Page 247 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Charles was attempting to catch his two-year-old son, who had discovered that running away from his father was an excellent game. The little boy darted around a chair and shrieked with laughter when Charles followed him.

“You are encouraging him,” Jane said.

Charles caught his son around the middle and lifted him into the air. “I have not said a word.”

Jane came to stand beside him and brushed the boy’s hair from his forehead. “You are laughing.”

“I cannot help that.”

Charles kissed her cheek before lowering their son to the floor.

Across the room, Alexander set his son down beside Mary. The little boy looked around, saw Lydia sitting on the sofa, and immediately hurried toward her.

“Liddie has been discovered,” Mary said.

Alexander slipped his arm around her waist as they watched their son cross the room.

Lydia leaned forward and held out her arms. “Come here, darling.”

He went directly into them. Lydia lifted him onto her lap and kissed his round cheek, murmuring to him while he settled against her. A moment later, he threw both chubby arms around her neck.

Lydia laughed and hugged him close. “I love you too.”

Thomas Bennet looked toward Elizabeth. She sat close beside her husband, gently stroking her son’s hair.

William had surrendered to the excitement of the evening and slept in his father’s arms, his cheek against Darcy’s chest. Darcy supported him with one arm while his other hand moved slowly over the boy’s back.

“He appears to have had enough of his relations,” Mr. Bennet said.

“He tried very hard to keep up with his cousins,” Elizabeth said.

Darcy looked down at his sleeping son. “He will try again tomorrow.”

When Jane’s son rubbed his eyes and made another attempt to run away, Jane caught him and kissed him good night.

“Dinner will be served soon, Charles.”

Charles lifted the boy into his arms and carried him to the nanny waiting in the next room.

Alexander went to Lydia and reached for his son, but the boy clung to her neck.

“You must go upstairs now,” Lydia told him softly. “Aunt Lyddie will still be here tomorrow.”

The boy finally released her, and Alexander carried him to his nanny.

Darcy rose with William still asleep against him. Elizabeth went with him and kissed their son’s forehead before Darcy placed him in his nurse’s arms.

The three women carried the boys upstairs.

Mr. Bennet watched his grandsons disappear through the doorway.

“Not one daughter among all of you.”

* * *

The following morning, Elizabeth stood behind Georgiana fastening the small buttons of her gown.

Georgiana looked at herself in the mirror. “I am very happy for Kitty and Mr. Goulding. It seems they have waited a very long time to marry.”