A month after Elizabeth's notification that she was expecting a child she sat in the sitting room with Darcy. He had insisted after the news of the new arrival that she was to rest considerably. He did not deprive her of her daily walks and other activities but ensured her safety beyond anything and the safety of their child.
Georgiana had shown utmost admiration at becoming an Aunt. She had spent a remarkable part of the day thinking up activities she could do with the child once it was born. Elizabeth was happy to see Georgiana in such a mood. She was unsure of the feelings Georgiana would show at such news but when the young woman realised that her treatment would not decrease from Elizabeth or her brother the happiness came across overwhelmingly.
Mrs Bennet had wrote a letter to Elizabeth and Darcy shortly after a letter had been despatched with the news. All of the Darcy family were amazed at the speed of the reply. It was quite a short letter but showed the happiness her parents felt. She hoped that Mr Bennet himself would write a letter to his beloved daughter and after a short while the letter arrived. To Elizabeth and Darcy's amusement Mr Bennet had also written another letter, to Mr Collins. When reading the letter Elizabeth laughed at the prospect of the letter, she could imagine with happiness the sarcasm Mr Bennet could have used in relaying the misfortunes the Collins' had in still being childless. Mr Darcy had also found such amusement in the letter and wondered what the infamous Mr Collins would mention to Lady Catherine during one of their private dinner parties.
Jane and Charles had been so delighted at the prospect of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam having a child that they had travelled from Hertfordshire to congratulate them in person. The surprising visit had spread even more happiness through the Pemberley home and even as Fitzwilliam and Charles sat in the study the happiness could not be at a more blissful peak.
Elizabeth and Darcy however, were nervous about receiving one letter, although it had not yet arrived they knew that it would soon be, from Lydia and Wickham. Elizabeth increasingly felt embarrassment about what the latter may contain and as time passed by she could not bare to read such a letter for fear of it's contents.
Elizabeth and Darcy sat in the sitting room and both pairs of eyes were raised to the maid who now entered the room with a letter in her hand. Elizabeth swallowed quickly. The maid curtsied to Elizabeth and held out the letter, she took it quickly and thanked the maid before turning it over.
"It is from Lydia." Elizabeth said to Darcy. Elizabeth could also sense the panic in Darcy, would it contain anything which would go against his character?
"It may not be as bad as we expect Lizzy." Darcy said kindly. "Read it aloud." Elizabeth nodded before opening the letter and looking down and the uneven scribble of Lydia's hand.
"My dearest sister," She started. "I hope I find you well in your present state. I have to however congratulate you and Mr Darcy at such joyful news. I am sure that he will be relieved that he may now receive an heir for his estate. And so quickly Lizzy, I am surprised that your expecting a child would not come later in life, as I am sure mine will. I will be passing by Derbyshire in three weeks time to visit my Aunt and Uncle as Mr Wickham has been engaged in Bath, I hope that I should be accepted to stop at your home and give my congratulations in person. Lydia."
Mr Darcy sat with his mouth open for a moment, thinking back on the words that Lydia had wrote.
"How can she write such things?" Elizabeth said as she stood up and walked over to the window. "Stupid girl!" Darcy walked over to her and entwined his arms around her waist, he kissed her neck gently.
"Do not dwell on the letter Lizzy. It is no wonder she says such things, being married to Wickham." Elizabeth smiled at her husband slightly.
"But yet we both know that he has not been detained in Bath on business do we not Fitzwilliam?"
"Yes I am assured that the gambling and women are suitable to Wickham in Bath but we must not show our disgust for that when Lydia arrives."
"You are going to accept her into this house?" Elizabeth asked in shock.
"Elizabeth, she is your sister. We accept Jane into this home, I could not live thinking that I was being a stranger to one of your sisters because of her marital status." Elizabeth walked away from Darcy and sat back in a chair. In truth she did not wish Lydia to visit Pemberley, she would in person insult more than her letter, if that was truly possible.
"As you wish Fitzwilliam but we shall have to be aware of her while she is in Georgiana's company. I would not have Lydia inflicting her wicked words on an innocent person."
"Do not worry Lizzy, we shall be aware and I am sure that you shall be there to put your sister right despite her being a guest." They both laughed.
They enjoyed that afternoon together despite Lydia's letter and even though Elizabeth felt shame for her youngest sister she wrote her reply in a joyful manner with Darcy sat next to her. The happy couple would ensure that peace remained at Pemberley even if they had to restrain Lydia's words.