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The sisters laughed and hugged for a long moment before Elizabeth stood back to look at her. “How long have you known? When are you due?”
“We found out right after Thanksgiving, but I didn’t want to say anything then, it was too soon. It still kind of is, but I wanted to let you know. I'll wait a while before telling anyone else. I’m due in July.”
“I’m so happy for you!” Elizabeth said, genuinely overjoyed. “How’s the father-to-be?”
Jane rolled her eyes. “Oh, over the moon, of course, hovering over me, and completely convinced that he has super-strength sperm.”
Elizabeth laughed. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. I remember you mentioning that Lauren was really sick all the time, but I’ve only had a little nausea in the morning.”
“Oh, that’s good.” Elizabeth smiled softly, and shook her head. “I can’t believe you’re going to be a mommy.”
“I can’t believe it either. We’re so excited. Oh, you can't say anything to Will yet. Charles wants to tell him.”
“I won't.” Elizabeth hugged her sister again. “Congratulations, Sis.”
* * *
Charles joinedWill on the deck, as both men decided they needed a breath of fresh air. Charles's eyebrows rose when he saw the wordsI love youwritten in the snow below the deck. “Whose work is that, yours or Lizzy's?”
Will smiled sheepishly. “Mine. She was feeling a little bit unsettled about having her parents here today. I wanted to cheer her up.”
Elizabeth had waffled back and forth, unsure of whether to invite Mr. and Mrs. Bennet to celebrate the holiday with them, as their relationship was still tenuous at best. Lydia was here; surprisingly, Elizabeth’s relationship with her had begun to even out. Lydia was embracing college life, and had decided to pursue a degree in restaurant management, with the intention of transferring to Johnson and Wales, in Rhode Island, after she completed her first year at the community college. She’d become friends with a like-minded group of people, and once she’d developed a goal for herself, she was single-minded in achieving it.
When it became obvious that Elizabeth’s parents were the only ones whoweren’ton the guest list, Elizabeth had finally extended an invitation.
“They've been pretty tame,” Charles said. “Mrs. Bennet has even been helpful.”
“So far, so good.”
“Great news about Wickham, isn’t it?”
Will nodded. “Excellentnews. It was like an early Christmas present.”
Wickham’s trial began on December seventh, and lasted twelve days. Maggie had phoned Georgiana on the day of his sentencing to let her know that he’d received ten years in prison for the rape charge and three years for the drug charges. The terms were to be served consecutively, not concurrently, which meant he was looking at thirteen years behind bars. And because he’d used a drug to render his victim helpless, the state was denying him any opportunity of parole.
“I wish the sick bastard was going away for life, but I’ll take thirteen years,” Will said now.
“And still no word about Collins?”
“I haven’t heard anything. Charlotte’s been house-hunting, and she told Lizzy she saw his house on the market. I’m assuming he’s gone.” He sighed. “Look, I don’t want to talk about them, not today. How’syourhouse hunt going?”
“We’re starting to get a little more serious about it. We have two places to look at in Chestnut Hill next week.” Charles paused. “Um, we’d like to be moved and settled before the baby comes.”
Will nodded. “Right.” He suddenly whipped his head around to look at his friend. “Wait, did you just saythe baby? What baby?”
“Our baby.”
“You have a baby?”
Charles grinned. “Almost. Jane's expecting. We're having a baby.Sheis.Weare.”
“Charles, that's fantastic!” Will shook Charles’s hand and gave him a brief hug, heartily slapping his back. “Wow. You certainly didn't waste any time, did you?”
Charles shrugged, still smiling. “We didn't want to wait. Neither of us thought it would happen this quickly, but we're thrilled.”
“How is Jane feeling?”
