Page 123 of The Crown’s Gift

"I regulate volume. Concern may continue silently."

The sisters found comfort in one another's fears. Jane admitted she dreaded pain. Elizabeth admitted she worried something in her would be lost to motherhood.

"Everyone speaks as if the child becomes your whole heart," she said. "What happens to the rest of me?"

Jane considered. "Perhaps the heart grows. Mama remained herself after five of us."

From the corridor came Lady Bennet's voice demanding to know who moved the foot warmer.

Elizabeth smiled. "Indisputably."

Bingley and Darcy coped differently. Bingley hovered visibly, carrying trays and pillows. Darcy became efficient: ensuring physicians, warming rooms, reviewing routes, and checking fires. Sir Thomas called both forms noise.

One night, Darcy stood with Elizabeth in the old nursery at Longbourn. A cradle waited near the hearth for Jane's child. The pencil marks remained beside the door.

"Our child will know this room," Elizabeth said.

"Yes."

"And Pemberley."

"Both."

"If it is a girl, will you be disappointed?"

Darcy's answer came at once. "No. Pemberley requires an heir eventually, but I require no particular child to satisfy an estate. A daughter would be loved. A son would be loved."

"And if we have neither after this?"

"Then this child will be loved and the entail will follow where law directs. I will not make our family a servant to fear."

Elizabeth leaned against him, comforted beyond words.

From the bedroom below came sudden movement, then a servant's hurried steps.

Jane's labor had begun.

* * *

Longbourn changed from home to waiting place.

Mrs Jones, experienced in confinements, arrived within the hour. Mr Jones followed to examine Jane and was expelled by his wife after offering three instructions she had already given. Lady Bennet removed her bracelets, tied on an apron, and became calm.

"Heat more water," she told the servants. "Not all at once. Keep the passage clear. Mary, take Kitty and Lydia to Netherfield. Lizzy may remain if Jane asks for her."

Sir Thomas watched his excitable wife become the most capable person in the house.

"You have done this five times," he said quietly.

"And you read through three of them."

The old wound carried no poison now, only truth.

"I am sorry."

"Then make yourself useful to Charles. He looks ready to faint before Jane has begun properly."

Bingley paced the library. Darcy sat near the fire, appearing composed enough to enrage him.