They all looked towards the centrepiece as it was displayed more or less in its eventual hanging spot, only resting on the floor instead of being suspended at
eye height. It was a huge undertaking, a portrait of Fitzwilliam and Georgiana's mother as she had looked in her prime, tall and slender but very poised. And this was not a copy of a painting, this was an original work of art based on the two paintings of Mrs Anne Darcy currently residing in London.
There were more in the gallery here, and several throughout the house, and from looking at the portrait it was obvious why Mrs Annesley needed help: the background, dress and figure of the subject were all outlined and even partly filled in with embroidery already. But the face only held two loving eyes and a nose, the area around the mouth and cheeks was still a rough sketch on the linen background.
'I made up the dress in the style of that period, and in colours she reputedly loved but also fitting in the scheme of the dining room. And the eyes were easy, they were exactly the same in both portraits, I could merely copy them.
But somehow, the mouth and how it related to the cheekbones was different in those portraits I had at my disposal, either one or the other painter did not paint his subject faithfully. So I have come to ask advice of you, Mr Darcy, you have known your mother in person, though not in this stage of her life, but I was hoping you could tell me which painter was right. And of course you have more portraits here to compare, a living model would be easier but any improvements on my current sketches would be very helpful.'
'The eyes are exactly as I remember my mother, Mrs Annesley. It is magnificent once again, the fabric is so life-like it's as if one can feel the silk of her dress and the velvet of the hangings behind her. Would it be a good idea if I showed you all the portraits we have of my mother, so you can make several sketches, which I then compare to my memories of her?'
'That is exactly what I was hoping you would do, Mr Darcy. I don't know whether Mrs Fielding has useful memories of her mother to do the same?'
'She was seven when our mother passed away, after a lingering illness. I suppose Georgie remembers a completely different woman than you are depicting. But of course I will ask her to look at your sketches, maybe she remembers more than I think.'
Suddenly, Elizabeth was struck with an idea.
'Your aunt, Fitzwilliam, she knew your mother when she was young. After what she told us today I'd bet she remembers her exactly.'
'You are so right, my love! She also said Georgie looked just like our mother, but I frankly don't see such a strong resemblance. Maybe that is because I remember my mother as she was later in life, and aunt Catherine remembers
her as she used to be when they were young women together.'
'Lady de Bourgh is here right now, isn't she?' Mrs Annesley asked eagerly. 'It would be such a help to show my sketches to someone who actually knew your mother as a young woman.'
Then the good lady's face showed she'd had a profound revelation.
'And if your sister looks just like her, Mr Darcy, your aunt may be able to point out which parts of her face resemble your mother most.'
Then she seemed to regain her strong sense of propriety.
'If she wouldn't mind troubling herself for me, of course. It is quite a favour to ask of a lady of her standing. I suppose I'll manage with the paintings here and your help and maybe Mrs Fielding's.'
'I don't think it will be too much to ask, Mrs Annesley. Aunt Catherine never loved anyone as much as she loved her sister, not even her husband or her own daughter. She will not only be eager to help you catch her semblance, I strongly suspect she will want one of her own. But if she does, please make sure you receive suitable compensation, or even better, let me negotiate the terms. My aunt can be unreasonable and I know exactly how to handle her.
This is just what I needed after the day we've had, I'm so excited to see how perfectly you have been able to catch my mother's likeness, and I'm certain the rest will be as good, I cannot wait to see it finished. Do you want to start with studying the paintings in the gallery and the house, or do you want me to fetch my aunt straight away whilst you gather your sketching materials? I'd want to show her your work first of all, to prove your qualifications, I want her to know you're not merely playing with expensive materials.'
'By all means, Mr Darcy, please show your aunt my work. You know you once promised me to expose my work to the people of your acquaintance, rich and important potential customers, and Lady de Bourgh certainly qualifies as such. And if your aunt loved her sister so much, she is certainly entitled to seeing her likeness before it is hung in this room for anyone to see.
I even dare ask you to bring Mrs Fielding, if she is willing, so your aunt can point out the likenesses and I can compare them to the paintings. Portraits are so dependent on the talent of the artist, and not all of those will have done your mother's features justice, some just aren't all that good at painting hands, or noses, or skin tones.'
'If you want exposure to rich and influential people, Mrs Annesley, I suppose we need to include one other in the party. It is not often that we have the chance of introducing you to one of the most influential patrons of the art in
our own country.'
'Mr Darcy, you mean...the Prince of Wales? But, that is way too much honour! He collects Dutch masters, even trying to compare them to my work would be a grave insult to his outstanding taste!'
'I've been to Carlton House, Mrs Annesley, and I've come to know our prince a little these last days, and I am very sure Fitzwilliam is right: Prince George will love to see your work, and we should use this opportunity to show it to him. He may even want to visit you at home in London to see more. Please fetch you sketching materials, and we'll gather a few people to help you solve your problem before twilight sets in.'
Of course Mrs Annesley did want Prince George to see her work, even an unfinished piece, so they parted for a a quarter of an hour to each run an errand.
'If you ask the prince, I'll find my aunt. I really do believe she'll want to see this, and help perfect it. Do you think my aunt and Prince George are all still in the drawing-room?'
'I only know one thing with any certainty, I left Georgiana with Lydia, I suppose she isn't done there by far but Fanny can help Lydia choose dresses, she's as good as Simon these days.'
'I'm glad you will still be an icon of fashion when Simon finally leaves us, my love.'
'Well, then we'd better hope Fanny soon finds herself with child, or she'll want to return to London to work for a mistress who goes out more often.'
'I don't think she'll force Bob to be an ordinary stable-hand in another household, my love. There is only one place where he can drive a team of thoroughbreds. I think Fanny will sacrifice her ambitions to her husband's, as happens so often. Now, frankly, I think Prince George will be at headquarters, he did not visit to hear sonatas played on a Clementi, he came for Eric's work. So maybe you can start looking for him there, if he is in the drawing-room after all I can ask him to come with us, together with my aunt.
And I'll step by Lydia's room as well to fetch Georgiana.'
'Maybe it's better if I do that. Choosing new dresses often involves standing for measures in one's chemise. Lydia wouldn't mind you seeing her undressed, but I suppose you will.'
Fitzwilliam laughed heartily, and kissed her with love.
'Thank you for saving me from certain humiliation, my love. I hadn't thought of it at all, and even Fanny would tell someone if she'd seen me barge in on
my sister-in-law who was undressed save for her chemise. I'd never live it down, not among the stable staff. And to be sure the entire village would know within a day, all seamstresses likes to gossip. Please fetch Georgie as well, and I'll hang onto my dignity a little longer.'
And so they separated, Elizabeth going towards the large staircase, up to the second floor, wondering whether she should have fetched Georgiana first, the prince might not feel like being torn away from his favourite music, not w
ith his departure imminent. For the sound of music soon proved Eric at the very least was at headquarters, and Elizabeth discovered upon entry that indeed both Mr Collins ánd Prince George were guests there, enjoying Eric playing some of his new work.
'Mrs Darcy! Your cousin and I are gorging ourselves on music, storing up memories to hopefully see us through summer!'
That was undoubtedly true for Mr Collins, living in a small village on a low income, but Prince George could have any music he wanted any time he asked. Well, except Eric's, but Elizabeth understood their brother and sister were sorely tempted to spend summer in London, to work on Eric's career and most likely because they expected to become bored with country life: they were not fond of sports or the outdoors in general.
The music had stopped, and Eric didn't even look disturbed with the prince interrupting his playing. Elizabeth thought he and Georgiana rather liked the spoiled heir to the throne, and Prince George generally treated them even more like valued friends than he did the others. Of course the prince was old enough to have a child Georgiana's age, though he obviously took Georgiana very seriously indeed despite her youth. He just didn't try to be gallant towards her, he had accepted her as a respected artist instead of a beautiful woman.
'I'm glad to hear that, Your Highness, it is after all what you came to visit for.
May I bother you for a little deviation from your plans for the day? It has to do with art, though of a different nature than the Dutch masters. Our London housekeeper makes the most beautiful pieces of needlework, her work is more like painting than the crafting you'd expect. I thought you might like a chance to see it before you both return to London.'
'You certainly may, I'm always eager to see beautiful things, Mrs Darcy, I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll continue soaking up Mr Fielding's music afterwards. If I was travelling by carriage I'd beg him to play through the night and sleep on the road, but I suppose since I'm to cling onto my horse all
day that isn't a sensible thing to do. Oh well, I haven't given up on convincing them to visit this summer.'
He got up from his chair and bowed to Eric, who smiled in acknowledgement and said, 'And most likely not in vain, Your Highness, we're both sorely tempted. When you return I'll play my oldest compositions again, to help you through the first weeks. And if you practise well you may be up to learning to play them yourself by the end of summer.'
'Do you really think so? Of course, when it comes to music you are perfectly serious. I will make time to practise, Mr Fielding, I really want this. Now, Mrs Darcy, please lead on to where art awaits us.'
Before they had closed the door behind them, the music had resumed.
'I have to pick up Georgiana as well, she's helping my sister choose dresses.'
'Did your father bring your sister after all, then? I thought he came by himself.'
'That is my middle sister, this is my youngest sister, Lydia. Her husband has been promoted to the Rifle Corps and is moving from Newcastle to Kent. She is using the opportunity to visit, she won't be able to travel such a distance any time soon.'
Now Prince George looked thoughtful and observed, 'Your brother-in-law the lieutenant, you told me about him. I'm glad you take such good care of your sister, I suppose a few new dresses will make facing a whole new set of officer's wives a lot easier for a woman even younger than yourself. Your relatives moving to the camp in Kent is good news for my father, but rough for your sister. Does she realise what her husband is volunteering to go up against?'
'I think she does, though of course not even Lieutenant Wickham will truly understand until he is actually out in the field. I don't think he has ever seen action.'
'Yes, I'm afraid you may be right about your brother-in-law not knowing what war is like, not yet. He is not in there with her whilst she is choosing dresses, is he? Is he a gentleman-like man? Otherwise he might feel very out of place in a house like this.'
Oh my, Prince George was at it again, what was she going to tell him?
'He is not staying with us, though he certainly has the manners to mingle with the gentry. I suppose he preferred to stay with some acquaintance in the village.'
'Your brother-in-law is a local? Did your sister meet him through your
husband? Maybe even in this very house? That is very romantic, though one must observe your sister might have chosen a man with more in the way of a fortune, if she cannot afford to travel north to be with her sister.'
Incredible! Was there anything this man couldn't deduce? Simon had warned them, and he was right, Prince George could make a stone talk.
'I'm sorry, Mrs Darcy, I'm making you very uncomfortable. I gather your sister did not meet her husband here and could never have, though he may be more intimately acquainted with the place than I guessed at first. The source of his excellent manners no doubt. I will not bother you about him, you go fetch Mrs Fielding and we'll go see some art.'
Saved, for now. Better make sure Eric kept him occupied all evening or he'd figure out a way to get to the heart of that story as well.
When Elizabeth knocked on the door of Lydia's room, Fanny opened it with a curtsey for her mistress and let her in. Lydia was indeed in her chemise, chatting happily with the seamstress, who was listening and measuring at the same time, now and then jotting down some numbers in her notebook.
'Lydia, I need Georgiana for half an hour. Will you manage with Fanny's help? Do listen to her, my dear, you know her ensembles have made the papers more than once.'
'Sure, I know Fanny is the best, though she says some fellow named Simon taught her all she knows. How can a man know about dresses, Lizzy?'
'He used to be Fitzwilliam's valet, Lydia, so he knows about fashion. And he grew up with a lot of sisters, so I suppose they taught him about dresses and hats. But you really don't have to wear dresses yourself to know what looks good on someone, it's like a painting or a piece of furniture, you look at it and see if the shapes and colours match with the room. It's a matter of good taste.
Some people don't see it at all, they need help to dress well. Simon knows exactly in what dress a certain woman looks best. I suppose he cannot know which are more comfortable to wear, though. Now can I take Georgiana?'
'By all means, if she wants to come. We're having a great time here, you know, and she is a married woman, you cannot force her to do anything.'
Of course Elizabeth had had eye-contact with Georgiana all this time, and her sister-in-law was bursting with curiosity and more than a little diverted by Lydia's way of talking. Inviting her along with a wink and a nudge of her head, Elizabeth hoped Georgiana would understand she didn't want Lydia to know what they were going to do and would tell her later. Keeping Lydia away from Prince George as long as possible was pure wisdom.
Georgiana was surprised to find the latter waiting for them in the hall, which was probably not something he did on a regular basis. But he looked patient enough, and addressed Georgiana as soon as he saw her.
'We're on an important mission, Mrs Fielding, we're going to see some exquisite needlework that according to Mrs Darcy deserves to be called art rather than embroidery.'
'You mean Mrs Annesley wants our help, too? How? I'd love to be of use to her, she has such a magnificent talent.'
Georgiana had always been astute, and she had gained even more self-assurance with Prince George's support. Might he already be called their patron? Not until he'd done something to significantly improve their careers, Elizabeth decided. She then tried to explain to Georgiana why she was needed.
'Mrs Annesley hopes you may remember your mother well enough to tell which of the portraits of her are the most alike. Fitzwilliam is asking Lady Catherine to join us as well, since of course she remembers her dear sister at the age of the portrait.'
'And my aunt said I looked a lot like our mother at that age, maybe Mrs Annesley can use me for a model.'
'There was that, too. Though your brother doesn't see the resemblance that clearly, so it must be subtle.'
'I suppose familiarity has a lot to do with that, Mrs Darcy: if you see someone every day you see them as themselves, no matter how much they resemble someone else. Mrs Fielding's aunt hasn't seen her in years, to her the resemblance would be much more profound.'
Was Prince George right? Fitzwilliam had never known his mother in her youth, that might also explain. But that wasn't Elizabeth's concern, Mrs Annesley would either see the resemblance or she wouldn't, and she was the artist.
'I'm looking forward to seeing an artist at work, though I suppose she will mostly be sketching today, not stitching. Please lead on, Mrs Darcy, Mrs Fielding and I will follow you wherever you go.'
And again they were stuck in the back of the house doing nothing, whilst their partners were forced to entertain people they didn't particularly care for, just for propriety's sake. Nick felt like breaking something, but he didn't want to complain to Simon, it would make him look spoiled. Nick had ridden a
lesson with Anne that morning whilst Simon had been left at the house to fend off Prince George's nosing into things that were none of his business.
His friend had had just a few hours in private with Frederick today, and with Prince George likely to drop in at any moment those hours had been anything but tranquil. No matter how loosely the latter took his own marital vows, he even cheated on his mistresses after all, he'd draw the line at two men making love. There was no doubt in Nick's mind that if Prince George found out about Frederick and Simon, something really dreadful was going to happen, even if that something was as yet unspecified.
Since they were sitting in the common room together and everybody else was still hard at work, Nick decided to ask Simon a question which also occupied his mind quite a bit. With Georgiana and Eric likely to go back to London after the coming visit of family and friends, everything would change. What if Frederick and Anne decided to also pack up and leave?
'Do you think that if Eric and Georgiana move back to London, we'll go, too?
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