Anna giggled. “Mama, I did not know that Grandmamma could move so fast.”
Elizabeth also chuckled. “Grandmamma can be very determined when she puts her mind to it.”
After Mary congratulated the Darcys, she offered to see if Mr. Bennet was awake. He was and asked that Elizabeth and William join him.
Bennet’s Study
“Darcy, Elizabeth, come in! Mary tells me there is reason to celebrate.” He held out his hands. “I could not be happier with your news.”
“Thank you, Papa.”
“Thank you, Father Bennet; Elizabeth and I have been blessed.”
“Indeed, and I am sure little Anna will be delighted to have a new brother or sister once the babe is born. She will make an excellent older sister.”
“Thank you, Papa. Both Anna and Georgiana are very excited. I suspect it will be hard for them to wait until the end of March.”
“I would imagine so. I wonder….” He tapped his chin in thought. “Since Mr. Mitchell says I have defied his expectations and has revised my life expectancy, would it not be best if your family returned to Pemberley before the birth of your child? Preferably it should be before Christmastide so that you might celebrate the season and participate with Boxing Day in person.”
“Papa, we have talked about it, and it will be no burden for us to stay on for the time being.”
“That may be all well and good, but nevertheless, it is important that the child be born on your estate, especially if you have a son. I would not have you stay here on my account, or travel when the weather is a danger to the roads.”
“Father Bennet, you are very generous. As much as I would wish for our child to be born at Pemberley, we are prepared to stay here throughout the winter and well into the spring season.”
“Yes, but I would not have it. I have decided and shall expect you to plan accordingly and return home.”
“What say you, Elizabeth?” William asked. “I shall let you make the decision.”
“Papa, I am very happy about the doctor’s revised prognosis, yet if we go home to Pemberley, I shall worry excessively while we are away.”
“My dear, hearing your news has given me incentive to carry on. The winter months will pass quickly, and I shall look forward to your return after the child is born and you are able to travel again. It is for the best, Lizzy.”
“William?”
“Perhaps Elizabeth and I should speak privately before we give you our final answer. As it is, if we do return to Pemberley, it would not be until the end of November or the beginning of December, as we wish to attend the wedding of my cousin and Mrs. Walden in Town on the twenty-sixth of November. Even so, I would not deprive Elizabeth of her time with you, if that is what she prefers.”
“I appreciate your generosity, son. Elizabeth, worrying over me will not serve you well. You have much to look forward to at your new home, and an estate such as Pemberley needs its master and mistress in residence. It is also important for your people to partake in the birth of your child. Mr. Mitchell’srevised prognosis has given me new purpose. I fully intend to see my new grandchild and to be around long enough to see Kitty and Lydia well settled. I promise you, I shall be fine until your return; you will see.” He chuckled and winked at William. “In the meantime, my dear, we shall be diligent correspondents, and with each letter that you send, I shall expect your husband to include a book or two for me to read from your excellent library.”
“Yes, Papa,” she said, kissing him on the forehead. “Perhaps we shall do as you ask, but just so you know, I shall hold you to your promise and will not be easy until I see you again and holding our child.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
FAMILY LOVE
Pemberley
The Darcys were back in residence by the first week in December, which gave Elizabeth enough time to plan a small Yuletide celebration for their family and their Fitzwilliam relations who would be joining them in the coming weeks. In addition, there was Boxing Day to prepare for, as well as preparations for the new baby. With Anna’s fifth birthday approaching on the second of March, it was decided that the schoolroom would be refurbished for her use, and that the nursery would be redone to suit the new babe, allowing for two should there be twins.
With so many changes taking place in the coming months, Elizabeth asked Hannah to join the family and travel back to Pemberley, where she would begin to serve as Anna’s personal maid. Mrs. Potter would continue on as nurse for the new babe. Because Anna was not yet five years of age, a governess would not be needed for at least another year. For the time being, lessons would be supervised by Elizabeth, William and Georgiana. Georgiana was particularly eager to assist in thisway, since she had been giving Anna regular instruction on the pianoforte for some months.
As January turned into February and pressed on into March, Elizabeth was so large that she could no longer see her feet and needed to walk with extra care when traversing the steps of the manor house or going out of doors, lest she should fall. William, Georgiana and Anna were all very solicitous of Elizabeth’s comfort, and as promised, made sure that she wanted for nothing.
The family had settled into a routine where they gathered in the music room for some quiet time and relaxation on most evenings. Sometimes William would read aloud or tell Anna a story, and other times Georgiana would play soothing music. Knowing that music calmed the babe, Anna routinely held her mother’s hand and sang to the child she was carrying before being put to bed. During this final month, the babe had been very active, but to Elizabeth’s relief was always calmed by music. This being the case, Elizabeth had told the girls it would be a great help to her if she could hear their music echoing through the hallways when it was her time to give birth. Knowing that the babe would soon be with them, both Georgiana and Anna were motivated to practice well beyond what was normally required.
The Darcys’ Sitting Room
Wednesday, 25 March 1812
