She would be even more beautiful that way, if Mrs Annesley were to see that she'd want to immortalize the image in one of her beautiful pieces, and if Pierre were real he'd want to paint it. Then seduce Anne to the Greek temple, but only for lack of a maze at Pemberley.
Arm in arm with Frederick, flanked by the other men, Anne glided from the room, leaving Elizabeth and Georgiana behind with poor Dora, who was still a bit overcome. Elizabeth didn't want to leave the poor girl this way, seeing Nick dressed as one of the family had been quite a shock, and she should have the chance to talk about it. But Georgiana was way ahead of her sister, it was getting to be a habit. She went over to the slight girl, laid a hand on her shoulder and guided her to an easy chair. Dora looked up at her in awe, but did as directed.
'Better sit down a few moments, Dora, that cannot have been easy for you.
Do you want to talk about it? Whatever you say will stay in this room, Mrs Reynolds, Miss de Bourgh, or rather Mrs Manners, won't hear a thing. When all is said and done we're just girls, you, me and Elizabeth, Dora, and girls have to stick together.'
Of course the poor thing broke down and cried her eyes out, and Georgiana held her and let her cry herself out. They had half an hour before they really had to leave, Bob and the thoroughbreds would make up for the time lost.
'He did look like Mr Manners' brother, Nick did. I didn't want to fall in love with him, but he was always there for us, he protected us from that bully by taking the pain himself, he was so brave and patient when he got hurt, and so nice to me when he was so sad himself. He was in love with Miss Anne for months, you know, and quite unhappy about it. I wanted to make it good, but he warned me away. 'I don't do that with my colleagues,' he said, and Miss de Bourgh said that whilst Bob stuck to Fanny like a tick on a sheep, Nick and Simon traded girls like herders did sheep. I knew, but I just couldn't help myself! He is so good and so sweet, I still want him so much, even though he is not sad anymore. I think he just got over Miss de Bourgh really quickly once she got engaged. Or he is pretending he did, for how could he not love her, she is so beautiful and so very kind to him, to all of us.
Did you see how well he looked? How well-dressed, and still manly? Please don't be angry with me, I'm trying to get over him, I'm learning to read and write to get to know Frank. Nick said he is in love with me and I kind of always liked Frank, he is smart and kind and he did look at me in a certain way. Taller and more handsome than Nick, and I suppose not a philanderer.
But he lives in Kent, and he is more like a grown-up boy, not a man.'
See, she was almost over Nick, and all by herself. Well, Elizabeth supposed Nick had assisted fate a little by spotting the boy's admiration and mentioning it.
'He sounds like a worthy man, Dora,' Georgiana observed calmly. 'Nick is very admirable but I'm afraid Miss de Bourgh was right, he does have a reputation. Maybe your Frank is more the tick kind, only a lot better looking.
Ticks, ugh.'
'Aren't they gross?' Dora replied, back to that special closeness girls in their second decade apparently all shared. 'I suppose that is taking Miss de Bourgh's simile a bit too far. Fancy Miss Anne being Mrs Manners when she returns. But it's high time, she's twenty five already. And Mr Manners is such
an admirable man, I told her he was bossy but she said he wasn't to her. And he isn't, he must truly love her. Poor Nick, though he didn't have a chance to begin with. Is he very unhappy, do you think? He is so smart, he can read and write and he doesn't use bad words anymore and talks like the mistress does and like you do.'
Georgiana was still very patient and replied calmly, 'I don't think Nick is unhappy, no, I'd say he has found his place here. And I am certain you will be much happier soon. Did you already write to your friend Frank?'
'Nick did most of the writing the first time, but he says next time I can do it myself. He says Frank will certainly return a letter. Frank can write very well, he is very smart.'
Suddenly she sat up, expression no longer sad but shy once again.
'Thank you so much for listening to me, ma'am, I suppose I needed that. But you need to go to the wedding, too, I hope I haven't ruined your dress crying.'
'Never mind, Dora, it's just a tiny wedding among friends, and it's always cold in church so I'll wear a shawl anyway. But I don't think my dress got wet at all, you cry very neatly. Now don't hesitate to let me know if there is something I can do to make things easier for you.'
Dora nodded, and Elizabeth could see the moment had passed, Dora was back to being the maid, and Georgiana her mistress.
'Thank you, ma'am. I hope all goes well in church but I suppose it will.'
And when they left to meet their gentlemen in the hall, Dora was still clearing up her materials, in a much better mood as far as Elizabeth could see.
Chapter 9
When Elizabeth and Georgie came rushing down the stairs as fast as their dresses allowed, Darcy could barely wonder why they were so late. He was first and mostly taken by his beloved's presence. Though most people would consider Anne more beautiful, and his cousin certainly had the intelligence and humour to make her even more attractive, there was something about Elizabeth that was totally unique. And it wasn't just his love for her making her seem so special, others felt it, too.
But why were they so late? Anne and her three men had passed by at least fifteen minutes ago, and though Bob could easily make up for the time, both
Fielding and himself had other things to do than wait for their beautiful ladies.
'Sorry Fitzwilliam, sorry Eric, we were kept for a few moments,' Georgie said, then softer, 'Dora was a little out of sorts, we had a little talk. She's much better now, and Bob likes to drive fast, doesn't he?'
Dear Georgie, talking to a servant with, most likely, man trouble. Dora's infatuation with Nick was common knowledge by now, these days such gossip filtered through the servants' quarters to make its way to the master of the house, in this case via a certain stable hand, whereas he used to hear it from Simon or Fanny. Come to think of it, that was only the last year or so, before that he hadn't known and wouldn't even have wanted to hear what he'd considered highly inappropriate and uninteresting besides. Since Janine and Theo he knew better, his household staff were as much his responsibility as his tenants, and he needed to know what was going on under his own roof.
Household gossip was the perfect means to keep informed.
'Bob certainly does like to drive fast. We'll be there in time, don't worry. You both look very beautiful. I'm afraid Fielding and I can no longer compete with the other gentlemen, though, especially Manners' younger brother looked ravishing. And they smelled so nice, whereas a little bird told me several times that I tend to smell vaguely of horse. Do you suppose I need a new valet?'
Georgie knew he was joking and so did Elizabeth, but his beloved took his arm and walked towards the carriage with him.
'That would only feed your vanity, my love, you're handsome enough for two and you know it. You have to let the other men have their moments, too, they are the grooms today, you know, all of them, it wouldn't do to outshine them.
But Dora did get a little shock seeing the younger Manners brother. He will need every advantage he can get, can you imagine what it must be like to see the woman you love marry another man?'
Fielding obviously could, he'd been in a similar situation, but he would not have stood by to watch, he would have yielded and fled to the continent. That wasn't a matter of courage but of principle and propriety, though Fielding wasn't a fighter he was brave enough. Fowler was more obviously a brave man, with his fighting skills and his brawn, he would watch his beloved marry another but only because he could forgive himself for sleeping with another man's wife. He had been doing it for years and years, after all. But never before with the husband's consent.
'I have had my moments of jealousy, as you well know. But always without reason. All right, I admit Fowler will probably suffer somewhat, but you have to admit he gains much more.
Anne is not only his superior in fortune, birth and education, but also in looks.'
'But not in devotion, Fitzwilliam,' Georgie observed shrewdly. 'Can you imagine what it must be like to be loved unconditionally by a man who has been chased by women for at least ten years?'
'I know what it is like to be that man, although I never let myself be caught.
But you are right, after what Anne has been through she'd be looking for true affection, not for status. Besides, she'll have that, too. And rightfully so, she deserves it. I admit they have a very good chance of being happy this way, and I admit Fowler has reason to feel in need of some dressing up to pull through the coming hours.'
And with Bob keeping the horses at a steady trot, they reached the church in less than five minutes, Manners' carriage already there, of course, and no others, not even uncle Spencer's. This was going to be the most private wedding Darcy had ever attended, and there was not going to be a party afterwards.
During their drive to church they were all rather quiet. Frederick had tossed the whisky back on purpose, he expected the strong liquor taken so quickly to result in a pleasant haze, he rarely drank more than two glasses of brandy on a single evening and the whisky was a good deal stronger. And he expected to need the mood lifter since neither of them was looking forward to what was coming. But frankly, he didn't feel that much better with the booze.
'I'm glad we're keeping this small, Anne, it's much harder than I thought it would be.'
Anne merely nodded, as did the others.
For another five minutes they were silent, holding hands with their partner and waiting for the axe to fall. But when they crossed the bridge and turned towards Mr Eliot's church, Nick suddenly smiled, sat up straight and started to speak.
'All right, this is not going to work out at all. We did much better with an audience, when you announced your engagement. Frederick, you said we were going to be the best actors in the best play ever performed for a very select audience. And you, Anne, said we were going to throw a smashing party afterwards for the four of us. So I suggest all four of us buckle up and
present ourselves as if we have an audience of reporters and admirers watching our every move. It's maybe an hour, and then it will all be over.
Anne, you are the most beautiful woman in the world and I love you. Now go get married.'
Simon smiled, and he meant it.
'Frederick, you are the love of my life. Now go get married.'
Somehow, that changed the mood entirely, and Frederick bowed outrageously while handing Anne out of the carriage. Simon and Nick followed easily enough, and they all started towards the church, where Mr Eliot was waiting.
'Miss de Bourgh, you look stunning. And Mr Manners, I didn't know you had a brother, the papers never mentioned it. Do you still plan to keep the ceremony as short as possible?'
What comment could he offer about the clergyman's mistaken impression?
Nothing would be best.
'We do, Mr Eliot. Thank you for your kindness. We're expecting Mr and Mrs Darcy and Mr and Mrs Fielding to arrive any moment, and then you may proceed.'
They had to wait ten minutes for the others to arrive, but there was plenty to see in the church, it was a beautiful old building made of local stone, small but well-kept, and the Darcy pew was magnificent. It did look a bit out of place in the simple church, but he could understand why Darcy hadn't modernized it as he had modernized everything else: it would not have been appropriate, this was how his grandfather had designed the church, and that was how it should be. Simon and Nick took their places in the front, where the staff usually sat during service, and though Mr Eliot seemed about to direct them to the pew he decided not to.
Then the rest came in and to Frederick's immense surprise, Georgiana and Eric seated themselves right next to Simon, and Darcy and Elizabeth walked around the simple church bench to Nick's other side. It was much more appropriate to have their friends this close, and Mr Eliot seemed to recognise that instantly.
There would be no walk down the aisle and no giving away the bride, Frederick handed the rings to Mr Eliot, who then spoke his piece about being a good husband or wife. Well, Frederick would be the best husband he could be, and Anne certainly would present the perfect little wife to the outside world. He managed not to stumble on his words as he spoke his vows and
only looked at Simon once right after, as he turned towards the clergyman to take the ring to put it on Anne's finger. Simon nodded his encouragement and winked.
Then Anne spoke her vows in her sweet clear voice, and slowly, Frederick started to feel good. They had pulled it off, the bachelor of bachelors had put his neck in the yoke of marriage, and London's beau monde would rejoice.
As her elegant little hand put the simple golden band on his finger, he felt elated, and he could see she felt the same. When they kissed, they both felt love, and Anne clung to him and whispered in his ear, 'That wasn't so bad, was it?'
And it hadn't been, she was sweet, and if he could have loved a woman she would have been the one. Mr Eliot congratulated them, after which the others came towards them, Nick and Simon last, of course, but not least. They were very polite, calling Anne Mrs Manners, but their eyes spoke volumes.
Traditions satisfied, they took leave of Mr Eliot and returned to their carriage, eager to be home. Though sitting in a carriage together wasn't too bad either, as soon as the carriage set in motion, Anne was in Nick's arms, and Frederick in Simon's. After an intense five minutes, they were back on the road to Pemberley and they sat up and checked their wedding clothes.
'Simon, Nick,' Anne said, 'we all got married today, not just the two of us.
Which is why I hope you will accept these tokens of our unity.'
And, as Frederick had arranged, she took a little box from a storage compartment under the carriage seat, picked out a simple golden band, like their wedding rings, and handed the box to Frederick. He took the remaining slightly smaller ring, and together they put each on their real partner's hand, though on the middle finger. To do differently would give the impression of their being married, which too many people knew they weren't. But to Anne and Frederick they were, and the rings would always be the proof.
Of course this was an excellent reason for him and Simon to kiss, and they did with great fervour, Simon fighting tears but no less passionate for all that.
Nick had kissed Anne as intimately, and to their utter surprise, he kissed Frederick and Simon as well. Not entirely as intimately, but nonetheless full on the lips. No longer could Simon keep his eyes from becoming slightly damp, and Anne saw and took him in a familiar embrace. Since Frederick had kissed them all by this time, he merely included himself and Nick in that embrace, and managed to hold all three of them against him at the same time.
Then they had arrived, and they were back to newly-wed couple and personal
servants.
On their return to Pemberley, Bob kept Darcy's carriage right behind their own, and they all went into the house together. Whilst they were taking off their coats in the hall Georgiana asked, 'Will you drink coffee with us? I have something for you that I didn't dare give you in church.'
A knowing look passed from her to Elizabeth, and Frederick had an idea what they were going to give to the married couple. Well, one of the newly-weds most likely, since the other could have little use for Pierre's exploits.
Anne looked at each of her companions in turn, and the others nodded as readily as Frederick did.
'We're coming with you, Georgiana. And thank you all for supporting us in church, it meant a lot to me to see you sitting beside Nick and Simon.'
'Oh, before I forget!' Elizabeth exclaimed suddenly, and she moved towards Simon, took his right hand and kissed him on the cheeks heartily.
'Congratulations to you, too, Simon.'
Then she lifted his hand, and admired his new ring.
'This is the same ring that Anne and Frederick have, isn't it? It's beautiful. I wish you all the b
est, Simon, we'll miss you very much but I'm glad you found the love you deserve.'
Dear Simon, no-one could make him shy like that except Darcy's lady. And so kind of Elizabeth to think of him. It would have made the wrong impression to congratulate him in the church.
'Thank you so much, Mrs Darcy. I will miss you, too, but we're still here for the summer.'
She did not like his formal address but she knew it couldn't be helped. She had married into an important family and was supposed to be treated with respect by everyone below her.
As the others followed her example and congratulated Simon, Elizabeth turned to Nick, and kissed him as well!
'Congratulations, Nick. Do you have the same ring? Oh yes, it's beautiful.
Marked by Frederick and Anne, well, I suppose you're all in it together now.
Let's have coffee and then you can celebrate without reservations.'
Nick bowed in acknowledgement and said respectfully, 'Thank you, Mrs Darcy. And thank you so much for sitting with us in church, it made everything a lot easier on Simon and myself.'
'I've been in situations where I felt a bit left out, Nick, this must have been so much harder. We were glad to be of help. Come, please sit down with the
others, this time we will pour the coffee and slice the pie.'
And indeed, there were no servants about, they had just left the trays with coffee things and pie on the large table. Frederick decided not to assist this time, he was the groom and needed to behave like one on his wedding day.
Imagine, he was actually married! To a woman! The most intelligent and beautiful woman he'd ever met, but still, a woman. Well, he'd always known he would, some day, and it had been decided by not just him, but three others.
It had to be the right decision.
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