Elizabeth Darcy had now gone far into her eighth month of pregnancy and had been instructed to remain in the familiar surroundings of Pemberley. However, to the increased dislike of Mrs Reynolds and the physician she insisted on taking her daily walks. Her walks were one of the things along with her amiable husband who kept her days as familiar as they could possibly be under the circumstances.
Kitty had visited Pemberley for a month and found Georgiana and the surroundings of Pemberley to be to her taste. Kitty seemed to show many improvements over the month and Elizabeth found that Kitty was a great comfort to her during the early stages of he pregnancy and after Kitty's departure date had arrived and past all three sisters found that they were content. To the very dissatisfaction of Mrs Bennet, Kitty had remained at her new home and found it to be very enjoyable, Georgiana taught her many things that Mrs Bennet had not had the patience to. As Elizabeth reflected on what her sister used to be like under the influence of Lydia and Mrs Bennet she found her sister to be very improved. She showed very little of the immaturity she used to possess and seemed to take more interest in the aspect of literature than the dull importance of balls or fashion.
Georgiana seemed also to have improved in Elizabeth's eyes, she seemed to show love and devotion to more people than her brother and found that Kitty of a similar age was the perfect companion. Georgiana seemed content to talk to her new sister on many things that Elizabeth may herself not have had the patience for. As Elizabeth entered her later stages of pregnancy Georgiana seemed to show empathy for her, she understood the importance of her routine walks and occasionally made excuses to the over-protective Mrs Reynolds.
Mr Darcy had grown very content over the aspect of having three women in his own home, all of which were family. Darcy learnt over the months of Kitty's stay that she was the perfect person for Georgiana, they seemed so happy together. Although he had never mentioned it to Elizabeth in their conversations he found that Kitty's company at Pemberley had brought satisfaction upon more than just himself. To the owner of the property, Catherine Bennet seemed to improve on closer acquaintance, she showed none of the flaws that he thought she possessed in Hertfordshire. In fact he thought her to be a good woman who would one day make a gentleman as good a wife as Lizzy did for him. In conclusion Mr Darcy could not be happier, his wonderful wife kept him more in a state of consciousness than anyone he knew and he favoured her company greatly. He felt for himself that he had lost some of the pride that Elizabeth had once accused him of having and his life was in a perfect state of bliss.
But happiness can not always last forever (some would acknowledge) and as Elizabeth climbed the stairs to her chamber after her walk, she heard the carriage on the driveway and wondered who would call at this time of day. She pushed off the feeling of curiosity and as she arrived at the top of the stairs she turned and looked down to the foyer watching for the visitor to enter.
It was a moment later when the servant opened the door and a woman walked in. Elizabeth could not see her face for her bonnet but then there was the voice, the voice that reminded her so much of Kent. The voice was not that of a stranger; in fact it was quite the opposite. It took Elizabeth a moment to regain her composure as the familiar face of Lady Catherine looked up at her.