Page 110 of May I Have the Pleasure
“As is the myth of invincibility for estate masters. She missed you, but you were in our thoughts.”
“You shall tell me everything there is to know about the ceremony, sparing no detail.”
“Since I am certain you have copious notes from Anne, Lady Catherine, and Georgiana herself, are you planning to test my knowledge.”
“Insufferable man!”
“Impertinent Princess!”
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“I did not think Georgie would take such extreme measures just to avoid another season.”
“Take my word for it, she did not just take the easy way out. This was a love match, and I could not be happier. The poor man had to survive the gauntlet of myself, Richard,andLady Catherine.”
“That sounds frightful.”
“It gets worse!”
“Egads! Worse?”
“There was Anne as well.”
“She told you to say that!”
“Guilty as charged.”
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“I have missed our conversations, Fitzwilliam. I will be sorry to see you go.”
“Have you met anyone in the palace that you esteem, that you do not mind spending time with?”
“Of course, you know me. I am not made for melancholy or isolation. I sometimes wish I were more so, as I might not have been at that ball if I had just been a bit more stubborn. However, the bed has been made, and I am lying on it as best I can. Now that I speak the language more or less, I have acquired some acquaintances, some allies, and a few faithful friends. Nothing like what I had at home, of course, but sufficient for the moment.”
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“Have you any hope of escaping the Royal Family, Elizabeth. I know it is not to your liking.”
“I know not. I truly do not. It was difficult enough to get this trip to Paris, and England is out of the question for the moment… but I am working on—”
“May I know of it? May I assist in any way?”
“No, at this time, you cannot, but I do thank you. And I cannot thank you enough for helping with my estates.”
“You do know it is notjust me?”
“I do not take your meaning.”
“I know you have been acting as master as best you can, and I have been looking after all your estates as best I can, but I have had a lot of help. Kitty, Anne, and Charlotte have been to most of them, and even Lady Catherine has been to the two that are closest. Your young nephew has also been far moreuseful than I expected. There is nothing terribly wrong at any of them, but they have gone to show the tenants and villagers they are not being neglected. Everyone holds you in the highest esteem.”
“I do not know what to… I do not… I do not—”
“You need not say anything. We all do it for the best of reasons.”
“Why did Kitty and Anne say nothing on their visit?”
“They would have thought it boasting, I suspect.”
