“That does not concern me,” Jane insisted.
“He has renewed the lease on Netherfield Park. And he has released Miss Bingley’s dowry.” She wished nothing more than Jane’s happiness and still believed that lay with Mr. Bingley.
“It hardly matters. It does not prove anything.”
Elizabeth smiled. “It is a beginning. And you will have plenty of opportunities to observe him when you return to Hertfordshire.”
Jane laughed. “You are so certain that I am having a boy.”
“It may be wishful thinking. It is only that I feel this foreboding deep inside that you will once again be settled too far away for my liking.” Elizabeth knew it in her bones; Jane would have a son and move away, and her favorite sister would not be just down the hall any longer.
“What will be will be, dear Lizzy. I am content with allowing God to prevail.” Jane smiled. “Have faith. You are married to a wealthy man. What is fifty miles or more of good road?”
They laughed and the conversation turned. In time, Jane excused herself and Darcy wandered over to take her spot. “I do not mean to be rude, but your sister looks exceedingly uncomfortable.”
She chuckled gently, taking his hand. “Yes, she is. Yet, she maintains her gracefulness. I am much shorter than Jane and wonder how I shall fare when…” she trailed off, biting her lip and turning away.
“I shall find you exquisitely beautiful when the time comes.” He gently turned her face toward his, his eyes earnestly imploring her to believe him.
She did not reply but smiled at his words. They went to bed soon after, both exhausted after the emotional day.
The next day, Elizabeth received an unexpected letter from Mrs. Bennet. Her mother had not written to her since her marriage, and she wondered what the lady needed that prompted her to send her least favorite daughter a message.
Dear Mrs. Darcy,
I must admit, I like writing that very well, indeed. Your fortunate marriage, though unexpected, pleases me. I am happy to know that my most difficult daughter has secured herself a worthy husband. If you managed to win Mr. Darcy and his ten thousand pounds, then Lydia must surely marry an earl! When you are out of mourning, you must invite her to spend a season in town.
But that is not the reason I write to you, my most ungrateful child. I have written to Jane, ordering her to come home, and she will not. She claims she will not return until it is safe to travel after she has her child. But she must have her lying in at Longbourn, as I have told her since June. Jane instead went to Derbyshire, and I have been unable to convince her to come back to Hertfordshire.
It is upon you, Miss Lizzy, to send her home. I know she is giving birth to Longbourn’s heir, and so her place is here. She likely stays because she believes you wish her to, and so you must tell her that she must go. Only your word will convince her, it seems.
I have read your many letters and thank you for the descriptions of your new homes. If Jane has a girl, I expect you to open one or both to us so that we have a place to lay our heads. Your father did not prepare enough, and I will not be forced to live in genteel poverty when my daughter has married so well. It is the least you can do after refusing Mr. Collins.
Tell Jane to make haste, lest she give birth on the journey.
Sincerely,
Mama
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and handed the letter to her husband. “Read this,” she said. “It is very diverting.”
She watched Darcy’s face as he read, expression ranging from irritation, to shock, to panic. “I will pay for a cottage in Meryton,” he said, handing the missive back, “but I beg you, let us not have your mother stay with us permanently.”
“Never! My mother would make our lives incredibly difficult. I am not her favorite child and so she must find fault in all that I do. I cannot have her here, picking at me while I try to learn how to manage our households.” Elizabeth shook her head, curls bouncing. “She would be happier to stay near her sister, anyway.”
“What about her dictates to Jane?”
She turned, inquiring what he meant.
“Jane is a widow and free from her mother’s edicts. Will she manage if she does return to Longbourn? I have no doubt that nothing could stir her from Pemberley for some months. The babe is to come soon, yes?” Darcy fiddled with the signet ring onhis hand as he spoke, an action Elizabeth had learned meant he felt anxious.
“Yes, Jane says the baby is to come by September. You are correct; nothing could stir her from Pemberley before then. Though, she is resolved to return if she bears a son. I only hope I can convince her to wait a few months.”
He nodded. “She will need to go either before the winter storms start or wait until spring. I do not often travel during December or January. The journey is miserable and cold.”
“I shall inform her.” Letter in hand, she stood and left the room to find Jane. When she located her in the blue parlor, she handed her elder sister the letter to read. It took Jane a matter of moments to read the entire thing and she handed it back to Elizabeth, rolling her eyes.
“Mama! How ridiculous can she be?” She sighed, exasperated. “She does not realize that having a boy will hardly be a boon toher.I have many changes planned if my child is a son, and Mama will not like many of them.”
