'I am very certain Mr Manners appreciates every single one of Mrs Manners'
qualities, Your Highness. She is very beautiful indeed, and he certainly knows it and appreciates it. But he loves her for her keen mind and kindness of heart.'
A very political answer, but of course it was nothing less than the truth. By now the prince's hair was clean and it was time to soap the rest of his ample
body, not forgetting all the intimate places that might have suffered from a long wet ride. Like most gentlemen, Prince George had little body modesty towards a personal servant, he offered every single one of them for a thorough soaping and rinsing and he obviously relished the massage Simon didn't hesitate to apply to the nicely warmed thigh and calf muscles of his highborn charge. Simon had as little reluctance to touch a man as those gentlemen had to be touched, needed to be touched to be taken care of properly, even Mr Darcy, even when the latter already must have known about his valet's preference for him. The intimacy just didn't have such a meaning.
The prince sighed.
'Then he must deserve her, for I still have a hard time looking past that beauty. I know she is smart to the point of brilliance, I know she is actively drawing my attention towards her to tempt me away from Mrs Darcy, with her husband's permission and without the slightest actual interest in my person. Such a heart-breaking prospect, the most beautiful angel in the world choosing a marriage of convenience instead of being worshipped as she ought to be.'
Simon, of course, could not tell the Prince of Wales he was overreacting, nor that Anne was worshipped beyond what any girl might expect. And neither dared he hint to the prince that what he had to offer was even less. For why would a woman with a fortune of her own and the prospect of becoming the lady of Rosings choose to be a mistress to an older man when she could be the wife of a respectable gentleman? But it wouldn't do to even hint at being so rude as to point that out to the second-most-powerful man in the kingdom.
'Gossip does as little credit to Mr Manners as it does to you, Your Highness. I do indeed think he deserves her.'
'And who knows better than an intelligent servant? Most men hide from the world, but not from their closest attendants. Which is why I chose not to bring Enrique, I didn't want him around when I hoped to become part of the family. Maybe I somehow did expect my feelings to be stirred by Mr Fielding's music and I didn't want him to see that. Whichever, Enrique loathes travelling and he cannot ride. I suppose you don't either, since Manners told me you're a city boy?'
He was so frank towards a servant he didn't know at all, Simon didn't wonder he feared a reporter being hidden among his staff. Taking a Spanish valet to prevent his closest servant from being a spy in his household made excellent
sense, especially since Prince George was reputed to have a love of wine, which made a person talkative, and apparently his valet was the one he chose to take into his confidence. Well, Simon had always been close-mouthed and being with Frederick wouldn't change that. If he heard anything truly private he'd keep it to himself, as he always had before.
'I am indeed a city boy and up until about a month ago I had never even sat on a horse. But Mr Manners has allowed both myself and Mrs Manners'
bodyguard to learn to ride. I suspect he doesn't want to be stuck to using a carriage or doing without his attendant when he feels like going somewhere.'
They had decided not to tell the prince about Vienna if they could help it, if he found out anyway he would not hold it against Simon that a valet didn't talk about his master's plans for the future.
'You're learning to ride? Good for you, and very smart of Manners! I may follow his example and have Enrique learn to ride, though he'll hate it. Too bad you won't be able to join us when we ride out tomorrow, I've heard Mr Darcy has a beautiful estate, and after spending ten summers here you might want to see a bit more of it before you move on to your new master's home.'
Well, if Prince George didn't mind, Simon would indeed like to join their outing. Maybe he could get him to request Simon's presence.
'Fortunately, riding demands a lot of practice, and also outside the riding paddock. I may yet see the park from the back of a horse. My master usually lets Mrs Manners' guard join his charge, he may allow me to come as well.'
'He has Mrs Manners under guard? Isn't that a bit excessive?'
It was, without their usual excuse of the trip to the continent.
'Her mother once tried to kidnap her back to her estate. Mrs Manners feels safer with an attendant.'
'Is Mrs Manners' mother truly that bad? She did tell me about being stuck at home for a decade, but wasn't that due to her mother's ignorance rather than malice?'
'Though I have a reputation for discretion to keep up, Your Highness, I will tell you this much: anyone not as convinced of her own superiority would have questioned her daughter's treatment much earlier. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is Mr Darcy's aunt, I've often visited her estate with him, and she is indeed a tyrant. Her staff had suspicions of what caused Miss de Bourgh's illness but they didn't dare tell their mistress. And when Miss de Bourgh escaped further harm by going to London her mother really did try to have her abducted by a low-life. Miss de Bourgh's ordeal was indeed due to
ignorance, but it was wilful ignorance.'
That came out a little too firmly for an obedient servant. Anne's ten miserable years at Rosings were still a very sensitive subject for all of them, but that didn't mean he should give away the fact that Anne was more like a friend to him than his mistress. Still, it did get the prince's attention away from her body guard. For a few moments.
After the hot bath and the massage Prince George was surprisingly nimble getting out of the tub, and Simon supposed he'd expect his attendant to dry him completely, which neither Mr Darcy nor Frederick ever did. Still, Simon knew how to do that gently but thoroughly and made sure to leave no damp spots anywhere, then wrapped his charge in the dressing gown he'd hung before the hearth to warm just a little.
'Thank you very much, Simon, I feel like a different man. My heart moved by Mr Fielding, my mind cleansed and piqued by Mrs Manners and Mrs Darcy, and my body revitalised by your kind care. I suspect I shall sleep like a newborn baby, and I'm looking forward to talking with you a little more tomorrow. I'm glad I braved the weather to come here, and I'm very glad I came by myself, it's so good to meet people who are not afraid to be true to their own selves. Good night, Simon, sleep well!'
He did not seem to have registered Simon's lack of deference towards his betters just now, good. They all had to be much more careful towards this man, he was very perceptive and so ingratiating one wanted to tell him everything. Pleasant company, but mostly very dangerous.
As they gathered near the stables, Darcy was of two minds whether to look forward to their ride or to dread it. He had left Elizabeth to Prince George easily enough yesterday, he did trust her and as long as he didn't have to see them together he found he didn't worry at all. In fact, the only thing he still worried about was himself, what if he had one of those episodes again?
Elizabeth had promised him that if he did, she'd indulge herself in cuddling him instead of trying to hush things up and sort them out in private as she had done that time with Mr Hurst, and she'd do it, too. He'd make an utter fool of himself, and upset his beloved. That had to be avoided at all cost. But he'd generally felt out of sorts for some time already when they had happened before, there probably was a chance to make himself scarce in time to save his dignity even if he had another one. And wouldn't it be satisfying to show his beautiful grounds to the Prince of Wales?
Georgiana and Fielding had decided not to come along, they wanted to practise but they also feared the ride would be too fast for their comfort, which Darcy thought was not at all unlikely. Prince George wanted to see Elizabeth riding a hunter, and he would probably expect her to take a few jumps as well as gallop. She looked so lovely in her riding skirts, and she had given Darcy such a magnificent reminder that morning of the love and the
desire she felt for him. And she'd told him about Prince George's observation yesterday, how he had noticed the love between them, but also the absence of true passion between Manners and Anne. Well, theirs wouldn't be the first marriage built on much more sensible foundations, and as they had all observed before, passionate love wasn't always a guarantee for a happy union. Sometimes, excellent sense and similar habits were good enough.
Simon and Fowler would be joining them as well, Fowler as Anne's guard and Simon on the prince's express invitation. This time, Prince George had been politeness itself and had asked Darcy before even discussing the matter with Manners. Good, he liked to be taken seriously, even though the prince's visit was meant to be informal. Darcy foresaw little danger from Simon and Fowler's behaviour towards their respective lovers, both men had total control of their feelings, but though Anne was similarly sensible, Manners had sometimes unwisely shown his preference for Simon. He could not afford such sensibility today, but generally Manners was a much better actor with an audience. And of course they'd all keep an eye on him.
It was a merry set of people mounting their horses and setting off towards Anne's favourite little village, the one they had passed on their way over from London. It was quite a ride but the weather was surprisingly fine and everyone was eager to go out. Darcy was almost flattered to find his beloved by his side from the start, he had taken the lead and was childishly happy to have her join him, in her lovely short coat and her flowing riding skirts with woollen underpants hidden beneath the sturdy fabric, her favourite winter boots still very useful since it was dry but not exactly warm. This was her newest pair, she usually wore the first pair he'd given her to any activity where they might get soiled, and riding after weeks of rain she was certain to get her boots dirty, but with Prince George in their party of course she had chosen to risk the good ones. Even Elizabeth had her vanities, slight though they were.
The prince's horse was even more beautiful in bright daylight than he had been in the driving rain, a road horse, not a hunter, but a beautiful creature
nonetheless. He reminded Darcy of Cavort, except that he was a rare golden colour with white mane and tail, but his build was as solid and he carried himself with such dignity that Darcy really thought he had to be a stallion, not a gelding. Knowing that the prince didn't have a hunter available both Darcy and Manners had decided to use their own road horses, it wouldn't do to be better mounted than the heir to the throne after all. Somehow, bragging with carriage horses was acceptable, and Darcy really planned to invite Prince George for a nice fast ride behind his thoroughbreds, but outshining a prince with a hunter was unfair and unwise.
And thus the only one in their company riding a better horse than Prince George was Elizabeth, who had just the one horse, and one suitable only to a small, elegant lady. They made a stunning combination, and Darcy felt only pride to see her ride Barley astride, without even a twinge of doubt as to the propriety of her doing so.
Prince George obviously agreed with him on that, though fortunately his attention was mostly glued to Anne's spectacular presence, sitting her grey mare astride, wearing blue riding skirts and a grey coat with a brindled grey fur collar. He rode beside her without even trying to hide his admiration, and Darcy's gaze was involuntarily drawn towards Fowler. He was at the very back of their little group, with Simon, the most appropriate place for a servant, even a guard. His expression was elated, this was not his first outing in the park but he so loved to ride, every time they went out it seemed like his first time. He did not show any interest in Anne besides a professional one, he did keep an eye on her all the time but that was his assignment. He looked very competent and very content, his black Liquor almost as excited as himself, and yet always aware of his undisputed master. Fowler's casual competence in every physical activity was almost enough to make Darcy a little envious, but no more than that: Fowler had turned out a rather likeable fellow, but he would never have the chance to be more than a dependant and at the mercy of Anne and Frederick. He had such control of his feelings, he might be fuming with anger and despair right now and not give a hint of it on the outside.
Simon also showed elation at being allowed to join the group, apparently he had made quite an impression on Prince George with his attentions to their guest's personal comfort. Of course the Prince of Wales would never even think of allowing a servant to join a riding party of his own, but he had asked nicely whether Darcy objected to Simon's presence. And besides, though the
prince did not know it, Simon and Fowler often rode along with them, if they were ever going to develop a good seat they would have to practise, and not just in the riding paddock.
After ten minutes at a walk along the bank of the river, Darcy split off the well-travelled path and took another one of those narrow tracks straight up the hill. His sense of direction and his knowledge of his own grounds made him reasonably certain it would lead them to another one of those magnificent views, again with a nice smooth slope down into the next valley.
It would be a superb chance to offer their horses a first opportunity for a nice gallop, they were all fresh and eager to stretch their legs.
Of course they all took the time to admire the view from the top, Prince George as ready to praise the beauty of the countryside as all the others, and then, with a warning from Darcy, they were off. Barley quickly took the lead, he loved going fast and so did Elizabeth. Darcy could have kept up with her easily, at least for the first half mile until his black started to tire, but he felt responsible for the rest and dropped back a little to watch how they were doing. Anne and Prince George were coming on nicely, their horses looking fabulous at a run, followed by Simon and Manners in a very orderly way. But Fowler's horse had taken the opportunity to break loose and it seemed Fowler was not going to force the black streak of lightning to a slower pace. He was merely enjoying himself hugely, letting the fractious gelding have his head until he had caught up with Elizabeth and Barley. Instead of allowing Liquor to turn their encounter into a race, he then checked the horse's speed subtly but inexorably, until Elizabeth looked straight at him and called out something Darcy couldn't understand.
The effect, however, was immediate, within the blink of an eye both horses stretched again, their riders flattened against their necks, and a race ensued.
At first it seemed Fowler would win, but then Barley shot ahead so fast that for a moment Darcy thought he was out of control, with the hedge bordering the road and the stream across the road approaching fast. Giving his own black his head he rushed to Elizabeth's side, to help her if her horse should refuse to slow past the opening in the hedge, threatening to end up in the stream.
For a few anxious moments it truly looked like something was terribly wrong, Barley slowed only marginally and was heading straight for the hedge. The fence was open right before them but Barley passed it in a flash, still going towards the hedge and sailing over it with at least a foot clearance.
Guiding his own black towards the opening where the fence would soon keep some farmer's cows in, he was relieved to see Elizabeth sitting up in the saddle, slowing Barley to a walk within at most three horse lengths. Fowler had also jumped the hedge and slowed his horse well before it reached the stream. The others, including himself, were approaching the road only now, their horses eager to rejoin their faster stable mates.
Heart still beating wildly, Darcy was rather upset to see Elizabeth riding on quite calmly, Fowler by her side, talking and laughing as if neither of them had been frightened at all. Their horses were breathing a bit fast, but so was his own, and they strode happily enough, snorting contentedly, stretching their necks and touching noses shortly before continuing at a fast walk eagerly. Just as Darcy realised indeed nothing untoward had happened, Elizabeth had planned to take that hedge from the moment she challenged Nick to a race, a large golden horse appeared by his side and matched strides with the black.
'You are the most fortunate man in the world, Mr Darcy, I hope you realise t
hat.'
The prince's voice was quite normal in volume, but very intense.
'I have never seen anything like it, such courage, such fire. I thought those horses were on the run, starting with the black, but I'm certain both your wife and Manners' younger brother knew exactly what they were doing.'
Darcy would be a fool if he admitted he'd been scared out of his wits, he had promised to trust Elizabeth and he would, at least towards any man who admired her. His body had already calmed down and his voice sounded as sedate as he wanted it to.
'I guess the black was out of control for a split second, Fowler would never presume to overtake his betters like that. He is a natural, but Liquor does test his mettle every time we go out. It would have been kinder towards him if we had started out with a canter. But, you are right, he regained the upper hand rather quickly, and I suppose Elizabeth didn't mind proving Barley's superior speed at all. I agree with you that she never lost control, and that jump...'
'I seem to remember Manners' valet telling me they have been riding for a mere month. You mean to tell me that fellow on the black horse, Liquor, really?, has only been riding for four weeks? Look at him, he is thrilled! He should be quivering in his saddle, praising his Lord to have kept his seat!'
'Fowler has taken to riding like no-one I've seen before.'
In fact, Darcy himself had taken slightly longer to find his seat, and he had
been tossed on the back of a horse as soon as he could walk.
'You betray yourself, Mr Darcy. This servant is talking to your missus as if he is indeed Manners' younger brother, or rather his cousin, in possession of his own estate, and you do not seem to mind at all. But you do mind him being a talented rider, just a little bit.'
'You have caught me out, Your Highness. I do envy anyone who sits a horse like that after a mere four weeks. It took me years to learn to ride like that.'
'I took me more, and I would never risk my neck that way, not anymore at least. If I were Mrs Manners I'd feel very safe with a guard like this one. I am convinced a good horseman cannot be a bad person, a horse knows instantly.
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