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Part 40

Posted on Wednesday, 13 September 2000

Elizabeth alighted from the carriage with all the healthy glow of a young woman who had spent a wonderful few days away, and was now wishing very much to see her family again. Anne and Aunt Harriet had come back a little early than Jane and Elizabeth, as they were both anxious to get back to town. Lizzy and Jane were more interested in travelling slowly and enjoying the uncommonly fine weather they had been having. Lizzy expected to see Darcy waiting for her, but he wasn't there. Lizzy looked rather cross. Where was he?

"So you don't want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"Okay, because I think I may have some important advice to give you."

"Darcy - your last advice was to declare war in Shropshire."

"No that was my third option, which was supposed to be so outlandish so that it would force you into he option that everyone knows you should have taken. My question is - why you berk - did you not take it?"

"What don't you understand in the phrase "I don't want to talk about it"? Is it the talk? That means verbal communication Darce."

Darcy rolled his eyes at Ash.

"Then 'about it' means the issue that you are trying to raise. Comprehend?"

"Yes.." said Darcy pursing his lips.

" 'want to' is my need to do something, or my desire to achieve something. Then we reach the don't Which means that I really actually have no desire to do this particular thing."

Darcy's eyes appeared to slightly glaze over so Ash clarified the point.

"Which would be verbally communicate on 'the issue' in this instance.

Then lastly we come to 'I' which as you know is the perpendicular pronoun, which in this case is referring to myself Lord Ashbourne, who used to thrash the 'sheep like pronoun' which is in this case Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy at Jackson's Boxing Saloon so do not provoke me..."

Ash looked at Darcy. "Do you understand now?"

"Perfectly. But you are a fool Ash, you always were...you know -"

"Ah- Ah you were getting the hang of that phrase so well and then you had to go spoil it! Now talk to the hand cause the head ain't listening."

Darcy stood up and glared at Ash.

"You are just going to do nothing? Stay here for the rest of your life? Make no attempt to reconcile your differences? Desert your wife and child?"

Ash followed Darcy to the door. Darcy turned around on the doorstep and glowered at Ash.

"I never thought you could be so petty and vindictive Ash... I take my leave of you my lord."

Ash closed the door in Darcy's face turned around and said to no one in particular.

"Now who is being the berk!" Ash started to chuckle - then stopped. Does he really think that I wouldn't try and sort things out? I just need some time. WE all need some time - good god anyone would think we were at the divorce courts.

Sir Christian's mouth dropped open. His eyes glazed over and he looked non-sensibly ahead for some time. Then he gave an ecstatic shriek and picked Mary off her feet and twirled her around and around.

Mary couldn't' say anything until she caught her breath, and fell into a chair.

"You are happy? I wasn't sure you would be."

"Happy! Happy! That isn't' the word! The word is blissful, exhilarated, delighted, elated! Now they are the words!"

Mary beamed, Sir Christian beamed. Mary was so relieved that he appeared to be taking the news so well. In fact Sir Christian was feeling so happy that in the tradition of fathers he was thinking he should build the shelves for the nursery and the cot. Generations of fathers scream "No don't do it. Slot A never fits with Tab A! You don't know what you are letting yourself in for."

But Sir Christian did not care a jot.

Mary tripped up the stairs in Park Lane and inquired after her sister. Mary was surprised that the footman showed her up to Kitty's personal chambers. Mary was received at the door by 'my lady's personal maid' and told in a confidential whisper that "Lady Ashbourne is desired to rest by the doctor, she is not allowed to walk around."

Mary digested this information and walked into the chambers to see a pale Kitty lying on the sofa, reading a novel. Kitty in actual fact had been reading the same page for the last 3 hours, for some odd reason she could not seem to concentrate.

"Mary!" came Kitty's soft and surprised voice.

Mary sat down at the end of the sofa, after Kitty had drawn up her feet a bit to accommodate her sister. Mary's look spoke volumes but Kitty did not appear to heed them.

They sat in silence for some time, while Mary made eye gestures that to her were perfectly comprehensible but to Kitty they looked as though Mary needed to go to an eye doctor.

"Well?" said Mary finally.

"Well what?" said Kitty confused.

"You aren't going to ask me why I seem so ...so rosy and well happy?"

"Does there have to be a reason?"

"Yes of course there must."

"Oh."

"Oh! Don't Oh me! I'm pregnant Kitty. Isn't' that wonderful!"

Mary was completely thrown off guard when Kitty dissolved into loud noisy tears. Mary could not understand any of the babble that Kitty was saying as it was too muffled in sniffs and snorts and uncontrolled breathing.

Finally Mary managed to illicit a "...very happy for you..." from the mess.

"Then why Kitty are you crying."

This seemed to bring forth the mechanism that opened the floodgates. Mary for some time could do nothing but try to stem the flow with comforting words and the overzealous use of a handkerchief. Finally Kitty managed to blurt out the words.

"He isn't here. He left..."

"Ash?"

It was sometime before Kitty could speak again, but the reaction to this made Mary think that the answer was 'yes.'

"Yessss." Came the expected wail some time later.

"Why? Did he have some business on one of his fathers estates?"

"Noooo as in left left! He has left meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee."

Mary looked at her younger sister in some wonderment.

"Left Left???"

"YEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS" sobbed Kitty into Mary's shoulder.

It took some time for Mary to process this information but suddenly it clicked in her brain what Kitty was trying to say.

"Did he by God! The...The...The -"

"It was allllll my fault and now I don't know what to doooooo, I have to staay in bed they wooooon't leeetttt me gooooo find himmmmmmmmmmm"

Mary comforted Kitty and slowly encouraged her to tell her the whole story. Slowly it came out in drips and drabs, but after a hour or so Mary left Park Lane Armed with some information and a purpose.

Sir Christian ran into Whites at top speed almost knocking over several young bucks who later went and boasted to all their friends that the Sir Christian had almost knocked them down and then had apologised most profusely.

Sir Christian found the table that he was looking for and in the manner of Bingley bounded up.

Sir John Halstead and Franz Norstrom looked up quickly.

"Now if it isn't Sir Christian - Have you met the Eltons yet?"

"The Eltons???"

"Yes the caro sposo or Mr. E as he is better known has by his wife's badgering and connections become a member of this club. This club is going to the devil!"

"What do I care about the Eltons, Franz! or Mr. Elton to be more precise...oh you are distracting me from my purpose. I came to tell you that you all must place bets in Whites."

"Place bets? Oh what dear fellow on what?" said Sir John rather languidly.

"On whether I shall have an heir or a daughter..."

"An Heir or a daughter?" said Sir John blankly.

"Oh congratulations Dearest Sir C!" cried Franz Norstrom, who always was the quicker of the two.

"Thank you. I'm devilishly happy!"

"You see I said this would be a good match!" laughed Franz Norstrom. Sir Christian smiled and looked around the club to who else he could impart the news. He saw Brunstein rising from a table including Andrew and Rawdon, it looked as though they had been there all night. He looked sharply back at Franz.

"They are saying...that he is becoming the new Charles Fox, your friend Fitzwilliam there. But I do hear that he has suddenly come into a lot of money."

"No, no old money...had it forever...well he won't have it until he comes of age - you will excuse me won't you." Sir Christian wove his way over to the table.

"Andrew, Rawdon I must have a quiet word."

The two gentleman looked at him, Andrew with some gaiety and Rawdon he noticed looked gaunt and run-down.

"Yes?" asked Andrew.

"Don't trust Brunstein - I know he is up to no good he always is, you boys shouldn't play with the men of the town until you are up to snuff - now don't take offence."

It was too late, Andrew shot him a look of anger.

"I do, Sir Christian know how to look after myself, There may have been one point when we were deceived by Lord Brunstein, but that time is past...long past and let us not forget it was you who introduced us to that pleasant gaming house."

"Pleasant gaming house? I don't - " Sir Christian looked a bit confused.

"My mother likes London in the Springtime."

"Good God." Exclaimed Sir Christian as Andrew walked off, followed by Rawdon, who appeared to be doing a very good impersonation of the living dead.

I must have been potty to give them the password to that place in Pall Mall. Oh good god! Sir Christian foresaw some grave difficulties looming in the distance, he hurried out of Whites to distance himself from some of them, when suddenly Sir John snapped out of the contemplative stupor and cried out. "Oh...Oh! I see! Congratulations My dear Montgomery. "

Chesney sat in his book-room that was really his study and thought. He had not received any messages from the Comtese so he could assume that she had been telling the truth and didn't want anything from him. But Chesney was not a politician for nothing! One never assumed anything. She meant to cause trouble , but how and when were the questions.

Then there was the other problem - or perhaps one shouldn't style it a problem! The divine Miss Darcy. Chesney was going to ask her to marry him, he knew that she was the only girl for him. The problem was when should he ask her. Was it too soon to ask her now? Chesney wanted to follow proprieties but he desperately wanted to rescue his dear Georgiana quickly. Should he wait till after he had dealt with the Comtese. But who knows how long I would have to wait, the Comtese is likely to string me along and perhaps Georgiana will not be allowed to marry me after the scandal. Chesney dismissed this last thought. It was not for the Fitzwilliams or Darcys to pass judgment on him when they themselves had so many mysteries attached to their names. Something he wanted to protect Georgiana from. No he would deal with the Comtese without scandal! Definitely.

Chesney got up to stretch his legs and caught a glimpse of The Comtese out of his window.

"Speak of the Devil..." Breathed Chesney as he watched her walk into Brunstien's house. Chesney deplored the fact that this proliferate lived next door to him, but there was little he could do about it. Why was she going next door? Suddenly Chesney felt a chill. Perhaps she has mistaken the house!

Chesney immediately issued orders that he was not at home.

The Comtese had not mistaken the house. She had gone to see Brunstein for a very good reason, he was her son.

The former Lady Brunstein had remarried as fast as she possibly could after the late Lord Brunstein had died, in fact she had remarried within the respected mourning period which had shocked the ton. But Amabella, was no stranger to shocking people. She had done far more shocking things since then, and remarrying quickly was nothing to what she had done to her second husband!

The Comtese, or Amabella Gordon, which was her maiden name, was not a very maternal figure. All she cared about was moving up the social scale. She had not moved very far though. She still hadn't captivated that Duke and nor was she likely to. She had destroyed her own reputation, and torn it to shreds, because in some ways she was not a very shrewd woman. She knew the embers were still warm from her scandals, and although they may appear dormant a little fanning would ignite them rapidly. Not many people remembered Amabella, collective memory being so fickle short, but they must be made to remember.

Amabella was in town to extort as much money from everyone she could blackmail it out of. There were an awful lot of people in London who would buy her silence for one reason or another, she intended to milk it for all it was worth.

"My dear son..." she currently cooed at Brunstein whose eyes almost popped out of his head when he entered the saloon.

"You......"

"Yes it's little old me. Now aren't you going to give me a kiss?"

"It's normally money isn't it."

Amabella pouted. "Don't be so silly dearest!"

"I'm not silly. It's what you want isn't it? And you aren't going to get a penny more from me then what your current arrangement is - I'm sure it is adequate for your needs."

"Dear Dear Ernst. You don't seem to understand, I could cause a lot of trouble for you. I'm not a very respectable person."

"So that's where I get it from!" exclaimed Brunstein. Amabella looked a bit confused at this, the visit wasn't going entirely to plan.

"I mean...mother...dearest, I'm not a very respectable person either. So you cannot ruin me, I've done it myself, so I see no reason to give you anymore money."

Amabella pursed her lips and her eyes narrowed.

"You will regret this you know."

"I think not. I'm afraid 28 years on this earth has hardened me nicely mother, it was the lack of female influence I think...or even the lack of male influence...perhaps it was the lack of love." Brunstein smirked up at his mother. "So you see I don't think you can make me regret anything."

Amabella sighed. "Oh well, I shall think of a way I dare say. In the mean time I have other fish to fry."

"Really. Like mother like son, I have some fish to fry too, you tell me yours I'll tell you mine?"

Amabella narrowed her eyes again. Her son was not quite turning out like the rest of her victims...they were all partially afraid of her, they pretended not to be, they hid it beneath a veneer of disgust but nominally they were all afraid of what she might do to them. The fact that Ernst was, her own flesh and blood, had made Amabella sure she would be able to manipulate him easily, indeed she had manipulated relations before with success.

"Perhaps...you go first."

"Okay - Mr. Andrew Fitzwilliam and Mr. Rawdon Stanton."

"Why?"

"They annoy me and it shall provide me with some amusement."

Even Amabella was a little taken back at Brunstien's blaze attitude to the whole think. But Amabella was one who had spent her whole life living a part, exchanging roles and deceptions that someone like Brunstein, who was always himself and hid behind no real disguise, was a enigma. For a space of about 2 seconds Amabella felt some regret at not knowing this son of hers for she knew now she would never be let into his mind which piqued her interest, but this feeling passed.

"Are you going to tell me yours mother?"

"Oh of course. Lord Chesney."

"My neighbour? Why on earth? "

Amabella smiled a wicked thin smile and for some odd reason divulged all to her son, who at the end of a rather convoluted and sordid tale was having trouble believing that any of the Keatons of Chesney would be involved in such a mire.

"Well my son, aren't I not clever, just because you would not help me doesn't mean others won't. Will you help me with Lord Chesney, I am told you are quite good at extorting money from people."

"No I won't."

"No?" exclaimed Amabella, she had thought with certainty that Brunstein would take to the tale of Lord Chesney like a duck to water. "But why!"

Brunstein looked up at her. Regarding his glass, of liquid. "What is that saying about blood and water?"

Ash was roaming the streets, thinking. He must have looked so furious, because even in the day time, some of the watch were avoiding him, afraid that perhaps he may box them.

Ash had come to a decision. It was one that he was always going to have come to, in fact he had made it right when he landed on that pavement, that horrible day, that seemed to him to have been quite an age ago, not really only a day and a little bit! It only was going to take a bit of courage and well strength but one could do it! Really one could!

Ash came up short. What was he doing in Half-Moon Street? This wasn't really where he wanted to go. Suddenly Ash gasped as he saw a woman leaving one of the houses. No it couldn't have been. Of course it must have been! She was seen leaving...No wait she had been leaving the other house...What? Why was she leaving that house. Shouldn't she have left the house next door? What was she doing in that house...Ash could see no logical reason for the familiar woman to have gone into one house, when he clearly knew that she should have been going next door.

Ash cudgelled his brain trying to think. The scandal was entirely too old for him to remember it himself, but he was thinking of all the dropped hints and the time on the Peninsular when he had had he dubious pleasure of knowing the dear...dear...well he didn't know what she was styling herself as now!

Ash ducked behind a portly gentleman (catching his breath) as he saw Lord Chesney come out of one house, then the next door opened, the one that that woman had come out of and Lord Brunstein stalked down his stairs. Neither one paid any attention to the other but to Ash it was the key.

"Oh my God....." Ash's jaw dropped slowly as he remembered a very very old rumour.

Ash had almost entirely forgotten his previous thoughts as he strode off to pay a visit to a man, very much his senior and nothing more than a very passing acquaintance but was from a family that knew anything. He had also been responsible for most of the scandals in London since he was young, though he had settled down quite a bit.

It was growing dark. Kitty was praying and alternatively begging that suddenly Ash would turn up. But he didn't. Why didn't he come? We need to talk.

Kitty didn't' want to even think of the possibility that she would be next hearing from lawyers. That just could not happen...could it? I mean what did Kitty really know about Ash's thoughts on such a thing? It was hardly likely that they would have discussed such a thing! Perhaps his moral sensibilities were completely wounded. But it was only a stupid thoughtless mistake... I didn't mean it. I still love him, I always loved him...will always love him. But that wasn't the problem, the question was did he still love her.

Lizzy looked in Darcy in amazement.

"This all happened while I was away??"

"Yeah." Darcy looked down at the pillow and started picking at some loose threads on the blanket.

Lizzy looked understandably shocked. "Have you talked to Ash?"

"Yes."

"What do you think?"

Darcy looked thoughtful. "Hard to say really, but he isn't going to listen to any advice."

"Maybe I should go over there, before I go shopping with Jane and Aunt Gardiner?"

"Couldn't hurt."

Jane and Mrs. Gardiner were quite happy to call upon Kitty when they had been informed of the circumstances. Lizzy was rather surprised to hear the news - delivered in hushed whispers that 'my lady was ordered to rest'.

Jane immediately rushed to the sofa and enveloped Kitty in a fierce hug.

Kitty looked up at Jane's sympathetic face, Lizzy's sad one and Aunt Gardiners sad yet disapproving face.

"You know don't you??"

Lizzy sat down on a chair closest to Kitty. "Yes."

"Oh."

"Oh Kitty, how could you be so silly?" cried Lizzy.

Kitty tried to chant her mantra in her head. "I'm not going to cry I'm not going to cry I'm NOT going to cry." But she could feel pricks in her eyes, not due to her sister's obvious censure, but due to the censure she was feeling towards herself.

"Lizzy, I hardly think this is helping." Said Aunt Gardiner pointedly. "The thing here is to decide what to do."

"Must something be done?" said Kitty quite alarmed. Surely everything was going to be all right...did they know something she didn't.

"Do you know something I don't??" she blurted out.

"Well I personally don't know anything, but well Fitzwilliam said well that Ash wasn't talking to anyone and not taking any advice." Said Lizzy with a worried crease in her forehead.

"Oh." Said Kitty in a small voice. This did not sound good. Ash always asked everyone for advice.

"May I ask was everything all right...before this incident?" asked Lizzy quietly.

"Not really - not bad...just confused...all the Edwin and Grace stuff and everything. And that duel...not much time to talk."

The group fell a bit silent. Jane tried to cheer up the entire situation.

"Well I think this room is very pretty."

Kitty looked around. Thinking to herself that Ash had designed it himself...well he said he did it himself but Kitty had strong suspicions that he may have had some help.

"Well thank you for dropping round." Smiled Kitty Weakly.

The group was hesitant about leaving but as one all rose and took their leave, the door wasn't quite shut on their leaving so Kitty heard Lizzy said quietly.

"I had always though that Kitty was more than Lydia, but it looks as though in some respects they are the same."

"Lizzy that is unfair!"

"Maybe - I hope I am being unfair for everyone's sake."

RIGHT! If I was a incompetent, insecure, vulnerable, little snake in the grass, who doesn't want to be found. where would I be?

My brother's apartments...

Mary rapped on Colonel Fitzwilliam's door.

Ash was reclining in an arm chair trying to work out, a mystery.

His acquaintance, who may be revealed as being the Duke of Avon; Dominic Alastair had been most helpful, most irascible but helpful. Now both of them had something to mull over. The Duke would do nothing except take pride in knowing all the facts before everyone else, in a sort of legacy to his late respected father. Ash however had a moral choice, get involved or not??

Then there was a rap on the door. Ash went to the door and opened it, Mary was standing there. She strode across the threshold grabbed Ash by and ear and lead him through the rooms.

"Ow! Ow! Mary what are you doing."

"Giving you a helping hand my dear boy."

Mary disposed of Ash into a chair. She stood hands on hips glaring at him.

"Now, you do realise that Kitty is so upset by this business that Sir Henry has forbidden her to get up?"

Ash raised his eyebrows. "No I was not aware of that."

"Don't you care! OOOOH you complete an utter -" Mary stopped and smouldered.

"Right - you are overreacting like a typical pride hurt male. I know what to do with you." Mary stalked from the room leaving Ash to think.

Bed Rest? Doctor's orders? Upset?

Ash didn't have a great amount of time to think as Mary stalked back in and threw a bucket of water in his face.

"Christian said he had heard from Darcy that you were refusing advice...so I won't give you any!"

Ash started to splutter as the water dripped down his face. "What do you call that?"

"A wake up call."

"Very refreshing." Said Ash standing up trying to shake water out of his boot, as water dripped everywhere.

"Now I have a strong suspicion that I know what you have decided to do...I think you know my opinion on the subject..." Mary said pointedly.

Ash ran his hands through his wet hair. "I think I do know your opinion. May I ask if you have finished making it? I'd like to know if it is safe to change?"

"Perfectly safe. I was just leaving."

"Right well bye then!" Ash waved Mary off. He always had known that the Bennets were crazy.

Kitty went through about 20 handkerchiefs after her sisters and aunt had left.

I'm not like Lydia! I'm not...I hope I'm not...I don't mean to be.

Kitty heard the door swing open, it was probably Susan or Mrs. Roberts come to feed me something completely vile and horrible. She looked up and froze.

Ash was standing in the doorway. What should she do.

"Don't get up." he walked across the room and sat down at the other end of the sofa. It was like a wall was built up between them. Kitty bit her lip.

She was still trying to overcome her crying, and couldn't get any words out. Indeed there were too many that were trying to come out and in any old order.

Ash leaned forward.

"I can't understand a thing you are saying. Stop crying and tell me."

Kitty had to resort to less verbal methods of communication she threw her arms around Ash's neck and Kissed him.

Suddenly two hands removed her arms from around his neck and Ash pulled away.

Kitty felt alarmed. Was it just her or didn't Ash look too happy..."

Chapter 41

Posted on Sunday, 17 September 2000

"We need to talk."

Kitty looked down and nodded, that look had completely stopped her tears, she was just afraid now.

"This - Er - well is all a bit of a mess isn't it."

Kitty looked up and nodded.

"Yes well I think the main problem isn't -"

Ash felt slightly disconcerted with those big brown eyes centered on him.

"Well - hmmm - I well would like to say that - "

Ash coughed. This wasn't quite as easy as he had expected. He hadn't quite expected pleading brown eyes...hysterics maybe - not eyes.

"Well I feel that it was all a -" Ash was at a bit of a loss, so he started again.

"A you know a bit of a -"

"Communication breakdown??" Put in Kitty quietly.

"Yes a breakdown of communications... that well I think can be traced to before this current incident. - ahem - Now I put myself mostly -"

Ash looked at Kitty.

"completely at fault for this lack of communication over - over - over the "

"Rawdon business." Said Kitty painfully, feeling tiny pricks at her eyes, as she tried to stop the tears that were starting to gather.

"Yes - ah - that. But well I don't know what went wrong before that."

Kitty looked down again, biting her lip.

Ash frowned. "I mean I know there were other things going on at the time."

"The duel, the fact that Grace was the late Duke's child." Kitty added helpfully.

"Yes, Yes all that. But it doesn't seem to bode well that we can't talk, does it?"

"No it doesn't."

"And we don't seem to be able to trust each other with things, that doesn't feel great either..."

"No it doesn't"

Ash didn't think this was going quite as smoothly as he expected. He for one was acting as tongue-tied as he used to be around the Dean at his university. At least Kitty couldn't have him sent down. Ash looked down and gave a little smile at the idea of Kitty as the Dean of a university. Ash looked up, not sure of what he quite wanted; some encouragement perhaps?

Kitty gave a little sniff. She couldn't quite work out what was going on. Everything seemed so formal and well cold.

Ash didn't quite know what to say next, the problem had been stated. The communications problem and the trust issue had been breached. What to do next though was really the problem. Was there really a solution?

Ash wasn't sure. His hand which had been resting on the back of the sofa, slid along the top of the sofa, towards Kitty. His hand reached one of those little ribbons that seemed to adorn any night wear, and began to fiddle with it.

Ash looked down. His gaze alighted on his ruined hessians. Whatever had possessed Mary to do that - didn't she know how important hessians are to a man of fashion.

Kitty was feeling a sense of dread. There had been a long pause of silence, what was he thinking about?

"Ash what are you thinking about?" Kitty asked softly, tentatively putting one hand over the now still hand on her shoulder to direct his attention. He looked up.

"Hmmm?"

"What are you thinking about??"

Ash looked back down. "I was thinking about how ruined these boots are."

Kitty tried to suppress a laugh, but it rushed up and burst out before she could contain it. Kitty flushed and put a hand to her mouth. She tried to say something suitably grave for the moment - as this was no time to be laughing but she couldn't help it.

"Your boots? Are you quite sure they are ruined"

Ash looked back up trying not to laugh himself. "Positive - completely and utterly ruined."

Ash looked at Kitty and down at his boots then back at Kitty again.

"Oh come over here."

Ash pulled Kitty over towards him and enveloped her in a big bear hug. Kitty slid her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder. Suddenly she felt very protected. Ash kissed the top of her head. There was a long pause. Kitty started to breath a little easier and feel a lot better. Especially when she felt a hand unconsciously playing with those little ribbons. Ash never had seen the point of them. Do they tie anything? No? So why put them everywhere? Kitty smiled at the recollection. It felt so comfortable now. Kitty looked down at the boots.

"So why are they ruined."

"Your abominable sister!"

Kitty looked up and smiled at Ash. "Which abominable sister??"

"I think when I say abominable sister...I mean only one...begins with M."

"Mary?"

"Bingo!"

"What did she do?"

"Throw water all over me."

Kitty reached up and touched Ash's hair, twisting the front part around her finger. "So that is why your hair is all wet."

"Something like that." Ash moved his hands up and cupped Kitty's face in them and all too briefly kissed her.

Kitty smiled. Ash looked down again at the depressing sight of his destroyed footwear. "I think I might take these off they are waterlogged."

Kitty disengaged herself reluctantly and sat back. She felt as though she was in some weird limbo land. She wasn't really sure what was going on, what would happen, whether everything could still be the same, or whether they could never be the same.

Ash tried to pull off his hessians and ended up falling off the sofa. He hit the ground laughing and quickly sat up holding one boot in one hand.

"that Sofa is all together too narrow to try any dexterous and gymnastics feats."

Ash pulled off the other boot before standing up. Kitty looked up at him. She gave a little shriek as he swung her up into his arms.

"What are you doing!" she cried as Ash walked across the room and dumped her on the bed. He jumped on the bed too and sat cross-legged.

"Well you can hardly say this is too narrow - something I can't fall off. "

Kitty felt slightly uncomfortable - so did Ash. He put his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hand and he looked at Kitty.

Kitty looked up and around the room and back to Ash.

"So about talking."

"Very important. Now Kit why can't we?"

"Well have we tried?"

"A bit...not much."

"You want to try at least?" said Kitty, in a small voice.

"Course I want to try - why would you think I wouldn't?"

Kitty bit her lip and shrugged.

"Oh Kitty you silly girl - I'm sorry." He bounced up towards the other end of the bed - still cross-legged. "Hey you know this is fun!"

Kitty gave a little laugh.

"Hey but seriously, I love you." Ash uncrossed his legs and lay down putting an arm around Kitty.

"I love you too." Kitty said putting an arm around his chest and laying her head on his chest too.

"Before we have our much needed long talk - I want to tell you something. Something I need a bit of advice on."

Kitty looked confused, she rolled over onto her stomach (well as much as she could manage) and propped herself up with her elbows. "Something you need advice on - from me??."

Ash laughed. "Of course from you! Who else am I going to ask the bed post?"

"Well I'm not very intelligent."

"Don't ever say that again." Said Ash sternly , taking her chin in his hand. "You are intelligent - don't you ever say otherwise. Now about this thing, it's very hush-hush. Between you and me and the bedpost...all right?"

Kitty suppressed a little laugh and nodded. Ash then proceeded to tell Kitty the tale about The Comtesse & Brunstein and the problem with Lord Chesney.

Some time later - hours in fact. Mrs. Roberts made up a nice soup tray for her mistress. She had not been told that the master had returned. She was feeling downright sorry for Lady Ashbourne but she was a hoping and a praying that everything would turn out for the best.

Mrs. Roberts gave a little knock on Lady Ashbourne's door , opened it and walked in. She was almost betrayed into dropping the tray and WAS betrayed into uttering a most ungenteel exclamation.

"Lawks!"

Mrs. Roberts scurried out of the room. she didn't think they had seen her, they were too busy...ahem... well in later centuries it would be called making out.

Mrs. Roberts gave a little chuckle. Well obviously they had had a little talk sorting everything out. And good for them too.

Earlier that day, an interesting event had unfolded in the Chesney household. It was the return of the prodigal son - Gilbert.

Gilbert Keaton, had good looks - no body was denying that. They also wouldn't deny that he looked almost nothing like his half-brother. He had a determined face but which could smile. Unlike his brother who had a smiling face that was subdued into determination.

Gilbert stood in the door to the drawing room smiling at his mother.

"Mamma!"

"Gilbert!" almost shrieked Lady Chesney. Chesney walked in at this moment from another doorway.

"Gilbert!"

"Chesie!"

Chesney winced a little at this use of his nickname. Gilbert with his keen eyes picked out signs that his brother was under stress and thought briefly what could be the matter. His mother then caught his attention.

"Why are you home from Rutland??"

Gilbert gave a little grin. "Well mamma you see there was this horse."

Chesney gave a groan and sunk down into a chair.

Lady Chesney gave Chesney a censorious look then resumed her rapt attention of her son.

"Well this horse, devilishly fine horse, happened, to accidentally be involved in an incident."

"An incident?"

"Well I was riding over what I thought was just common land and well I was riding fast - tearing big clods out of the earth - and well it -"

"Wasn't common land?" finished Chesney.

Gilbert gave a rueful smile. "Yes, however did you guess?"

Lady Chesney grasped a handkerchief. "Oh.."

"Oh! That's not all. I was having a race in my curricle and well I didn't come off too well!"

"Oh Gilbert did you damage the curricle?" cried Lady Chesney.

"Oh - yes of course I did that!!! I meant I grazed a few other carriages and sent this dreadful old General off into a ditch. So I don't -"

"Have any of your allowance left??" finished Chesney pursing his lips.

"That's the ticket old man - I haven't. Not a groat!"

"I'm not an old man!"

"You act like one!"

This childish squabble was stopped as both men realised that Lady Chesney was inclined to go into strong hysterics - the idea that her Gilbert had - had - caused a General to go into a ditch was really the last straw.

Lady Chesney declared her nerves spent and immediately set out for Surrey. Like all good parents leaving her troublesome son behind trusting that his older brother may be able to sort him out in time.

Mary straightened her bonnet and smiled at Lizzy who was walking up Park Lane towards her.

"We both had the same idea it seems!" said Mary happily.

Lizzy looked a bit confused at Mary happiness. "Well yes, I actually came to sort of apologise. I don't think I was very supportive this morning."

Mary cocked her head quizzically at Lizzy. "Really?"

"No I'm just in a bad mood and well I don't think we need this...but I forgot that out of all of us Kitty needs this the least!"

Mary smiled as the sisters walked up the stairs and were admitted into Ashbourne House. They declined the 2nd footman's offers to take them up and announce them and walked on their way having a little chat.

Note that it was the 2nd footman, who frankly wasn't told most of the happenings in the household. If he had, as a good footman, which he was, he would have strenuously tried to stop the ladies progressing past the first step. But oh woe is it to be a 2nd footman.

The ladies unwarned, continued upstairs and as Mary was one of the party they didn't even knock.

Lizzy gasped and quickly left the room, she started down the stairs.

"Oh dear Mary! I'm very glad of course, but how embarrassing!"

She was half way down the stairs when she noticed her sister was not with her. She stopped.

"Mary?" she looked around confused and then thought hard. "Oh god!"

Lizzy ran back up the stairs and to the open door of the bedchambers to see her sister still standing there arms crossed looking interested.

"Mary!!" hissed Lizzy from the doorway.

Mary looked at her. "What? I can see four hands, nothing I haven't seen before!"

"Mary! " quietly shrieked Lizzy scandalized. "what are you doing?"

"I'm seeing if Air is involved. You'd think one would have to breath wouldn't you?"

Lizzy's eyes grew larger. "You are not serious...lets LEAVE Mary...This is a rather private moment.."

"How? I see no locked doors...no drawn curtains..." Mary got no further Lizzy head down walked in, and physically dragged her out of the room.

Both ladies silently walked down the stairs. One bright red, the other wondering why air wasn't more necessary.

They reached the walkway outside and Mary after thinking for a long time.

"I wonder if there is some sort of record for the longest -"

"Mary, please!!" said Lizzy quickly making sure no body heard Mary's speech.

Sir Christian looked warily at Darcy. Darcy looked warily at Sir Christian. Due to them both being fathers-to-be and both equally worried about all sorts of events that seemed to be cropping up all over the place, they appeared to be able to stand the sight of each other with ease.

They both at least realised that the other was not the enemy, and was not as bad as they had been led to believe.

"So..."

"Soooo."

"Yeah..."

"Yeah."

Unfortunately this new found ability to get along with each other had not progressed into the coherent speech phase. The gentlemen were saved however by the surprise entry of their respective wives.

"I'm not being embarrassing Lizzy! I'm simply curious as to the amount of time a human can survive without air! By my calculations they should be almost dead!"

Darcy looked confused. "Who should be dead??"

Lizzy sat down abruptly. "No body. We weren't speaking of anyone."

Mary sat down also. "Not speaking of anyone? Of course we were. We were speaking of Ash and Kitty. Now Christian, if you could remind me to look at my books when I get home."

"Ash and Kitty?" said Darcy.

"Yes." said Mary shortly. "Now I wonder if you'd have the book I'm thinking of in your library Darcy?"

"What book? Ash? Kitty?" said Sir Christian trying to get a handle on the conversation.

Lizzy leaned over and whispered something in Darcy 's ear. Darcy raised his eyebrows and looked surprised. Sir Christian was not so fortunate. He was not enlightened, by his spouse.

"How long do you think you could kiss me for before you needed air?" said Mary frankly to Sir Christian who looked incredulous. Darcy stared and Lizzy groaned.

"Mary!"

Gilbert looked about his room. It resembled to him a monks chambers. There was nothing really in it. Gilbert sat down on his bed when Chesney entered.

"Gilbert." He said sternly.

"Chesie?" replied Gilbert brightly.

Gilbert sat down in the only chair in the room.

"Now Gilbert. This is the ...fifth time this year you have ran out of money. And it's only the middle of MAY! Now how many times must I ask you to be more responsible."

Gilbert rolled his eyes in embarrassment. "Ah - well...sorry Chesie. I'll try."

Chesney gave a unbelieving smile and left the room. Gilbert was surprised at the truncated nature of that lecture. Chesie could normally yell and rant for hours. Something was obviously on his mind. But what?

Gilbert unpacked his clothes and then felt unfulfilled. His loving mother had pressed upon him £20 to tide him over for a while...he could spend that. However Gilbert, being really a very honourable soul underneath, felt that it probably wasn't the best thing to do, and what would really entertain him would be to find out what was wrong with Chesie.

He managed to find out much sooner than he thought he would.

The next day, Gilbert awoke to some angry voices. He silently crept down the stairs (still in his nightwear - sigh) and paused outside his brother's library.

"Don't you threaten me ma'am!" said Chesney in a raised angry voice.

"Oh you are much sterner and tougher on your own territory aren't you my dear Randolph." Cooed the lady, who was obscured from Gilbert's slim view, through the slightly ajar door.

"Don't you call me Randolph!" snapped Chesney.

"Why not you must know that -"

"Stop, I don't want to talk to you anymore than is necessary. Now what is it that you want?"

"Want? Do I have to want something from my dear beloved Randolph?"

Gilbert shuddered in the corridor.

"Yes, you always want something!" replied Chesney sharply.

"Okay, I know there is no fooling you! However I would like it if you gave me some money. In fact quite a lot of money."

Gilbert's eyes almost started out of his head. Why would this lady demand money from Chesie?"

"Money - lots of it? Why should I give it to you?"

"I could create a lot of scandal you know that!"

"It's old scandal. Plus I don't care what you do."

Gilbert shook his head. Don't lie Chesie, everyone knows you have an aversion to scandal and you are a politician. You need scandal like a hole in the head.

"What about the pretty Miss Darcy. Do you want her to know all your deep dark secrets?"

Miss Darcy?? Who is Miss Darcy. Mused Gilbert.

"You will leave her name out of this, Ma'am. She has nothing to do with this."

"Really? So I shouldn't call on her?"

"No!" said Chesney with emotion rising up in his voice.

"Well Randolph dear. I shall contact you a little later about how you can give me the money."

She started to walk towards the door, so Gilbert ducked behind a large vase. She was standing in the doorway, so close to Gilbert that he could have tripped her if he wanted. She turned back towards the room.

"Oh and dear Randolph, don't think I would just stick to telling my little story. I'll kick up such a ruckus. That you will wish that you had just given me the money! But being the kind woman I am, I shall perhaps give you another chance, and another reason for you to comply."

The lady tripped out of the house, Gilbert could see she was advanced in years, but still sprightly. He wondered what on earth she could be holding over his brother.

There was a space of a few minutes before Chesney left the library and angrily left the house. Gilbert stole into the library and sat down in a chair.

Gilbert was puzzled. What had his brother been doing to cause a lady to demand money from him? And who more importantly was Miss Darcy? Gilbert looked at some of the filing his brother kept along a lower shelf. Some of it was not put back neatly. Gilbert reached for it and pulled it out, simply to straighten the pile up.

He placed the pile of paper on his lap and straightened it up. Then he looked at the top piece of paper and gave a short exclamation.

He rifled through the rest of the papers and was suddenly informed of the reason that Chesney should be so edgy.

Chesney told himself to breathe. In and out In and out! His lawyers would know what to do, wouldn't they? Surely he could have that woman sent out of the country if he tried hard enough.

Chesney paused suddenly; all thoughts of lawyers out of his head. Miss Darcy...Georgiana was coming up the path, with her maid. He strode towards her.

"Miss Darcy! Pray, what should you be doing out at this early hour and with only a maid to attend you!"

"My maid is perfectly capable to attend me, I assure you." said Georgiana with a shy smile.

Chesney offered her his arm and asked her wither she was bound.

"I'm going to see my cousin. Lady Ashbourne."

"Really I'm going that way" Chesney lied, "Let me attend you."

Georgiana accepted his arm with no hesitation. "May I ask, my lord, why you should be at all concerned with my welfare? I can think of no reason that would give you reason to be thus concerned, as you always are when I see you." Georgiana looked up at him, with caught breath, hoping her little hint had not been too obvious.

Chesney smiled down at her. "You cannot think of one reason, why I might be justly concerned?"

Georgiana turned bright red. Their walk continued pleasantly enough.

Kitty was in that pleasant haze that was known as being conscious but not awake. A nice warm cocoon of sleep was slowly engulfing her, but she was jolted out of it by a sudden movement. Her eyes flew open to meet an apologetic Ash.

"Sorry, Arm was falling off..."

Kitty closed her eyes and yawned. "What time is it."

"Morning."

"That's informative."

"Sorry it's the best I can approximate."

Kitty gave a little shiver and pulled the blanket up almost over her head so only a few curls and a little nose peeked out. Ash laughed.

"What are you doing."

"Trying to sleep. Sleep, wonderful sleep."

Ash quietly took the edges of the blanket and pulled.

"ARRGH!" shrieked Kitty, exposed to the sunlight and the cold morning air.

"You complete and utter - " Kitty made a grab for the blankets and lost.

"I'm feeling nice and warm, what a lovely morning." Said Ash from among the blankets. Kitty frowned and tried to detach the blankets.

"Give them back! I want to sleep." She finally managed to grab a quarter of the blanket back and huddled underneath it. Ash relented and pulled her underneath the rest of the blankets.

Kitty leaned her head back on Ash's shoulder.

"My feet are cold." Complained Ash a few minutes later. Kitty laughed.

"You should have been shorter!"

"I missed you."

Kitty turned around and smiled at Ash. "Missed you too."

"Kit, I'm so glad we had that talk yesterday."

"Yes, so am I. Let's never have a misunderstanding like that again."

"No lets never. What was that rule again?"

Kitty narrowed her eyes at him but then laughed. "The one that says we should always talk?"

"Yeah that's the one."

Kitty put her arms around Ash's neck and he put his around her waist. Kitty started to drop off back to sleep.

"Ah - Kit - unlike some people who just get to lie around all day. I think I should probably actually get up, unlike yesterday, I do have things to do."

Kitty groaned, Ash took this to be a "Yes that's lovely dear. Have a nice day. " and dragged himself out of bed.

Georgiana some time later, finally making it to Ashbourne house, looking as though she could belong in a tomato patch or at least had spent too much time out in the sun.

She raced up the stairs, and having been warned by Lizzy, knocked loudly on the door and entered only when Kitty's voice sang out that she might.

Georgie checked on the threshold and laughed. Kitty, who had got up had a nice hot bath - so she couldn't fall asleep again and had put on a another night-dress and dressing gown. However this wasn't why Georgie was laughing at her. Kitty was waltzing with herself around the room, she waved a hand at Georgie, who immediately joined in. The two romped around the room, and started twirling as well, the two women were in a fit of hysterical laughter as they fell on the sofa.

The door burst open and a stern Mrs. Roberts was seen in the doorway.

"My lady? Miss Darcy. Is there anything you require?" she said frostily.

"No nothing Mrs. Roberts." replied Kitty meekly. When Mrs. Roberts had left the room Kitty suppressed a giggle.

"I'm supposed to be resting."

"Ah."

Kitty impulsively hugged Georgie and then looked at her inquisitively.

"Georgie...you look flushed."

"The dancing."

"Really? Dancing made you look like that. Well...i never!"

"Kitty! ...Okay if you must know. I met Lord Chesney on the way here."

"ooooooooh Lord Chesney " Kitty waggled eyebrows " ...Have I met him?"

Georgie laughed. "Perhaps you have, I am not sure..."

"Nevermind! Clearly it behooves me to cultivate his acquaintance!"

"Oh Kitty he is the most handsome, wonderful man I have ever met. We talk of everything and anything when we meet. I feel so comfortable when he is nearby and when he isn't there I feel so dejected. But Kitty I don't think William approves, So I have tried to be cheerful in his presence, which means I have not had the chance to talk to Lizzy either. Oh Kit will you listen to me?"

Kitty laughed. "Of course I will listen to you Georgie. Now list me all the perfection's that your Lord Chesney has!"

"How did you know I would speak of perfection?"

Kitty shrugged. "A shrewd guess maybe."

Georgie blushed and twisted part of her skirt in her hands.

"Well you seee -"

Part 42

Posted on Thursday, 21 September 2000, at 7 : 46 p.m.

Ash was making a mental list of things to do. He decided to take a little stroll, before he started his errands. Ash though feeling much better than he had for days still felt unease at varying things that had been happening. Least of all the whole fiasco that he felt was about to occur in the quarter of Half-moon street between Brunstein and Chesney and of course that woman, the Comtese.

Ash suddenly saw someone that made him smile. Gilbert Keaton...if a space of a year or so hadn't deceived him. Ash strode faster towards the figure that was balancing precariously on the edge of some guttering and walking along it.

Ash came up behind him, trusted he was right and gave the figure a little push. It was enough to topple him off. The figure fell off the guttering landed in the street, on his face and turned around ready to fight.

His hands fell when he saw who it was, and a smile spread across his face.

"Ash!"

"Gilly!"

There was a manful embrace. This was an odd friendship, formed in Weymouth a little over 2 and a half years ago. Ash had been convalescing at the sea-side town, after returning from the peninsular wars, and Gilbert had been suffering from a slight chest complaint which his mother had totally blown out of all proportion and had banished him to Weymouth to recover.

Both gentlemen, did not like the fact they were considered invalids and their considerable age difference had not mattered when they both combined forces to rid themselves of persons that wished to coddle, cosset and closet one!

Thus a friendship was formed, it had prospered over the confinement at Weymouth and an erratic correspondence ensued. Ash had met Gilbert again at some races at Newmarket the following year and at a few other functions. However it had only subliminally occurred to Ash that Gilly must be Chesney's half brother. It was only now that it struck him in force. He was standing in front of an ally that may be needed in the ensuing week. Ash had after talking to Kitty determined that the Comtese must not be allowed to destroy Chesney's promising hopes as a politician. Ash knew the erratic temper of the Prince Regent, and the prosaic stability of Lord Liverpool. He did not count on either one to help a promising peer out of a quagmire if he got sucked into one.

The fact that Gilly was Chesney's brother only strengthened Ash's resolution.

"My god! Where did you spring from boy?"

"Rutland. Lost a lot of money."

"Doing what??"

"Pitching a General into a ditch."

"A General hey?" Ash drew Gilly's arm through his and started to stroll in the direction of some of the clubs, his list of things to do forgotten. "So what General would this be? Would I be acquainted with him?"

Gilbert saw Ash's eyes light up and laughed.

Bingley jumped in his chair. Edwin and Richard had been taking him to a number of exciting executions (not those type of executions but the type that happens after someone goes bankrupt). Bingley had not so far bought anything, but he was intending to today.

Bingley watched as the Duke of Whitfield sat next to him.

"What are you intending to buy?"

"Lord Breville had a very fine wine cellar. I think I will pick up some of that if I can." Replied the Duke.

Bingley smiled to his other neighbour, Edwin. Richard was sitting on Edwin's other side.

The auctioneer came up and the auction went underway.

The 1st item up was a sofa. A old hatchet faced biddy, bided for that, although Bingley would have described her as a middle-aged woman and left it at that.

Bingley turned to Edwin.

"Say Edwin...what do you think I should bid for?"

Edwin leant over towards him. "You have seen me bid, before, choose something that you need and bid a proper price, do not get overzealous otherwise you will end up with something completely useless."

Bingley nodded. The 2nd item was more in his line. It was a mirror, that had beautiful metal work around the outside. Bingley successfully bided for it, and in a good price range. Both the Duke and Edwin congratulated him on his purchase.

Bingley was full of excitement now. He could hardly contain himself. What could he buy next? And at what price? If he had thought himself excited at the auctions he had not bid at, what should he call this emotion!

Bingley's hand shot up bidding quickly and at a quite exorbitant price - it clearly behoved Bingley to bid high, It would perhaps help the family out of their financially difficulties and if wasn't as though he was a poor man.

The Duke and Edwin gave Bingley sharp surprised looks. Bingley was the winner and was now the proud owner of an old moth eaten rug.

Bingley suddenly was consumed with a buying frenzy. After bidding unsuccessfully for William Collins Poetry books, successfully buying a hideous epergne (complete with leaping tigers and trunk raising elephants), his companions started to worry.

Especially when a stuffed animal from Australia was brought out, one of those Obviously stitched together animals that were obviously entirely fake. The Duke and Edwin dove for Bingleys arms and pinned them down. Only to hear the fatal words a minute or so later.

"Sold to the Earl of Matlock this prized Plat-y-pus from the Antipodes!"

Edwin looked horrified towards his brother who was smirking. Bingley was definitely on his own from now on.

The Dukes' item came up next, and he bought his required amount. Then the Madeira and Ratafia came up for auction. The Duke did not like either drink and knew for a fact that Lord Breville had not kept fine examples of either drink. Thus he was quiet horrified when he saw that Bingley was going to bid for them. He tried to whisper a warning but Bingley was too happily crazed to notice. The Duke tried to surreptitiously grab Bingley's hand, in the process he jerked his head a little too far.

The Process went on until finally the Three gentleman (the Duke, Edwin and Richard) decided to get Bingley out of their fast. However their standing up was taken for a collective bid on a series of Deer heads.

Edwin : Platypus, Deer head, Portrait of Ropespierre and a antique cheese knife.

Richard : Deer head, a court dress of satin and a head dress of a native chief of Africa.

The Duke: Several crates of the finest Burgundy and Brandy. 50 crates of low quality Madeira and Ratafia, a deer's head and several necklaces of yellowed pearl.

Bingley : Moth eaten Rug, beautiful mirror, and a epergne. (however the others could not drag him out of the room, before he bid successfully on an 'ancient statue' of fertility, that smelled vaguely like rotting cheese and all others (except Bingley) felt should be chucked down the nearest privy)

They all decided Bingley should never be allowed near an auction again.

Edwin slowly tried to sneak into his house. Deer Head mounted on fine mahogany backboard was pushed slowly ahead of him, scraping on the floor. He had the Robespierre portrait under one arm, the cheese knife in his mouth, and the Platypus under the other arm. It was a slow procession, as his knees had to continually prop up the Deer Head.

"Why did I ever think Bingley would be a good person to take to an auction. Stupid Stupid Stupid!" he muttered indistinguishably.

"Father?" said Colonel Fitzwilliam in a surprised tone, he had just come in from the street and stood behind his father.

Edwin of course couldn't turn around due to his large burden, so he said a very rude expletive, having been found out.

The Colonel removed the cheese knife from Edwin's mouth, and held up the Deer Head with the other hand.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing. I'm doing absolutely nothing." Said Edwin trying to look nonchalant.

"Did you buy this stuff at an Auction? I thought you had taste Father!" cried the Colonel.

Edwin turned a shade of puce and was about to rip into his son, when he thought of a better way to cause his son's discomfort.

"So Richard, my son, how is Anne?"

"Anne?"

"Yes your cousin. Am I to hear wedding chimes soon?"

"Wedding chimes? I'm not in love with Anne!"

"Really, you aren't? So this would be why for the first time in about seven years you have applied to me for monetary assistance?"

It was the Colonel's turn to turn a shade of puce. "Sir, I may have over stretched my budget this quarter but I assure you it had naught to do with Anne."

"So why exactly did you need a whole new wardrobe? A curricle and four? And the countless other things."

"A man has to look his best! You never complain when Ash buys things like this."

"Ash isn't an idiot."

"Sir have you forgotten the stupidity of my elder brother last year!!"

"No I have not forgotten some of Horrie's more temperamental actions last year. But by god at least he didn't deny he was in love when he clearly was."

"Sir! For the last time I am not in love with Anne. She may be a very fine woman in her own right, very sweet and lovely with some new found spirit ....fine eyes....arched eyebrows...great dress sense....BUT I am NOT in love with her!"

The Colonel bid his father good day, put the cheese knife in Edwin's hand, rested the Deer Head against his knees and went off up the stairs.

Edwin snorted. "Not in love indeed....arched eyebrows...heh! Really!"

Edwin looked at the pile of stuff surrounding him and groaned.

"Herringsworth! Come here NOW!"

The dependable Butler must be excused if he checked on arriving in the entranceway, but the sight of his master with such items really quite shocked him.

Lady Catherine was fuming, her daughter had gone out to take some worthless little shopkeeper of a man, around in her new phaeton.

Her daughter! It was not to be borne! Now that she had a good think about it, it was obvious that Anne must Marry Richard! Then the dear Colonel would have the running of Rosings, and that was just how dear Louis would have wanted it.

However her daughter, did not appear to be playing the game properly. It was obvious to anyone who wasn't blind that she was on the catch for Richard, but she would not listen to advice.

Lady Catherine had given her hours of advice last night on what she must do to impress the Colonel and did she listen to any of it? NOOO!

Consequently Lady Catherine's tea went cold as she fumed, which did nothing to add to her mood, or her countenance. So when part of the object of her rage entered the room, to greet his mother, she could not help barking.

"Ah! Nephew! Off Gallivanting around the town are we? Just got enough time to squeeze in a visit to your dear mother and aunt have you? No time for anyone else I daresay!! Well never let it be said that I reprimanded you for your bad behaviour."

Both Harriet and the Colonel looked at bit surprised at this, but the Colonel politely bid her good day and went to talk to his mother. Lady Catherine was close to boiling point.

"Well Nephew. I have been trying my hardest not to interfere, it has been made clear to be that young persons do not like my interference! Even though Dear Lady Metcalfe was so thrilled with Miss Pope. She was a treasure... However I must say you have used my daughter extremely ill!! If I don't hear of your engagement soon, I shall be most vexed. Everyone wants this marriage, so get off your little backside, my boy and propose! Now I had a chat to Anne, and well it's not my fault she is off with some shopkeeper being hoydenish in Hyde Park! I had no hand in that. I have done my best and well no body could do anything more. It's up to you Colonel. Are you a member of his majesties armed forces? Of course you are, you are a Colonel, so go and do some commanding! I confess that I have never been a Colonel but if I had been I would be a true proficient, and so would Anne, of course. So if you don't start commanding, I will. And my first command will be that you and my daughter, stop this undignified and unrefined " there was a pause as Lady Catherine gathered her breath " shilly-shallying and get married.!!"

So finished the tirade of General De Bourgh (if she hadn't been angry she would have seen that at General was a much better rank and would have adorned her much better than a mere Colonel.)

The Colonel, much red in the face, rose from his seat.

"Aunt, you have no right to dictate my movements! I insist upon having the right to choose my own wife, and if I do not choose your daughter, you will deal with it. And I shan't choose your daughter, when I marry It shall be where I love. Now if you will excuse me, mother, Aunt. I am off to Hyde Park."

The Door slammed shut. Harriet looked reprovingly at Lady Catherine.

"Catherine, I do think you should stop meddling. Anne told you last night she does not love Richard, and Richard told you that he does not love Anne. So cease and desist!"

"Give me that dictionary!"

"What?" said Harriet surprised handing over the dictionary, that was sitting on her sewing.

"I want to see if the definition of love has changed since I was a girl." snorted Lady Catherine. "No lookie here! It hasn't changed. What a surprise!"

Gilbert slowly walked down Half-Moon Street. Meeting up with Ash had been quite a surprise. Gilbert thought very highly of Ash, despite the age difference. Although Gilbert would by far have Wilfred Garver and Ferdinand Hilton around him when he was on the town. They were top fellows and would indulge in any lark that Gilbert thought up, but unfortunately they were having too much fun in Rutland to join Gilbert on his 'money- saving' trip to London.

However Gilbert was quiet happy to reacquaint himself with Ash, although Ash was no longer a bachelor which meant that the likelihood of his joining in any exploits was next to none. Gilbert nevertheless was quite content with knocking around town with Ash.

Gilbert met his brother on entering the house. Met might not be the right word, Chesney cannoned into him.

"Chesie!"

"Oh Sorry Gilbert - mind upon other things... look, I think we need to talk about your spending habits, come to Whites with me for dinner okay."

With that Gilbert was practically dragged back out of the house, despite his protestations that he had just been at the club. They left the house, Gilbert still protesting he didn't want to eat at White's and Chesney giving the butler a conspiratorial look.

Gilbert gave up about half way down the street and spent the rest of the walk trying to ascertain why Chesney was so desirous of leaving the house.

While Gilbert ate his meal quietly, the conversation flowing volubly from Chesney. Gilbert now got that lecture he was surprised Chesney hadn't given him before. Gilbert had heard it many times before and it never sunk in then, it is doubtful that it sunk in now.

They retired to one of the coffee rooms, so that Chesney could impress upon Gilbert the importance of keeping up appearances and not creating scandal. Gilbert paid a little more attention to this, this was a new subject of lecture for Chesie. Chesney had always deplored lack of manners, but when he came back from the Continent, he had openly despised those people who lead less than exemplary lives, this animosity had died down a little, but now appeared to be back in full strength. But Gilbert noticed that Chesney appeared to be worried.

Gilbert's concern for his brother increased rapidly when Chesney actually jumped out of his chair when a letter was brought for him by an impassive footman. Chesney read it and then paled.

Chesney folded it up and looked at Gilbert with some measure of fright in his eyes. He sighed and then closed his eyes, with no words he handed over the letter to Gilbert who read it.

"She is blackmailing me Gilbert."

"I know, I heard her at the house."

"Well I daresay you do not know why she is doing it."

"I have a fair idea."

"What?"

"I was looking in your library..."

"Oh."

"Chesie, she can't ruin you! Everyone has a few skeletons in their closet! You are too promising for anything like this to ruin you! What seriously can she do?"

"She hints at something in that letter, but I have no idea what she could mean. And you are wrong Gilbert, it may not materially damage me, but if she rakes across down, spouting what load of nonsense she decides upon, it will be of some embarrassment to me!"

"Yes, but can't you just give her some money and tell her to go away?"

"She will only want more."

"You don't think we could....hmmm you know...." Gilbert made some hitting movements.

"Gilbert, I have long foreseen that you might end up on the gallows, but I have no intention to put myself there, and well -"

Gilbert gave a quick grin. "No I do admit, the delicacy of the situation is too much, even you can't be expected to kill -"

Chesney gave him a warning look as a group of bucks past. "Look I think I might go to that assembly that is on tonight."

Yes thought Chesney seeing Georgiana would settle his nerves, even if he had to chase her from one assembly to another, he would find her.

"But wait, Chesie...what are you going to do?? It asked you to meet her, to discuss " some very interesting news." Are you going to meet her?"

"Certainly not, I do not want to ever see her again."

"But it says you will "have cause to be regretful for an infinite space of time" if you don't show."

"Gilbert, do you think meeting this woman alone in the middle of Hyde Park at dawn is going to help matters much?"

"No but...."

"But nothing. I shall not give her anything, and I won't do anything at her behest! Now I am leaving."

Gilbert nodded as Chesney left, then he realised he still held the letter. He frowned.

He was brought out of a brown study, several minutes later, by a hand on his shoulder.

"Didn't you go home?" Ash flung himself down in the chair so recently vacated by Chesney.

"Didn't you?"

"I have an excuse, I was dragged into a quick discussion with one brother-in-law and then passed onto another for this time a quick question, then before I could escape the last brother-in-law in London assailed me to tell me all about his wonderful purchases at a recent auction. " Ash paused reflectively. "Although I am glad Bingley caught me, it makes me want to go visit my Father and give him some advice on the aesthetic placing of his Robespierre and his new deer head. "

Gilbert looked confused.

"Long story....a very long story actually. So why are you here?"

"My brother didn't want to dine at home and dragged me here."

"Interesting." Said Ash.

Gilbert looked down at the letter in his hand and then looked up at Ash. If there was one person he would like to confer with it would be Ash. But he could not tell him outright the position Chesney found himself in, that would be humiliating to Chesney. But did he have the linguistical talent to be hypothetical.

Gilbert gave up and just handed the letter to Ash.

"This is a highly confidential matter Ash, I am very worried and this is the only reason I would even consider telling you something of a very personal private nature, relating to my brother."

Ash gave a bit of a start when Gilbert mentioned that the matter was related to his brother, and read the letter.

"Now I know you don't know the particulars..."

"You are wrong Gilly, I think I am very much in possession of the facts."

"You are a Trojan Ash, to think you know everything before I ask? Now I needn't even ask you what I was going to!"

"Not quite Gilly! But I assume you want to know what I would do in such a situation?"

"Yes!"

"Well what would you do?"

"Give her some money and get her out of the country."

"Admirable Gilly, very Admirable. How would you do it?"

"I don't know. But that is what I would do."

"Well that is probably what I would do, that is if this was all there was to the matter."

"What do you mean - all there is to the matter?"

"Well you see this part of the letter. "some very interesting news" ?? Well I happen to have a fair suspicion of what her very interesting news is."

"Really? What is it?"

Ash deliberated for some time and then quietly whispered something in Gilbert's ear.

Gilbert's jaw dropped. "How can that be?"

"It's possible. However I cannot confirm it's truth!."

"The he is -"

Ash shushed him. "Don't say that out loud ever again! The best way to keep secrets is never to repeat them. Once is enough."

"But I don't see how that is infinitely worse than before?"

"Because of this!" said Ash waving the letter around. "What are you going to do with this?"

Gilbert looked puzzled. "Go home and give it to Chesney, why?"

Ash looked deflated. "Then when that woman, decides to go public, she will march round, demand this letter to be produced and depend upon it she wrote it in front of someone and wrote a copy. At this stage no body will know what is going on, and of course the letter will be produced. Proving that Chesney knew what the interesting news was - "

"How does it prove that!"

"Chesney isn't going to front up to this proposed meeting is he?"

"Well no..."

"This letter has lures thrown out all over it, any person reading this, if they had no idea what "the interesting news" was, would be jumping to find out what it is. But is Chesney jumping? No? Obviously conclusion he knows what the news is."

Gilbert looked confused. "But he would have told me if he knew?"

"He doesn't know, Gilly. In fact Chesney is probably one of the only people in London who could resist such a letter, that is what that woman, was relying on."

"But Ash, all this isn't' that bad! I mean my opinion is who cares? It shouldn't destroy his career for ever!"

"Gilly it might not destroy his career, but it might be a bit of a stain, a reputation if you will."

"But he doesn't know anything!"

"But if she can make it look as though he did, there will always be the suspicion, was Chesney in league with this band of thieves? Not the first time a outwardly respectable man has got involved with ivory-tuning and card sharps and all manner of underhand things! I remember hearing the story of poor honest Jack Carstares, banished from society for something his brother did and the whole thing was engineered by the Duke of Andover. Easily done!"

"I don't think that will happen, I don't think that Lord - "Gilbert recollected himself. "Those persons we speak of, are even acquainted."

Ash whispered something in Gilbert's ear. To which Gilbert raised his eyes.

"I had not thought of that. It would be quite amusing, if not for the circumstances.....to be.....all the time...and then...but it isn't funny at all! So what do we do?"

"We?"

"You aren't going to help me?"

"I would think you were capable of helping yourself!"

Gilbert smiled. "So no advice?"

"Only a little." Said Ash impassively, with a stern crease in his brow.

"Do proceed oh wise mentor." Said Gilbert gravely. Ash tried not to laugh.

"Well it's a little talk on documents. Documents are sometimes a good thing and sometimes a bad thing. Documents when used shrewdly can be a weapon, and sometimes they can save you."

"This letter being a weapon."

Ash held up one hand to show he hadn't finished yet.

"Now lets take the age old example of a long lost heir. When the heir returns, what proves he is the heir?"

"Documentation....."

"Now what would have happened if that documentation had been say destroyed, by the evil cousin of course it always seems to be a cousin!"

"The heir would be unable to prove who he was..."

"Exactly but would the cousin be able to prove that the heir WASN'T legitimate if all the documentation is gone? Are you beginning to see the point?"

"Not really."

Ash sighed. "Okay, another case. Say for example, a case of adultery. Letters between lovers. " Ash stopped, and frowned at this example he had just brought up, but then looked at Gilbert and decided to continue.

"Perhaps not adultery, perhaps a short fling...hmm, something much regretted on both sides. But letters fell into the wrong hands, what would happen?"

"Well the husband would get the complete wrong idea and he would have proof."

"Yes but if they letters were destroyed?"

"Everything would be fine as it was a mistake! "

Ash rolled his eyes. "Yes, but the letters were the only proof the wife had that it wasn't a serious matter and that it was she who called it off...."

Something suddenly clicked in his brain. "I see.....double-edged sword."

"Yes...you can't destroy documents so easily, there are repercussions, but sometimes keeping them result in scandal..."

Gilbert looked down at the letter he held in his hands.

"Do you see what I'm trying to say??"

"Yes I think I do. And I think I know what I'm going to do. Chesie needs a mediator, someone who that woman does not suspect."

"Are you going to ask Chesie, if he will let you act for him?" said Ash. "You are not reached your majority you know."

"Who cares!" said Gilbert. "I think I may be able to drag Chesney out of this! however, should I tell him the 'interesting news'?"

"Do you think it will help?"

"He is already in a bit of a state...too much to think about....i think I will wait."

Ash tilted his head, in semi-agreement.

Gilbert looked at the fire, and pulled a burning twig out of it and swiftly set fire to the letter, leaving it to burn on the silver platter it had been brought out upon.

"Well there was nothing gained in that letter. If he never got it, how could he be expected to turn up?"

Ash shrugged. "Is Chesney a mind reader?"

"No.....but he did get the letter."

"Did he? Where is the letter? Who saw him read it?" said Ash quickly.

"Point taken. " replied Gilbert. "I have much to do. Thank you."

"Not a problem." Replied Ash.

Ash looked at the crumbled letter and threw the ash into the fire. Did he just do right then? Or was he throwing someone into the fire that was just not up to it? Ash decided he might stick around on the sidelines just in case. However, what he was intending to do right now, was to go home.

Part 43

Posted on Saturday, 30 September 2000, at 12 : 28 a.m.

He was going to marry her. He knew it, and he knew when too. He was going to ask her very soon, once he had sorted everything out with his lawyers. Chesney decided he was not going to wait for the Comtese to strike. If she wanted to try and ruin him she was welcome to try but he would rise above it. How he was going to do this, he didn't know but he would.

With thoughts of Georgiana at the assembly he arrived very late at, he walked dreamily up the stairs. He remembered her eyes as they looked at him. He swore they jumped and sparkled at the sight of him and he was sure that his did the same upon seeing her.

Georgiana, such a pretty name too. Chesney thought of the protective nature of Darcy and wondered whether he would be able to win Darcy over. He shook his head, why should he have to win Darcy over???

Chesney put his hat and cane down in the library and fell into his favourite chair. He hugged a cushion, which in his mind turned into Georgiana. Chesney gave a rather sickening smile, one that could only come from someone deeply in love, and wondered how long it would be before the real thing could be there with him.

Chesney gave a deep sigh and looked down towards his shelf of papers, the shelf that was mysteriously half empty.

"What?" cried Chesney as he jumped out of the chair and crouched down next to the shelf. He rifled through the papers and discovered which ones were missing.

"Why would anyone....take those papers?" Chesney was confused. He looked around the room quickly and tried to remember if he had taken them anywhere.

Gilbert surveyed the room. It had been a successful few days in his opinion, but he still hadn't thought of a way to rid his family of the scourge that was the Comtese.

Gilbert felt quite at home in this little gaming hell. It couldn't be said that that Walton's was at all crude and shabby. Why everyone could be seen there! However Gilbert had £20, not quite a large amount to go throwing around, especially in this place which had a starting price of £20 on most of the tables.

However this was not what Gilbert had come to accomplish. He had followed the Comtese here, and there she was quite alone. He walked over to her.

"Ma'am would you do me the honour of playing piquet with me? I fear I did not bring quite enough money to play at most of the tables."

"You poor boy. Have you not heard of vowels? You can easily redeem them later on!"

"You would refuse me? I thought you knew my brother ma'am, I was certain it was you who I saw leaving the house? I am sorry if I was mistaken."

Gilbert turned to go, but felt a hand on his sleeve, he turned back to see the scheming face of the Comtese.

"You are dear Randolph's brother? Ah yes...I am sure I see the resemblance now, of course you may play with me, and for low stakes too, I wouldn't wish to upset Randolph by sending you home encumbered by debt."

She waved a sinewy bejewelled hand towards a private table and sat down. The play was quick and silent for the first few hands. The Comtese sighed in their final game.

"Sir you have completely undone me. You should have warned me about your talent! It was most ungentlemanly of you to trick me so."

"Oh I would have never dreamed of doing so to a lady, Ma'am"

The Comtese developed a heightened colour and sat up straighter. "You offend me sir? I am a lady, and now I see you are not a gentleman. "

Gilbert inclined his head to one side, smiled and discarded carelessly. "A lady you say? Does a lady, ma'am threaten and blackmail people?"

The Comtese breathed in sharply but arched one eyebrow quickly and smiled. "A hit, my dear sir, talking to you is like fencing, you are a much better at it than your brother."

"My brother talks and acts frankly and honestly ma'am."

"And you do not??" smiled the Comtese.

"I act according to what I want."

"And so do I. We have more in common then you would like to think."

"So do you think my brother will give you the money you desire? Or do you have a backup plan? Lord Brunstein perhaps? Will he give you the money you want?"

The Comtese's nose twitched. "Of course your brother will pay me, he is duty bound to pay me. Though I am very surprised that he knew about Lord Brunstein's connection to my plans and that he told you about it."

Gilbert smiled finally folding up his hand. "He didn't ma'am, you did. I bid you goodnight."

Gilbert collected his winnings and left a fuming Comtese in his wake. As he crossed the room he was being watched.

Brunstein watched as Gilbert left his mother and frowned. Brunstein looked around the room and saw Andrew and Rawdon, both looking less than at there best. Perhaps now would be a good time to take his revenge?

They appeared to be drinking themselves under the table, and all Brunstein would have to do is swoop. He smiled, tossed off the rest of his wine and walked sedately over to their table smiling like a tiger who has just spotted his prey.

Gilbert and Brunstein passed each other, and Gilbert looked over one shoulder to watch Lord Brunstein's progress and ended up running into a man who was exclaiming to his companion "You know this isn't like Timothy's!" Gilbert stepped backwards and hastily apologised.

"What are you doing my boy? I have been watching you. " said the older man, leaning only slightly on his walking stick.

It finally clicked in Gilbert's brain who this was he was talking to.

"Setting a stage, my lord Duke."

"So I see...you know scandals don't always have to end in ruin. Some scandals turn out to be blessings in disguise. I should know."

"No granted. But who likes there fate to be controlled by someone else??"

The Duke smiled and nodded. "True True. I think I might wait for the denouement before I judge. Good day to you Mr Keaton."

Gilbert breathed a sigh of relief. At least he had survived! First, an encounter with a evil boa-constrictor... then a bout with a man who in his hey-day had been regarded as a little more than dangerous.

Andrew sipped his brandy and looked keenly at his adversary. Brunstein had somehow managed to become the bank. He had such a predatory look in his eye that everyone besides Andrew and Rawdon had left the table. However Andrew felt that after his last win, that he wasn't going to back down from a challenge by Brunstein - who they all knew was just a dashed commoner, no taste, talent or breeding.

Rawdon on the other hand had no idea where he was, he was suffering from what is known as hair of dog. He had been floating around in this alcohol induced cloud for some time and Rawdon did not feel as though he wished to come out of it. He was vaguely aware of Brunstein at the table and Andrew across from him.

Andrew appeared to be giving Rawdon some complex instructions via eyebrow movements but Rawdon was too dazed to notice.

Andrew was really saying: Look Rawdon, we must totally humiliate this man. He has been nothing but a nuisance, he tried to drag us into the wrong company, then he has made it quite clear that he thinks of us as nothing more than children but we shall humiliate him. And then where will he be.

It is important to note that Andrew at this stage is suffering from what is known as gamblers disease. Its a feeling of invincibility after achieving one lucky win. A very good reason not to gamble because unfortunately no body is invincible.

Rawdon is suffering from what is technically known as I'm-a-complete-idiot- have-humiliated-myself-to-the-max-and-now-just-want-to-crawl-into-a-hol- and-die-quietly-how-could-I-have-been-so-stupid-itis.

And What was our horrible Evil Baron thinking at this time. He was suffering from But-this-appears-too-easy paranoia.

Rawdon lay sprawled over a couch. Where was he? Oh that's right. Was he at home? Rawdon opened one eye cautiously and saw a rather odd combination of pea green and puke orange. Yes he must be at home. He remembered his mother importing the puke orange accessories from the Netherlands. Unfortunately her order lost something in the translation, so instead of a relatively clean looking orange, that quite surprisingly suited some Dutch people, she ended up with puke orange.

Rawdon's brain tried to piece together what had happened to put him in such a condition. Something about Waltons, and Andrew and....Lord Brunstein. Suddenly Rawdon felt a little ill and it wasn't the orange....

Andrew clutched his head numbly as he tried to listen to his father's lecture. Unfortunately the pale pastel blue wall hangings kept swimming about giving Andrew the feeling he was on a boat, which didn't add to his health in any way shape or form.

"Now coming home at all hours, in that condition is unacceptable. I know I have been a little distracted..." Richard broke off as he shuddered at the sight of an African Head Dress, perched on the end of the staircase. "But that is really unacceptable."

Andrew managed to whisper "If I had my own rooms??" But that just invoked a roar from his parental unit.

Andrew tried to block out Richard's tirade on the amount of money he would not see wasted by his son and heir however Richard's mention of money made Andrew forcibly remember something and give an agonising groan.

Continued in the Next Section