Pemberley

by Kirsten Bij't Vuur

  And he bowed respectfully, then sought out his colleagues. Elizabeth turned to the two men waiting for her.

  'Frederick, Fitzwilliam, I really need to change before meeting Lady Catherine. I will see you in the drawing-room later.'

  'I'll join you straight away, my love,' was Fitzwilliam's reply. 'I suppose half an hour's delay won't matter anymore.'

  'Hughes told me your sister received her aunt very handsomely. We have time to change.'

  'I'll be along later,' Frederick offered, 'I want to talk to Nick about Anne's safety and comfort with her mother in the house.'

  He couldn't possibly suspect Anne of being in any danger at Pemberley, could he?

  'Come, my love, let's get us some decent clothes. And maybe do something indecent before that, if we dare make my aunt wait.'

  If he still felt like being intimate after hearing that her cousin was in the house.

  Anne had watched the hunting party leave, she probably worried for her beloved, riding one of those tall hunters for the first time. It was just incredible how Fitzwilliam accepted a lowborn servant as one of their own,

  or maybe he just bore with it admirably. But somehow Georgiana didn't think so, she thought her brother really had come to like the burly guard. He at the very least appreciated Nick's proficiency at everything remotely physical, not just unarmed fighting, riding and shooting but also billiards and most curiously, penmanship. Of all the explorers, Nick had turned out the neatest writer and something of a scholar. Frederick had suggested keeping a journal of their exploits, and Nick wrote most of the entries, including hand-drawn copies of the maps they studied. They had meticulously recorded everything Prince George had told them about the situation on the continent, good for several pages of rather unwelcome information, since it spoiled most of their plans and made quite a number of their contacts totally useless. Mr Clementi had contacts all over the Lower Countries and of course in Italy, but apparently those would be in a war zone and too dangerous to use. Georgiana did wonder why those contacts hadn't mentioned the danger in their letters of welcome, which was one of their reasons to want to return to London, to talk to Mr Clementi and ask him how acute the danger was in his opinion. Prince George had his reasons to want to keep them in London, maybe his information shouldn't be taken all that seriously.

  'Your Highness,' Eric said right next to her, and Georgiana could hear he was half in jest, half serious, 'you have told us you lacked the talent to become a pianist yourself. As a teacher, and I think a rather proficient one, will you do me the honour of letting me judge that for myself? With all those beautiful instruments at Carlton House you could have no problem spending half an hour each day amusing yourself with improving your skills.'

  He was really starting to get familiar with his future ruler! But a look at Prince George merely showed him amused by Eric's apparent confidence.

  'And I suppose you want to do that straight away, Mr Fielding? Where Mrs Manners can hear my bungling?'

  'Mrs Manners couldn't play a single note when she first came to live with us, and I'm sure she won't mind letting you hear what she can play now, only a few months later.'

  And indeed, Anne left the window and seated herself at the piano. She started with Eric's variegated scales, always good for a few gasps of admiration and not at all difficult to learn.

  'I do feel obliged to warn you that Eric is a reputed taskmaster, Your Highness, and when he teaches he is the master and expects to be obeyed, rank doesn't mean a thing.'

  Eric laughed at this description of himself, knowing it was true. But it did get results, and Georgiana agreed with him that learning to play himself would heighten the prince's already acute enjoyment of music. Handing Anne a sheet of music, Eric did not defend himself from the accusation but rather admitted to it.

  'Anne is right, I do tend to take my music seriously, even when teaching. I've almost had words with Elizabeth over that, at a time when I still felt very impressed by her, not in the least because I was totally dependent on her husband for everything. She was a very negligent student, preferring to hear us play over practising.'

  'I've heard Mrs Darcy play in my main music room, and she seemed in no way negligent, Mr Fielding.'

  'I suppose that is why I dare call myself a good teacher. I prevailed. Without discord, merely kind insistence.'

  'Mr Fielding, you are a treasure, and I will do as you propose. I want to learn those scales of yours at the very least.'

  Anne now played the music Eric had given her, and it did sound very creditable, not yet Elizabeth's level, but Elizabeth had already known how to play before Eric started helping her to improve. Georgiana realised she was also curious what Prince George's level of proficiency was, and whether he really lacked talent or merely disliked applying himself. No teacher could have forced him to put in the hours of practice, except, of course, Eric. He didn't care a jot about his students' status, his own was so low that everyone outranked him, and yet all respected him because of his talent and his drive.

  Especially Prince George.

  When Anne was finished, she made room at the keyboard with a flourish.

  Prince George applauded her and said charmingly, 'You've convinced me altogether, Mrs Manners. I'll take the chance of hearing I really am hopeless.'

  No-one was hopeless where Eric was concerned. He had even managed to get Miss Mary Bennet back on the path to improvement, and she was as stubborn a student as one could get them, convinced of her own right without a single reason to be so.

  Prince George did seat himself at the piano, and Eric joined him on the broad stool, as he always did with his students.

  'I suppose you want me to play something?'

  'If you please, Your Highness.'

  The prince thought for a short time, then played a simple tune with an

  accompaniment, not at all bad actually since he did it by heart. Eric didn't have to ask him whether he read music sheets for they had shown him some before and he'd read them quickly enough, commenting on the violin part of Eric's concerto without having heard it played. He could not only read music, apparently he heard it as he read it, like Georgiana and Eric did. Which meant Eric would probably give him a sheet of music and ask him to play that, then correct his posture and his fingering, and do it again. It would take half an hour or an hour, and then he'd have to practise regularly.

  An hour later, Anne was working on her little dress, and Prince George was still at the piano, pretty tired but rather pleased with himself.

  'That's all I can do for you today, Your Highness,' Eric concluded the lesson.

  'If I were your London master I'd expect you to practise at least an hour every day, then visit for your next lesson in five days or at most a week. You'd progress rapidly, really, I see no lack of talent in you. On the contrary, the way you picked up those variegated scales was encouraging.'

  'I must say I agree with Mrs Manners, you are indeed a bit of a taskmaster, for I have not been put to work like this since I...well, never, actually. No-one ever dared push me, except my father, and he never managed to find a subject that interested me. But I really want to learn to play, if only in private. I will practise, Mr Fielding, and I truly hope I will be in the happy circumstance to receive another lesson from you. Do you suppose Mr Clementi will be a reasonable substitute?'

  'He is one of the best, Your Highness. But Georgiana and I may be in town this summer after all, we're not exactly born to ride or hunt, and we miss our friends and yes, our audiences. We may decide to move back to town by May.'

  That caught Anne's attention as well as the prince's, and she was the one to speak up.

  'You are? Well, I suppose I do understand, you had everything in perfect order in London.'

  'We did need this time together, Anne, we're not sorry we came to Pemberley, not at all. But I'm not learning much and I could be, with Mr Clementi. And my fans may forget me even before we cross the North Sea.'

  'Well you know you will be welcome
to play for one fan at least once a week.

  And I'll ply you with chocolate and the best coffee as well as pay you handsomely. And if it pleases you to teach me I promise I'll practise every day.'

  And he'd do it, he looked so hungry, Eric had convinced him he could indeed learn to play better than average, if he applied himself, like they all had to.

  'Well, first we have several family visits ahead of us, and remember, we've not discussed this with Darcy or Elizabeth, yet, please keep it quiet until we have.'

  Both Anne and the prince agreed, and then Eric obliged the latter by playing his romantic work again, starting with the oldest and working steadily towards the newer parts. Until someone knocked on the door and Simon entered. Simon? He never came to the drawing-room here at Pemberley, that was the butler's domain.

  'Ladies, gentlemen, we have a bit of a situation, and Mrs Reynolds was glad to have me solve one end whilst she does the other. There is an equipage approaching from the south, and according to Mrs Reynolds' information it is Lady Catherine de Bourgh's. Since Mr Darcy is out hunting with Mrs Darcy and unlikely to return any time soon, she begged me to tell you that she will take care of any practical preparations but that she hoped Mrs Fielding would be willing to receive her aunt, if that is at all possible.'

  'So soon already?'

  Georgiana was a bit put out to have to actually notice her aunt, who had rarely spent even the tiniest amount of attention on her, who had actually resented Georgiana's taking so much time from her mother, she was convinced, even more so after that old letter uncle Spencer had sent them.

  'I suspect you have less than half an hour, ma'am,' Simon replied formally.

  'I will do my duties as daughter of the house. Was there anything else Mrs Reynolds needed?'

  For Simon clearly had other things to discuss with her.

  'Three things, Mrs Fielding. Mrs Reynolds wants to know which bedroom to use, since your aunt usually had the one the Prince of Wales is using now.

  And whether the prince would like to be introduced as himself or under a pseudonym, in which case the staff need to know what to tell her staff. And this is my own question: do you want the little black piano moved upstairs immediately? I know you planned to install it at headquarters before her arrival, to not disturb her with your constant practice.'

  That was the real Simon, and since Prince George apparently knew him as well why not just be himself here?

  'Please tell Mrs Reynolds to give my aunt the next best room at her own discretion. We will not displace..' and she looked at Prince George to fill in a

  name.

  'Mr Chester, no, make that Lord Chester for I am in fact its lord and I suppose I do need to command a certain respect to retain the rights to my room. I can see you are not pleased to receive the old lady already but I dare admit I'm thrilled! I really want to meet the Lady Catherine I've heard you all talk of, though, and I'm certain the Prince of Wales never will. So I'll pose as Lord Chester and see if she finds out. I'll be Mr Darcy's mystery guest, it'll be a stunning surprise. Thank you for thinking of me, Simon, and Mrs Reynolds of course.'

  Simon bowed, but not as deeply as he could have. Then he looked at Eric and herself, and Eric was in doubt.

  'I'd prefer to have Frederick and Nick move it, they know exactly how to lift it without spoiling the tuning. But of course your aunt can't witness that, and they're both out. And your stable staff will be really busy, too. It's hardly practical to take it away now.'

  Now Anne had her say, she was indeed not pleased to have her mother visit.

  'I wouldn't worry since she won't notice it at all. It's small, it's plain, she'll walk right past it without so much as a single glance. Just leave it and have Nick and Frederick take it upstairs when she retires to dress. Do you mind if I do not receive her at the door with you, Georgiana? She does not deserve my respect, I have not forgiven her.'

  'Of course we don't mind, Anne. I'll have Eric beside me to help me provide my aunt with a warm welcome. Simon, I suppose we'll do as Anne advised and leave the instrument here for now. Will you tell Mrs Reynolds to send for us in time to receive my aunt? I'd like you to be there, too, as you are now.

  You look formidable and almost a gentleman, it'll disconcert her. Lord Chester, will you keep Mrs Manners company until we can join you again, together with my aunt?'

  Prince George loved Georgiana taking charge, and he clearly wasn't going to wait outside to respectfully receive a lady who was likely to try bullying him into something, though none of them knew what as of yet. Lord Chester wanted to meet the real Lady Catherine so he should have that chance.

  'It will be my pleasure, Mrs Fielding. She will be as safe with me as she would be with her guard. Well, almost as safe, I'm not that much of a fighter, but I suppose I can handle an elderly lady.'

  Anne laughed, and said cheekily, 'I can handle my mother myself, Lord Chester, but who will protect me from your charms?'

  Simon left with a bow, whilst Prince George replied to Anne's joking in a slightly alarming fashion.

  'I'm certain your heart is guarded as well as your beautiful mortal shell, my dear Mrs Manners, and in much the same fashion. The mere presence of a strong protector will prevent almost any theft, mere charm cannot prevail over true dedication.'

  Anne did not move a muscle except to show her most ravishing smile and reply, 'True. Then I shall enjoy your considerable charms as they deserve, and trust you to use them to keep my mother at bay.'

  'Your wish is my command, my dear lady.'

  Georgiana turned towards her husband to hide her own consternation, it was as if Prince George knew that Anne loved another man than her lawful husband, and wanted her to know he did. Which reminded her of the side of London she had not appreciated, the legions of women chasing Eric as their idol despite him being a married man. But since then she'd learned that so many married people didn't take their vows seriously, even her very own father, apparently plenty of people thought nothing of breaking a sacred oath.

  'I suppose your aunt may not recognise you, Georgiana,' Anne said, changing the subject of the conversation, 'you have grown so much and are no longer a girl by anyone's standard. How long has it been since you saw her?'

  'At least a year. Maybe more. I dare say you are right, I have changed a lot since then. Oh well, she'll know who I am when I greet her. Am I decent?'

  She felt perfectly proper, but sometimes one missed some flaw in ones apparel that another could detect more easily.

  'I see nothing amiss,' Anne replied, 'your dress is just right, your hair is still where it is supposed to be, and your carry yourself as only a pianist can. I suppose that's Simon come to fetch you.'

  And indeed after the knock on the door, Simon entered.

  'If you accompany me now we'll be in perfect in time to bid your aunt welcome. They're just driving past the gatehouse.'

  'We're as ready as we'll ever be, Simon. Please lead us there.'

  Fortunately Eric always looked perfectly groomed and stunningly handsome, and somehow Simon's presence gave Georgiana a whole new sense of self-assurance. In the hall, Mrs Reynolds joined them with the butler and a few maids.

  'Thank you for your timely warning, Mrs Reynolds,' Georgiana offered the housekeeper, imagine being taken totally by surprise, that would have been a

  disaster and very rude towards their aunt.

  'It was my pleasure, ma'am, and a fortunate accident that one of our staff happened to see the carriage on its way through the village and could describe the livery accurately. Lady de Bourgh is so particular, she would have been very much put out to be left standing.'

  Very much so, and Fitzwilliam really wanted those letters. Frankly, Georgiana wanted them, too, if George Wickham was her brother she needed to know.

  Chapter 21

  Lady Catherine's equipage was just coming to a slow halt when Georgiana and her entourage stepped out the front door. The liveried grooms on the back of the carriage immediately sprang in
to action, starting to unload the baggage, whilst the outrider and a man sitting on the box next to the driver took charge of the lead horses. Georgiana wondered why no-one opened the door for their mistress, and Simon was on the verge of moving to assist when the far door of the carriage opened from the inside and a substantial shape wrestled itself out, to walk around the carriage entirely and open the door on the near side. Apparently, Lady Catherine had a male companion who would hold her door for her.

  As soon as he came into view Georgiana realised she knew him, and her heart sank for her sister and brother for the tall and chubby figure rushing to his mistress' aid was none other than Mr Collins. Mr Collins at Pemberley, after the incident in London when Fitzwilliam had forbidden him access to his house! Houses, undoubtedly, Fitzwilliam really wanted those letters but Georgiana didn't doubt he'd remove Mr Collins from his property instantly, which the unfortunate clergyman understood all too well, judging from his air of abject misery. He hadn't told aunt Catherine of his humiliation and now he was going to pay the price for his dishonesty. How was she going to solve this? She couldn't send aunt Catherine's attendant away without having to explain! Fitzwilliam was going to have to do that himself. But first, aunt Catherine.

  She had alighted from the carriage by now and was approaching on Mr Collins' arm, and Georgiana approached to give her a warm welcome. With a

  bit of a shock, Georgiana realised her aunt no longer resembled a battle ship, since the last time they met she had aged significantly, while she was as ample as ever her posture seemed a little more stooped and it was as if she actually leaned on Mr Collins. Instead of the expected disapproval and reproach over the absence of her favourite nephew, the old lady uttered a cry of feeling and fell on Georgiana's neck.

  'Georgiana, my dear child, how you have come to resemble your dear, dear mother in her best years!'