Elizabeth woke up to the feel of strong, muscular arms wrapped around her. Her lips curved in a soft smile. She was home. Home at Pemberley and home in her husband's arms. How she would love to lie here forever. As soon as the thought crept into her mind, a wave of nausea swept over her. Hastily pushing Darcy's arm off of her, she quickly slipped out of bed. Grabbing the chamber pot, she promptly emptied the contents of her stomach. Elizabeth leaned against the wall and slid slowly to the floor, feeling weak and drained.

"Elizabeth? Are you unwell?"

Although her eyes were closed, Elizabeth could hear the rustling of the sheets and footsteps approaching. Darcy's cool hand touched her overheated flesh. "My love, what is wrong?"

Elizabeth silently cursed herself for not telling him earlier. This was not the way she had envisioned informing her husband that he would be a father, but alas, she had no other option. She would not concoct an excuse for her sudden bout of illness. Opening her eyes, she looked at her husband and managed to paste the faintest of smiles on her face. Reaching for his hand, she began, "Darling, I have something to tell you. I found out a couple of days ago that I...I am with child."

She had seen her husband's face express a lot of emotions - boredom, dissatisfaction, anger, happiness, desire, but she had never viewed her husband in complete shock before. His eyes were wide and his mouth agape. She decided to allow him a few minutes to adjust to the news she had just uttered.

At long last, her husband's lips began to form words, stuttering, he asked, "How...how did this happen?" Elizabeth shot him a sideways glance. "I mean I know how it happened. I am just a bit surprised about how soon it happened. Do you know how far along you are?"

"I am almost two months. It must have been right before I went to visit my family," Elizabeth deduced.

Darcy's expression was now unreadable. Glancing at his wife, he asked, "Are you happy? Is this what you wanted?"

The worst of the nausea past, Elizabeth could now smile in earnest. "I could not be more happy about such joyous news. Since the moment I knew I loved you, I have longed to carry your child."

"Then my dearest, if you are glad, I shall be as well."

Three months later

Elizabeth's feet were throbbing and her back ached. She could not remember why she had decided to throw a ball. Vague memories of wanting to get to know her neighbors clouded her brain. Oh, how she wished she had waited to throw the ball until after the baby arrived. She had wrongly assumed that at five months pregnant, she would still be as fit as a fiddle. That was most certainly not the case. She had not gone for a walk in ages. Her days were filled with sleeping and eating. Her pregnancy must be atypical because her Aunt Gardiner had gushed about how full of vim and vigor she was during her fourth and fifth months of pregnancy.

This ball was my idea, Elizabeth thought to herself. She would very well see it through to the bitter end. Supper was finished so there were only a few more hours until everyone went home except some visitors who were staying the night.

One of those visitors was her beloved sister, Jane. Her presence helped ease some of her physical discomfort. In fact, Elizabeth was beginning to wonder if her sister was expecting as well. Jane had barely touched her food this evening and had crinkled her nose at the sight of the roast goose.

Her sister was accompanied by her husband and in-laws, much to Elizabeth's displeasure. She did not think she would ever be entirely free of Caroline Bingley's over-bearing shadow. And speak of the devil, she was now fast approaching.

Plastering a fake smile on her face, she braced herself. Jane placed a comforting hand on her arm as the other woman stopped in front of them.

"Mrs. Darcy, I must say that you have made a noble effort of organizing this evening. I remember the first ball I threw, it was the talk of London for weeks. It would be hard not to, for it was quite lavish. The best food, the best music, the best fashion, and the best of society. This one is very...quaint," Caroline declared, condescendingly. "Oh dear, you do not look well at all. You look a fright with your pale complexion and puffy eyes. You must not be sleeping well. Why not go lie down? Jane and I can manage as hostess for the rest of the evening. We can fix any problems that may arise."

The audacity of this woman never ceased to amaze Elizabeth. "I assure you that I am feeling very well indeed. Your assistance is unnecessary. If you will excuse me, I must mingle with the other guests. I hope that you will enjoy yourself this evening."

Looking around disdainfully, Caroline replied, "Doubtful, but I can try."

Two hours later

After emptying her bladder for the third time that evening, Elizabeth quickly made her way down the hall to return downstairs before Caroline Bingley took charge of her entire household. Passing her husband's study, she was surprised to hear two male voices inside. She softly stepped closer to the door so as not to be heard.

"So Jane is with child?" Darcy asked.

"Yes, she is," Bingley replied. Even though she could not see him, Elizabeth was certain that there was a warm smile on Bingley's face. His voice practically radiated with joy.

"Congratulations."

"Thanks. It appears we will both be fathers before this year is over. You must be eagerly anticipating the arrival of your own son soon."

Darcy barked a harsh laugh. "Hmph, I don't know if anticipation is the word I would use. But whatever makes Elizabeth happy..."

A sense of foreboding filled Elizabeth, warning her to step away, go back to her guests., anything but hear what Darcy would say next. But something kept her feet in place. She must know how the conversation ended.