Pemberley

by Kirsten Bij't Vuur

  'Yes it is. Frederick is out hunting, he will be back in a few hours. He is looking forward to meeting you, he told me he had written to you?'

  'So he did, so he did, I forgot. I can't say I like that new fad to call one's husband by his first name, Anne, but I suppose times change. So you're not

  coming back. Are you happy?'

  'Very much so. Frederick is the heart and soul of the beau monde, and the kindest man you can imagine. We're very happy.'

  Apparently Prince George thought that was enough discomfort for Anne, and he brought himself back to mother's attention. He was playing with her, giving her hints of who he was, he wanted to be found out eventually, it was all a scheme to save Anne the scrutiny and comments by taking them on himself. He was a kind man, despite his reputation.

  'Mrs Manners will be the envy of London this winter, Lady de Bourgh, her husband is so loved by everyone there, invited to every occasion that is of any importance. I know Lady Harrington dotes on him, and he is reputed to be on an intimate footing with King George himself. Imagine Mr and Mrs Manners on a royal audience. Do you know a lot of people at court yourself?'

  Of course mother didn't, people in Kent might know of her but no-one outside did. When papa had died she had buried herself at Rosings, giving up their house in town and refusing to appear in public. She had been the beauty of her generation but that was ages ago, she was totally forgotten now, or maybe that hadn't even been in court circles, Anne didn't really know whether her mother had been presented at St James'. Mother was impressed with Lord Chester now, he was such a clever fox to pick out her weak points and work on them.

  'I think my late husband, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, was familiar with everyone of any importance in his time, but he preferred his wife and daughter to lead a retired life.'

  Anne dared doubt that, she rather thought mother had preferred to be in the country even then, especially once she was no longer the beauty she used to be. And if mother thought Anne was going to keep from enjoying society because she didn't approve of it, she'd better think again.

  'Anne never used to like society much, I hope Mr Manners will let her retreat from public life once she is with child or her health may suffer.'

  Prince George actually shrugged at Anne, he'd tried, it was time for firmer measures.

  'Do you like the arts, Lady de Bourgh?'

  'Oh, yes, very much so, I have a great natural taste, though I've never learned to draw or paint myself. I've assembled quite a collection of precious works, all carefully selected on subject, colour and composition. Besides the usual family portraits, of course, though I pride myself on having chosen the best

  talents when Sir Lewis and I added our own to the Rosings gallery.'

  Anne could not recall any paintings at Rosings by a true master, but she knew the prince was a connoisseur of almost every form of art, and Anne and her mother certainly weren't. She did remember the painting of those family portraits really well, she'd had to stand for one with her parents when she was eight, and one of herself alone, which had been a tremendous bore at her tender age and with her spirits. But she'd liked the results, especially the one of her father and herself, with her beautiful mother standing behind the two of them.

  Mother had also had a portrait made of Anne when she reached eighteen, but by then standing had become too much of a burden for her to enjoy the process. To have herself perpetuated lying down was beneath her, some of the portraits in the Rosings gallery were hundreds of years old, Anne was not going to be the only one languishing if her likeness was to be added to the collection. And painters always improved on their subjects, she wouldn't even have looked worn out and fagged but blush-cheeked and fresh. And therefore imagined as indolent to not be standing. Instead she'd suffered through the whole process in half-hour sessions, weeks on end, to ultimately find her portrait indeed flattered to a very pretty young woman in full bloom. More or less as she looked now, frankly.

  'Oh yes, family portraits, don't I know of them,' Prince George sighed. He'd probably stood for at least one every year from a very early age. 'The endless waiting, and the arrogance of the painters, though Gainsborough and Reynolds are quite doable some of the less talented ones were insufferable. I try to limit the number of portraits I stand for these days. Gainsborough is as handy at painting landscapes, and they're much more comfortable to look at than my own visage. Though of course the Old Masters are the very best. Too bad, Mr Fielding, of the conflict with the Batavian Republic, with your connections you'd have gotten to see more than a few of them otherwise.'

  Talking of paintings, Prince George totally dominating the conversation but really in a very interesting way, they passed the time easily until it was more or less time for the others to return. Anne did not have to say anything, nor was there any chance of her mother finding an opportunity to talk to Anne.

  The prince really delivered on his promise to protect Anne from mother's attentions, and she could not but be thankful to him.

  Then, finally, the door opened and Darcy came in, followed by Elizabeth and Frederick. They had all changed from their riding gear but obviously rather

  quickly, Frederick wore a white cravat hastily tied on, Simon had not been involved in his dressing. He did move to Anne's side instantly, before greeting his mother-in-law, and while Darcy greeted his aunt without guilt or humility but very kindly, Frederick spoke to Anne softly and so very gently that she felt a twinge of sincere love for him, beyond friendship.

  'I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you, dear Anne. And with Nick away as well, how deserted you must have felt. I'll be with you from now on. Have you seen Simon? He wasn't there when I dressed and I really don't like ringing for him.'

  It was so endearing of him to think of Simon's dignity, but Simon didn't care in the least to play master and servant as long as he got his lover's respect in private. It was a sensibility that did make Frederick even more attractive as a person.

  'Prince George took good care of me, diverted mother's attention by rubbing his status as Lord Chester in her face. I'll tell you all about it later. Mind you don't call him by his true title. And Simon is helping out in the back, Georgiana said mother brought Mr Collins, Simon is keeping an eye on him, mainly that he doesn't wet himself in fear of Darcy and Elizabeth.

  I'd like a warm, comforting embrace now, I would have preferred not to see mother for a year or so, it's not easy.'

  And in defiance of all etiquette and his mother-in-law, Frederick enclosed her in his broad, strong arms, as he had done so often when Anne had been suffering needlessly under her separation from Nick, after that fateful night of dancing and making love. His embrace still felt much like Nick's, his scent now more like Nick's since Frederick had changed quickly and hadn't applied fresh perfume after an undoubtedly strenuous hunt, making him less a gentleman and more a normal man, as he had joked that time when Anne had been delirious with too strong an opium pill. And Nick also wore perfume these days, though sparingly.

  But for now, the embrace helped, Anne felt very safe and comfortable with Frederick, no less so than with Nick. She knew she could have come to love Frederick, if he had been attracted to women and she hadn't met Nick. But it was even better to have both, and Simon as an additional partner, they were a formidable group, each with their different qualities.

  Chapter 22

  Elizabeth wondered why Anne was so demonstratively seeking Frederick's embrace, it was not like her to want to agitate her mother by doing something that was at the very least considered improper in public. Somehow it seemed as if Anne really was a bit out of sorts, and of course that wasn't at all remarkable: Anne hadn't wanted to see her mother at all, not yet. First she needed to find it in her to forgive the arrogant woman who had more or less delivered her own daughter to an incompetent surgeon, favouring her nephew above her very own child, and causing the latter great harm. Frederick was comforting her at the risk of insulting his new mother-in-law, and whilst he wasn't particularly set on propriety
he did want most people to like him.

  Though Lady Catherine might be the only exception.

  At least Anne was relishing his embrace, she had to yearn to have Nick close, but he could not come into the drawing-room without an invitation whilst they had visitors. When Elizabeth had seen him just before they left the stable area he had been in conversation with one of Lady Catherine's servants, apparently the one he hoped would succeed him in Dora's affections. If he had known how seeing her mother again had hurt his beloved Anne he'd have been in agony, better have Anne tell him herself tonight, she had plenty of support here for now.

  Fitzwilliam looked as perfectly handsome as ever, greeting his aunt a lot more kindly than she deserved. Of course they had not taken the time to make love before they dressed, though they certainly did spend some time on each other. They had decided to greet aunt Catherine first and only thereafter look for Mr Collins, let him sweat it out a little.

  ‘If he is at all polite I suppose I shall have to tolerate his presence, my aunt is still imposing on him and he will never be able to resist her,’ her beloved had said, and Elizabeth made sure to show her approval as clearly as she could, not for her cousin’s sake, but for Fitzwilliam's. She was convinced that resentment was as bad for the person clinging to it as for the one suffering under it.

  Aunt Catherine had been in the house for more than an hour by now but Elizabeth couldn't see any sign of her being terribly put out by Fitzwilliam's prolonged absence. She actually seemed a bit less haughty than at other times, and she wasn't even here as the supplicant.

  Then Prince George caught her eye with a small, unobtrusive gesture and winked. Had he managed this? Of course he was the heir to the throne, but Elizabeth didn't think Lady Catherine looked as if she was in the presence of

  the Crown Prince. Somehow, she could not believe that Lady Catherine could be with a prince and not show him deference, in that she expected Fitzwilliam's aunt to be just like Mr Collins: treading on the lower ranks but obeisant to those above them. Unfortunately for Mr Collins, substantially more people were above him, even his formerly penniless cousin Elizabeth was these days. And Jane, and Kitty.

  'I'm Lord Chester for now, Mrs Darcy,' a humorous voice said behind Elizabeth. Prince George had moved to stand behind her and spoke quietly. 'I hope your husband won't inadvertently give it away.'

  'I don't think so, Lord Chester,' Elizabeth replied as softly. 'I suppose it's rather obvious she doesn't know your real rank, though she is a lot less overwhelming than usual.'

  'I'm afraid that may be my fault, I promised Mrs Manners to keep her mother out of her hair in the absence of both her husband and her faithful shadow.

  I'm afraid I overdid it a little, I tend to talk too much, I've heard that often enough and yet I cannot seem to help myself. And now Mrs Manners is seeking solace with her husband, he looks positively tender. I'm so jealous.'

  'Lord Chester, I'm both diverted and scandalised. I've always had a secret hope someone would put Lady Catherine firmly in her place and you seem to have done that quite magnificently. But Frederick is truly a very good man and he makes Anne very happy. You may be jealous, but do not underestimate his qualities.'

  That obviously didn't happen to a prince very often, he was very surprised at Elizabeth's admonishment. Of course he recovered really quickly and said charmingly, 'I stand corrected, Mrs Darcy. Your informality towards Mr and Mrs Manners proves you are very good friends, and even if I didn't trust your observations, I know now that Mrs Manners has every possible chance to stay as happy as she currently is.'

  During their ride back to Pemberley, Frederick had told her that Simon was getting rather desperate with the prince's constant attempts to gain information from him, and his constant hints that he knew what was going on in Frederick and Anne's marriage. Elizabeth now understood poor Simon's complaints, why couldn't the man leave well enough alone, they didn't try to find out whether his wife was as repulsive as he'd described her to Fitzwilliam and Frederick, did they, or how many genteel ladies he had seduced? They just treated him nicely, and respected his privacy. Elizabeth really wanted to ask him why he couldn't just enjoy their company, but that

  was going way too far, she should never forget this was their future king.

  'I see you are not done chastising me, Mrs Darcy, you know I adore you, you can speak up freely. Maybe I'll learn something useful.'

  Against better judgement, Elizabeth did.

  'Why do you insist on prying in Mrs Manners' private life, Lord Chester? She merely wants a little fun, to make up for her ten years of living death. She is not harming anyone, nor is Mr Manners.'

  That was a bit blunt, but he had asked. And her question had effect, he seemed rather surprised, though obviously unpleasantly so.

  'Is that what you all think I'm doing? Prying? I hadn't thought of it that way, but I can see how it must seem I am. I'm sorry, I suppose I'm rather selfish. I did notice Simon's discomfort but it was such an interesting mystery to work out, a real challenge, I couldn't help myself. I apologised, then just continued prying, ignoring his wishes, he couldn't refuse me his services anyway. Nor his answers. And yet I don't believe for one moment that Mr Manners prefers women of a certain profession over a smart, beautiful lady. That is enough to fool a narrow-minded driver, but not me. I think I know whom Mr Manners loves, and now you tell me I may not try to prove it to myself? I just have to go back to London not knowing? What harm can it do? I'll never tell anyone.'

  Elizabeth really had to restrain herself not to sound angry, he was so selfish, he would chance ruining two of her friends' lives just to satisfy his curiosity.

  'What gives you the right to know everything? Knowledge is power, Lord Chester, some people might think that you want to use that power to try to control their lives. We've treated you as one of our own, but just as you prefer to keep your private affairs to yourself, so do we.'

  'I stand rebuked again, Mrs Darcy. You have indeed been very kind to me, much less formal than I feared and very inclusive, especially your husband, who really didn't approve of me at all. I promise you I will stop prying, especially towards Simon, who cannot refuse me. Though I am excessively disappointed to have to let go of my mystery. I suppose your husband wants you, see?'

  And indeed, Fitzwilliam was done talking to his aunt, and now it was time for Elizabeth to be polite, if they wanted to know about Wickham's parentage for once and for all. She didn't think Prince George would use any knowledge he gained to his own advantage, but he had to be told he was being selfish, he was really taking liberties with other people's feelings and all for his own amusement.

  After receiving his aunt kindly and having talked to her about the state of their affairs and of Pemberley, Darcy decided it was time for her to acknowledge Elizabeth, though the latter was deeply in conversation with Prince George. He didn't dare interrupt the prince, but fortunately it seemed as if aunt Catherine was rather impressed with the unfamiliar gentleman anyway, therefore she would not be likely to complain. Darcy decided to be very formal in his introduction, he was married and his aunt would accept his choice of a wife, bringer of a favour or not.

  'Aunt Catherine, you have met Mrs Darcy before, but not at Pemberley. I dare say she is a most gracious mistress of my ancestral home, and I am still very grateful to her for returning my passionate affections.'

  She didn't like to hear her nephew say such a sentimental thing, he had done the upstart a favour, not the other way around. Little did she know what her own role had been, maybe he should tell her. After they'd seen the letters.

  Elizabeth curtseyed beautifully, but not too deeply: she was mistress of Pemberley after all. She did let aunt Catherine speak first.

  'I suppose you've done very well for yourself here, Mrs Darcy, though you might have a word with your housekeeper: she gave me the wrong room. My dear sister Anne always gave me the corner apartment and I've had that ever since when I'm staying over. You should see the room I've been relegated to,
it's half the size and the fireplace smokes something dreadful.'

  Trust aunt Catherine to start her true connection to Darcy's wife with petulance. That room was perfectly fine, only slightly smaller than the corner room and frankly, with a bed more suitable to someone of his aunt's age.

  Elizabeth's beautiful face showed only geniality as she replied calmly.

  'It's my pleasure to receive you at Pemberley at last, Lady Catherine. I'm sorry to hear that your room is not to your satisfaction,' and here she drew the elderly lady a bit to the side and spoke a bit lower, 'but you see, Lord Chester already occupied the corner room before you gave word of your arrival, and he is not the kind of person one can afford to insult. I'll have the chimney in your room looked at, and I'm sure the gardener can cut some early flowers to brighten the place up a little.'

  Oh, dear, dear, Elizabeth! To be so kind and reasonable and at the same time say such fearsome things. She even sounded a little anxious. But she was right, as genial a man as Prince George seemed, Darcy suspected he might be very sensitive of his own status and undoubtedly a bad enemy, though never to Elizabeth.

  Since Elizabeth and aunt Catherine did not have much to discuss and everyone knew that, the rest of the party was ready for further introductions.

  Manners had released Anne from his comforting embrace and she was now standing right behind her husband. Prince George had seated himself in a chair next to Anne's usual spot, marked by her work basket. Elizabeth had apparently decided she might as well do her duty as lady of the house and introduce aunt Catherine to her son-in-law, well, Anne certainly wasn't going to and someone had to do it.

  'It is my honour to introduce you to Mr Frederick Manners, our newest relative.'

  A feeling of intense love suffused Darcy, he truly did admire his beloved for her impertinence. To nonchalantly claim a relationship to his aunt was so clever and so subtly insulting. It was true, though, they were relatives and his aunt had better accept that.