Page 62 of Through the Eyes of Love

“I am so delighted for you both. Perkins told me how often you have been sick in the morning, and I am relievedthatis the reason.”

“Pray, say nothing to anyone else until we have the opportunity to tell our families.”

“Of course, madam, I understand. Is there anything special I can do for you?”

“I thank you but no. My aunt and the midwife told me to eat whatever I like, get plenty of exercise, and sleep! I have no complaint with following their advice.”

* * *

Several days later,the Darcys were walking towards the manor house to inspect the construction progress when Elizabeth suddenly stopped. She hesitated before she looked at him with tears in her eyes. “We are so pleased about the baby but how can I tell Jane? She was so devastated when hers was lost and now, I am overjoyed to be with child. I fear her response. I cannot bear to inflict more pain on my sister.”

“Dearest, Jane loves you, and she will share our joy.”

“I wish I was as certain of her reaction as you.”

He waved towards their feet. “Now that we are in the manor house, only step where I tell you. The nursery has already been started and the heir to Pemberley must be kept safe at all costs.” Darcy kissed his wife’s hair and showed her how well the building was slowly returning to what it once was. He was proud that he could give this to Elizabeth and that they could share the growth of the manor house as well as the babe.

* * *

Georgiana cameto visit while Fitzwilliam was meeting with Bethel, and for an interesting diversion, Elizabeth suggested they take a walk. The sawing and hammering coming from the manor house complemented their rambles. Elizabeth showed her sister the areas of the garden she hoped to cultivate in the spring and indicated the green on the rose stems that hinted at the possibility of their regrowth.

“More than anything, when the family quarters are finished, your brother and I want you to move back here as soon as possible.”

“Are you really preparing a place for me?” Tears were in the young lady’s eyes.

“Our suite and yours are almost finished, and one more room in the family wing has recently been started.”

“A guest room?”

“A nursery.”

Georgiana embraced Elizabeth and began to cry. “This is the most wonderful news! I finally have a sister and now I am going to be an aunt. Thank you for bringing so much joy back to Pemberley. Have you told my brother?”

“Yes, but only he and Mrs. Reynolds know. We are not telling anyone else before the quickening, which should be soon. I have not even had a chance to tell Jane.”

“Fitzwilliam must have been over the moon when he heard the news. You both deserve as much happiness as G-d will grant you.”

“Thank you, Georgie, you are so dear to me.”

“As I cherish having you as a sister. When will the babe arrive?”

“The midwife said it is hard to predict precisely, especially with the first one, but she believes towards the end of April or early May. To be honest, my courses have never been regular.”

While they were nearing the cottage, Jane’s carriage was stopping near the front door. “My sister has just arrived, and I have been most anxious for you to meet her.”

The coachman helped Jane alight, and Elizabeth took her sister’s hands and smiled. “Jane, allow me to introduce my newest sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgie, my elder sister, Mrs. Jane Horton.”

“Miss Darcy, I am delighted to meet you. Lizzy has told me so much about you.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Horton, Lizzy has told me a great deal about you as well. I am very pleased to meet you at last.”

The three ladies entered the cottage and spent a lovely hour chatting and drinking tea.

Jane stood beside Elizabeth as Georgiana awaited her carriage. The youngest woman took her aside. “Has your sister had the opportunity to meet Richard yet?” she asked in a whisper. Elizabeth nodded her head, and Georgiana spoke to Jane. “When my father died, my brother and my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam were named as my co-guardians. I am fortunate to have been cared for by the two finest men in England. Farewell, Mrs. Horton, I hope to see you again soon.”

The carriage drove away under Elizabeth’s gaze, and she smiled at the idea of the Bennet and Fitzwilliam families being brought even closer together. All Elizabeth wanted was for Jane’s life to be made easier.

* * *