Anne Read online

  'I can see you are very happy together, Darcy, and I'm glad about that. I was so very happily married myself, no riches or eminence can compare to the feeling of being with one's other half.'

  Since the first course had been served by now, Elizabeth had released Darcy's hand and was talking with his uncle and Mrs Annesley cheerily, mostly about the London scene. Darcy found his attention pulled towards the conversation between Anne and Manners, they seemed to have hit it off quite readily. Of course Manners was such an outgoing person it was hard not to like him, in much the same way as Bingley was very likeable but somehow less unaffectedly so. Manners was very much aware of what made the world go round, more so even than Darcy himself.

  Anne was eating well, she was so engrossed by Manners' description of the girls he planned to introduce her to that Darcy dared to study her looks and her behaviour without fear of her noticing. He vaguely remembered her lady

  always pushing her to eat more and Anne merely playing with the contents of her plate, but now she did nothing of the kind, she ate daintily, but a slice of bread was decreasing in size steadily, and she skilfully separated the meat from the bones of a roasted bird's wing.

  The quality of the food was of course excellent, though it resembled their own fare more than what Anne was used to; Elizabeth described aunt Catherine's furniture as expensive to show off her fortune, and similarly the dishes she usually had served were show-pieces, cream-enriched dainties with the most expensive ingredients of the season. Well-aged venison, imported truffles, rich ragouts, the kind of dishes Elizabeth disliked for their excess of flavours. Maybe Anne just didn't like her mother's preferred cuisine, she seemed to appreciate a simple roast well enough, and the greens that must have cost her uncle a fortune to get in winter. He tried some himself and found out it was cabbage! But not at all as the poor people of London were reputed to eat it, boiled to mash and without any added spices. This was exquisite, crunchy and delicately flavoured, he had to ask his uncle's cook to share the recipe with his own.

  'Are you very tired from your journey, Miss de Bourgh?' Manners asked politely.

  'I was when we arrived, though the journey itself was very pleasurable, seeing new scenery, getting to know my uncle, telling him about my disappointments and my hopes for the future. But this morning I felt fine, nervous to meet relative strangers but not tired. Somehow breakfast tastes much better here than at home, and the colonel and I had a nice little walk outside.'

  'I'm afraid the air is not as good as in the country, some days it's actually very uncomfortable to go outside with all the smoke. And in summer those fumes lessen, but the river and the alleys start to smell rather noticeably. But I guess good company counts for much. This year I'll certainly escape town in summer, Darcy has invited me to come to Pemberley. Of course I have my own estate, but that is different from visiting friends at theirs, somehow I always get bored when I'm by myself, and get tempted to go back to town to seek the amusements of society.'

  Well, Anne was certainly charmed by Manners, but her next observation spoiled all cousin Fitzwilliam's expectations of her preferring to stay in Manners' country house if she were to marry him.

  'I so agree! I have rarely been to town but I am certain I'll prefer it to the

  country, it's so boring to always see the same faces. I'm a bit wary of strangers but I hope to get used to them really quickly. Isn't Mr Fielding handsome? And my dear cousin Georgian has matured so gracefully, she's so beautiful, and so well dressed. I can't wait to hear them play. Do you think I'll be able to wear fashionable dresses like that? I'm so terribly skinny, I've no figure at all.'

  'I'm sure you will, Mrs Darcy has discovered the most brilliant boutique in a slightly forgotten part of town. Forgotten by our peers that is, for the businesses there are blooming with a growing number of local customers.

  The owner of this little boutique is a genius, she develops her own ensembles, and she has something for every figure. I'm certain she can find a style for you.'

  Darcy did not recognise his cousin, she was so different from the last time they met. Of course he was, too, but for totally different reasons. No-one ever forced Darcy to do anything. Anne's lack of appetite had to have some physical cause, how else could she have gotten so sickly? Aunt Catherine had never tried to keep Anne from eating, had she? And there was plenty of fresh air at Rosings, even if she didn't dare to ride she could have rambled, like Elizabeth.

  Thinking back to a certain scene at Netherfield, with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst ridiculing Elizabeth behind her back for being an excellent walker, Darcy had to conclude that rambling, though a very healthy and pleasant form of exercise, was probably not entirely estimable, his aunt would never have allowed Anne to do so. And he could remember several instances when Anne had been discouraged from playing with her cousins for fear of her getting hurt in some boisterous game. Though not from the first, for she used to be quite a tomboy.

  He decided to ask.

  'Fitzwilliam and I both remembered you as quite a tomboy, Anne. Always climbing trees and falling into streams and skipping pebbles with the rest of us. Do you remember?'

  She looked at him, surprised to have him ask a question so totally unrelated to their conversation, and her face went soft with the memory.

  'I do, Darcy, though it seems a lifetime ago. Once, at Pemberley I think, for there was this other boy present, about my age, can't remember his name, we all ran off to some village to look for chestnuts under this huge tree. But there weren't any on the ground, I suppose it was too early for them, and Spencer

  dared me to climb it to shake them down.'

  Darcy remembered, Anne sure had some mettle then, his eldest cousin hadn't wanted to climb that tree himself and said the lightest must go.

  'He lifted me onto the first branch and I quickly managed to get to a branch that wasn't too thick to shake loose some chestnuts. But then the three of you forgot all about me, gathering them. And that one boy helped me out, he was small and a bit squeamish, but he caught me as I let myself drop from the first branch. Those were the best chestnuts we ever found.

  Do you remember that boy, Fitzwilliam? Maman didn't like him one bit, and I didn't understand why.'

  'George Wickham was the boy's name. Spencer called him little George and merely tolerated him because he was so small, but he was my friend and I wouldn't stand for leaving him behind. He was our steward's son.'

  'So that's why maman didn't like him. I wondered what became of him, probably a clerk somewhere if his father was uncle Richard's steward. But anyway, you're right, I was a tomboy, even at home. Until papa died and I got really sick with influenza or something. Then maman thought it was safer to keep me close and make a lady out of me. But I never got really well again after that, I lost my appetite and maman hired a lady to keep an eye on my health and my education. Still, I have some good memories of those summers.'

  During this tale Manners had sent a few significant looks at Darcy, it was clear he had an opinion on the whole affair. Darcy certainly had. As Anne told her story, her father's decease had been a turning point, and Darcy could imagine a girl falling ill with grief after losing a favourite parent. The restrictions placed upon her after that and a lack of exercise and challenge in her life might very well have sucked the life out of a spirited child. That was so sad!

  'Well, a bit of dancing and some lively chatter with pleasant young ladies will make a huge difference, I'm sure.'

  Manners had the right attitude, since nothing could be changed about the past, better look ahead and see what the future would bring poor Anne. At the very least, their uncle now had an interest in her well-being, and he would ensure Anne would not have to return to the same situation he had helped her escape.

  Chapter 2

  After dinner the ladies retreated, and Eric found himself in the company of his host. Of course they had exchanged polite greetings before dinner, but during dinner the Earl had been absorbed by talking to Mrs Annesley and Mrs Darcy. To Elizabeth. It was still difficult to think of her as a kind of younger sister, she might be younger than Eric but she seemed a lot more experienced in the ways of the world. Still, he could try.

  'I'm rather sorry I don't have an instrument, Mr Fielding, I can't wait to hear you play. Time sure appears to have come to a standstill in this house, or at least it must seem that way to you. You know I only see that now, I suppose because I haven't been here for a very long time indeed. I used to always see my Alice in every room I entered, smiling sweetly at me, overjoyed as she explored her beautiful house with the new decorations finished just that day and turned out so well, exactly as she wanted them. But now I realise that is more than fifteen years ago, and my dear wife left us almost eight years ago already.

  I guess time needs to resume its course, I'll talk to my son and my niece Anne to see what can be done about the house, give it a thorough renovation. Eight years must be enough time for Fitzwilliam to come to terms with his mother's loss. We left things this way for him, but I find it oppresses me to live in the past, and I used to like staying in London.'

  The Earl seemed caught up in his thoughts, it was good to see him show such humanity. But before his musings became sentimental or embarrassing to a relative stranger like Eric, his host collected himself and continued their conversation where he had left it.

  'Maybe you can give us some good advice on an instrument when the work is done, Mr Fielding, I'd like to have a piano here. But for now I'll hope for an invitation to Darcy's place to hear you play, and I suppose we'll visit some of your concerts. Though I'd also like to hear Georgiana play, the papers always say she's such an excellent pianist and I have not heard her play for almost a year.'

  'I'll be happy to give you some good advice on buying an i
nstrument, my Lord, and of course I'll play for you when you come over. Georgiana, too, I imagine you will not believe how much her playing has developed in the time you have not heard her perform. I've never had a pupil like her, she practises so consistently, and is so talented and determined.'

  'Doesn't she mind being in your shadow, Mr Fielding? I really wonder, she's so ambitious herself, but she'll never eclipse or even match you. Won't it be very hard to see your star rising, having to sit in the audience herself?'

  That was a legitimate question and one Eric had often asked himself.

  Wouldn't Georgiana start to reproach him for taking all the attention, even her share?

  'She has told me repeatedly that she realises she will have to share me with my audience. And I suppose that means she will not mind standing in my shadow. But sir, we have already had several requests for her to accompany me on stage, which she has refused because as yet she finds her skills lacking. She does not want the audience to accept mediocrity because she's a girl, those are her own words. If she keeps progressing she will be good enough for the stage in due time, she may gain her own fame. And we're accompanying Mr Darcy to Pemberley this summer, there will be no concerts and crowds, though we'll practise of course. I suppose I will use the extra time composing, that is, if there will be extra time to spend on the piano. You see, I've promised Darcy to let him teach me to ride and shoot like a gentleman.'

  'Of course, what would life be without riding or shooting?'

  The Earl seemed to find this very funny.

  'But seriously, you look and behave like the perfect gentleman, if you ride and shoot you'll be welcome anywhere. Do you speak French?'

  'Passably well, my Lord, my former patron made sure I was schooled very thoroughly. And he's from Germany, I lived with him and his family, so I'm fluent in German.'

  The older man nodded in appreciation.

  'With matters as they are in France, speaking German may turn out to be a very strong asset. Aren't the Germans the most accomplished composers?'

  Well, that was something Eric hoped to find out soon, attending Mr Goodfellow's music gatherings twice a week.

  'I'm sure they are among the best, but the French and the Italians are also very gifted. And the Austrians. I wouldn't dare to choose, but I have to admit I

  play music, I have not made a study of it.'

  Lord Compton laughed heartily, 'You're very diplomatic, Mr Fielding, and very modest. I don't wonder my son is so eloquent in his praise of you. And I haven't heard you play even a single note, yet. Do you never drink spirits?'

  'I do enjoy a glass of good wine but never more than one, and I steer clear of spirits. Somehow they don't agree with me.'

  'You are a wise man, Mr Fielding, a wise man. I know a lot of men in places of power who still have no idea of the effect spirits have on a man. Let us join the ladies, I sure we can spend another hour in pleasant conversation before it is time for bed.'

  It felt strange to return to a drawing-room without an instrument, they were so used to spending a large part of their evening listening to music. Elizabeth really enjoyed having quality music available at any time. If she wanted to hear a reel, she requested one and got one, with a thousand variations, or simple, as it was supposed to be. Everything Eric learned from Mr Goodfellow's friends he related or even demonstrated, it was like having one's favourite entertainment every day. Like having a birthday every day.

  'Mrs Darcy, I have never seen my cousin Darcy so happy. Thank you so much for allowing me in your circle.'

  What was it with these people that they treated her like a middle-aged dowager? Miss de Bourgh was at least five years her senior! Better let her know, but kindly.

  'Thank you, Miss de Bourgh, I like to think Fitzwilliam is as happy in our marriage as I am. But I assure you I do not lay down the law in our house, though you may have been told that is the case.'

  'Oh, that is exactly how I remember you from your time at Rosings! I hope we can be friends, I can use some of your spunk when I return to maman.

  Still I'm sure neither of my cousins would have even considered inviting me over to London if you had disapproved. I saw Fitzwilliam introduce you to his father, and Darcy's reaction on beholding that scene. He would die for you, and rejoice!'

  Another one of those hopeless romantics, but Elizabeth knew it was true, no matter how embarrassing: if she had objected to inviting Miss de Bourgh, the poor girl would still be a virtual captive at Rosings.

  'I have reason to believe my impertinence is catching, Miss de Bourgh, though my eldest sister has always resisted the affliction and stayed perfectly

  polite. But your cousin Georgiana certainly has caught a hint of it.'

  Dear Georgiana, she could be almost impudent these days, the shy girl Fitzwilliam had introduced her to in that Lambton inn was almost forgotten.

  'Dear Georgiana! I barely recognised her, she has grown so self-assured and beautiful, and she used to be so terribly shy! That is what I want, Mrs Darcy, I want to stand up to my mother like she said you did, and just ignore her when she seethes and rants. She told me in minute detail how you refused to obey her and even insulted her by suggesting she was impertinent to you instead of the other way around, and all I could do was wish I'd dare do that myself. And still I only found out how things really were between Darcy and you when Fitzwilliam kindly explained, it's as if I was fast asleep and Fitzwilliam woke me up, brutally at first, but very beneficial once I was over the worst shock.'

  'I'm very sorry to have caused you unhappiness, Miss de Bourgh, I must admit I watched you with Mr Darcy when I visited Rosings with Mr and Mrs Collins, and neither of you seemed to care about the other. But of course not all feelings are displayed openly in such company, though at the time I believed I showed mine quite markedly.'

  'You did, I told mama you could not be planning to trick Darcy into marriage since you disliked him and didn't hesitate to show him and everybody else. I admired your valour and frankness from the first. Imagine him not giving up on you, it's so romantic!'

  When the gentlemen returned to the drawing-room, Fitzwilliam joined the conversation and Elizabeth could take a second to consider both uncle and niece. She sincerely believed there was reason to like both, which was quite a relief. Miss de Bourgh was much livelier somehow, Elizabeth could almost believe she used to be a tomboy. And Lord Compton certainly wasn't a crabby old fellow as she had feared, in fact he was rather charming, and she had not found a single sign of condescension in him, not towards herself, but not to Mrs Annesley or any of the servants either. There was certainly hope that the next three weeks would turn out rather well, and if Elizabeth's share in helping Miss de Bourgh was teaching her to be impertinent, it was a role she was perfectly suited to, and one she didn't dislike one bit.

  They returned to their house via a much quicker route and were dropped off at their own slightly more modest front door to find Johnson waiting for them. He did not look merely attentive at his master's return, he actually looked a bit agitated, even anxious. Or was it the light of the lamp casting

  strange shadows across his face?

  As Fitzwilliam handed Elizabeth out of the carriage, Mrs Annesley remaining seated since Bob would take her home in the carriage, Johnson hovered over his master impatiently, something did happen, and he could not wait to tell them about it. After a polite 'Good night, see you tomorrow!' to Mrs Annesley, Fitzwilliam closed the door of the carriage and signalled Bob to set the team in motion. When the carriage was gone, Elizabeth pointed out Johnson's agitation to Fitzwilliam, who turned towards the butler to receive the news.

  'I'm sorry, Mr Darcy, but you have visitors. They arrived in a splendid chaise-and-four with full equipage.'

  As Johnson described the livery of the attendants Elizabeth felt a little shock: it was Lady Catherine's. But Johnson was not done.

  'I advised Simon to let them wait in the drawing-room, he seemed to know these visitors and was inclined to send them away and let them come back later, but I've always been taught that's not the hospitality one shows such important people. Though when they got out their looks weren't nearly as grand as the carriage, and the lady and gentleman seemed rather impressed with the sight of your entrance. The chaise pulled out as soon as the gentleman closed the door, the driver did not wait for his passenger's approval.