“That we did, Elaine. We are here to collect the girls. We noticed your carriages being prepared, are you and Reggie returning to Snowhaven early?” Fanny smiled at her dearest friend.
“No, Fanny, we are to Pemberley. She is your daughter, but she is my niece, and we want to be there to help and support William and Lizzy wherever we can.” She stated airily knowing neither would do anything different if the roles were reversed.
Bennet went off in search of the Earl and within an hour the caravan of conveyances was on the road heading north. Fanny had told Elaine that Mary and Richard would not be joining them as Mary was on bed rest for the next three to four weeks.
Mary had experienced some light bleeding, and although Mr. Jones did not think there would be a problem, he suggested the bedrest as a precaution. Elaine was thankful to hear the news as the post had not been delivered yet, so she had not known about her daughter-in-law until Fanny told her.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
On the third day after the travellers had left London, they pulled up to the entrance of Pemberley where a swarm of footmen started to unpack their trunks and convey them to their rooms. They were met by Darcy, who informed them Jane and Charles and Marie and Andrew Fitzwilliam had arrived the day before, and that Jane, Marie, and a newly with child Charlotte were visiting Lizzy in their shared sitting room.
When he explained on their return from the Easter trip, they had decided there would be no more using stairs, both Lizzy’s parents and her aunt and uncle were very relieved, all knowing how much she loved to exercise under normal circumstances.
After hugging their brother hello, Georgiana and Kitty took off up the stairs to go see their sisters, and friend. Elizabeth was reclining on a chaise in the master suite sitting room when two very exuberant young ladies burst into the room. The two caught themselves as Mrs. Darcy looked at them with an arched brow.
“We are so sorry, Lizzy, but we have not seen you since Easter at Rosings and we have been missing you.” Georgiana walked closer at a more sedate pace.
“I appreciate the sentiment, Georgie, but I am sure you did not think too much about your pregnant sisters while you were both having a grand old time in London preparing for your season,” Lizzy teased them.
“Hello Jane, Marie, and Charlotte. Lizzy, do not tease us so,” Kitty affected a pout, “you know we love all of you and missed you while we were away.”
“Relax Kitty; you know I was teasing you and Georgie. I am very happy to see you both. Before someone else informs you, Sir Fredrick suspects that I am carrying three, not two babes,” Elizabeth added nonchalantly.
“THREE! Oh my goodness Lizzy, no wonder you are so very big.” Georgiana Darcy clapped her hand over her mouth at her exclamation but relaxed when she saw all of her older sisters and Charlotte Elliot smile.
“There you both are, you ran up the stairs so fast. What happened to the young ladies that were with me in Town these last months? I had just told Fanny how well-behaved you two had been,” the Countess teased her nieces she loved as much as she did her daughters.
“Sorry, Aunt Elaine, and you too Aunt Fanny, but we could not wait to see Lizzy. We are sorry Mary was not allowed to travel, but we will see her, Richard, and hopefully a new babe when we return to town for the little season,” Georgiana explained.
“There is no harm done, of course, it is acceptable for young ladies to relax in their homes when only family is present,” Lady Elaine allowed.
“You two go change from the road and if you wish to, have a rest before dinner. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner and the cousins will arrive in two days. I will still be here after you have changed. I no longer go downstairs so we dine on this floor. You will see William had a suite of rooms made into a temporary dining parlour three doors down,” Elizabeth caught them up on the largest of changes.
“I need to return to the parsonage and see to dinner for Patrick and Grace. It was good to see you again Mrs. Bennet and Lady Elaine.” Charlotte curtsied.
“It was good to see you, Charlotte, and all the best for your pregnancy. Please send our best wishes to your husband and daughter,” Elaine smiled at her as Fanny approached her very pregnant daughter.
After Charlotte left, the two friends left the master suite to go to their chambers to wash and change. They decided not to rest as they wanted to spend time with their sisters. Fanny Bennet commented on how well Charlotte looked and then focused on her daughter.
“How many are able to dine with you, Lizzy?” Fanny asked as she gently rubbed Elizabeth’s belly.
“Eight to ten people comfortably, Mama. If more want to dine with me at any given meal, then you will all have to take turns,” Lizzy replied.
“As your mother, I assume there will always be room for me to dine with my girl.” Fanny Bennet said with a wink and a twinkle in her eyes, “And you Jane, my dear? How are you doing now you are about two months from your confinement?”
“I am as well as can be expected Mama, my babe is much calmer than Lizzy’s brood,” Jane teased them both.
“I would love to see how you would feel if you were carrying two or three babes!” Lizzy huffed.
“Rather you than me. I am very happy to see both you and Aunt Elaine, Mama. This works out well as you and Aunt Maddie can come to the Meadows when you are ready after Lizzy has delivered her babes. No long trip this time.” Jane smiled at the positive that meant the family could come to her home with little inconvenience.
“I must say, Fanny, your girls timed this rather well. Marie and I and our husbands will travel to Netherfield Park to be with Mary before she enters her lying in. Our family is expanding rapidly.” Elaine winked at Fanny.
Seeing Elizabeth’s energy was flagging; the attendant nurse signalled the family to let the expectant mother get some rest. After sleeping for two hours, Elizabeth was attended by her very solicitous husband and the rest of the family.
That night for dinner Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were joined by her parents, the Bingleys, aunt and uncle Fitzwilliam, and Andrew and Marie. It was decided the young ladies would be present for all three meals on the morrow, so they did not feel left out.
On the expected day, the Gardiners arrived in their three-coach convoy. They were welcomed by Darcy, and after resting visited Elizabeth in the sitting room. The children were allowed to remain for a short while then they were soon on their way to enjoy Pemberley’s splendours accompanied by Georgiana, Kitty, the young ladies’ companions, and the children’s nursemaid.
