Elizabeth received a letter from Jane telling her that she and Charles had finally settled on an estate and would be returning to Pemberley. She was overjoyed. The estate was nearby and the journey would take less than a day. She would be able to visit frequently once they were settled. She had missed her sister dearly and longed for her company. Being confined to bed was proving to be very taxing and she missed Jane's calming presence. Fitzwilliam and Kitty had been excellent companions, but neither of them was Jane.

On the morning Jane was set to return, she awoke with excitement. The babe was restless too; Lizzy decided that even the unborn babe missed his Aunt Jane. She was certain that she was carrying a son, and if the powerful kicks were any indication, he was very strong. She could barely sleep for more than a few hours without being awakened by his powerful kicks.

Fitzwilliam spent the entire morning lounging in bed with her. Normally he would never allow himself to be so lazy, but he did it for Elizabeth. He and Lizzy could no longer take their customary walks and this is how they now spent their mornings. He wished he could suffer in his wife's place. He could not bear to see her so miserable.

It was shortly before noon when a servant came to inform him that the Bingley carriage was in sight. He quickly changed before kissing his wife and heading down the stairs. Bingley would likely monopolize his afternoon with details about his newly purchased estate. It was fine thought because it would give Lizzy and Jane plenty of time to catch up. He was more than aware that Lizzy missed her sister, especially now. He and Lizzy were as close as any married couple could be, but he could never have the same relationship with her as her sister.

'Lizzy!" Jane cried as she entered her sister's chambers only a few minutes after her arrival. She had not even changed from traveling but it did not matter.

"Oh Jane, I am so happy you have returned. Tell me all about the estate. Spare no details. I wish to hear everything." She had the largest smile on her face and had propped herself up against the headboard, leaving room for Jane to sit beside her.

"In good time Lizzy," she smiled. "First, you must tell me how you are feeling. I am so sorry I could not have returned sooner. Are you alright?"

"I am fine. It is quite taxing to remain in bed all the time and I am frequently tired. You would never think that lying in bed could be so exhausting. And I find that I am growing larger each day. The babe is restless and kicks me constantly."

"Well, you are looking well indeed. Despite the difficulties you've faced, you are so lucky to be blessed with child." Jane said. Though she tried to hide it, Lizzy could see her eyes filling with tears.

"Jane," Lizzy said taking grabbing her hand, "what is the matter?"

"Nothing," she said, her voice cracking, "everything is fine, wonderful even."

"Oh Jane," Lizzy said dropping her hand and wrapped an arm protectively around her sister, "you must tell me what is troubling you. I simply cannot bear to see you like this."

"Lizzy," she began, "I do not wish to burden you, especially in your condition. It is nothing, really." She was insistent.

"Jane, you are not going to burden me. It is clearly not nothing."

"Fine. I shall tell you, though I do not wish to. While I was looking at estates with Charles, I was a few days late with my courses. I must admit," she said stopping to take a deep breath, "I must admit that I was filled with overwhelming joy at the thought of being with child. I almost wrote to you about it – I was so certain that a child was finally coming. And then, a few days after, my courses finally came. I was so devastated. I am so glad I did not tell Charles of my suspicions; he would be so upset. I feel a great sense of loss. Tell me I am being silly. It's just, I long for a child of my own and an heir for Charles."

"Oh Janey," she said, hugging her tightly, well, as tightly as she could in her large state, "You are not being silly. Your feelings are perfectly reasonable. I too hope for a child for you. And I hoped for a child of my own from the start of my marriage. I think it is normal to feel loss, even if it was only an expectation or an inkling of hope. I wish the very best for you."

"I pray that it will occur soon. I feel terribly, but I am incredibly jealous of you. I know that is not all right, but seeing you so happy and heavy with child makes me want to cry. I am happy for you but jealous all the same."

"Oh Jane, do not feel badly. It is only natural for you to feel this way." Lizzy tried to soothe her. Jane had never admitted to being jealous even once in her life. Things were clearly very serious.

"Now that we have an estate it is even worse because I long to fill our new home with children," she sighed, looking defeated.

"These things require time." Lizzy tried to reassure her but she was sure her words had no effect, especially considering that fact that it had not taken Lizzy much time at all.

"They did not for you so I wonder if there is something wrong with me."

"Jane, I do not believe there is anything wrong with you. Be patient and things will come."

"You are right, I know. I just wish they would come sooner. I do not like this, I mean I like being married, but I wish to be a mother." Jane had regained her composure, not that it had ever really been lost, and had calmed down.

"I know. Perhaps you could talk to your husband and possibly increase your efforts."

"I do not know if I could have such a conversation with Charles. It would be so terribly embarrassing."

"I think it would help but do whatever you feel most comfortable with. " At that moment, Lizzy began to squirm.

"What is wrong? Are you alright?"

"I am fine. The babe has been very restless as of late. I believe his elbow is stuck," she squirmed a bit more and then breathed a sigh of relief, "all better."

"Is it odd, feeling the babe move?"

"Incredibly so. It feels as if my body is not my own. I confess that I cannot wait for my confinement to be over. I long to hold my child in my arms and to be able to walk again." She realized after she had spoken that she should not have mentioned holding a child in her arms. It would only increase Jane's sorrow.

"You must be so restless," Jane said with a faraway look in her eyes.

"Yes, but I did receive a rather interesting letter," And she proceeded to tell Jane the details of Georgiana's letter.

"My goodness," Jane said once the story had been recounted to her. She was too shocked to say anything else.

"Fitzwilliam and Charles are probably speaking of it now."

"Do you believe such a rumor?" she whispered though they were alone in the room.

"No. Why? Do you?"

"I do not wish to, but something is happening and it is not good."

"I agree, but the men will handle it. I have no wish to deal with the situation. Now let us deal with more pleasant things. I have a dinner to plan for the vicar."

"The vicar?"

"We have a new vicar and I wish to host a dinner. I have a good feeling about him and Kitty – do not ask my why. I know I should like Mama, but I really do have a good feeling. Will you help me with the menu?"

"Of course," Jane smiled. Lizzy was glad. Surely this would help take Jane's mind off of her troubles.

"Here," Lizzy said handing her a sheet on paper from the bedside table, "what do you think is best?" And the two sisters began to plan. They talked and laughed and it appeared that Jane's mind was at ease.