Chapter 183

In the next hour, Caitlin was very glad to have Jean present, he was so practical and self-assured, whereas she herself was soon overwhelmed by the new faces and cottages and little lanes left and right with meadows and fields fenced with wooden railing.

It was Jean who remembered to ask where the boundaries of Mr Darcy's forest lay, so Caitlin could gather herbs without accidentally insulting some neighbour. And he asked where the village bakery was, and which farmers would sell them some produce to live off until they could plant and harvest their own.

Of course Caitlin saw plenty of little ailments in people that she could easily remedy as soon as she had her supply of herbs in order, and the few villagers who owned a pony or a horse were keen to show their pride to Jean, who never lost his patience with yet another old fellow pulling him towards another field or barn to admire his animals.

Caitlin could see plenty of curiosity towards her, but generally speaking Jean caught most of the attention with his authoritative presence, which was a great relief to her since she was a bit overwhelmed with the number of people even in a small village. She knew he was doing it on purpose, to spare her the prying eyes but also make her safer when he had to be away.

After an hour and a half, Caitlin was reaching a point where all the faces started to blend together, and all names were running circles in her head, and she was ready to retire to her own little cottage, where she needed to find something to eat for their evening meal. But then their current hosts exclaimed in consternation as Ben came running up.

'Mum, mum! Some gentleman has come to the house, on a beautiful grey horse!'

Caitlin was stunned and, yes, a little afraid, she didn't want anything to do with any gentleman. Who might this be?

But before she could say anything, Jean had caught Ben in his arms and calmly asked, 'About my height but much broader in the shoulder, brown hair, black coat, dappled horse with a deep blue saddle cloth?'

Ben looked up at his new stepfather with shining eyes and said, 'Yes, he was very broad. Not as handsome as you, though. And his hair was much shorter beneath a really tall hat. He went looking for mum from the other side of the village, he'll be here any moment now.'

And indeed, hoof beats could be heard approaching.

'I think it's Mr Manners, my love,' he said to Caitlin, 'and though he is absolutely no-one to fear, I'm afraid something must have happened at the house for him to come look for you. He doesn't even know you, someone must be hurt and the normal doctor is too far away or out.'

He looked very worried, but Caitlin trusted that was not about this Mr Manners' person.

As Hugo made his way back to the road, their hosts had already hailed the rider towards their new neighbours' whereabouts, and with Caitlin more or less hiding behind him he walked towards the rather impressive gentleman, sitting high on his handsome grey gelding.

'Ah, Mr Hugo, just the man I was looking for.'

As he spoke he was dismounting, the right thing to do if he wanted something of Caitlin, for she was very afraid of this immaculately dressed, forceful looking man. Though much less tall than Mr Darcy and decidedly plain of face, Mr Manners had a certain powerful stance that would not help to convince Caitlin that he was in fact very kind and very well-liked among the staff, mostly because of his general familiarity towards everyone and his total disregard of rank.

Mr Manners handed his rein to their new acquaintance, who had offered to hold the horse whilst they talked, then came towards them on foot. He looked very, very worried, his usual air of confidence much disturbed to someone who knew him relatively well.

'It's Fowler, he has taken a bad fall from his horse and his arm is broken. It's pretty bad, Peter says, he is in a lot of pain and couldn't make it back home. Darcy has sent people to fetch him, but from what Peter says he'll need… Wait, why don't you introduce me to your friend and I'll tell you everything as we walk back to her house to fetch her things? If she agrees to help him?'

So he had spotted Caitlin's reticence, but it wasn't needed. Though it was a bit early in their relationship, Hugo was certainly planning to have her meet some of the genteel folks if he could. He'd planned to start with the ladies, Mrs Darcy, Mrs Fielding, Mrs Manners, but Hugo liked Fowler a lot and the thought of him in terrible pain just couldn't be borne. He turned towards Caitlin, who almost shrank away from him. This needed careful handling.

'Fowler is one of the staff, Caitlin, he is one of the better men I've ever had the pleasure to know. And Mr Manners looks formidable but he's really not that bad. Fowler is his lady's guard, I've taught him to jump, I feel responsible. Will you help?'

'Of course, helping people is what I do. But a broken arm is not life threatening, I am not going to sit on that horse with him, I want you present all the time.'

Since Mr Manners was in fact one of the well-known and influential gentleman in the country, he did not have to wait for an introduction to a mere healer. And though his directness might be breaking some obscure English niceties Hugo still found difficult to remember and understand, when he addressed Caitlin it sounded more like a plea than anything else.

'Please, ma'am, Nick is a good man and he needs his arm, he is a guard by profession. And a friend.'

He held out a perfectly manicured but strong hand, and Caitlin steeled herself and took it.

'Caitlin Brennan. I can probably help your friend, I've set breaks before. I'll need some things, and I've never in my life ridden a horse.'

Somehow, it was clear to Mr Manners that Caitlin did not fear the horse but him, and he rose to the challenge admirably by becoming all affability.

'My name is Frederick Manners, Miss Brennan. I have my carriage coming right behind me, I didn't want to lose a single second finding you so I took my horse cross-country. Will you lead me to your house so we can discuss some details?'

Caitlin looked at Hugo helplessly, and it took him a few moments to realise she was perfectly willing but didn't know where her house was.

'We've taken so many turns I don't know where I am, Mr Manners, I've just moved here yesterday,' she admitted with a bit of shame.

Mr Manners clearly didn't want to have villagers present at this conversation, but frankly, Hugo didn't know the shortest way to their cottage either.

'You can follow me, mum, I've just come from there. Mr Wright offered to take me in for dinner and if needed for the night, so you just take care of your patient and let me handle the goats and the chickens and everything.'

As Mr Manners complimented Caitlin on the brightness of her boy, Hugo took his leave of Mrs Wright and the new family, Mr and Mrs Conner if he wasn't mistaken. Nice people, like all of them so far.

'I hope you'll forgive us our hasty departure, it was a pleasure to meet you.'

'We'll see each other in church, Mr Hugo,' Mrs Conner said warmly, 'it's such an admirable calling, healing people. Please let us know how it turns out, that poor man.'

Caitlin had taken leave of Mrs Wright, and Mr Manners had taken the reins of his horse back from Mr Conner. Within minutes, they were following Ben back to their house, Mr Manners keeping just out of earshot of Ben, who seemed to understand and only waited for them on corners.

As soon as they were out of hearing distance from the village people, Mr Manners said, 'Peter said it's a bad break, his upper arm, and he is very heavily muscled. He expects Nick to need to be put out to set it. Now we could send for the doctor in town, but he has this reputation of not being very discreet, and people tend to talk when coming to or in a fever. Nick has quite a past and he would not consent to being sedated by just anyone, and my friend Darcy thought of you. Mr Hugo has an excellent reputation and Mr Darcy knew…'

'That I have no-one to tell tales to. Not a soul on this world, except Ben, who wouldn't even want to hear it.'

Hugo felt pushed to contradict her first statement, it was such a sad thing to say! And not at all what Mr Manners meant, none of Mr Darcy's staff talked about what happened in the family.

'Caitlin, my love, you have me now, haven't you?' he pleaded, and to Mr Manners, 'We've only just gotten engaged, Mr Manners.'

'Congratulations, my dear man, and you, too, Miss Brennan. You've made quite a catch there, Mr Hugo has eluded marriage for years, like myself. Miss Brennan, I was not going to say that at all. Mr Darcy thought of you because of your connection to Mr Hugo, who like all Darcy staff can be trusted to keep confidences. He guessed from Mr Hugo's account of you that you were of a similar dependable nature.'

'I'm sorry, Mr Manners, I don't know Mr Darcy at all, but he may very well have saved my life. I should respect him more than making assumptions for him. And that doctor should be ashamed of himself, it is in the nature of our profession that we see people in their weakest moments and we often hear things we probably shouldn't have. There is no excuse for using that knowledge to one's advantage, be it monetary or just for entertainment. Any secret stays with me, even Jean won't know, I promise.'

'Jean? Oh, that's you, Hugo, sorry, I never heard your Christian name before. I think this is what Mr Darcy expected, Miss Brennan. And here we are, your lovely little cottage. If you fetch what you need I think I'll use that time to tell your fiancé it was not his fault that someone got hurt on one of his charges. Really, Hugo.'

He was right, for slowly Hugo was starting to realise that Fowler might lose his position as Mrs Manners' guard if his arm didn't heal just right. And that if he hadn't been out wooing Caitlin it would have been him with Fowler, not Peter. Did they try too difficult a jump? It was likely all his fault for leaving everything behind without a single thought.

'Peter said it wasn't a difficult jump, but Liquor slipped in the mud and fell, landing on top of Nick, with a large rock in just the wrong place underneath Nick's arm. Please don't do this to yourself, you have a right to a life of your own, Darcy said you saved your little lady from serious potential harm. He doesn't blame you at all, and I'm sure it won't even occur to Nick.'

Why was he calling Fowler by his Christian name, some of the ladies did but Mr Manners never did, did he? It had always been clear that Fowler was a lot closer to the genteel folk than guards usually were, but Mr Manners seemed truly upset and called him a friend. Well, if he didn't blame Hugo maybe he shouldn't, either. And if they were friends maybe Fowler wouldn't be out on his ear after all if he lost some mobility in that arm. Poor man, if anyone would hate being forced out of action it would be Fowler. Hugo just hoped his helplessness wouldn't make him irresistible to Caitlin, but as soon as he'd thought that he berated himself for thinking so lowly of either.

'Now, would you two mind if I go ahead and let you follow as soon as the carriage arrives? Bates has the address and I'd like to assure myself Nick is not in any real danger.'

'Maybe you should wait for Caitlin's instructions for the staff, sir, that could save a lot of time.'

'True, I will resist the urge to gallop back straight away, Mrs Manners will be in a state, Nick saved her from a really dangerous situation once. Ah, there's your lady now, she's quick!

Is there anything I might prepare for you whilst you wait for my carriage? I'm riding back straight away.'

'Yes, please, sir. I will need two splints, most housekeepers know where to get the right material quickly. It needs to be the length of a man's arm, if he is very tall or small please have them take that into account. And if it's as bad as Jean's man says we will need laudanum, maybe you can find some in the house.'

'Nick is exactly my size, we could be brothers in appearance. I will make certain a splint is ready and I will ask for laudanum just in case you need it. Thank you very much, and I will see you within half an hour.'

Hugo always wondered how a rather stocky man like Mr Manners could ascend a horse so quickly and elegantly, and indeed he often wondered the same about Fowler, they did look a lot alike physically. The gentleman managed to keep himself from galloping through the village, but somehow Hugo didn't doubt he'd set a record time on his way back. It was gratifying, somehow, to find another gentleman who really cared about his staff. Caitlin hadn't missed this, either.

'Maybe I have wronged your Mr Darcy, Jean, if he has friends like that man. He truly cares about this guard, that is very obvious. I hope it's not too bad, if there is much fragmenting it can never be set right, and if it's an open break his life may even be in danger from infection. I'd better take some poultices just in case.'

And she rushed back in to fetch some more things. Meanwhile, Ben had come back and he hugged Hugo closely.

'I'm so glad you'll be my father, Jean, mum loves you so much but she was too proud to admit it. Will you stay close to her? She is very afraid of gentlemen and now she has touch one.'

'The wounded man is a guard, Ben, not a gentleman. And remember, I know all of them, and Fowler is one of the best.'

'Is that the man who took me to the stables? Oh, no, is he the one that's hurt? He was so nice to me! Fortunately mum is the very best, she'll put him to rights. She has cured some terrible breaks, Jean, don't worry for your friend. That sounds like a carriage, I'll hurry mum, they know you so you should stay out here.'

He'd most likely tell her the wounded man had been kind to him, to calm her worries. But when Caitlin came back she didn't look worried or afraid at all, this was the healer in her ready to work her magic, and she knew she was good.

'Won't you come with us, Ben? I don't know whether I'll manage to get home tonight, if it's an open break he may develop a fever.'

'Who'll take care of the animals then, mum? I'll be fine, Mrs Wright will feed me, and I've slept all by myself in the old house countless times, I'll be much safer here with a real door and Mr Wright next door and other neighbours all around. Don't worry about me!'

And he waved at them as they drove away in the carriage, obviously very proud of his mum and maybe just happy to finally have Hugo as his father.

'If you cannot go home tonight I'll go. It's what I am going to do soon anyway. You'll be called out all the time, I guess. I'm really going to look for a dog to keep you safe, not when you're at home but when you're away. And with your permission I'm going to teach you how to ride, so you can move from village to village more quickly.'

'I want to learn to ride, Jean, but I'll mostly work in our own village. No need to worry. And I do think I'd like to have a dog, it would be such a joy to Ben.'

Hugo didn't think she'd stay in their own village all the time, if the doctor in town was a liability and Caitlin did her work as he expected, they'd ask her to Pemberley more often. With Mrs Fielding married Mr Darcy would stay in the country most of the time and rumours were Mrs Darcy was with child. And anyway, a good healer might have prevented Mrs Reynolds from getting pneumonia in the first place last winter.

They were silent for most of the journey, Caitlin was staring out of the window, preparing for what was to come, and not just the task ahead, Hugo knew she would be facing a lot of painful memories and possibly some very old fears. Until she looked at him and spoke her thoughts.

'You know I've never been in a real carriage like this before? I've travelled post, but this is beautiful, and so comfortable. And just look at the forest all around us, Jean, do I really get to gather herbs in all that? I may get lost.'

He couldn't help but take her in his arms right there and then, she wasn't brooding at all but just admiring the carriage and the view!

'I'll be with you all the time if you want me to, Caitlin.'

'I suppose I'm over the worst fear, my love. Won't you have some staff to talk to? They'll be upset something went wrong. And there will be horses to check for wounds. I don't want you to neglect your work for mine, you know, I suppose I'll be fine in the servants' quarters with your colleagues.'

'Fowler doesn't stay in the servants' quarters, Mr Manners and his wife, Mr Darcy's sister and her husband, and Mr Manners' personal staff all have rooms on the second floor. I suppose they will take him to his own room? But Mrs Fielding and Mrs Manners are the kindest ladies, and Mr Fielding is a pianist, he's not even a gentleman. There is nothing to be afraid of I'm sure, but I will not leave you if you are not comfortable.'

'Thank you, my love. We'll see. I think I will be fine, when I'm with a patient I never worry.'

The carriage stopped in front of the house, and Bates opened the doors as if they were company. Caitlin thanked him kindly, and Bates gave Hugo a saucy wink. There was a man who would most likely never find true love, he just hadn't a clue. Still he was kind enough, and Hugo thanked him as well, but he did follow Caitlin towards the entrance, there was no time for chat.

Mr Manners was already waiting for them with Mrs Manners. Excellent, Caitlin would feel more comfortable with a woman.

'He insisted on going to his own room on the second floor, we'll fetch and carry if you need hot water or anything else. Will you join us upstairs for now, Hugo?'

'Yes, please, Mr Manners.'

But Caitlin was at work already.

'I'll indeed need hot water, Mr Manners, and several vessels to prepare infusions and poultices. Clean cloths, too, and the splints. Also, someone strong to help me set the bone, though I suppose Jean will do for that, he has some experience. And did you find any laudanum? For the pain, and to relax the muscles?'

'Mrs Reynolds is looking for splints, and I will fetch the rest in person. But I'm afraid Mr Darcy has no laudanum in his household, Mrs Reynolds seemed shocked at the very mention of it.'

Hugo offered, 'In the cavalry we'd use strong liquor, or if we couldn't lay our hands on that we'd just restrain the patient and wait until he fainted.'

Mrs Manners was wilting a little hearing all this talk of pain, but suddenly she seemed to think of something, visibly pulled herself together and offered, 'I think I have a viable alternative to laudanum, though Nick won't like it. He hated taking opium-based painkillers before, but he's in so much pain he'll take them.'

'Of course, your pills! We should have thought of them before, he's been suffering for nothing!'

And off he was, apparently Mr Manners wasn't above fetching and carrying, but Hugo did wonder why they didn't just send for the hot water, and let Bruce and Oliver help with the setting. They were the strongest of the staff, well, except for Fowler himself, of course.

'Will you follow me, Miss Brennan?' Mrs Manners asked softly. She was probably the most beautiful woman Hugo knew, and so mild in character that Caitlin couldn't possibly fear her.

'Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, I'm just really upset seeing Nick in such pain, again. I'm Mrs Manners, and Nick is my guard, he has saved me from a really dangerous situation. I know it's a professional hazard for a guard to get hurt, but his horse fell on him, it was just very bad luck he broke his arm.'

Mrs Manners and Caitlin shook hands, and they followed the lady into the house and up two sets of stairs.

'This is even grander than my former master's place in Ireland,' Caitlin observed dryly, a bit too dryly. Hugo touched her hand to support her, and she looked at him gratefully.

'It does bring back memories, but a broken arm is a broken arm wherever the patient lies.'

Mrs Manners now observed, 'Nick is from the streets of London, Miss Brennan, this is the last place he'd ever expected to lie with his arm broken. Even if there is no laudanum in the house, my London doctor has prescribed me pills for my monthly affliction. I have quite a few because I always suffer tremendously if I don't take them. They remove any pain quite efficiently, but Nick hates taking opium-based pills because they make him talkative and vulnerable. Can you help me convince him to take them?'

'Laudanum would have a similar adverse effect but he needs a sedative, not just to save himself the pain but also to make my work easier and more likely to succeed. Leave him to me, Mrs Manners, I can get very persuasive when I'm with a patient who needs it.'

See, he knew she would rise to the occasion, but there were many more gentlemen in the house than she'd seen so far, she might yet need his support. After a short walk through a hall Hugo had never seen, he'd never been to the second floor before, they entered a bare, bright room with a single narrow pallet and a simple wash stand. The panelling on the wall was worth a fortune, though outdated and rather gloomy in itself, but there were no drapes and the furniture was very basic, giving the impression of a servant's room. There was plenty of light for Caitlin to work by, and though there was a good fire the room wasn't stuffy or overheated.

The pallet was occupied by Fowler's familiar burly shape, his rather massive chest bared except for a veritable pelt of black chest hair, and with a similarly massive right arm lying in an unnatural bend. He was in quite a bit of distress, and Simon quickly got up from a chair next to the bed, coming towards them. As Simon greeted Caitlin heartily but obviously affected by his friend's plight, Hugo saw to his incredulity how Mrs Manners kneeled by the bed and took Fowler's good hand tenderly, there was no other way to describe it! She whispered something to him, stroked his hair, then got up and left the room. Hugo nodded at Simon and walked towards Fowler to let him know of his presence and to see how bad the break was from close-by. He'd seen his share of broken bones, had seen soldiers die of infection or get dismissed with serious deformations due to bad breaks.

'Hugo,' the solid man gasped, 'I'm afraid I did take that fall like you predicted. I didn't realise a fellow could fall horse and all! You will check Liquor later, won't you? Peter said he was fine but I'll feel better when you've seen him as well.'

Now that was a horseman, thinking of his animal first even when in terrible pain, it was visible in everything, though he was not moaning or complaining and obviously totally aware of his surroundings.

'I'm sorry I wasn't there with you, Fowler, I should have been.'

'Nonsense, we weren't doing anything rash or dangerous, it was just a freak accident. If I'd landed on the ground I'd be bruised and nothing more, it was the rock and Liquor landing on top of me that did the damage. Frankly, I came out of it rather well with just a broken arm, Liquor stayed very calm and got up without thrashing or rolling. I hear you brought a healer with you?'

'This is my fiancée Caitlin Brennan, Fowler, she's a very good bone setter. And I have some experience myself, I will assist her. I've seen my share of broken bones and helped set them, not just horses' bones either. You'll be fine, though it will hurt like hell before it gets better.'

And Hugo was reasonably certain Fowler would be well, his upper arm was visibly broken but the skin was still whole and the arm didn't look crushed.

Caitlin shook Fowler's good hand, smiling because Fowler was his usual charming self despite the hurt.

'Nick Fowler, ma'am. I'm very pleased to meet the woman who has finally managed to make an honest man out of our stable master, Miss Brennan. Also because I really need your help.'

Then Mrs Manners came back in, and Hugo realised he hadn't been the first to fall of the three men present, Fowler hadn't been a skirt chaser anymore for some time now. There was definitely something going on between him and the beautiful heir to Rosings, but it was none of his business so he would do his utmost to ignore it, especially since it was obviously the reason why Mr Darcy had advised to send for his stablemaster's healer friend, they all knew and were doing their best to keep this quiet. Even Mr Manners himself, he realised, he knew his wife was having an affair and approved. It was hard to keep from speculating, but Hugo forced himself to concentrate on the patient and on making his beloved feel as much at ease as she possibly could, her first time in a manor house since having been through absolute hell in one. But she was doing fine so far.

'You are a tough one, Mr Fowler, most men would be howling in pain with an injury like yours. I'm reasonably sure I can help you, but the pain is going to be worse before it gets better. Which is why I entreat you to take the pill Mrs Manners has fetched.'

Fowler did not like the idea of taking the pill at all! He pleaded with Caitlin, 'I don't want to be reduced to a blubbering wreck, talking nonsense. Won't you please let me make do with some whisky or brandy?'

Now Caitlin showed her true steel, kind but determined.

'I'm sorry, Mr Fowler, it's not just to spare you the pain and those around you the agony of seeing you suffering until you faint. If your body is in pain it will be rigid, making the whole procedure even more painful but also causing me difficulty to set the bone right. You don't want to risk lasting invalidity to save your dignity for a few hours, do you? You're among friends here, and I have strong principles of not talking of patients to anyone. Whatever secret you fear coming out, it is safe with me.'

Well, Hugo certainly wasn't part of Fowler's group of friends since it seemed to mostly consist of Mr Darcy's house guests, but Caitlin would need his experience and strength to set that bone. And despite his state, Fowler realised all that.

'I won't ask you to leave, Hugo, I guess you've seen enough already to make that useless anyway. I'll take the damned pill then, Miss Brennan, suffering excruciating pain has never been my idea of a good time.'

And he dutifully let Mrs Manners feed him a large, round pill and a sip of water to wash it down with. The effect was almost immediate, after a few minutes his facial muscles relaxed and the veins and tendons in his neck became invisible once more.

'That is much, much better,' he sighed in relief. 'Well, I'm ready as soon as you are. I can imagine you saw some bones broken in the cavalry, Hugo, and much worse which I will refrain from imagining. Don't think you had opium pills for your mates either, not on a battlefield. So I suppose I should count myself lucky, surrounded with beautiful, caring women instead of the dead and dying.'

He was right, opium did make him talkative. But as yet he had plenty of dignity, and though his accent did revert to his original London drawl, so far what he said wasn't vulgar at all, and Hugo had been talking about his past in the French army to plenty of people recently, it was not as if he was still trying to keep it a secret and Fowler had inadvertently given it away.

Caitlin first examined her patient's general state, she felt his heartbeat, checked the colour of the whites of his eyes, the hydration of his skin, and when she thought the opium was as active as it would get, she started on the break. Her patient certainly felt that, but he offered no violence, not even in his drugged state. Fortunately, for Caitlin doubted even Jean could handle this man by himself, he was incredibly muscular and if his past fit his steadily thickening accent, no stranger to violence either. Well, he was a guard, he'd be an excellent fighter. Still, it might be sensible to wait with the setting itself for the gentleman to return with the supplies, he was as sturdily built though undoubtedly not as hardened with his sophisticated upbringing. She would need the splints anyway, as soon as the break was set, to keep it rigid.

'You know, Mr Fowler, my usual patients cannot afford opium or laudanum, but sometimes I have to sedate them. Then I make them a decoction of a particular local plant, which never works as well as opium and has a higher risk of complications, but if I don't help them they suffer more.'

Caitlin did not talk to instruct her patient, her voice was meant to distract him as she probed deep beneath his muscle to find the break, and also a little to avoid silences he might want to fill up with talk he'd better keep to himself.

Despite the opium, Mr Fowler's face showed his agony whenever she touched the area around the break, but it was clear his body was otherwise relaxed, making it easier for her to locate the edges of the break and assess the force and direction she'd need to set the bone. The guard had a lot of muscle on his upper arm, and Caitlin had to really work to push her fingers past the solid mass to form a mental image of the situation.

'I'm done for now, I know what to do. It's not a complicated break, Mr Fowler, I think you were lucky despite having had an accident. Now we wait until Mr Manners returns with the splints. Why don't I check your body for other damage while we wait, do you feel pain anywhere else?'

His expression softened immensely, and his gaze went straight to Mrs Manners, he was miles away, caught up in some drug-induced memory involving another man's wife. Which the other man clearly approved of, any secrecy was directed at the rest of the world. The handsome man who had introduced himself as Simon, Mr Manners' valet, was in on it as well. Well, it was none of Caitlin's business, and she hoped Jean wouldn't get into trouble over having seen things he shouldn't have. These were guests of his employer, but Caitlin guessed they had accepted Jean finding out before they even sent for the woman he loved.

Something in her patient's look had broken Mrs Manners' resolve to keep her distance, and she sat down next to her man and stroked his hair and face.

'It's not as bad as last time, Anne,' he said, 'of course the arm is, and I suppose my right side will be black and blue tomorrow but this was an accident, not someone trying to kill me. It matters.'

Then he turned towards Caitlin and in some lucid moment observed dryly, 'This is why I didn't want the opium, it brings everything back, and though I'd love to reminisce it's not something others should witness. Ah, I suppose that's Frederick come back, good, then you can push a piece of cloth in my mouth and at least I'll shut up for a few moments.'

He was cute under the influence of the opium, Caitlin completely understood why a beautiful lady like Mrs Manners should have fallen for such a plain man. If she'd met him in this state he would have been irresistible. But since he was right and his master had indeed come in, bearing a large tray with everything Caitlin had asked for, there was work to do while the effect of the opium lasted. She quickly took charge again and carefully placed her patient in the sturdy chair, Mr Manners behind him to hold him if he should faint or slip. Jean would immobilise the right shoulder, and Mrs Manners and the valet could help exert pressure on the elbow and lower arm if her own strength didn't suffice to stretch those massive muscles. She explained what everyone should do at which of her commands, checked the splints and the strips of cloth with which she would hold the two ends of the break together, then set everything in motion.

Of course it went much faster than everyone except Jean expected. Within minutes, she realised she needed some extra force exerted on her side of the limb, and the valet quickly took the patient's wrist and helped her pull with just enough force for her to manage the heavily muscled arm. Jean did his part to perfection, and Mr Manners held their patient's shoulders firmly but with a certain tenderness Caitlin had not expected from a gentleman. That was the setting done, and when Jean had moved in to support the now-set arm, Caitlin applied the splints and padding until the arm was immobilised to her satisfaction. Then she fashioned a cloth around her patient's neck to carry the weight of arm and splint, and Mr Fowler's ordeal was over.

'That did hurt like the devil, but only for a few moments. I don't like to think what it would have felt like without the painkiller, though. I suppose you have a whole list of instructions of what I can and cannot do?'

'Indeed I do. But first I am going to make certain the splint isn't too tight, I'm going to check your fingers for as much as half an hour to see if they receive enough blood, or you could lose the whole arm. And if at any moment your fingers feel cold or dead, send for me immediately and have someone very carefully release the bindings a tiny bit. I will return tomorrow to loosen or tighten the splints should your arm swell or lose swelling. Both can happen, and both can endanger your arm.'

'There is no reason why you should have to do that right here, is there? Let's all sit down for a few moments then, have a nice cup of tea and something to eat.'

And true to her promise, Mrs Manners led them all to a different room on the same floor, with a huge table and at least eight chairs around it. There was no food or tea in sight, but the valet and Mrs Manners disappeared quietly, did they all take turns to serve the rest?

Caitlin showed Mr Fowler how he should rest his arm at all times, and he had probably noticed her surprise for he explained, 'Usually, Simon and I raid the kitchen for whatever we want, but...'

He looked at his arm with quite a bit of disappointment, and Caitlin did not spare him.

'You will have to accept not using that for at least six weeks. Six weeks, Mr Fowler, or you risk permanent damage. It wasn't a really bad break, but your body needs time to heal, do not think to cut corners, you have years ahead of you and you can choose to spend them with your arm as good as new if you control yourself. I don't think they'll let you starve if you don't work, so don't do it!'

Mr Manners was listening in, for he said, 'Don't worry, Miss Brennan, we will keep Nick quiet. We need him in one piece for when we go abroad, to Vienna. But that won't be for months, yet, there is plenty of time for him to heal.'

Hugo, meanwhile, was hugely distracted from Caitlin's conversation with Fowler by, well, everything. This large room was just incredible, the same priceless wood panelling as Fowler's room, but whereas his room had been starkly bare, these walls and windows were decorated with exotic fabrics the likes of which he had never seen. And there were maps everywhere, pinned to the walls and lying on the huge table, and even stacked on the low sideboard taking up most of one shorter side of the room. That had to be an antique, it was covered in carvings and the wood grain suggested it had been made of a priceless exotic species since that particular colour was not common in English or French woods. But then the huge table was of a modern style and mostly functional, and he'd swear the chairs were French in the style of some half a century ago. And yet these pieces did not clash at all with each other or with the beautiful large globe standing on its own in the furthest corner, or the little black piano hugging the opposite wall. Its small size and lack of of any decoration surprised Hugo, it might be an older model relegated to this extraordinary room where the young people apparently hung out, but somehow he didn't think so, it might be a lot more expensive than it looked, Mr and Mrs Fielding wouldn't be satisfied with just any instrument. In fact, hadn't they brought that piano with them when they returned from London a few weeks ago? Hugo seemed to remember Fowler and Mr Manners loading it on the latter's carriage themselves, as if it were too valuable for Bob and Hugo to handle.

It took quite a bit of discipline to stop himself from observing the scene in front of him and recalling Mrs Manners' affectionate treatment of her guard, comparing how Mr Manners would be expected to react to his wife cheating on him and his actual true concern for Fowler. He knew, and he didn't care, approved even.

No, he shouldn't think about that, better check out those maps to see if they were real or decorative. He wanted to flee a scene he had no business witnessing but he couldn't just leave Caitlin, he had promised he'd stay with her and he would. A new situation could be found if Mr Darcy or anyone else took offence to his presence after all, but his love for Caitlin was once in a lifetime.

And it worked, the collection of maps pinned to the panelling was intriguing and soon distracted him from the scene before him. Those maps were undoubtedly real, there were several sets overlapping, together forming a reasonably accurate picture of the lower countries, the north of France and the German states. Had Mr Manners mentioned Vienna just now? The usual route would be via Paris, a city every English gentleman would love to see with his own eyes, but sadly not a safe destination now, not for a group of English genteel folk. Hugo could have accompanied them through his mother country, taking care of their horses and, if needed, joining Fowler in protecting the rest, but not with the whole country in upheaval. How he would have loved to see France again! Since that wasn't a possibility, he'd better not even think of it for it could only make him very unhappy.

'Do you miss your former life, Hugo?' a gentle but obviously masculine voice asked behind him.

Still half lost in reminiscence and regret, Hugo replied without turning around, or was he afraid to see more scenes he might not be able to unsee?

'Yes, Mr Darcy, sometimes I do. But I know I can never return, and I'm glad to have found a new home here with you.'

'Not just with me, I hope? I ran into Simon just now and he told me you're engaged to Witham's newest inhabitant? As well as a deft hand at assisting her with a tricky bone setting?'

'Yes, sir,' Hugo replied, still feeling terribly uncomfortable with all the familiarity from his employer and his guests. Any moment now they were going to realise Hugo was one of the staff, not one of their own. He still wanted to quietly leave the room, but Caitlin needed him here with yet another gentleman arriving, and this time a tall, handsome one, the master of the house.

'Will you do us the honour of introducing us to your fiancée, Hugo? I think she would much prefer that over us approaching her by ourselves. Since you told me of her past experiences?'

Of course, he had a task here, he had to face the uncomfortable situation whatever came of it. As long as Mrs Manners was out of the room he thought he might even be able to hide his confusion.

Turning around, he realised Mr Darcy had asked to introduce 'us': not just Mrs Darcy, but Mr and Mrs Fielding as well, were waiting for a mere stable master to introduce them to an Irish refugee woman who depended on their charity for a roof over her head. But the memory of how she had set that nasty break in a single flowing movement, after careful preparation and with appropriate help, made Hugo admire his beloved even more than he already had. She deserved all the courtesy Mr Darcy wished to offer her, and more.

'Thank you, sir, I'm certain she will appreciate your kindness.'

Hugo was not a man to be deferential, but he had been an officer for a long time, and in his confusion over the situation he had an inclination to salute the little group in front of him. But they would not understand, so he suppressed it and merely turned towards the sitting area, where Caitlin was still talking to Mr Manners and Fowler, and to his horror Mrs Manners had returned and was making much of the man who was not her husband. Fowler had to still be befuddled with opium, for he allowed her ministrations, and Mr Manners merely watched them benevolently. How was he supposed to ignore this if they kept throwing it in his face? Caitlin didn't seem to mind, but then she didn't know the people involved!

Wanting to know what the third skirt chaser thought of both his fellows betraying their faith, Hugo looked for Simon, but couldn't find him. There was no food or drink on the table, yet, so he was probably still in the kitchen. But then, he had probably known all along that Fowler had fallen, maybe months ago already.

When Caitlin saw him approaching with a whole group of immaculately dressed people in tow, she got up, but her face did not show fear or any sign of disturbance. In fact, she seemed more at ease than Hugo himself.

'Jean,' she said with obvious affection, 'are you all right? I thought you'd be fine, you must have seen much worse.'

She was so sweet, she had seen his disturbance but didn't realise it had a totally different cause.

'I am well enough, my love. Caitlin, this is Mr Darcy, he wants to meet you.'

If she was still afraid she hid it well, nor did she show any signs of deference.

'Mr Darcy, thank you so much for letting us have the cottage, it's so beautiful and snug, my son Ben and I have felt so safe and comfortable tonight. And the neighbours are just lovely, I've met most of them already and they were so kind.'

'Thank you, Miss Brennan! For it is I who should thank you, after just one day you have already saved a man's arm and livelihood. I have heard I am to wish you and Mr Hugo joy?'

Her dear face lit up altogether, causing Hugo to forgot every discomfort he'd felt in this room at this sign of her love for him.

'Oh, yes! Of all the women he could have he fell in love with an Irish woman, can you believe it? I hope you're not put out with me for taking him away from you?'

Mr Darcy laughed at her droll remark, then said sincerely, 'Absolutely not! Your man has served me well for ten years, Miss Brennan, it's time he had a life to call his own. I cannot remember losing a single horse since he came to work for me, or stranding half-way through a journey with a lame or foundering animal even once. No, he is worth his weight in gold to me. I'd like you to meet Mrs Darcy, my beloved wife, and my sister and brother-in-law Mr and Mrs Fielding.'

The younger couple excused themselves immediately after making a few kind compliments over Caitlin's handling of Fowler's broken arm, moving as one towards that little piano in the far corner. Hugo had never heard them play, but his curiosity was overcome quickly by Mrs Darcy addressing him personally.

'Won't you come sit with us for awhile as well, Hugo? You must both be hungry after riding to the rescue at such short notice. We were all worried about Nick, and now he is well enough to have some company we decided we might as well have our coffee here.'

From the corner, music started to drift towards them, and Hugo couldn't believe his own ears. He knew Mr Fielding was one of the best players in London, everyone in the household knew that Lord Chester had in fact been Prince George come all the way to Derbyshire from London to hear him play, but to actually hear him play a duet with Mrs Fielding was an entirely different matter.

'You look like you've never heard Mr Fielding play, Hugo,' Mrs Darcy observed, and she was right, he hardly ever had reason to enter the front of the house, and there was no way to hear the music in the back.

'I see you never have, I'm sorry. But you'll have some time to enjoy it now.'

Mrs Darcy was very kind, and indeed much younger than she appeared to be. Bates said Prince George admired her, had had dinner with her at Carlton House one evening after a private concert by Mr and Mrs Fielding, but Hugo had a hard time believing that, she looked much too young to draw his fancy. And of course Bates was known to have a loose tongue and a rather lively fantasy. But he was not going to spoil the beautiful music by thinking of Bates, fortunately Mr Manners had him keep his team in his own stables when they were in London, Hugo didn't very much like the way the fellow eyed the maids.

The music now overcame every negative thought Hugo might have, and he looked at Caitlin to see how she was doing. Like Hugo himself, she seemed very much affected, and she got up from her seat next to Mr Manners and sat down right next to Hugo and took his hand. In total silence, they listened to the most beautiful music they had ever heard, hoping nobody would mind their unsociable behaviour, because all around them the conversation just went on, quietly and calmly.

Then the door opened and Simon entered with two of the maids, bearing trays with coffee, cups and what looked to be fruit pies. When they had set their trays on the large table, Simon dismissed the maids and started pouring coffee. Seeing Fowler's pained expression at not being able to help, Hugo wanted to get up to do his part, but Mrs Darcy, still sitting right next to him, said softly, 'Don't worry, in this room things have their own way of working out. You just listen to the music and then there is something I want to ask you, Miss Brennan.'

To Hugo's amazement, Mr Manners helped share out the coffee and pie, and he was relieved that it was Simon who brought him his coffee and a generous slice, and asked Caitlin how she liked her coffee.

'I haven't had coffee in years,' his beloved replied, 'maybe I should start by having it with some milk?'

Soon, Mr and Mrs Fielding also joined them at the table, and the whole shock of seeing their friend hurt, for it was obvious Fowler was more than just a servant here, seemed forgotten in a friendly and light atmosphere. It was impossible for Hugo to feel left out any longer, and when Caitlin moved back to her patient to check his blood flow, Hugo felt more at ease than before. When the coffee and pie were finished, Mr and Mrs Fielding gathered the cups and plates and forks and put them back on the trays, then went straight back to their instrument, their music different this time, repeating the same bar of music again and again. This was practise, hard work, and everyone ignored the constant sound because they knew what it took to become the very best at something. It made Hugo want to show them what he could, maybe he should use Fowler's six weeks of inactivity to teach his Liquor some army tricks. That took as much patience and determination, and it might improve Liquor's balance enough to prevent further falls in the future.

As Simon dexterously stacked the three trays on top of each other, and the China on top of that, Mrs Manners led Fowler out of the room, he probably needed to sleep off the opium. Hugo hoped Mrs Manners had some more of those pills for him to keep the pain down the coming night, he'd need them. And no-one had to fear him being talkative at night. Would she be there with him? Of course she would, nobody left their loved ones alone when they were in agony.

Mr Manners helped Simon by holding the door open, then disappeared through it as well. Now only Mr and Mrs Darcy were left, and his sister and brother-in-law, of course, but they might as well have been in a different world while they were practising.

Mr Darcy sat himself next to his wife, and Caitlin had moved back to sit next to Hugo, and Hugo's discomfort started to return. Now they'd probably have to promise not to tell anyone about the goings-on on the second floor, when Hugo would prefer not to ever have to talk of this. Not a word. As far as he was concerned, it hadn't happened.

Mrs Darcy was the one to break the silence.

'You may have heard the rumours, Mr Hugo, that I am with child. I think it's true, though it is early days yet, and my sister says I need to find a midwife to check on the baby. Now I asked Mrs Norman for references, and she couldn't recommend hers, she said she'd been able to rely on her mother more and worse, this midwife was hopelessly behind the times, bossy and very superstitious. Mrs Norman said she wouldn't think of having her for any next child she and Peter might be blessed with.

We considered a doctor from town, or moving to London temporarily for a midwife we trust there, but then this week Fitzwilliam told me Mr Hugo had a friend who might be what we were looking for, and she was moving to Witham. So there you have it, Miss Brennan, would you be interested in guiding me through my pregnancy and helping me deliver my baby?'

That was something else entirely than Hugo had expected!

'I'd be honoured to, Mrs Darcy! Congratulations on your blessed state! How far along do you think you are?'

Caitlin's fear of gentlemen obviously did not extend to genteel ladies, though Mrs Darcy was not a typical example of that breed: she was the opposite of the likes of Lady De Bourgh, Hugo's idea of a typical English lady, there was no hint of arrogance in Mrs Darcy, she was an excellent horse woman and had a very lively sense of humour. Also, she respected the stable staff, accepted their superior knowledge of even her very own horse, and was keen to get their opinion and regular lessons to improve her riding. Hugo liked her tremendously, and was very much aware of the difference Mr Darcy's marriage had made in his life and the lives of the entire Pemberley staff.

'So we'll have our first little get-together somewhere this week?'

'I will be over daily to check on Mr Fowler's arm, I can easily spend another hour on our first appointment. I will be asking you a lot of questions, Mrs Darcy, including some rather intimate ones, about your cycle, and your family history. You can get used to our routine, to someone examining intimate parts of your body, and we'll see if I can find your baby's heartbeat already. Also, you can ask any question you might think of, a lot of women can be quite fearful of the changes in their bodies and emotions, you may ask me anything. Do you want references? I can give you some in Ripley, though I'd prefer them not to know where I live now, I had to flee my old house because some farmer's son felt entitled to my affection because he had been kind to me, an Irish woman living just outside their community.'

Mr Darcy shook his head and observed, 'I hope the good people of Witham have treated you better, Miss Brennan, I was so sorry to hear you lived under such circumstances so close to my estate. I'm glad Hugo came to me when he did.'

Caitlin sent Hugo another one of those heart-stopping looks filled with love, then replied, 'They did, Mr Darcy, my neighbour was so kind, and she introduced me to everyone else. Well, nearly everyone else, since Mr Manners arrived before she was done. But I'm certain that won't have damaged my reputation. They were ready to like me and trust me, probably also because I had your stable master watching over me all this time.'

'He has that effect on people, yes, but I do think they would have given you every chance without him present. A lot of people there lost loved ones this winter, they will be pleased to see the empty houses filled with young people.

Will you move to live in Witham, Hugo?'

'I was planning to, sir, since you said it needed a healer badly.'

'That is certainly true, and I have not changed my mind. Sometimes the needs of many transcend the comfort of the few. We will just have to make sure you will be pleased to return to us every day. When will you move out? I suppose you'll get married on the usual licence?'

Hugo felt his cheeks colouring but he was an adult, for heaven's sake!

'I've been visiting Caitlin once a fortnight for years, sir, I was planning to move in straight away.'

She had a ten-year-old child! They weren't going to stop making love because they were going to get married!

Mr Darcy shook his head but didn't seem all that surprised, just mildly disconcerted.

'Of course, you did tell me. I guess I have been rather sheltered most of my life though I never realised I was, I'm growing up quickly thanks to all of you. Well, I wish you good luck, I remember giving you this week off to get your friend settled, you may as well get yourself settled in as well. Did you check your barn already, is there room for a stall or two? If your lady starts coming over to Pemberley on a regular basis it may be more convenient for her to have her own conveyance instead of having to fetch her every time. A nice little gig, maybe, I suppose a phaeton would be too large.'

A significant look seemed to add, 'We know all about those these days, after all,' but of course he couldn't mention the phaeton and ponies before Mrs Darcy, they were a surprise. She did look interested at the mention of it, it would probably be quite a success. But Hugo merely answered the question honestly.

'There is a barn and it's quite large, but I was thinking of getting a few cows, sir, and I'm sure Caitlin expects her patients to be living in Witham mostly.'

'Cows, Hugo? For a former cavalry officer? I'd expect you to keep a few horses of your own, though you're welcome to use those of mine that aren't in daily use, you know that. Well, it's probably a lot to think of all at once, just get used to your new situation for a few weeks before deciding anything, though I'd say Ripley is a bit far to visit patients without any form of conveyance?'

'I have given up my patients in Ripley, Mr Darcy, it was simply too dangerous to go out there any longer, especially at night. Though I felt bad about abandoning them.'

Again, that seemed to make him sad, but there was only so much a good landlord could do. Unfortunately, there would always be villages outside his influence, and even a good landlord couldn't force everyone to live a good or a happy life. Mrs Darcy laid a soothing hand on her husband's arm, they were such a loving couple, Hugo really did think their bond had shown him marriage could be a very precious thing. Then they both got up and took their leave, they had a house full of guests, after all. Mr Darcy added, 'Don't feel bad about leaving without acknowledging my sister and her husband, they are totally lost in their music, they won't even notice.'

And to prove this was true, they both left without taking leave of their relatives, leaving Caitlin and Hugo behind in the beautiful room filled with maps.