That was an interesting surmise and they pursued it over tea, which was decidedly richer than usual with fruits, cold meats and pastries, but also pie and whipped cream, and even a number of sticky sweets Frederick had never before seen served at Darcy's table.
Chapter 13
When the remains of a fine tea had been cleared away by two maids, the weather had also cleared a little, and Elizabeth told their party she dared risk a ramble in the woods. Though Anne knew Elizabeth would happily go all by herself, Anne wanted to talk to her and to Nick, and going out was the perfect way to manage both. Darcy was not going to leave his wife's side while the Prince of Wales was in the house, but Anne wanted to talk to Nick and Elizabeth alone, so Frederick would have to come, too, to distract Anne's forceful cousin. One look was enough to assure her new husband's presence, and one look at Eric was enough to assure Prince George's absence. Well, a look and a little gesture, or maybe a few gestures, of the two of them playing for him. Eric nodded, and offered, 'Your Highness, I suppose you have had enough of a drenching for today, and no-one has proven that walking in the rain isn't detrimental to one's health anyway, so would you mind staying in and listening to my new work?'
Of course the man accepted eagerly, Anne didn't doubt he had really come for Eric's music, it did tend to get stuck in one's mind. And rummage in one's memories, picking out those most likely to affect one's feelings, but that didn't usually happen the first time one listened to it. It hadn't for Anne, anyway.
So they left Prince George to Georgiana and Eric, and while the others waited for their coats, Anne fetched Nick from his small room, where he was reading a thin book, more like a journal.
'It's mighty interesting, this rich man, still a boy actually, travels exactly where we want to go, except maybe thirty years ago. You know Fielding is right, it gets pretty exciting in places, and not like Pierre's travels but with bandits and worse. Of course thirty years is a long time, but still I'm glad Frederick is teaching us to shoot.'
She took him in her arms, glad he hadn't seen what had happened in the drawing-room, but he needed to know for those maids might have heard what she said and tell the rest of the staff, which meant that sooner or later Nick would hear of it. He needed to know it was all an act, to keep Prince George entertained and turn his attention away from Elizabeth but also from Frederick. Prince George was not like other men, he was reputed to be devilishly clever, and Anne had no doubt he knew that men could be in love with men. He'd add two and two in seconds, Frederick had to be more careful talking to him. But first, Nick.
'We're going for a walk, will you come with us? I need to talk to you and Elizabeth, about the Prince.'
'Sure, if you think no-one minds my coming along.'
'You need to be there, and you're my guard, how can you guard me if you're not with me?'
'I am convinced. Let me get my boots and coat, it's still miserable out there.'
The others were already dressed to go out, and Frederick offered Anne her coat, then handed Nick an umbrella.
'Will you keep my lady dry, Nick?'
'I certainly will, master.'
After a whole month of juggling familiarity and formality, and a thorough heart-to-heart talk with Frederick right after the wedding, Nick was as accomplished as Simon at being humble in public and equal in private. Darcy no longer frowned at him when he sounded servile, he knew it was Nick trying his best to protect Darcy's cousin. Teaching Frederick, Simon and Eric
dirty fighting and letting Darcy join, at his own request, had done wonders for her cousin's respect towards Nick. Some might call Darcy arrogant, but when he was learning something his teacher was his master for the duration of the lesson, and that attitude had enabled him to outstrip Eric within a mere week of joining their exercises. Of course Eric was not fighter material, he had only learned to escape an attacker then find help. Simon did a little better but wasn't a born fighter either, even discounting his almost slight figure.
Darcy, however, was not merely the tallest of the group, he also had the right attitude, he had almost caught up with Frederick though he'd never be as strong, and Frederick had given even Nick a challenge with his solid build and his past as college wrestler. These days, Darcy already made an excellent sparring partner, and he would undoubtedly gain more proficiency, promising to become a true challenge in the future.
And Nick had forced Anne and requested Georgiana to learn the same as Eric, how to escape from an attacker's hold then get away, after which Georgiana thought she knew enough. But Anne wanted more, and Nick did not hesitate to give her more, so now she also knew ways to disarm an attacker and how to follow up, even using Nick's slapjack. They often wrestled before going to sleep, their efforts usually ending in frantic lovemaking, but never again without Nick's protections. Despite Anne's bantering about children that afternoon she was awaiting her moon time anxiously, for the very first time in her life. It should be there any day, and it was announcing itself with some bothersome physical discomforts, but Anne feared those might be the same that indicated a pregnancy.
But anyway, since Nick had floored Darcy a few times to show him anger was a bad basis for an attack, then taught him how to get rid of the anger and stay calm under any circumstance, Darcy had accepted him as one of their own. In fact, Darcy might have used Nick's tricks to stay calm in the face of Prince George's charming greeting of Elizabeth.
They left the house in twos and threes, Darcy and Frederick in the lead, and Anne and Elizabeth following with Nick as their attendant, holding Anne's umbrella over her and him, while Elizabeth protected herself against rain with her very own umbrella.
'I actually prefer just getting wet, but I'm afraid it'll hurt my dignity,'
Elizabeth observed.
'No-one is going to see you out here, ma'am,' Nick offered respectfully.
'I know,' she replied, 'but every time I come back into the house after doing
something less than respectable, Mrs Reynolds comes passing by and catches me at it. I'm convinced she doesn't do that on purpose, but when she sees me wet through I'm sure she'll look at me in a certain way that makes me feel very young and very countrified.'
As the rain pattered on their umbrellas and the gardens made way for the woods of the circuit, the path beside the river that was open for visitors, Nick just smiled at Elizabeth's funny remark, and Anne prepared to warn Nick that the Prince of Wales seemed to admire Anne a lot and some of the staff might have heard her not exactly discouraging his flattery. But Elizabeth was ahead of her, and maybe for the best.
'You know we have a surprise visitor, don't you, Nick?'
'I do, Mrs Darcy, Frederick told me when we were moving that little black piano to the drawing-room. I went back to my room afterwards, to read up on the Lower Countries, but I certainly hope I'll get to meet him. Imagine, Mrs Darcy receiving a visit from the Prince of Wales.'
Anne was shocked to hear Nick actually teasing Elizabeth with Prince George's supposed preference for her but Elizabeth was deadly serious, though not offended by Nick's presumption.
'He is actually Eric's visitor, Nick, come all by himself, aching to hear Eric's music again. But obviously you know the Prince of Wales' reputation beyond his being a lover of culture in all its aspects. He is an admirer of beautiful, intelligent women, and all of those, not just my own charming person. You happen to love one of them. Prince George really admires Anne, and you know he doesn't respect the vows of matrimony all that much.'
Now Elizabeth looked at Anne to explain her position to Nick, who had gotten the message and was listening in all seriousness.
'I do not want him, Nick, but neither do I want to insult him. So I have been kinder than I might have wished to be, also to draw his attention away from Elizabeth, since Darcy was right there with us and he does have a temper.
You and Frederick are more controlled. Some of the maids were present, they may talk. Please don't misunderstand, I love only you, I don't want to have anything to d
o with him. But I will have to be kind to him for a few more days, and I suppose we will see a little less of each other with a visitor present who shouldn't know about us. But we'll be together all night, won't we?'
Anne missed him already, they'd had such great times in their explorer's haunt.
'You do not have to jump for anyone, Anne, not even the Heir Presumptive,'
Elizabeth now interjected. 'If you want the afternoons or evenings to prepare for your trip just take them and retreat to the second floor. Eric and Georgiana will entertain our guest with music, he did not use that as an excuse, the music really did haunt him. We're out of sight of the house, you can take a few minutes together right here, and I'll join our husbands.'
But that wouldn't do for Anne, she really needed to warn Frederick that his cleverness was no match for the Prince's, or at least that he had too much to lose to match wits with the devious heir to the throne.
'I have to warn Frederick, he was not careful enough towards the Prince. The man is much older and more schooled in intrigue than he is used to, he cannot drop any kind of hint of our true relationship. It's just too dangerous. Most men don't want to acknowledge the possibility of love between two men, but from what you have told me, Elizabeth, I wouldn't be surprised if the Prince is so worldly-wise that he knows it exists. Any hint may lead to discovery and shame. I'm sorry, Nick, but our time together will have to wait.'
She did take the time to kiss him, she wanted to, she had missed him. But Nick wasn't upset at all.
'Whatever happens, Anne, I will not desecrate our love with petty jealousy.
I've seen scores of women, even though you're the only one for me now. I'm not going to consort with the green-eyed monster over another man admiring you, that would make me a terrible hypocrite and it would drive you away from me very quickly. You be as close to Prince George as you like, I suppose he is a nice man despite his little weaknesses, and I am certain he would be an excellent man to have on your side. I mean, he will be the king one day. Just enjoy yourself, and be you, and return to me at night. I will survive, just as I survived the wedding. Let the maids talk, I love you and I want you to be happy. Now go warn Frederick for I think you are right, he does tend to think himself very clever and he may have met his match in Prince George.'
Anne rushed away to catch up with the two gentlemen, carrying her own umbrella, leaving Nick to take shelter under Elizabeth's. Of course she preferred to get wet anyway. They would certainly find something to talk about for ten minutes, Elizabeth really liked Nick and Nick adored Elizabeth as much as any man.
When the two gentlemen saw her trying to catch up they halted for a few moments, then went on together, Anne between the two of them.
'You warned Nick what happened just now? I suppose even my staff will talk about the Prince of Wales staring at you in admiration. I feel for Nick, though I'm not out of the woods myself by a long shot.'
'You are out of the woods?' Anne tried to be patient with her cousin but he did need to consider his wife's situation as well. 'What about Elizabeth, Darcy? She is the one in the middle, with Prince George flattering her and you trying not to show your anger.'
Darcy looked suitably chastened and explained, 'I know, I am very aware of my own failing and what it does to my beloved. I'm sorry I expressed myself selfishly, I assure you I will see things from Elizabeth's perspective the coming days.'
'Good. Though I suppose she is strong enough, as am I. I feel more for Nick than for myself. I'm not afraid of Prince George, Darcy, he is a decent man if a philanderer. But he will not use his power to force a woman in his bed. I am planning to enjoy this visit, and I suggest you let Elizabeth do the same. It is not often that we get the chance to meet someone of such superior understanding. Nick understands, I hope you will, too. I am mostly concerned for someone else entirely.'
Now Frederick looked astounded.
'Who? What, me? Why? I'm not jealous of His Highness!'
'Not for my love, no. But we are married, and for the Prince to make eyes at your wife of close to four weeks may insult your dignity.'
Anne could see Frederick wanting to protest, but she silenced him with an imperative gesture and went on, 'You must be very careful not to try to prove to him that you don't love me that way, that his attentions to me don't hurt you. For he is smarter than anyone you know, and you do not want him to get curious about why we got married if we are not in love, and whom we love instead. Please do not imagine the Prince of Wales not knowing that two men can be in love, he is the most worldly-wise gentleman you've ever met, he may be more worldly-wise than you, or even Simon. Remember the goings-on Elizabeth described? Do you think the Prince doesn't know exactly what is happening in his circle?'
Frederick hung his head, then kissed Anne chastely.
'I bow before your wisdom, Anne. You caught me out, I did exactly what you said. And I agree it is dangerous. Do you want me to pretend to be hurt or jealous?'
He still didn't take this seriously enough, but if Anne got her way eventually
he would.
'No Frederick, I want you to be careful! You do not have to act what you are not, just admitting you do not want him to steal your wife despite not loving her is enough. Don't act more than you feel, he will notice, just don't try to actively prove you don't care, it can only cost you. Just be silent. Say nothing.
It will give him no information, and it will make you seem unfathomable and mysterious, which I'm sure you can live with.'
'It's a lot better than being glaringly jealous like myself,' Darcy observed bitterly.
'It was not that obvious, Darcy, you controlled yourself admirably,' Anne dared state, 'and do not fault yourself for being part of a perfect match. You should be jealous of that, it is worth protecting. And I'm certain the Prince respects you for it. Besides, you're the handsomest gentleman present, who would dare compete with you? You're rich, respected, and you have the best team of horses anyone knows of. Why feel threatened?'
Both gentlemen now stared at Anne in awe, Frederick, of course, the first to recover. He smiled from ear to ear, his good humour restored.
'Anne, you make me so proud to be your husband! You are so right about our Prince, and I will do as you advise, just be myself and say nothing. Well, I suspect I'll say plenty, but nothing of substance. I will be the perfect company and keep my own counsel. Thank you so much, I think you are right, trying to prove I have no emotional ties to you serves no function but hubris, and as we all know that deserves to be punished. May I embrace you?'
'You most certainly may. As long as you understand there will be others.'
All three laughed, and when Frederick had released Anne after a well-meant, warm embrace, Darcy took her in his arms.
'She warned you, after all,' he said to Frederick, and to Anne, 'thank you, Anne, for your explanation. Mr Kimble, the well-known actor, tried before but I think I'm a bit dense. You make it so much clearer. I understand now: I take Prince George on a ride behind my thoroughbreds and he understands he hasn't got a chance. Easy as that.'
Only the tiniest bit flustered by her handsome cousin's warmth, Anne still understood instantly that no status, no riches, not even towering intellect could compete with so much love. He seemed so cold, but his reticence hid a burning love that Elizabeth basked in every single day of their life together.
No mere prince could come between those two. And she herself felt such appreciation, such belonging, her life was filled with all kinds of love she had
never even thought existed.
By now, Elizabeth and Nick had caught up with them, and Darcy released Anne straight into Nick's arms, where she kissed her beloved as she hadn't done ten minutes earlier.
When everyone left the room except Eric and the Prince of Wales, Georgiana was not worried. Whatever Frederick said about the Heir Presumptive, whatever his reputation, Georgiana saw nothing but a well-educated middle-aged gentleman who truly loved music. Who loved music like few others did.
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Whereas most people merely enjoyed good music, even Fitzwilliam and maybe even Elizabeth, to a rare handful it was more than that. To Prince George, music was life. Georgiana wondered why he hadn't learned to play himself, it was the easiest way to enjoy life without having to depend on others. Of course to an heir to the throne dependence was an unknown factor, he could have music any time without having to beg others for it. Imposing on them, sure, but he most likely didn't even realise that. Most people were eager to please him.
But despite his obvious selfishness Prince George was one of a select group, a group that recognised its own, the people to whom music was life. Mr Clementi was one, of course, and Mr Goodfellow and his friends. Both Eric and Georgiana had moved heaven and earth to better their lives by bettering their skills. Mr Zumpe sadly wasn't one of the group, though he didn't realise it. They had met others, but no-one had gone through more trouble to obtain more of the life Eric offered than this man, for a man he was right here with them, though his birth made him their legal ruler, or at least would make him such in about a decade, maybe less.
For now, the Prince knew he was at Eric's mercy and he didn't blame him for that. Instead, he was positively excited about what was to come.
'Can I take this chair, Mr Fielding? I'd like to sit as close as possible, but some performers mind having their audience that close, say it hurts the music.'
Eric sat down at the Zumpe and replied airily, 'I'd agree in some cases. Some music cannot withstand close proximity, and some performers certainly can't.
Though I suppose you don't have to listen to those. But the Zumpe is perfect for an intimate setting, and you are welcome to sit as close as you like. I suppose you would prefer to first satisfy that part of your mind that has been nagging you all this time? I know, I've had it myself, sometimes I could play
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