'But so many men admire you, Mrs Darcy, if you hadn't met Mr Darcy you could have picked any other gentleman!'
So Elizabeth had made another conquest, and one Darcy didn't regret in the least: if Fowler liked her, she would be safe wherever he was. He was faithful, brave and very observant. Darcy saw Elizabeth's expression soften, and considered thinking of her riding her new, as yet unnamed horse, astride, wearing her split skirts, her hair escaping the pins and streaming behind her.....but no. He was not going there, Elizabeth was admired wherever she went, Fowler was no longer a philanderer but a man devoted to another woman, who was just as admirable as Elizabeth and who loved him. There
was no reason to be jealous of his beloved being kind to another man. She was allowed to have friends.
Still, under the influence of Elizabeth's ravishing smile even the former womaniser melted, as she replied frankly, 'Thank you, Nick, such a genteel compliment! But I lived in the country, you know, I would never have met even one rich, educated gentleman if I hadn't married Fitzwilliam. Those gentlemen would have admired some other lady, almost certainly one of which the London ladies approved more.'
That provoked Manners, who bluntly observed, 'I have noticed that fashionable ladies rarely approve of other ladies who catch more attention of rich men than they do themselves. They didn't need an actual reason to dislike you, Elizabeth. In fact, I think they liked you better than they would have any other Mrs Darcy.
But Mrs Darcy is entirely right in stating she would never have gained her spot in the London scene without her husband, Nick, because she would not have been in a place where they could have met her.'
Fowler bowed before this shocking news, though in a dignified way, not as if he were berated. More as if he was glad to understand the world he now lived in just a little bit better. It would do him a world of good to know that most housekeepers had been spoiled gentlemen's daughters at one time, at least those of the older and most respected houses.
'I'm very confused, almost shocked to hear that a genteel lady could be so unfortunate as to have no fortune, nor any skills to make a living. I thought those above me always led safe, sheltered lives, and had no reason at all to worry. At least the Colonel always knew he would have to support himself, and had time and, from what he told me, his family's help to build a career of his own.'
So cousin Fitzwilliam had talked seriously with Fowler? That was quite unique, he didn't used to do that with servants.
'Generally, it is more accepted for a young lady to live off some relatives'
charity than for a man,´ Darcy said, ´which is why second and third sons are always prepared for their future. But you are right, Fowler, not all young ladies would do well as a dependant in a large household, it would be better for young ladies with few prospects to be prepared in advance for what the future might hold.'
That certainly struck a chord with Elizabeth, who observed, 'I guess it never really occurred to us that we might be in trouble, though my mother often
lamented over the entail, mostly for herself but also for us. I suppose I expected to just get married, although not necessarily with a rich man. At the very least I expected my eldest sister to make an advantageous marriage and support the rest of us, though in hindsight even Jane's considerable attractions might have paled by a mother and four sisters depending on her. It would certainly have been better if we had prepared for the future. My younger sisters couldn't have aspired to a position like Mrs Annesley's anyway, but Jane and I could have. Though you can imagine I would not have been the perfect candidate for a position as a governess or a housekeeper, Nick.'
Elizabeth had so little trouble relating to the fellow, it was as if to her he was one of them already, not a servant from a totally different walk of life. And yet, she generally had no trouble at all keeping a sensible distance to the staff, she was never overly familiar and they all respected her, even Simon. Why did Fowler seem to know exactly where he stood with Elizabeth, showing her every civility but answering her questions and even addressing her remarks freely, when he seemed ready to bow or bolt whenever Darcy himself said something?
'I most humbly admit I can, Mrs Darcy. It would have been a sad day indeed when a lady like you would have had to bow before others of less worth.'
Could it be that Fowler was more comfortable with ladies than with gentlemen, because he had known so many? Intimately?
Looking at Mr Darcy, Nick was afraid he'd really gone too far this time. But Mrs Darcy had that effect on him, there was something about her that set him at ease, and her pert remarks just asked for a charming return. Mr Darcy had a reputation for being very jealous of his pretty young wife, and during their trip to Kent she had more or less confirmed that reputation to at least hold a grain of truth. And here Nick was flattering her right under Mr Darcy's handsome nose! His expression seemed merely thoughtful, but who knew why? Maybe he was planning ways to get rid of his cousin's irritating lover.
'You know I never realised Mrs Reynolds having been raised a lady either?'
Simon was so good at reading people's moods. And he wasn't afraid of breaking them.
'I used to consider her superior attitude a bit overdone, as well as her insistence on absolute order within the household. I did not like her having power over me, generally personal staff can get away with a almost anything as long as they please their master or mistress. But since Janine and Theo,
and becoming a housekeeper myself, I have started to appreciate her ways more and more, and now I also understand them: she was raised to be the mistress of her own household, not run someone else's. Shall we fetch the lamps, Nick? We can be back by the time Mr and Mrs Darcy have admired the rooms we chose for our personal use.'
As Mr and Mrs Darcy nodded their approval of Simon's action, and Frederick once again showed his admiration of his lover openly, Nick was only too glad to escape their company for some time. It was so confusing to be familiar and respectful at the same time. How did Simon do it?
With satisfaction, Nick noted that Anne had already nudged her fiancée, who quickly wiped his bemusement off his face. It couldn't hurt here, among friends, but he shouldn't form the habit.
'She really likes you, Nick,' Simon observed once their companions had moved towards the large room with the magnificent table, and they were themselves descending the staircase.
'I remember feeling her disapprobation when she first came to town, right after their honeymoon. She thought I was too familiar with her husband, and she disapproved of Mr Darcy favouring me over the rest of the staff. I suppose she was right, Mr Darcy's favour did cost me because the other servants were jealous and decided to make my life miserable over it.'
'I can imagine how you must have felt, Simon, unable to look for help for fear of exposure. Do you really think Mrs Darcy likes me? Should I stay out of her way? She as good as confirmed the rumours that her husband is very jealous of her attentions.'
'I wouldn't worry if I were you, she is not attracted to you in that way, it's just her liveliness towards someone she is starting to consider a friend. It took me months to get to that stage from being considered a personal servant who lacked proper respect. You merely accompanied her on a two-day trip. It must be your famous skills with the ladies.'
That was a very dangerous road for people's minds to travel, Nick hoped Mr Darcy at least would not take it. To hope that they didn't know of his past as a philanderer was futile, Anne had told him Mrs Darcy had found out from the staff. He merely hoped they could see how much he loved Anne, that his roving eye was a thing of the past.
'I'm sure the Mrs Darcy you met was not the same who proposed to take me along to Kent and let me ride inside the carriage with Anne and herself, Simon. I think she must have been a little more like the Miss de Bourgh I met
at the Blackwoods', used to servants being invisible and unheard. You probably were the one to teach her we are people, too.'
'I suppose it was me, and Fanny did her share. Say, Nick,
you do realise Dora is head over heels with you, don't you? You cannot keep pretending everything is just jolly, you'll have to address this sooner or later. Preferably sooner, since she will have a difficult time being left behind in the servants'
quarters.'
'Are you certain? I know she likes me more than she should, but head over heels, really?'
'Maybe you should take your head out of those spun-sugar clouds where you have been keeping it the last weeks, and take a good look at her. Then tell me she isn't in love with you.'
'For how long did you say? More than a week?'
'Ever since Anne and Frederick announced their engagement. As if she suspected you of loving Miss de Bourgh and her engagement made it safe to pursue you.'
Damn.
'She knows I'm in love with Anne, but she thinks hopelessly. I may have inadvertently made it worse: at Rosings we both had a bit of a shock seeing Anne's room there, and I held her while she cried over those memories. I did remind her I don't date other staff, but no-one knows better than I that you can neither force love, nor stop it altogether once it's there. What do you propose I do? Give her the lecture again, though it's too late?'
'The truth would be best, but I suppose Frederick won't approve of telling her about us.'
'She doesn't talk, you know, and it would make it possible to include her a little more. You know one of the menservants at Rosings loves her, a really nice chap called Frank.'
'That is four days away, Nick. Five or six by post. And she told me she wants to stay with her mistress, she wants to see the world, I guess. I'll mention it to Frederick, if you take care to discourage her.'
'I'll be on my guard, she'll be watching me. I've had girls in love with me before, and Dora is like a sister to me. I don't want her to feel hurt, but I never did anything to give her hope, I even acknowledged my love for Anne when she confronted me with it. Thank you for telling me, I do feel sorry for her, I might have made it much, much worse not knowing.'
By now they had reached the common-room, where Mrs Eliot and Mrs
Reynolds presided over their staff, of course whilst doing something useful, like hemstitching and embroidering the family's best napkins or polishing the more valuable items of silver from around the house. So they were both ladies come on hard times, either after the passing of their husbands or because of an entail, or other circumstances beyond their influence. Well, if there was one thing Nick was good at it was making friends with ladies, of every description. These elderly dames would be no exception, except he'd keep them at a proper distance, of course. Too bad they weren't young and pretty, or he could have used them to show Dora he really did not date other staff.
Simon addressed them as charmingly as Nick would have done.
'Ladies, may we prevail upon you for half a dozen lamps to aid in the mistress' efforts to explore the attics?'
Mrs Reynolds got up and proved her lungs were on the mend by talking at the same time.
'Watch yourself, Maud, my dear, Simon here has an atrocious reputation for being a charmer and a flatterer. And I have already heard that Nick is not much better.'
'But they're both so handsome, Maria,' Mrs Eliot protested, 'I just cannot believe they are merely playing with our feelings.'
That worthy lady could have been a professional actress, and Simon and Nick both bowed before her talent.
'I am but your humble servant, Mrs Eliot, without the slightest intention of breaking your heart.'
Simon was nearly as good, Nick felt totally at home here, the atmosphere was so much friendlier than he had expected of the great Mr Darcy's household.
But then, Rosings had been even more homely behind the scenes, whereas Nick was certain the front of the house was very formal indeed.
'My friend Simon is right, we live but to serve, and maybe get the tiniest bit of love in return.'
'Oh, you young men! If I were but half my age... I was a ravishing beauty years ago, you know,' Mrs Eliot said, 'I had strings of beaus, and I married the best one, the one who truly loved me. He was a captain in the navy and left me a beautiful son and daughter. I just wish he could have seen them grow up, he would have been so proud. Still, we were very happy, and I hope both you boys will find someone special some day.'
'Thank you, Mrs Eliot,' Simon said, back to his normal voice and attitude. 'I
greatly admire your son, he does so much good for the people who depend on him. His sermons are always worth listening to. I hope you will keep visiting when Mrs Reynolds is back to her usual health.'
'Oh I certainly will, young man, Maria and I have found each other's company very enjoyable, we would not let go of our friendship for anything.
I assure you, you will see quite a lot of me yet. And you, Nick? While Simon is charming Maria out of her best lamps, you can tell me how you like it here.
Little Dora tells me you used to serve as chaperone for two young ladies, which strikes me as extraordinary and at the same time very interesting. What did you do when they were in doubt which dress to choose, and when they were crossed in love?'
As Simon walked away with Mrs Reynolds, Nick wondered how much Dora had told this motherly lady, had she confessed her crush? Dora knew Nick was in love with her mistress, she had never been a talker, but if she fell for the elderly lady's charms it could bring great mischief to all of them. Maybe he should tell Anne about her maid as well as have Simon tell Mr Manners.
'They had a maid to help choose dresses, ma'am, but if they wanted to hear an extra opinion I was pleased offer mine. I know quite a lot about dresses these days. And though they were very sensible girls, they did suffer from the effects of love once or twice. Of course they would not seek comfort with their maid, and their mother wasn't very suitable to confide in, so I'd listen to them and even hold them for a few moments. But never without witnesses, being twins they were very close, usually where there was one you could find the other, making it easier to prevent misunderstandings.'
The elderly housekeeper nodded and observed, 'Very proper, young man, you see, Dora also told me about your conquests, and I immediately wondered how far you would take them. So your young charges were safe, but what about the more impressionable members of the staff?'
It was so obvious that Dora had told her about Nick, at the very least his philandering and maybe even her hopes for him. How could she, they had not even been at Pemberley for a whole day! Nick was sadly disappointed, he'd had such high hopes for the little maid, thought she could have come to the continent with them, but if she was a talker after all...
'I admit I have been free with my favours in the past, Mrs Eliot, but my master's family has always been off limits, and I have never dated my colleagues, nor will I. I promise there is no danger of improprieties from me, no matter what you may have heard. In fact, I am trying very hard to mend
my ways.'
'Excellent, that is what Maria and I wanted to know after hearing of your inclusion in the master's party. We were warned, you see, and Maria and I waylaid little Dora to gain more knowledge than we'd received so far, after which I offered to talk to you myself. It's easier for me, you see, since I raised my own boy, I know how to relate to young men. Mrs Reynolds never had any children of her own, and had some shocking experiences with a young man formerly of this household. Not a servant, but not a young master either.
I am relieved of my worries about you, but in the course of our conversation with Dora I couldn't help but notice she seemed to think your change in behaviour might be for her benefit. She said you'd told her you didn't date colleagues, but she didn't seem to take that very seriously. I can see you are very serious, though. Let me warn you, Fowler, that girl is going to break her heart over you, and you'd better make certain there will be someone to pick up the pieces. According to gossip Simon is not to be trusted with maids or I'd urge him to be ready to help her, little Dora has seen much change these last months, and she has no friends among the Pemberley staff, yet. She knows him and trus
ts him, but we do not want her to attach herself to him instead.'
If this lady could spot Dora's crush within an hour of their arrival it had to be serious. He had warned the poor girl, but he had warned Anne, too, and she had fallen for him. He had known himself that falling in love with an heiress was to get hurt but he'd done it anyway. Love just didn't work that way. What a mess! And poor Dora, all alone in this huge house with people she didn't know, separated from the only people she did know.
But wait, Fanny and Bob were here, too. Nick tended to forget them, they were so inconspicuous. Yet they were kind, and married, and Fanny had a string of little sisters and brothers she'd miss horribly. And it was her first time of being out of town for more than a week, away from her family.
Maybe Fanny would need some support herself, and Dora had been through the same thing when she left Rosings with Anne.
'Thank you for your observations, Mrs Eliot. I think I know how to support Dora if she is indeed misleading herself over my affections. I did warn her, you know. I will talk to her as soon as my duties allow it, and I will seek out Fanny and ask her to keep an eye on Dora. Now I think it's back to work for me, there will be some heavy lifting to do.'
They would choose a perfect bed for him and Anne to share every night,
every single night, for at least as long as they stayed at Pemberley.
'You obviously love your work, Fowler. I am certain we will have an excellent time getting to know each other.'
And just then Simon and Mrs Reynolds returned, had they been waiting for Mrs Eliot to finish her investigation into Nick's character? Probably. Never mind, it was laudable for those two ladies to care about the people who worked for them. There was to be no bullying in this servants' hall.
'Can you believe how much beautiful furniture and fabrics you had in your attics?'
Elizabeth so loved to snuggle against her beloved at night, and then talk a little about the day's happenings.
'We, my love. They're your attics as much as mine, even though my ancestors were kind enough to stock them. But no, I still cannot believe what we found.
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