It was Christmas, and Catherine would be visiting her parents for the first time since becoming Mrs. Tilney. Catherine's younger brothers and sisters crowded the carriage when she and Mr. Tilney arrived, eager to be the first to see the new addition to the family.

"How was your journey?" her mother asked once things had quieted down a little.

"Well enough, though the baby has never slept quite so much. Is this normal?" Catherine asked.

"When James was a baby, any time we were in a carriage, he was fast asleep," her mother said, admiring the baby. "I wouldn't worry."