Chapter 186

The rest of that week they spent in ever more comfortable closeness, exploring the village and the surrounding woods, putting the cottage and its yard in order, getting to know their neighbours and their medical problems. The tiny third bedroom they transformed into a still room, the old furnace and pots and pans finding a new life that might be even more important than the preparation of food. After the herbs were gathered, Caitlin and Ben taught Hugo which parts to use of each plant and how they were most effective, and Hugo got his first experience with drying leaves, storing roots and preparing tea mixtures, tinctures and salves.

Each morning after breakfast they let Bates drive them to Pemberley, where Caitlin treated Fowler and Hugo kept an eye on Mr Bingley's horse. With Mr Wright's help they sowed their one field and planted most of the vegetable garden, and they tried Liquor as only horse among goats which he miraculously accepted. Tuesday the next week the black horse would get some equine company in the shape of two grey ponies, but for now he would spend his days in their meadow by himself and his nights in a stall in their barn.

Seeing Hugo ride the elegant black horse in their other meadow, their neighbour on the other side had offered the use of one of his own fields, currently lying fallow, to use as a riding paddock.

'It's a waste to have your horse destroy the grass, this field needs to be ploughed anyway, can't do any harm there. And I like to watch you ride, Mr Hugo, it reminds me of the days I used to work at the great house as a stable boy myself, when the late Mr Darcy and myself were still young men. But I could never ride like you, it's as if you are one with that magnificent horse.'

And indeed Hugo gained ever more spectators that week during his hours of training Liquor, not just Caitlin and Ben and Mr Christian, but some of the other men of the village liked to watch him as he first confirmed the things Liquor already knew, then slowly started on the more difficult exercises. The presence of an audience didn't bother him, he had plenty of self-confidence in general and knew he was likely the best horseman these people had ever seen.

He felt his knowledge and his feeling for the horse returning, and he knew that this was his true passion, the thing that made him nearly as happy as having his new family around all day and Caitlin in his arms every night.

The only unexpected thing to happen that week was an evening visitor on Thursday. They were settling the animals for the night, when Darren Staples suddenly made an entrance in the barn.

'Good evening, Hugo, Miss Brennan, I hope I'm not disturbing you?'

'Surprise, yes, but disturb, no,' Hugo replied, 'this is our son Ben.'

Ben was so pleased to have Hugo acknowledge him as his son, but frankly it felt to Hugo as if he had always been part of this calm, inquisitive little family.

'Pleased to meet you, Ben. I'll have three step-children myself, soon, but they are older than you. They said they weren't going to call me 'dad', which I think is completely understandable.'

'I cannot wait to call Jean 'dad', but I thought I'd give him a few weeks to get used to the idea.'

Ben was such a wise child already, and funny. Darren laughed and said, 'Smart idea, Ben! I'm here with a purpose. I was out on a call today to a shepherd quite a ways from here. When I was about to leave he showed me a dog he needed to find a new home for, he hoped I'd know someone since he didn't want to do away with it. His best bitch had a surprise litter last summer with a bulldog, and he'd kept one of the pups because he loved its looks and affectionate nature, his dogs are working collies, they're more into sheep than people. He hoped this cross would be a good guard for his home and his flock. Turns out he was right, but too much so, the dog is now ten months old and has no interest in sheep but tries to guard the other dogs so closely they cannot do their work. He is very handsome, and I remembered you mentioned getting a dog.'

That was a bit quick, but a young adult would be much better than a pup, he'd be ready to accompany Caitlin almost immediately.

'You say he has no interest in livestock?'

'None whatsoever. Nate told me he is very affectionate and very well-trained, and I must say he has behaved very well so far.'

'You have him with you?'

'Yes, if you don't want him I think I can find him a new home with another client within a week, you can imagine this happens to me often, people know I get about and see a lot of people every week. This one I'd even consider keeping myself, he minds me so well I'd dare take him to any kind of farm. But I think Rose is not the type to want a dog, and your lady needs protection when she is out on a call. He's young enough to settle in a new family.'

It was obvious both Caitlin and Ben were very curious to see this miracle dog, and indeed his beloved said, 'I expected to have some time to get used to the idea of having a dog as well as goats, chickens and even a horse, but Jean tells me you talked him out of wanting cows so I guess that makes room for a dog.

Frankly, the thought of going out all by myself scares me these days, I would feel much safer with an extra pair of eyes and ears.'

'And a mouth full of sharp teeth, Miss Brennan,' Darren replied, 'Rover won't let anyone touch you with bad intentions. He has the instincts of both his parents, but he just doesn't get sheep. I told him to stay outside, let me call him in.'

He whistled once and a white streak came running towards him, dropping on its belly before him. The dog looked exactly like the sum of his parents, he was the size of a collie with the short, white coat of a bulldog, with black ears and a black patch over one eye. The tipped ears were attentive, and Hugo could see the body was firmer and more muscled than a collie's, and the head was broader and rounder. The brown eyes shone with intelligence, and Hugo instantly understood why the shepherd had held onto this dog for so long.

'Go check them out, Rover, they're good people.'

Darren addressed the dog as if he was a person and Rover reacted like one: he jumped up and politely presented himself to be introduced.

'He seems to good to be true, Mr Staples,' Caitlin observed, 'why would anyone want to just give such a beautiful dog away?'

Rover was sniffing the hand she offered him, and his stance showed him open and interested.

'I can see why you'd think that, but remember, a shepherd depends on his dogs to control his flock and Nate has a lot of sheep. He couldn't take Rover out because he'd more or less herd the other dogs, giving the sheep the chance to escape. And no farmer wants to see a few hundred sheep tearing up his carefully grown crop and trampling the remains. He is a perfect dog to keep as only dog, he can even ignore other dogs on command. Just not his own pack, and not all day.'

As they were talking, Ben had gained the courage to touch the rather powerful looking dog, and it was obvious to Hugo there was no malice in Rover, he was what Darren said he was.

'He is used to living outside, but I suppose you will want to get him used to being inside as well, he won't be of much use for protection if he isn't near you all the time.'

Caitlin had been watching her son making friends with a sizeable dog, and now she looked at Hugo as if to assess his position on all this. Seeing no hesitation in him, she asked, 'If we take him and it doesn't work out? What will happen to him then?'

'I took him with me because I am convinced I can find him a new home. The risk is mine, you could try for a week and if he doesn't match with your family you can give him back, I'll find him a home. Or I may keep him myself if Rose doesn't mind.'

Though Hugo really liked Rover's looks and attitude, the ultimate decision would have to be Caitlin's, he would expect her to take the dog with her on all her excursions into the woods and even on house calls, she would have to be able to control him and trust him. And indeed a few moments later she joined Ben in petting the dog. Then she looked up and said, 'I suppose I would feel better having an extra pair of eyes and ears with me, and he looks strong enough to protect me from at least two men.'

'Once he knows you are his new family, he will follow you everywhere and protect you against anyone. I can teach you his basic commands in a few moments, and if you need help later I'm always willing to drop by. I do advice you to leash him at first among people and livestock until you've gotten familiar with him. It's the polite thing to do since he is not exactly small.'

Hugo and Caitlin both nodded, and as if on cue continued their chores, chatting with Darren whilst the dog explored the barn with Ben by his side. Food would be no problem, Hugo knew he could get as many meat scraps from the Pemberley kitchen as he wished. Ben would probably want Rover to sleep in his bedroom, if his mother agreed. If not, he could stay in the rest of the house, Darren was right that they needed to get him used to being indoors if Caitlin wanted to take the large creature with her to the neighbouring villages and farms, or even to Pemberley.

Before he left, Darren asked, 'Would you and Caitlin be willing to pay us a visit? A social call, drink tea, talk, play cards, with all the children?'

Thinking of Caitlin's observations, Hugo replied, 'If Rose and yourself don't have a problem with my returning to her house, we'd love to.'

'Frankly, either of us might at first, I know she had feelings for you, but I'm determined to face the green-eyed monster and Rose is eager to meet Caitlin. I think we will both be fine. You can bring the dog if you like.'

And just like that they had a dog, and not a small one or an impressionable pup. But it felt like the right decision, and when Darren had left they decided to take a little stroll through the village, Ben running ahead with Rover on a leash, the dog keeping a close eye on the boy but also occasionally checking on the other people in his pack. Darren was right, this was likely the perfect dog for them,

it would be an extra chore for a few weeks to settle him, but Hugo already felt much better at the thought of Caitlin exploring Mr Darcy's near-endless woods, knowing she'd have such an attentive comrade watching her back.

The next morning they had to get up early to take care of the animals, now including a dog. Ben was going to join them at Pemberley since Mr Brewer wanted to test his knowledge of various subjects and discuss his expectations of his future to help him decide on his lessons. Jean had insisted on offering Ben the chance to go to a good school, said Ben was too smart to have to live as a farmer. Caitlin hoped it would never come to that, she could not imagine Ben being accepted in a posh boys' school, even if she managed to resign herself to the idea of Jean spending all his savings and probably every spare penny he'd make in the future on a boy who was not even his own son. The obligation was just too immense, even to a man she loved dearly, and whom she was going to share the rest of her life with.

When they were all ready to meet Bates and Mr Manners' carriage, Jean suddenly said, 'Rover may have slept really well in a strange house, I don't think it would be wise to leave him behind all by himself. I think we should take him, I'll keep him in the stables whilst you two go inside.'

But Bates clearly didn't think having a dog inside his master's carriage was a good idea. Caitlin could see he really didn't want to gainsay the master of the Pemberley stables, but he caught Jean's eye and said with a hint of anxiousness, 'I know you and your missus are in a very good standing with the master, Mr Hugo, but I cannot risk getting white dog hairs all over his leather seats. If you insist on taking that creature with you, you and it can join me on the box seat.'

'Of course, Bates, I wouldn't think of imposing on you. I promise Rover here will be the perfect guest, as will I.'

Only then did Caitlin realise that having Jean on the box beside him might not be Bates' idea of a good time either, her beloved did have this reputation among the visiting stable staff of being hard to please.

'Can I sit on the box as well?' Ben asked, and Caitlin thought that would be a perfect distraction for both men.

Jean looked at Bates, who said, 'Sure, why not?' and then at Caitlin to see what her wish was.

'I'll feel like a right lady having the carriage all to myself.'

Of course Jean handed her in with a bow, and as he closed the carriage door behind her he blew her a kiss, making her feel very loved, and not like a prim lady at all.

On their way to Pemberley, Caitlin found herself a little lost in thought, so much had happened the last week. She didn't really think Mr Fowler's arm needed a daily checkup from her anymore, he was young and strong and healing perfectly, as proven by a steady diminishment of the pain the break caused him. It was an exemplary setting which she was really proud of, he'd most likely have the full use of the arm, provided he'd spare it for the requisite six weeks.

But when she had suggested to Mr Manners that they might postpone the next appointment until the next week, that gentleman didn't seem at all eager to spare himself the trouble of having her fetched and returned by his driver and the expense of paying for her time. He'd said, 'We would all feel much better if you kept a close watch on his situation, Miss Brennan, Nick really needs that arm to heal right.'

Of course Mr Manners would suffer from neither effort nor expense, Bates would be sitting around tempted to make mischief and his master was rich enough to make Caitlin's fee a pittance. And since she guessed he wasn't a man to easily accept a 'no' from anyone and he paid really well, she decided to just give him what he wanted and check Mr Fowler's temperature, blood flow and pain levels daily, as well as tell him about the life-long deformities she had seen, suffered by poor servants forced to do heavy work before their breaks were altogether healed. That way she at least she felt like she was doing something useful to earn her pay.

For frankly, going to the second floor of Pemberley House was becoming something of a treat, she should be afraid of at least Mr Manners, he was dominant and physically powerful, but it had become impossible to fear him after seeing him with Mr Fowler just after the latter's accident, when Jean and herself had witnessed his true nature, which was incredibly caring and sensitive. As Mr Fowler improved, that side of Mr Manners had become less apparent, but somehow its influence had stayed.

Then there was Mr Fielding, very handsome but not at all overpowering in person and not a real gentleman at all, he'd told her himself his parents were cowherds. Nothing to fear, one would think, but Caitlin knew one did not become a piano virtuoso without being possessed of an indomitable will, and she'd witnessed his intransigence as a teacher when he was helping Mrs Fielding master some absurdly difficult piece which Caitlin would not have believed was possible to play without getting one's fingers in a knot.

Generally, though, Mr and Mrs Fielding were an infatuated couple instead of demanding teacher and his student, and the music they played was something Caitlin would miss tremendously when Mr Fowler was cured. It was not just beautiful, it also touched the soul, and the first time he played one particular piece in her presence, Caitlin found herself remembering events from her less-than-cheerful past, causing her to have to swallow a big lump in her throat.

Simon, the fourth male in this curious group and one of the kindest people Caitlin had ever met, noticed and offered, 'Eric's music just does that to people, Miss Brennan, we've all felt it. You'll soon get used to it.'

After ten years on the edge of society, and a very lowly position before that, Caitlin could hardly believe the respect she received from this group of friends. And besides respecting her knowledge, they also treated her like a friend and made her feel welcome. Which made the contrast between her feelings and Jean's all the more remarkable since he wasn't at all comfortable at headquarters, probably because the people there were his employer's relatives and friends but also because he hadn't wanted to find out that Mr Fowler, whom he considered a friend, was having an affair with Mr Manners' wife that seemed as intimate as any marriage. Caitlin suspected there was even more going on since she couldn't imagine a man like Mr Manners being content to live without love when everyone around him was almost ridiculously happy with their choice of partner. But this mystery was something she would not try to unravel, it could only hurt everyone involved and she would never be able to share anything she discovered with Jean anyway. Caitlin didn't really care what people did in the privacy of their own homes, as long as it forced no-one into her own former situation, of course. Love was good for people, and denying love because of a stupid convention or difference in class would have left both Mr and Mrs Fielding and Mrs Manners and Mr Fowler very unhappy.

When Mr Fowler was recovered, Caitlin would certainly miss visiting headquarters and not just for the music, but she had Jean now, and being with him made her happier than anything in the world could.

Surprisingly, Bates stopped the carriage in front of the house instead of driving on towards the stables, and when Jean held the door open for her she discovered why: Mrs Darcy was waiting for her, coming straight towards her with a tall and rather beautiful young woman.

'I'm sorry to bother you, Miss Brennan, I just wanted to ask you a favour: this is my sister, Mrs Jane Bingley, she has been with child a few months longer than I have, would you mind including her in our appointment this morning?'

Having been made aware of her blessed state, Caitlin did think she could see Mrs Bingley's pregnancy already, though she was so well-formed it might have been the cut of her dress. It was less flattering somehow than Mrs Darcy's, and yet most people would find Mrs Bingley more beautiful than her sister. Caitlin didn't agree with them, she could never see just the outside of people and Mrs Darcy's indomitable spirit seemed to somehow shine right through her, making her much more attractive than mere physical beauty could.

They shook hands, and Mrs Bingley said, 'I've visited a midwife in London already, but we're going to be staying at Pemberley for some weeks and I'd feel much better having someone knowledgeable keep an eye or an ear on myself and the baby in the meantime.'

She sounded a bit worried, actually, and Caitlin hoped she would be able to give her some reassurance that everything was in good order.

'Of course you are very welcome to join us, Mrs Bingley, as I told Mrs Darcy, I always start with the mother's health and may ask you any number of questions, then I will check your baby's growth and other life signs. And then you may ask me any questions you have, even embarrassing or intimate ones, and I will answer them to the best of my knowledge.'

By now, Mr Manners was approaching on the road from the stables, Jean must have told him where she was.

'Thank you very much, Miss Brennan,' Mrs Darcy said, 'I can see Mr Manners approaching quickly, we'll leave you to see to Nick, we're all so glad you came on our way just when we needed exactly the help you can offer. I am a bit sorry your former patients have to do without you, though we didn't steal you away from them it sometimes feels like it.'

Frankly, Caitlin had not spared a single thought for the people she had left behind in Ripley, and now Mrs Darcy reminded her of them she did feel a little pang of regret. But it wasn't as if they'd welcomed her with open arms like the people of Witham had, and even the genteel folk in the big house. Still, some had been really kind and she had Rover now, if she and Jean decided to buy their own pony she might reconsider her decision to give them up, she would be safe enough if she travelled by road in a fast-moving vehicle with a large dog for protection. But now, her time would be more pleasantly engaged, as Mr Manners greeted her with his usual respectful warmth.

Hugo was starting to get the hang of trusting another man with his responsibilities and just enjoy being among horses and people he liked, but since it was his last day off work he wouldn't get the chance to make it a habit. He'd taken Ben to the back door to make his own way to Mr Brewer's study, and was contemplating how to spend the time until his two loved ones were done. The aviary would be a bit much for Rover with the birds and the scent of the pack so nearby, and he preferred to get to know the dog a little better before taking him out on a ride since he'd have to let him run free to do so. He decided to just make a tour of the stables with the dog on his heels and see who turned up.

After discussing the progress of Mr Bingley's horse with Jones, he ran into Bruce, who was hard at work cleaning a watering trough but looked up at Hugo as if he had something on his liver that he didn't really dare to address him with.

'Is there something I can do for you, Bruce?'

'But it's still your day off, sir, it will keep.'

'Nonsense, I'm here now, aren't I? Out with it, boy!'

Though he didn't exactly look like a boy anymore, he'd grown some, filled out a lot with muscle, not fat, and it even seemed as if a smattering of sense had taken up residence inside his brains these days, which livened his expression on the outside.

'I've come to like it here, sir, and I've learned a lot and not just from you but also from Peter and Bob and Mrs Reynolds and Mr Oliver. And I'm really grateful you and Mr Darcy were willing to give me a second chance, even if it was hard at first and I did hate it.'

Hugo guessed Bruce was being diplomatic, how he must have hated the very sight of Hugo when he had first arrived in the miserable cold of early winter and the stable master forced him to do the most gruelling and dirty tasks a household the size of Pemberley had to offer.

'I guess what I wanted to say is, I miss my mum and sisters, sir. And I suppose London, though not as much as I thought I would. I know my old job has gone to someone else by now, but maybe you might ask Mr Darcy for a recommendation? Or maybe you can write one? So I don't have to work the docks after all? Do you think I should join the army? The cavalry, like you did, to work with horses but a bit more exciting, you know?'

The first, Hugo had expected, Bruce was not a country boy though he had adapted rather miraculously to the relatively sedate group of people here at Pemberley. And the second was no problem, Hugo knew Mr Darcy had always counted on Bruce returning to London and would be pleased to give his recommendations, he supposed Bruce could even get his former position back if he wanted to. But what the boy, or young man now, had apparently understood, was that being a stable boy in London might not be enough of a challenge for him anymore, he had learned so much here that he would never be able to put into practise there, taking care of the slow team and whatever horses Mr Darcy and his guests brought from outside town.

But the cavalry! That needed some serious conversation, not a few minutes of chat over a messy chore. People got hurt and died in battle, horses also suffered terribly, and then there were forced marches, dirty camps, cold, bad food, rotting wounds, friends and comrades falling away. Most importantly: 'I was an officer in the French cavalry, Bruce, whereas you'd have to start at the bottom and in the English army, which is reputed not to care so much about competence as about birth. I will tell you some stories of my time in action, and if you still think the cavalry might be the place for you, if only as horse groom in the tail, I think we can find out if it is at all possible for a city lad to get in. But please listen to my experiences first, at the very least they'll make for a few evenings of entertainment, if you'd dare call it that.'

Frankly, Bruce didn't look that eager anymore and a small surprise that was, he'd miss his mother and sisters a lot more on the eve of a battle, camping in either cold, mud or heat, as far away from home as he was now or farther but on the other side of the channel, in a different country where the English were hated with a passion. Which meant Hugo needed to address the first two points as well.

'I don't think there will be a problem with you returning to town, Bruce. And of course you will get your recommendations, from me at least but I'm positive Mr Darcy will be pleased to help you along as well. You have done very well here and your mistakes from the past are altogether forgotten. It may take awhile, though, before you can ride to London with any of us, if you are in a hurry you will have to travel post.'

'I like summer here, but I'd like to be back in town when the leaves start to fall and it rains all the time. The lights and the bustle of the city make winter so much more bearable.'

Well, that was certainly true, though having someone to share one's life with made life even better. Of course Bruce's family lived in London, and he would do better to settle there. What if he fell in love with a country girl and she convinced him to stay up North? His mother especially would be devastated to lose every chance of ever seeing him again.

All the time they were talking, Rover had been very quiet though keeping a close eye on everything happening in the yard.

'Thank you, sir, and I'll be pleased to hear whatever you're willing to tell us about your time in the cavalry. That is a very beautiful dog you have there, sir, and I'm sure he would be a mean un in a fight. Look at those jaws! He's not as broad as a real bulldog but I bet he is a right bit faster.'

'I suppose he is, though we didn't get him to let him fight, just to keep Miss Brennan safe when she has to go on a house visit at night. But I agree he doesn't hurt the eyes to look at.'

'Some of the visiting staff have been saying that about your lady, too, Mr Hugo. The house staff, not the stable staff, they wouldn't dare, not even behind your back. Mind you, they weren't disrespectful, they merely discussed how you had all the luck, so to speak, after years of skirt chasing to end up with a woman not merely beautiful but also a miracle worker. We ignored them, it wouldn't do to encourage gossip after all, but later we decided it must have been your French charm. Is it, sir? Do Frenchmen get all the best English women?'

Well, though Hugo couldn't imagine whether Caitlin herself would be thrilled or offended to be considered an English woman after having been shunned for years because of her Irish heritage, he was certain she'd find the Pemberley stable staff seeing her as some kind of property to be bestowed upon the most charming of men very insulting. Very high value property, apparently, but not exactly a highly intelligent and resourceful adult with remarkable talents, which Caitlin of all people had proven to be.

In the past, he might have answered with something crude, like 'I certainly had plenty of them', but Caitlin was not a conquest and Hugo no longer felt the need to hide his better feelings behind bluster, so he told Bruce what Caitlin herself had told him.

'I think Miss Brennan came to love me because I treated her with respect, Bruce. She enjoys charm, but she has been through enough in her life to know it's not worth very much compared to sincerity and consistency. Strength she has plenty of herself, though you might think a woman looks to a man for his strength that is not always true.

But if you behave, I'll teach you some of the French charm before you return to London. Now I'll certainly have to find me a new boy, I'll take a year to teach him the absolute basics and then I'll still be one man short.'

Bruce looked suitably impressed, though he probably hadn't understood half of what his superior was ranting on about. As Hugo himself hadn't until he was nearly forty.

'Thank you, sir, I'll need all the help I can get to impress a London girl, they're terribly cold to a poor fellow like me, always looking to better themselves. And I don't think it'll take a year for a new boy to learn how to shovel manure and curry horses, sir. It's the riding that's difficult, and Bob tells me driving is even harder.'

'So it is, so it is. Maybe that's why Bob seems to have done pretty well where girls are concerned, and Peter as well. Don't worry about those London girls, Bob, you'll be surprised how much they'll like your looks now you've become a man. And don't hesitate to ask for cavalry stories if you're still interested in joining the army. Or even if you're only curious to hear what war is like, though I can guarantee you'll not like what I have to tell. Now, I think Rover and I are ready to face the chickens and take peek at the hounds.'

He should have asked Darren to remind Rose's son Patrick of Hugo's offer to join the Pemberley stable staff, or maybe even to keep an eye out himself for a sturdy boy with an affinity for horses looking for a position at the big house. Darren knew a lot of farmers and their sons. Oh well, Bruce hadn't left, yet, and Peter would be with them a little longer as well. Mr Langley wasn't that old, and if he wanted Hugo to help finding a team he'd better not saddle him with his son-in-law's work load before a new boy was ready to take over some of Peter's duties.

Of course Rover didn't bat an eye at the chickens, not even the really outrageously plumed ones in the aviary. But the hounds were a different matter, even at a respectable distance they fascinated the bulldog mix so much he just couldn't keep his eyes off them. And then indeed his collie blood showed, for he did not raise his hackles or growl or show any other sign of aggression, he merely gave them the eye. Did Rover really think other dogs were like sheep, to be herded where he wanted them to go? This would bear some watching, though he minded everything Hugo said and so far hadn't shown the least sign to herd even small Ben. He decided not to make things more difficult for Rover and took a little stroll down the gardens, carefully avoiding those parts where the genteel folk would be expected to walk or even find a secluded corner to exchange some pleasantries.

Despite her past, it seemed Caitlin had taken to the Pemberley family much more naturally than Hugo could, fortunately, since she would be the one treating their ailments and seeing them in possibly embarrassing situations. Well, certainly in the case of Mrs Darcy, pregnancies were notoriously dangerous for people of a certain class, like his very own mother who'd lost her life bearing his younger sister, who had then also sadly died. Which was why most people of breeding preferred a city doctor to a country midwife. Hugo had never seen the sense in that, how could a male doctor ever understand what a woman went through when giving birth? Besides, Mrs Darcy certainly wasn't a sheltered city lady, she was country bred and rode like a trooper. And exercise was good for everybody, not just horses and stable boys: Mrs Manners, Miss de Bourgh as was, had been a shadow of a woman when she first arrived in London, but with regular walks she had gained weight and colour steadily until she had become one of the beauties of the London scene.

The thought of her blossoming when she'd met Fowler forced itself on Hugo's mind but he quickly stuffed it back where it had come from. He was not ready to face that unwelcome knowledge, though he knew he was being a hypocrite, having slept with countless married women himself. His uncle and brother wouldn't mind Hugo finally marrying a commoner, not even a penniless Irish refugee, they had both adapted to the new situation in France and connected themselves to the common people by marriage.

The garden was very pleasant, with a little spring sun and all the life shooting up from the soil and the leaves and blossom unfolding on the trees. Before he knew it, Mr Brewer sought him out with Ben, and they all sat down in a private nook barely anyone besides the staff and Mr Darcy himself knew to find.

'That was fun!' Ben started, 'thank you, Mr Brewer! I know exactly what I want, and I can do it right at home.'

'You could, Ben, and I'm certain Mr Darcy would be thrilled to have another talented healer on his property. But if you are prepared to work hard and live far from home for a few years you could do so much better, and I hope you will let me explain how.'

That sounded expensive, and Hugo knew Caitlin wouldn't like to see Ben go to a public school, she was afraid he would be snubbed and bullied because of his Irish heritage. But, if Ben really wanted it, they would find a way to pay, and maybe Mr Manners had some contacts to make life easier for a schoolboy.

'I can see you making assumptions, Mr Hugo, but please hear me out as well. First let Ben tell you what we discovered about him.'

'I need spectacles, Jean, Mr Brewer discovered that the reason I sometimes struggled to read in the dark is because I cannot see the letters really well. I haven't had much trouble during my lessons here with the room being so much brighter because of the windows, but Mr Brewer let me borrow his magnifying glass and then I could see even the tiniest letters. Apparently, other people can see those just like that.

And he asked me all kinds of questions to find out what I really, really wanted and it turns out I want to be a healer like mum. I want to know all the herbs that can help people feel better, and how to set bones, and everything else she knows.'

'But there was more, wasn't there, Ben?'

'Yes, I want to know why people get sick. I know why they break bones, and where children come from, but nobody knows why some people just cough for a few days and others get pneumonia. I want to find out but I have no idea how. Maybe someone already knows and there is a school where I can learn?'

Hugo didn't know either, he'd wondered sometimes why some horses got sick and others didn't, but for some reason he could see which ones were strong and thus he could easily avoid sick horses by not buying the weaker ones. Of course one should not breed the weaker horses, even if they were beautiful or fast, and he knew some people did anyway. Maybe people were the same, maybe some genteel folks were sickly because they tended to marry among each other. Maybe that had cost his own mother her life, since she hadn't been strong enough to survive a difficult birthing. Or maybe she hadn't had someone like Caitlin to help, not all midwives were as competent as Caitlin.

'It's a very good question, Ben, and I will do anything I can to help you find the answer.'

But Mr Brewer already knew.

'The usual way to become a doctor is via public school and university, but public school is not a good place for sensitive boys, especially not if they are both relatively poor and foreign. Mr Darcy has told me about a doctor in London, an acquaintance of Mr Manners' who also helped Mrs Manners discover why she had been feeling unwell for nearly ten years. He is looking for reasons why people get sick, and how different diseases develop in people. He studies the human body on a whole new level, and I had the impression he chooses his students on merit, not birth. If Ben wants to try to become his pupil I think I can persuade Mr Darcy and Mr Manners to help him get a place there. But according to Mr Darcy this doctor's work is not for the faint of heart, and on top of that the other doctors aren't always pleased with his efforts to make their livelihoods less secure. In short, a student's drive to acquire knowledge has to be very strong to follow this path. I've asked Mr Darcy for all the detail he could give since I thought my own sons might want to study under Dr Matthew Baillie, but I think Ben has more chance to be successful: he already knows a lot about healing and herbs, and he is used to overcoming adversity, he is much tougher than he looks. My boys are smart, but frankly a bit sheltered, I think they'd faint at the sight of blood, or someone truly ill.'

'But this would mean he would have to live in London,' Hugo realised with a shock, London was nice to visit for a few weeks but it was overcrowded and rather filthy, not a good place for a boy like Ben, who'd only ever known forest and fresh air.

'So he would, yes, for as much as five years, maybe. But Dr Baillie is the best, and I have reason to believe he treats his students well. And he need not decide for a few years, yet, he is welcome to study with my boys for a few more years instead of going to school. Living at home he'll have the opportunity to learn everything his mother has to teach him.'

Darren Staples would probably also be pleased to take Ben on his rounds for a few months, Hugo thought, cows and horses weren't people but they had a lot in common, and even their differences could teach Ben much if he really wanted to know where sickness came from. He nodded to acknowledge Mr Brewer's offer.

'Thank you, Mr Brewer, for your offer and also for taking the time to find out what Ben really wants. I never liked the idea of boarding school, I always imagined it to be much like the army, with strict hierarchy and no way to escape abuse if it happens. My brother and I had a tutor, and if there is any subject you do not feel qualified to teach yourself, I will gladly step in to hire a specialised tutor for all three boys.'

'I'd like to learn to play the piano, Jean. Do you think a tutor could teach me how to play?'

Of course Mr Fielding was a renowned piano teacher, but Hugo didn't think he could afford to hire his services. Even if the very idea of a master pianist, one the Prince of Wales rode four days to hear play, teaching a child the absolute beginnings wasn't ridiculous in the first place. It was like shooting a mouse with a cannon.

'If we can find one with the right skills, why not? Though we'd have to buy a piano somewhere, so it may take awhile before you get the chance to learn.'

Mr Brewer nodded, and said, 'That is an excellent idea, Mr Hugo, hiring a tutor and sharing the cost. Let us keep that in mind, there will come a time when our boys can no longer profit from my knowledge, though I hope that may take some time, yet. And you and Miss Brennan please think about Dr Baillie, if Ben gets used to the idea of spending some time away from home he may be ready to apply for a place in six or seven years.'

'We will. And I suppose Mrs Reynolds knows where to get spectacles for Ben since she has been wearing a pair for as long as I've known her.'

'I'm afraid you'd have to go to London for the best ophthalmologists, but he can borrow my magnifying glass for his lessons here.'

'If I don't try to read in the dark I'll be fine for now, Jean,' Ben said, 'the light is so much better in the cottage that I haven't had a headache since we moved. As long as the letters aren't too small there is no need to worry.'

They talked some more about Ben's enthusiasm for what Mr Brewer had to teach them, and when Mr Brewer had returned to his study, Hugo took Ben to the common room to wait for Caitlin to finish her consultation with Mrs Darcy and Mrs Bingley. The thought that she would soon know the most intimate details about Hugo's employer and her sister didn't bother him at all, he knew Caitlin wouldn't have the slightest trouble keeping her patients' confidence. The only secret he was bothered with was the one he'd witnessed himself through his connection with her. To his shame, he found himself unable to forget what he had seen, and he was glad Caitlin no longer feared going to the second floor by herself. He did not want to witness the intimacy between Fowler and Mrs Manners again, and he even felt uncomfortable meeting the former in the back of the house. He had no excuse to treat a man he had considered a friend differently, he just couldn't help himself.

But before he'd have to face Fowler, he'd see what the kitchen had for a smallish ten-year-old boy to eat after an intense questioning by the Pemberley steward.