Page 63 of Through the Eyes of Love

The midwife had explainedwhat to expect, and shortly after Georgiana’s visit, Elizabeth passed an important milestone. Thatnight, she was snuggling in bed with her husband. “You may not realize it, but today was a significant one in our lives.”

“Why is that, Mrs. Darcy? Have you finally become aware of how much I love you?”

“I appreciate your love every day. . .but that is not it. I. . .I felt the baby move today.”

Fitzwilliam flew to a seated position and stared at her. “How did it feel?”

“There was a fluttering and then a little poke.”

“Did it hurt?”

“Not at all. I was excited that our child has reached this milestone.”

“Will you tell me when I can feel it?”

“Of course, but I cannot predict when that will be.”

Her husband kissed her and placed his hand on their growing child, and both fell asleep smiling.

* * *

The followingday

When Jane entered the drawing room, Elizabeth asked her to sit beside her and held her hands. “I have the most fantastic news. I am going to have a baby—I felt the quickening yesterday.”

Jane hesitated a moment before embracing her. “I am so excited for you. This is the best news I could imagine. How do you feel?” However calm she seemed; she released a little sob.

“Have I upset you, dearest?”

“I try not to think about what happened, but sometimes it is difficult. I never felt the baby move before it was lost. Let us not think of the past but celebrate the future!” Elizabeth grasped her sister in a hug and both shed a few tears.

The sisters had just stopped crying when Fitzwilliam entered the room. Jane rose and took his hand. “Congratulations! I am delighted for you both.”

He kissed her hand and walked her back to the settee. “Thank you. Elizabeth waited so long to tell you because she did not wish to cause you any pain. She loves you very much.”

“I have decided to be the most affectionate aunt of any child ever born in Derbyshire!” They all laughed, and tea was called for.

Meryton, Hertfordshire, 11 Nov.

Lizzy,

I am very disappointed you will not host your sisters in London this Season, nor be there to buy them any new gowns. I understand your desire to remain at home until your baby is born but you are being selfish not recognizing how your decision has affected your sisters and their marriage prospects. Now, they will have to meet some local men and make do with the clothes they already own. How I wish your father had taken better care of us! Goodness knows, there is no money for new gowns. He should have thought about our future and not spent all his money on books. If you are anything like me, you shall have an easy delivery. Give your husband a son and heir and be done with your wifely duties.

Your Mama,

F. Bennet

“Fitzwilliam,you will not believe this letter from my mother.” She handed him the paper. His face showed various expressions as he read what Mama had written.

He gave the letter back to her. “Perhaps we should send your mother some money to buy your sisters new gowns.”

“I was thinking the same thing—but I find it interesting how she neglects to recognise all the money she wasted on every frippery that caught her eye while my father was alive.”

“Does your mother know you were in service for a short time?”

“When I left London, I wrote to my mother about arriving in Lambton and told her I was staying with Mrs. Hopkins. I had not yet started working for Mrs. Murray and I did not mention it in my subsequent letters to anyone.”

“I am proud that you sought work when you had no other choice, but it will remain our private business forevermore.”