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“Then perhaps I shall discover what it said this time.”

Elizabeth opened the book and began again. Her sister listened, warm beside the window, while the afternoon light slowly left the lawn.

Chapter Fifty-One

CHARLES CAME FOR Elizabeth before the house was properly awake.

She heard his knock, opened her eyes to the green bed curtain, and sat up before he spoke her name.

“Jane would like you.”

“I am coming.”

Elizabeth put on her dressing gown and crossed the passage. Jane sat upon the side of her bed, one hand braced beside her. Her hair had come loose from its night arrangement, and a strand clung to her cheek.

“I am sorry to wake you,” she said.

“You need not begin by apologizing.”

Elizabeth sat beside her. Charles remained near the door, looking from one sister to the other.

“I have sent for Mrs. Talbot,” he said. “And Mrs. Reynolds is coming.”

“Then we have done what is needed for the moment,” Jane replied.

She spoke with an effort to be composed which Elizabeth recognized at once. Jane did not wish Charles to be frightened. That did not mean she felt no fear herself.

“How long have you been awake?” Elizabeth asked.

“For some time. I thought at first I might go back to sleep.”

Charles made a movement toward her. Jane held up a hand before he could ask why she had not called him sooner.

“You know now.”

“Yes.”

“Come and sit beside me.”

Elizabeth moved to the chair so he could take her place. He held Jane’s hand with such careful tenderness that Elizabeth looked away. There was something private in the ordinary comfort which she did not wish to make them conscious of sharing.

Mrs. Reynolds arrived, heard what Jane had to tell her, and sent for the things already made ready. Sally brought a candle and fresh water. Another maid went to tell Mrs. Bennet.

The morning began about them without waiting for daylight.

Elizabeth returned to her own room only long enough to dress. Sally helped with the fastenings and secured her hair, then accompanied her back to Jane with the clean cloths Mrs. Reynolds had requested.

The little linen packet remained in the workbag upon Jane’s chair.

Elizabeth did not touch it yet.

Mrs. Talbot came while the light outside was still grey. She removed her cloak, spoke first to Jane, and asked the others to give her a little room. Charles obeyed after his wife pressed his hand and told him she would call if she wished him.

He went no farther than the passage.

Elizabeth remained where Jane could see her. The midwife’s manner was practical, without either haste or an attempt to make everything sound easy. She asked what she needed to know, listened to the answer, and explained to Jane what she wished her to do next.

“There may be a good while before us,” she said. “You must take your comfort where you can.”