Page 97 of A Different Impression

By early summer, Elizabeth was ready to leave Town, and no one objected when William proposed returning to Pemberley. Once again, the journey required four days, but the twins tolerated the carriage rather better than they had in March. Elizabeth nevertheless felt a profound sense of relief when Pemberley appeared in the distance.

The familiar routines of home quickly reasserted themselves. Georgiana returned to her music, Kitty pursued her art, and both continued learning the responsibilities of managing a large household. Elizabeth resumed her morning walks with William and devoted much of each day to the twins, who soon mastered crawling and ensured that no object within reach remained where it had been placed.

Letters from Jane brought regular reports of the estate she and Charles had purchased twenty miles from Pemberley. According to Jane, Windermere Grange was smaller than Netherfield but well maintained. Still, her sister’s pleasure in arranging her own home was evident in every letter. Her pregnancy progressed without serious difficulty, and by October, Elizabeth and William were preparing to join her for her confinement.

Elizabeth liked Windermere Grange from the moment she arrived. The manor house was comfortable without being imposing, and its proximity to Pemberley promised that she and Jane would no longer be separated by several days’ travel.

Jane was already confined largely to her rooms, so Elizabeth went to her as soon as she had refreshed herself. William hesitated before accompanying Charles on a tour of the estate, but Elizabeth encouraged him to go.

“I intend to remain with Jane, and Charles is plainly eager to show you everything,” she told him. “You may report his plans to me when you return.”

He gave her a doubtful look but allowed Charles to lead him away.

Elizabeth had not been with Jane above half an hour before she noticed the increasing regularity with which her sister fell silent and gripped the arm of her chair.

“Jane,” she said carefully, “how long have you been experiencing these pains?”

“Since shortly before you arrived. I did not wish to alarm Charles unnecessarily.”

Elizabeth stared at her. “I believe the moment for avoiding alarm has passed.”

The household descended briefly into confusion when Elizabeth called for the midwife, but she soon had water heating and clean cloths prepared. A nurse was already in residence, and the midwife arrived within the hour. Once the experienced women had taken charge, Elizabeth remained beside Jane, offering what comfort she could.

The labour continued throughout the afternoon and well into the night. Shortly before dawn, Jane safely delivered a son. Elizabeth stayed until both mother and child had been made comfortable, then went in search of Charles.

A footman directed her to the study, where she found both men asleep in their chairs. Several glasses and a nearly empty decanter stood upon the table between them. Elizabeth attempted to wake Charles, but he responded only with an incoherent murmur. She turned instead to her husband and touched his shoulder.

“William, wake up. I require your assistance.”

He opened his eyes slowly and frowned at the morning light. “What has happened?”

“Nothing alarming. Jane has delivered a healthy son, but his father appears determined to sleep through the introduction.”

William sat upright. “A son?”

“A son.”

He rose and crossed to his friend. It required several forceful shakes and a loud repetition of Bingley’s name before Charles finally opened his eyes.

“Your wife is waiting to introduce you to your child,” William told him.

Charles stared at him for a moment before comprehension dawned. Then he leapt from the chair and hurried from the room without another word.

Elizabeth laughed as the door closed behind him. “I believe he is awake now.”

“Your powers of observation remain unequalled.” William approached and studied her face. “You must be exhausted.”

“I am, although watching Jane’s labour was considerably easier than enduring my own.” She hesitated, suddenly less certain of her planned words. “I may have occasion to discover whether the experience is easier a second time.”

His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Elizabeth took his hand and placed it against her abdomen. “I believe the twins may have a brother or sister in approximately seven months.”

For several seconds, William merely stared at her. “Another child?”

“If the signs are to be believed.”

His astonishment gave way to a smile as he drew her into his arms. “I love you, Elizabeth.”