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LaBelleABoisDormant

It was later that same day that Elizabeth's secret came out, though to her credit it was not by her doing.

She had been walking in the garden, wondering how long it would be until Georgiana returned from staying at their London home—her not-so-subtle method of leaving the newlyweds in their solitude. Though she was enjoying her time alone with her husband, she found herself longing for the familiar companionship of a sister, and she knew Darcy didn't enjoy prolonged separation from his sister—even if her return meant the installation of more locks in certain of the rooms.

Without warning, Elizabeth began to feel light-headed. She took a few steps towards the nearest bench, and suddenly the world went dark.

She woke several hours later in a dark room, with Dr. Trainor and Mrs. Reynolds leaning over her. The later looked enormously relieved as her eyes fluttered open, while the former remained professionally nonplussed.

"Mrs. Darcy, how have you been feeling lately?" inquired Dr. Trainor.

"Erm…nauseous, hungry, tired…" Elizabeth admitted with a blush. She had hoped her husband would be the first to know of her condition, but it was clear from the doctor's amused facial expression he had unraveled her secret.

"Perhaps a bit, ahem, tender in certain areas, as well?"

"Yes," whispered Lizzy as she pulled her blanket a little higher, though it could not hide her deepening blush.

"Shall you reveal the reason for your fainting spell, or shall I?"

"I realized a week ago that I am with child, Sir." Mrs. Reynolds gasped.

"Does Mr. Darcy know of this yet, Mrs. Darcy?" asked the doctor.

"I was going to tell him today, but he was unexpectedly called to town."

"Very well. It is yours to tell, but I recommend he be told as soon as it is possible. Not only is this his child, but likely the heir to the Darcy estate, as well. The child has fared well from the incident this afternoon, but caution must be taken. Now, Mrs. Darcy, some things you should know." The doctor went on to list activities she should not be engaging in during her pregnancy, including horseback riding, heavy lifting, and—to Lizzy's horror—walking alone, and she was certainly not to go past the garden, in any case. Unfortunately for Lizzy, Mrs. Reynolds was nodding along with Dr. Trainor, clearly with the intention of preventing her mistress from doing anything she considered even slightly dangerous.

Lizzy wondered if she would be permitted to leave the bed while the child remained inside her, but couldn't help but be glad when the doctor told them she was to have any food she requested, so long as it was attainable. Dr. Trainor commanded her to remain in the bed for the rest of the day, and took his leave.

Mrs. Reynolds sat in a chair, claiming to be keeping the mistress company and remaining on hand should she need anything, but Lizzy had no doubt in her mind Mrs. Reynolds' primary motive was to ensure doctor's orders were followed. After all, the willfulness of the new Mrs. Darcy well known to the household staff, if not the entire county, and Mrs. Reynolds wasn't likely to trust a newer maid to ensure the mistress remained abed.

While Lizzy rested, a post came informing her that she could expect Miss Georgiana by the next day, and Lizzy formed a plan to reveal her condition to her still absent husband. But she would need the assistance of both her new sister and Mrs. Reynolds to make it work.