Page 122 of The Crown’s Gift

Darcy thanked him, asked six questions, forgot every answer, and followed him into the hall to ask them again.

Elizabeth remained seated near the fire, half laughing and half crying.

When Darcy returned, he knelt before her.

"You are well?"

"So he says."

"He recommends rest."

"He recommends ordinary activity without strain."

"That includes rest."

"It also includes walking."

"Short distances."

Elizabeth placed both hands upon his face. "Fitzwilliam, if you become impossible now, we shall not survive seven months."

He closed his eyes. "I am frightened."

Honesty dissolved irritation.

"So am I."

"My mother died years after Georgiana's birth, but I remember the fear during her confinement. I remember my father waiting."

"Mama delivered five daughters safely and tells every confinement as a military campaign. Jane is well. I am healthy. Fear may come without directing us."

Darcy opened his eyes. "You are returning my lessons."

"It is a family habit."

They told Georgiana first. She cried and embraced them both. Mrs Reynolds knew before the formal announcement because the physician's carriage had been seen and Darcy ordered three books on childbirth from the library shelves.

Letters went south.

Lady Bennet's reply contained eight pages of instructions and a final sentence in Sir Thomas's hand: Your mother has forgotten that women in Derbyshire give birth without Hertfordshire supervision. I have not told her.

Jane wrote from Longbourn, now heavy with her own child.

I am glad our babies will be near in age, though not in miles. Charles speaks to mine every night and believes it kicks in answer. I have not told him digestion is equally likely.

Elizabeth wished to be with Jane for her confinement in February. Darcy wished the same and feared winter travel. They compromised by going to London in January and waiting for safe roads before continuing to Netherfield.

The compromise was tested when snow closed the northern road for four days. Darcy watched weather reports. Elizabeth paced the London drawing room. Neither said I told you so, which they considered a marital triumph.

They reached Netherfield two weeks before Jane's expected time.

Lady Bennet transferred half her attention from one pregnant daughter to the other and exhausted both.

"Lizzy, do not sit in a draught. Jane, you have walked enough. Mr Darcy, she must not climb stairs quickly. Mr Bingley, why is Jane's shawl over there?"

Sir Thomas created a rule: no maternal instruction could be repeated within the same hour.

"You cannot regulate concern," Lady Bennet said.