.'

'We will be waiting for you for dinner. I had a really good night, Jean, thank you very much for staying.'

'Thank you, Rose. It felt very comfortable, sleeping with you. Until next week!'

And then he had to leave, and confront a possibly jealous former lover of the woman he fully intended to marry, if she'd have him.

Strangely enough there was no tension between Darren and himself, maybe Darren wasn't a jealous competitor for Rose's affection after all?

'I'm sorry to force myself on you like this, Jean, I suppose you're either wondering what my intentions are, or blissfully ignorant. I suspect the former, if you are as intimate with Rose as I guess from your adieus just now, she must have told you about her past and my place in it.

Please let me tell you I will not in any way try to put myself between you two. It is true that I have been hoping for her to notice me, I have kept my distance so far, to avoid being seen as trying to profit from her misfortune by presenting myself as her saviour. I had hoped to do for her what you did, but it just wasn't to be.

This morning was what I needed to see to force myself to move on, I've been telling myself for years that her being with another man was just a horrible mistake, but now she has again chosen another over me I know she is just not interested in me. I will stay out of her life from now on, and let you be together in peace.'

'You came to breakfast this morning expecting me to be there? And you never gave her the chance to get to know you again when you were still so attached to her?'

Hugo decided there and then to be honest with Darren, apparently his reputation hadn't reached this village yet though it was so close to Pemberley. Rose's happiness was more important than his own, or Darren's for that matter, it was her choice and no-one else's.

'This may shock you, Darren, and I hope you will not misjudge Rose over it, but we are not a couple. We're two adult people spending time together, sharing love but not in love. I am not going to fight you over Rose's affections, or claim her, if in time she is ready to make a commitment to another man than John, she will make that choice herself. I advise you to not avoid her, but to seek her out, talk to her, ask her whether she welcomes your company. Be honest with her and with yourself, she is not who she was when you were so much in love, and you have changed as well. Get to know each other.'

The silence that followed was not unexpected, Darren was a traditional fellow, and the possibility of making love outside marriage probably never occurred to him. He would likely need a few days to get his head around it, but at least he picked up the most important part.

'You're not engaged? You just sleep together? I'm not too late?'

'Darren, listen to me very carefully. You are not too late, but do not rush in to propose. Rose loved her husband and she is not looking for a new man, she just wanted a little company and so did I. Don't try to be her saviour, she and her children are doing well. But there is no reason why you cannot be friends, if she wants to be friends.'

'I'd be happy to be her friend. I liked her sons, the eldest is very good with their cow.'

'Good, if her children like you that is good. And remember, make certain that you don't impose on her, keep checking whether she still enjoys your presence.'

'I understand. Thank you, Jean. Is that how you say it? Zjon? Sounds almost like John.'

'It means John in French. There are as many Jean's in France as John's in England. I'm taking this path, I suppose you're going to one of the farms on this side of the river? It has been a pleasure to meet you, Darren. Take care!'

'I will, thank you again.'

And that was it, Hugo had not asked Rose to marry him, instead he might have inadvertently set her up to marry another man. But if it happened, it was meant to be, and if Rose preferred Darren, Hugo could even understand, she knew her lover was a ladies' man and he hadn't even told her yet that he wanted to settle and stay true to one woman.

After spending a night with Rose and with Elaine, Hugo found himself with pleasant memories and a wish to spend all his nights in company, but without a preference for either. Nor did he regret pushing Darren Staples towards Rose, if he really loved Rose he should have a chance to win her. Hugo simply wasn't in love with either woman, but even that thought didn't bother him, he didn't expect to ever fall in love. Just to have a companion would be good enough, and either would do. As would Caitlin, though she might bring out the worst in Hugo, she had such an indomitable spirit. Tomorrow he would see her again, and the very thought excited him more than he dared admit to himself. She was really the worst choice for a partner, with her temper, her low status and her lack of even the most basic of amenities. But if he was to stop seeing her, he really had to talk to Mr Darcy about her, see if he could at least improve her life a little before abandoning her.

And since he was hoping to spend the night he had to ask permission to take a horse, which he did as soon as he ran into Mr Darcy that day.

'Mr Darcy, might I have a short word with you today?'

His employer was by himself but dressed for riding, hopefully there was a little time until the others arrived.

'Of course! Right now would be perfect, I had hoped to run into you since we are planning to ride out today and quite a few visiting gentlemen want to join us. You managed to provide just the right horse for everyone involved last time, so I thought I'd run it by you again this time. We have Mr Bennet, Mr Gardiner and Earl Compton, like last time. But Mr Hurst also wants to join us, and I admit I have not seen him ride before, though I know he has been practising.'

The portly gentleman had been a regular visitor to the stables since his arrival, and though he had learned to ride as a young man, years of inactivity meant that Hugo had carefully proposed a few lessons from Peter before feeling certain of him returning safely from a ride in the countryside. Despite Hugo's worry that the gentleman might be insulted over this lack of faith in his riding skills, Mr Hurst had made a favourable impression on the entire stable staff by accepting the offer gratefully.

'I admit I was more than a little afraid of riding out straight away, even in my friend and brother-in-law Mr Bingley's company. I've been suffering some fainting spells recently, and though it's nothing a diet and plenty of fresh air and exercise cannot cure, I'm pathetically eager to have some courage talked into me.'

Which of course Peter had managed really well, and Hugo suspected his faithful stable hand had also served as kind listener to Mr Hurst's personal troubles, though he was too discrete to mention them in the servants' quarters.

But Mr Darcy was waiting for a reply, and Hugo had one ready.

'If neither of the ladies besides Mrs Darcy and Mrs Manners want to join you, I would suggest mounting Mr Hurst on Daisy. He is not up to anything more challenging at the moment, besides maybe your bay road horse, and I suppose Mr Gardiner will want to use the same horse he had last time. Mr Hurst doesn't seem to feel lessened by riding a smaller horse, and even if he did he realises he would look much more ridiculous if he fell off. His skills will improve quickly with Peter's help, but he will stay physically challenged for a few more weeks.'

Mr Darcy wouldn't take Hugo's frankness amiss, he just wanted to see his guests safe. With Mr Bennet riding his calmest hunter, and Mr Darcy himself using his younger hunter, the tall black he generally rode in company was relegated to the Earl, who had impressed Hugo with his physical fitness and his dignity. Also, the black had calmed down a lot the last year, with Mr Darcy using him for all his lessons.

'So I'll use the sorrel hunter, and we'll have Mr Bennet on my bay hunter, Mr Gardiner on my bay road horse, Hurst on Daisy and my uncle on the black. I think Manners and Mrs Manners will join us, and Fowler. Elizabeth will be in the party, but her sister chooses to stay behind with their aunt Gardiner. You think it is safe to have the Earl on my black? I could ask Manners to lend him Simon's horse?'

'I'm very confident of Earl Compton's skill, sir. He is in terrific shape, like your father-in-law. I suppose Mr Gardiner is, too, but he is clearly a city man, not used to making a lot of speed. He might struggle to control a more temperamental horse. I must warn you, Mr Hurst is not up to any jumping, and I would not recommend a fast gallop before trying a canter. I'd suggest letting Fowler ride one of the more difficult horses, but his own may be the worst of the lot, even more so than your black when you'd just bought him. Still, he can handle that devil, and help keep an eye on your less experienced guests, if they'll allow him.'

Hugo did wonder why Fowler was allowed to ride with the gentlemen, but he liked the fellow a lot and was not going to speculate. They had ridden out together repeatedly after that first time a little over a week ago, and Hugo had been tempted to share some more confidences with him, he was a good listener and could be trusted to keep his silence. A natural horseman, too, and always vigilant to anything happening around him, a trait of which horses approved in a leader. Maybe he should direct Fowler to Elaine, he was undoubtedly a lover of some skill to have been in demand among London ladies, Fowler's solid physique and slight air of danger might make up a bit for her losing Hugo.

'You know, I think I will indeed ask Fowler to keep an eye on Hurst, thank you for the advice. I'm not very fond of Hurst as a guest, but it wouldn't do to have him get into trouble. Now we've arranged what I hoped, what did you want to talk about?'

It was difficult to ask for a favour, but it had to be done, it was too far to walk to Caitlin's hut and especially back the next morning before daybreak. And over that nasty, muddy road through that very dark pine forest.

'I'm seeing someone who lives just outside your grounds, near the water mill. I was hoping to stay with her overnight, but that is too far to walk before work starts tomorrow. Would you allow me to use a horse? She doesn't have a stable, of course, but she has a sturdy pen for her goats, it would accommodate a horse safely.'

Was that a very curious look from Mr Darcy? It was, but he controlled himself and merely asked, 'Which of the horses in your charge would you want to use? I suppose some won't appreciate spending the night with goats.'

He almost made it sound as if Hugo wanted to impress a girl with one of his master's expensive horses!

'I was thinking of Daisy, sir, or your bay road horse. Maybe one of the cobs, if you think today's ride will take too much out of the others.'

'You may take one of the hunters, Hugo, no need for you to be seen on the likes of Daisy. You know you have earned some privileges for your excellent work here. But Hugo… staying overnight in one of the villages? Aren't you afraid of causing people to talk? I cannot think of a woman hereabouts who will have a man stay overnight and not expect more of him.'

Maybe this was the perfect moment to introduce Mr Darcy to Caitlin's existence, she wouldn't thank him for it but she needed help if her boy was to do well for himself.

'Thank you, sir, but Daisy is good enough, I'm not trying to make an impression, just getting from here to there and back. I don't know how well you're acquainted with the land just past the mill?'

'I know the villages beyond my own grounds, but not that well, it's not as pleasant a ride through the pine grove and I prefer to buy from my own tradespeople. Did you seek out someone without ties to me on purpose?'

That wasn't an accusation, merely curiosity. Which was good, or Hugo would have lost his courage to admit to his affair.

'I met Caitlin mostly through sheer accident, sir. I often ride that way to test the hunters going past the mill, and to avoid the fields you use to hunt. Mr Oliver prefers it that way. We have quite a few obstacles built in the wooded parts as well. I nearly collided with her as she was roaming the woods edging your grounds seeking herbs. She doesn't live in the village, she has a sod hut in the bank of this side of the river, just past the mill. The locals avoid her, unless they have a sick child or a baby on its way, then they seek her out and have her over. She is poor and she was lonely, as was I. One thing led to another. I try to help her where I can but she is very proud, despite having nothing. She's Irish.'

'Are you telling me there is a woman living all by herself in a sod hut not a stone's throw from my grounds? A sod hut? Dug out in a river bank?'

'It's very tidy, sir, despite having an earthen floor. And she doesn't live all by herself, she has a boy about ten years old. He was the reason she fled from her master in Ireland, his son had his way with her several times, when she got with child she decided she'd had enough.'

'A woman and her child living in a hut, and the child the result of rape. Can you imagine how frightening her life must be? Why didn't you let me know straight away, Hugo? I cannot offer her a farm, but for someone with a trade there is always the possibility to settle in one of my villages. Where her child can go to Sunday school and they can attend church. Some landowners may only care about their own people, but I'm not like that, I'd have seen what we could do for her.'

'I know, sir, I did beg her to let me ask you for help, but she is too proud. Said she'd had enough of gentlemen to last a lifetime. I can't blame her, she doesn't know you. And she has a temper, you see, it's much more difficult to reason with a woman than with men. Though I have helped her with food and clothes, sir, I'm not taking advantage of her, we're lovers but we're friends as well.'

'Well, don't hesitate to ask for help as soon as you have convinced her to accept it. I think the gentlemen will be here in ten minutes, will you have your staff ready their horses?'

'Certainly, sir, I'll see to it immediately.'

Hugo was relieved to get away with his behaviour so easily, he knew Mr Darcy couldn't approve of his habits, but he wasn't ready to tell anyone about his plans to get married until he had actually found someone to marry. Maybe he should consider Caitlin despite her own words, Mr Darcy was right, she did need someone to protect her. And Rose might like Darren Staples better, though secretly Hugo thought the fellow had no chance against a younger man like himself with more status and proven skills as a lover. Her children also liked him, and though they'd soon warm to Darren, by then it would be too late.