Page 127 of The Crown’s Gift

Elizabeth embraced her, remembering the frightened girl who had once feared Mr Collins might corner her into a proposal. Mary held Mr Avery's hand without hesitation.

Lady Bennet produced the tablecloth count within ten minutes.

Kitty was invited to spend part of the summer at Pemberley, where she would sketch the Peaks and study with an artist in Derby. Lydia prepared for presentation the following year on her own terms. Miss Harwood announced she would retire afterward.

"You cannot," Lydia said.

"I can. You are nearly eighteen."

"Who will tell me when I am foolish?"

"Apparently I have permanent employment," he said.

Elizabeth and Darcy returned north in May. Lady Bennet packed enough baby linen for triplets. Mrs Jones supplied instructions for the Pemberley midwife. Sir Thomas gave Darcy a private letter containing practical advice and one underlined sentence: Do not make Elizabeth bear your fear as well as her own.

At the carriage, Emma slept in Jane's arms. Mary wore her new ring. Kitty discussed summer sketches. Lydia promised to write every scandal and remove only the names.

Elizabeth looked at them and felt the old grief of leaving, changed now by certainty of return.

"Christmas at Netherfield," Sir Thomas said.

"If the baby and roads permit."

"I shall improve the roads. You manage the baby."

Darcy shook his hand. "A fair division."

The carriage moved north beneath spring leaves.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Two Houses

Anne Elizabeth Darcy was born in October after twelve hours of labor, one shattered water glass, and a storm Darcy believed personally malicious.

The Pemberley midwife was calm. Mrs Reynolds was calmer. Georgiana remained with Elizabeth until the final hours, when the midwife sent everyone except her assistant away.

Darcy waited in the library with Sir Thomas, who had arrived a week earlier after declaring his daughter should not face confinement with only sensible people nearby.

Rain struck the windows. Darcy walked from hearth to desk and back.

"Bingley paced faster," Sir Thomas said.

"Is this intended to comfort me?"

"No. It entertains me."

Another cry sounded from above. Darcy stopped breathing.

Sir Thomas rose. "Elizabeth chose you. Trust her now."

"I am failing."

"You are still in the library. That will do."

"A low standard."

"Most useful standards are."