Notes: After discussing the plot with my sister, who is a doctor, I made some minor adjustments to the dates to make the story more coherent. The couple got married three weeks after the compromise, which allowed for three Sundays to read the banns. They consummated their union five days after the wedding, and at that time, the bride was already two months pregnant. In chapter five of the story, I plan to include a discussion between Thomas, Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Gardiner.

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Mrs. Bennet was taken aback when she learned that her daughter-in-law was planning to travel to London with the Phillips. Her initial response was one of indignation, followed by concern, and ultimately a steely resolve to take action.

She was particularly suspicious that Fanny's child was not Thomas'. If this were true, it was possible her plan was to remain in London until the child was born and then try to convince Thomas that the child was premature.

Mrs. Bennet recognized the situation was delicate, and she decided that it was time to have a frank conversation with her son about it. She also decided to have Fanny examined by Mrs. Phelps, a highly experienced midwife who lived near Meryton. Although she knew Fanny would protest, she did not care. She was determined to ensure her family's interest were protected. The following morning, after breakfast, she headed to Thomas' bookroom, where she found him reading some business' letters.

Thomas' looked at his mother with curiosity and invited her to take a sit. She took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to broach such a sensitive topic. Looking her son straight in the eyes, she said, "Thomas, have you noticed that Fanny's belly is quite bulging in the last few weeks? Are you sure she was a maiden when you got married?"

Thomas opened his eyes in surprise by his mother's inquiry, and looked away. Until that moment, he had assumed Fanny had been a maiden before they marriage.

He had paid little attention to his wife's belly and the few times he had been intimate with Fanny, she had been wearing a nightgown, and she had insisted there were not lights in his bedchamber. Furthermore, Thomas had consumed several glasses of brandy on their first night together and remembered very little of what had happened.

Sensing her son's discomfort, Mrs. Bennet gently prodded him, saying, "Thomas, I know this is a sensitive topic, but it is important. Please tell me, was she a maiden?"

"I am not certain, Mother. I had drunk too much that night and remember very little of what happened."

Mrs. Bennet sighed, "Then there is a possibility that she was not a maiden, and was pregnant before marrying you."

Thomas' face darkened, and clenched his fists tightly trying to calm himself. The few times he had talked with Fanny about that fateful assembly, she had told him that the reason she kissed him was because she had been in love with him for several months, and since he had been so worried about her health and had suggested going to the balcony, she thought that he was also in love with her…, and he had believed her…

Mrs. Bennet added, "If you agree, I am going to ask Mrs. Phelps to examine her today."

After agreeing to his mother's suggestion, Thomas found himself alone in his bookroom. He recalled Fanny was adamant to consummate their marriage, and how she had suspected that she was expecting shortly after. It all made sense to him now...

Later that same afternoon, Mrs. Phelps arrived to Longbourn and despite Fanny's vehement protest, Mrs. Phelps examined her in the presence of Mrs. Bennet.

Mrs. Phelps thoroughly examined her, and asked, "When was the last time you had your menses, Mrs. Bennet?"

Nervously, Fanny replied, "Two weeks before my marriage."

Mrs. Phelps frowned and shook her head, and she asked again, "Mrs. Bennet, I suggest you not lie to us, when was the last time you had your menses?"

Fanny, feeling more anxious, replied, "I am not lying, it was two weeks before my wedding…"

Looking at her mother-in-law and aware of the seriousness of the situation, added desperately, "I swear, I was a maiden when I married your son…"

Mrs. Bennet was growing increasingly upset and decided to leave the room. Shortly, Mrs. Phelps followed her to Thomas' bookroom to discuss with mother and son Fanny's situation further. Mrs. Phelps informed them that based on her estimation, Fanny was in her sixth month of pregnancy.

At that moment, Thomas felt all the positive emotions he had for his wife evaporate completely. The disappointment and anger he had been bottling up inside finally boiled over, and he felt a deep sense of betrayal.

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Notes: I assume the midwife estimated the conception date to be 15 days to a month later than it actually was, but it's clear the child is not Thomas'.