“Of what do you gentlemen speak, Colonel?” Lady Catherine demanded from her end of the table. “What are you telling my niece? Let me hear what it is.”
Edward looked up with a frown. “Actually, it’s Georgiana who holds court, Aunt. My girl has amazed us with her knowledge.” He smiled with delight.
“Miss Darcy was explaining the investments Mr. Darcy has made in her name,” Mr. Bingley added.
Lady Catherine’s eyebrow rose sharply. “I would think, Georgiana, that a lady would allow her guardian to oversee such issues. It’s not in a lady’s realm to involve herself in wealth’s creation.”
Edward smiled obligingly, but his tone spoke another language. “You are quite adept in the business world, Aunt.”
“I’ve had no other recourse, Colonel,” she said in a snit. “Sir Lewis’s passing designed for me a role I never desired. It was why I sought your counsel and Darcy’s.”
“I meant no offense,Your Ladyship,” he said contritely. “But I’ll not hear of Georgiana being criticized for having an interest in her own future. The world is changing, Lady Catherine, and I admire my cousin for her initiative.”
Georgiana glowed with his praise. “It’s Fitzwilliam’s doing. My brother insists that I be aware of my fortune. He’s set part of it aside — separate from my dowry.”
“It’s very prudent of Fitz,” Edward observed. “Your settlement shouldn’t be your only means of support. Unfortunately, even some gentlemen with titles are unscrupulous in the handling of their family wealth.”
Southland remarked, “You have our attention, Miss Darcy. Would you share your thoughts with the entire table?”
Mr. Bennet encouraged, “We could all benefit from Mr. Darcy’s insights. Despite enjoying Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Bingley’s thorough discussion of Mary’s trousseau, I would attend to news of investments. Perhaps the rest of us could consider following my son’s advice.”
Georgiana pinked, but she launched into her explanation. “Fitzwilliam is most concerned with the men’s migration from estates to the cities, but rather than bemoan his losses, my brother has embraced the changes. He has sought out ways to make the lives of those who remain more profitable, and he has followed our father’s example and invested in textile manufacturing, purified coals, construction of improved roads and man-made waterways, as well as steam-powered engines.”
“Advancements such as what Mr. Manneville described to me earlier — the one you use for cotton,” Caroline interjected.
“Yes, Miss Bingley,” Manneville answered. “The cotton gin. It’s revolutionized how we process the cotton plants.”
Georgiana rejoined the conversation. “When I was a child, my father invested in James Watt’s steam engines. Papa had holdings in Scotland and became aware of Mr. Watt’s improvements in coal mining. I’m proud to say my father was one of the first to become interested in a steam engine’s use in hauling supplies. He supported Richard Trevithick’s efforts. I suppose it was from him that my brother developed his own connections.”
“So, Darcy’s invested in this proposed railway system?” Lady Catherine said skeptically.
Georgiana ignored her aunt’s censure. Her own enthusiasm bubbled. “He has, Your Ladyship, and the outlay is proving true. Earlier this year, Mr. George Stephenson built the Locomotion for the Stockton and Darlington Railway Line.”
Bingley confirmed Georgiana’s disclosure. “I saw Stephenson’s early efforts at the Killingworth Colliery near Durham. I shan’t bore the ladies with the design details, but the July demonstration had the engine pulling eight loaded wagons.”
“How much weight?” Southland asked with interest.
“Reportedly over thirty tons.”
“And the speed?” Manneville inquired.
“Between four and five miles per hour. It’s my understanding that the man was working on another geared locomotive, which he’s named Bülcher.”
Edward asked, “After the Prussian commander?”
Bingley laughed lightly. “I wondered if it was a metaphorical remark on the gentleman’s fighting style.”
Lady Catherine’s disapproval showed when she said, “I cannot imagine a titled gentleman soiling his hands with such matters.”
Her remark struck a blow to Georgiana’s enthusiasm, and Edward wouldn’t have it. He had been enjoying the sparkle in his cousin’s eyes and her complexion’s brightness. He’d found a different Georgiana upon his return to his homeland. His cousin had transformed into a beguiling young lady. Therefore, he directed a subtle set down in his aunt’s direction. “Yet, it was my understanding that both Sir Thomas Liddle and Lord Strathmore were financial partners in the endeavor.”
Ignoring Lady Catherine’s glare, Manneville said, “Your reports of Mr. Stephenson’s efforts parallel what Oliver Evans has been doing in America. As a young man in Philadelphia, I was among the crowd gathered on the riverfront to view Evans’s Oruktor Amphibolos. Evans designed the machine to dredge and clean the city’s docks.Yet, he failed to convince the Lancaster Turnpike Company to allow him to replace their six-horse Conestoga wagons with his steam engine.”
“Do you suggest the Americans can outdo the British in this matter?” Southland challenged. “Even your famous Robert Fulton’s Clermont used British components for its engine.”
Quietly self-assured, Manneville responded, “Have we returned to that old issue, Southland? I’ve no particular allegiance to either side in this maddening separation. I’m loyal to South Carolina and to the people who depend on my plantation for their daily survival.” He held the lieutenant’s gaze before adding, “John Stevens’s Phoenix was a superior machine, and it was made of inferior American parts — so inferior, in fact, it was the first to navigate an ocean voyage.”
Edward laughed, “He has you there, Southland.” He gave his aide a warning look. It seemed that there was a constant competition between the two.
“Well, I know one idea that is purely British,” Georgiana interjected. With pleasure, Edward returned to his study of her beautiful face. Her eyes widened, and a warm feeling spread through the colonel’s chest. “You Americans cannot build a tunnel under the Thames, Mr. Manneville.”
A collective gasp passed among those at the table. “A tunnel beneath the Thames?” Miss Bingley asked incredulously. “Whatever for?”
“To be fair, Caroline,” Bingley began, “such a passage would make trade more efficient on both sides of the river.”
“Did they not try something similar between Tilbury and Gra-vesend in ’99?” Mr. Bennet asked.
“And between Rotherhithe and Wapping some five years ago?” Southland added.
“But have you not heard?” Georgiana ignored both men’s questions. She glowed with this new attention, and Edward felt his breathing tighten. “Mr. Marc Brunel’s proposed a tunnel under the river Neva in St. Petersburg. Think of the possibilities. Would it not be wonderful?”
Edward’s gaze held Georgiana’s. “If you find the concept fascinating, I embrace the possibilities also.”
“I have never heard of such folly,” Lady Catherine declared.
“Maybe not so foolish, Aunt. It’s rumored that the Duke of Wellington is considering investing in the project if Brunel can be brought on board,” Georgiana countered.
Lady Catherine snorted derisively. “The Duke should know better. My estimation of His Grace’s intelligence is in question.”
His voice distant and devoid of all expression, Edward turned the conversation. “I’ll not criticize the Duke on or off the battlefield. We’ve monopolized the conversation long enough. I believe it’s time to think more on Pemberley’s Christmastide celebration. Please tell me, Cousin, that Darcy will host his annual Boxing Day Tenants’ Ball.”
“It is far from a ball,” Lady Catherine declared.
“A matter of semantics, Your Ladyship,” Edward responded blandly. He was well aware that Lady Catherine liked to stir up emotions. The best defense remained to not rise to his aunt’s censure. “I prefer Darcy’s foray to some of the Season’s finer offerings. None of that silly ritual of dance cards and only being able to dance with a lady twice. Nor are there any manipulating mamas trying to shove some debutante into a man’s arms.”
“Mr. Darcy treats his cottagers well,” Winkler remarked with authority. “They sing his praises freely.”
Edward smiled reassuringly. “We’ll await your commands, Cousin. I’m at your exclusive disposal in settling the event’s details. Hopefully, Darcy’s coach will make an appearance by this evening.”
“I shall ask Mrs. Reynolds to meet with us, Colonel,” Georgiana said sweetly. “We shall discover what the good lady has planned and share it with the others.”
Edward’s heart flipped. She had masterfully handled what could have been a stressful meal. Between the two of them, they had fended off their aunt, and Georgiana had shown great maturity in how she conversed with the other men and how she commanded their respect. He saw no other woman at the table able to do so. It was an astounding discovery for a man accustomed to commanding his own deference.
“What do you mean? The baby’s coming?” Dread shook Elizabeth’s core. “It’s too early,” she protested. “You cannot have this child now… in this inn… there’s no doctor or midwife.”
With white knuckles, Mrs. Joseph grasped the chair arm. “Despite all that, I am quite certain this child is making an appearance today,” she rasped.
Elizabeth took several deep breaths to steady her composure. Kneeling before the woman, she reached for Mrs. Joseph’s hand. “Do not worry,” she managed as she softened her expression. “We can do this together.”
Mrs. Joseph smiled weakly. “Of course, we can. That’s why God brought us both to this inn at this time. I need someone with sagacity, and God has given me you.”
Elizabeth teared with the woman’s words. She didn’t believe herself capable of delivering Mrs. Joseph’s child, and she certainly didn’t think herself part of God’s plan for this woman; yet, she said, “It’s the Christmas season, and if a child can be blessed by God at any time of the year, it’s now. Let me aid your change of clothes, and then we’ll get you straight to bed. Then I’ll seek out Mrs. Washington’s help. We’ll need extra linens, and I’ll require the good lady’s assistance.”
Mrs. Joseph stood on shaky legs. “I need to tell Matthew.”
“First, the clothes and then to bed,” Elizabeth said as she supported the woman’s weight. “After that, I’ll find Mr. Joseph and send him to you.”
“I apologize, Mrs. Darcy.You certainly never expected to forfeit your bed when you extended your benevolence to my family.”
Elizabeth began to unlace the back of Mrs. Joseph’s gown. “Mr. Darcy and I shall adapt; your child’s safety is paramount. Fitzwilliam will agree, Mrs. Joseph.”
“I believe under the circumstances that you should call me Mary,” the woman said. “Mrs. Joseph seems so formal for what lies ahead.”
Elizabeth smiled through a false confidence. “Then I am Elizabeth.”
Georgiana had left Kitty in charge of hanging mistletoe in the downstairs rooms and had sent Mr. Bennet, Mr. Grange, Mary Bennet, and Jane Bingley to oversee the decoration of the barn for the Tenants’ Ball. Finally alone, she sneaked into her brother’s study and closed the door for a few minutes of silence. She needed time to hear herself think and to relive what Edward had said earlier. He’d referred to her as “my girl,” and he’d deflected their aunt’s criticisms. It felt wonderful to have Edward’s recognition. With a shove, she waltzed across the room, an imaginary partner twirling her with wild abandon. In her mind, Edward’s arm tightened about her as she smiled up at him. It could happen, she thought. Edward could finally find her appealing.
“Very nice, my dear,” a deep voice said from a darkened corner, and Georgiana stumbled to a halt.
“Oh, my,” she gasped. Straightening her gown’s lines, Georgiana pinked. “I didn’t realize you were here. No one,” she stammered, “no one was to see my girlish display.”
The colonel stepped from the shadows. “I should’ve said something when you first entered. I apologize if my presence alarmed you, Georgiana; however, I’ll selfishly admit that I enjoyed watching you and wouldn’t have missed it for a sultan’s riches.Your face glowed with the purest joy.”
Georgiana dropped her eyes. “I allowed my feminine side to overcome my good reason.”
Edward now stood before her. Gently, he cupped her chin and raised it. “I’ll not permit your self-censure. I’ve never seen you more beautiful, Georgiana. From the moment I beheld you on Pemberley’s steps, I’ve been astonished by the changes in you. I admit to having difficulty accepting how much your transformation offers: I’m your guardian, but I wish I was nothing more than an ordinary man.”
Innocently, she asked, “Can you not be both, Edward?”
“I’m not certain,” he whispered huskily. “It would seem I must decide what role I wish to play.”
“Would you dance with me?” Georgiana’s gaze traced his face’s lines.
Edward smiled easily. “I can think of nothing I’d enjoy more.” Sliding his arm about her waist, he edged Georgiana into his embrace.
Their eyes never left one another. “We have no music,” she whispered.
“We’ll make our own.” Edward stepped into the dance by bringing Georgiana next to him. They ignored the required distance between them. Instead, their bodies flowed about the small open area.
Edward concentrated on her face, and Georgiana experienced a change she’d never expected. A flush spread, but it wasn’t from embarrassment. The warmth came from her heart and somewhere in her lower stomach. She allowed Edward to direct their steps about the furniture. To guide her through the waltz’s intricacies. It was the most exquisite moment she’d ever known. “This is lovely,” she said softly.
Edward couldn’t dispense with the volatility permeating his body’s every pore. Of late, he’d found that nothing or no one could satisfy the deep sense of loneliness that followed him through his daily routine. Nearly a decade of serving his country had proved beneficial for his career and for his purse, but the war’s bloodshed and carnage had taught him that life held precious moments; and he should embrace them when they occurred. This was definitely a special moment. He was in a private, darkened room with a very beautiful woman; however, that woman was Georgiana. His sweetly precocious Georgiana. That same girl he’d taught to swim. Whose many cuts and scrapes he’d bandaged. Who always inserted herself into his and Darcy’s most private moments. Over whom he had once considered abandoning his honor and killing a man in cold blood. That was the girl in his arms, but Georgiana was no longer a girl. Her very feminine curves fit the planes of his chest and his thigh. He needed to release her and place his cousin away from him. This was madness; yet, it felt so perfect.
“This is lovely,” she said softly.
“You are lovely,” he murmured. And she was. The look he witnessed earlier graced Georgiana’s face again, and Edward realized it was meant for him. He brought that joyous response to her countenance. His heart sang of possibilities, but his head told him to slow down. This was Georgiana, and he’d not hurt her. He needed time to decide how best to proceed.
Reluctantly, Edward slowed their pace. Spinning Georgiana one last time, he brought her to a halt. Making his legs step away, Edward bowed over her hand. “I don’t know when I’ve held a lovelier woman in my arms. Thank you, Sweetest, for reminding me for what I fight.”
He watched as Georgiana composed herself. Surely, something had passed between them, but was it “something” he wanted to pursue? He’d spent so much time on the battlefront and in diplomacy that his personal skills skewed toward the negative.
Georgiana recovered well enough to dip a quick curtsy. “I pray you see no more battles, Edward. I worry so when you’re away.” Her demeanor remained cautious, and Edward noted mystification on her pretty countenance.
“Perhaps we should join the others,” he said softly while offering his arm.
Georgiana glanced away. “As you wish, Colonel.” She placed her hand lightly on his. “I suppose our guests must wonder at my defection. It would disappoint Fitzwilliam to know of my selfishness.”
“Neither your brother nor I would criticize your need for privacy. It must be a family trait. Often I wish for the ability to send everyone else away.”
Georgiana paused before exiting through the now-open door. “Does that include me, Edward? Would you have me elsewhere?”
“Never in this lifetime, Sweetheart.”
“Oh, please beware, Miss Catherine.” Winkler rushed forward to steady the ladder on which she stood. “Why are you hanging that ornament? Shouldn’t a footman be doing so?” Winkler reached for her as Kitty backed down the ladder’s rungs.
“I sent Thomas to find additional ribbon. This string keeps breaking,” she said in frustration. Actually touching her leg and hip through her gown, Winkler braced her steps, and Kitty warmed beneath his touch. She hadn’t considered the ramifications of climbing on the ladder when the string around the mistletoe ball had broken, leaving the seasonal ornament to hang precariously over the room’s center. At Longbourn, she and her sisters had often scaled the ladder to the attic and the one to the hayloft.
“Allow me to assist your descent,” Winkler pleaded; real concern laced his voice. His hands came about Kitty’s waist, and he lifted her from the ladder. Gently, Winkler placed her on the floor before him.
Turning quickly to face him, Kitty leaned into Winkler. “My,” she cooed,“I’d not realized the dangers of such a simple task. Thank you for protecting me, Sir.” She noted that the rapid increase of her own breathing had matched his.
“I’d have nothing cause you harm, Miss Catherine. You must know that,” Winkler said huskily.
Kitty smiled brightly. “You wish to protect me, Mr. Winkler?”
“With my life.” Obviously embarrassed, he stepped back, placing distance between them. Yet, he immediately captured Kitty’s hand. “I would pay my addresses to you, Miss Catherine, if you’ll accept them.”
Although her heart pounded out a loud staccato, Kitty coolly asked, “You mean to court me, Sir?”
Winkler quickly released Kitty’s hand. “It would be my wish. Unless, of course, you find my suit repugnant.”
Kitty laughed lightly. One of the few things her younger sister Lydia had shared regarding men was the male’s lack of self-confidence. “Never,” she said and turned to the ladder.
Behind her, she heard Winkler’s frustrated sigh. “Please, Miss Catherine,” he said uneasily. “Dispel my misery. Never what? I cannot bear the idea that you’d never love me.”
Nearly knocking over the ladder, Kitty spun around in haste. “Love?” she gasped. “You wish me to love you?”
“A marriage based on anything less than love does not interest me. I might tolerate one based on strong affection; but my parents loved each other dearly, and I wish a similar joining.”
Kitty thought immediately of her own parents, and she could not form a very pleasing picture of conjugal felicity or domestic comfort. Her mother had, obviously, offered an attraction for her father, but that early affection had gone by the wayside. She knew of no couple’s marriage — at least, one of any duration — that maintained that early rush of happiness. Maria Lucas’s parents were quite staid. Rumors existed of Sir William Lucas’s trips to London. Her Uncle Philips barely tolerated her aunt. But, possibly, Aunt Gardiner had found happiness. Lizzy and Mr. Darcy easily exchanged affection’s soft smile, as did Jane and Mr. Bingley, but would their marriages remain so blissful?
As her sister Elizabeth had recently pointed out, their father’s behavior as a husband bordered on impropriety. Kitty had reluctantly agreed. She had always seen it with pain; but, respecting her father’s abilities, and grateful for his affectionate treatment of herself, Kitty had endeavored to forget what she could no longer overlook and to banish from her thoughts that continual breach of conjugal obligation of decorum, which, in exposing his wife to the contempt of her own children, was so highly reprehensible.
“I’m afraid, Mr. Winkler,” she managed, “that until Jane joined with Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth with Mr. Darcy, I possessed no marriage models based on love.” Kitty made her decision quickly and reached for his hand. “I’m not sure what to do to make you love me, Sir, but I’ll strive to make it so.”
Winkler cupped her cheek in his large palm. “You need do nothing special. Just be Catherine.You already hold sway over my affections.”
Kitty breathed easier: She’d said the correct thing. “If we’re to spend time together, Mr. Winkler, might you call me ‘Kitty’?”
The man’s countenance lit with happiness. “And you’ll call me ‘Thorne.’”
“A unique name,” she teased.
Winkler’s smile grew. “I’ll tell you the whole horrid story some day. It’ll be part of our courtship.”
“I’ve no such tales,” she asserted.
“We’ll see about that.” Winkler kissed her knuckles. “I’m very adept at discovering others’ confidences. Something about the profession makes people free with their confessions.”
Kitty caressed his cheek. “You’ll be sadly mistaken, Sir.” She laughed lightly. “I’m not likely to share my darkest secrets.” Hearing noises in the hall, she sobered quickly. “How shall we proceed?”
“How long will your family remain at Pemberley?”
Kitty puzzled. “No one has said for certain, but as Mr. Grange has responsibilities in Meryton, I’d imagine no longer than Twelfth Night.”
“Might you remain at Pemberley when your parents depart?”
Kitty thought that her mother would gladly spare her if she knew that Mr.Winkler wished to pay his addresses. “It could be arranged.”
“I’d thought we should spend time together,” Winkler explained. “I have many and varied duties associated with my living. If we decide to marry, you’ll be expected to join me in my mission. I wish you to be fully aware of the responsibilities of being a clergyman’s wife before you accept my proposal.”
“Then we’ll not tell the others?”
Winkler continued, “I’ll speak to your father while he’s at Pemberley. I thought when the Darcys returned that we could let it be known that we have an understanding. I would speak to Mr. Darcy also. He’s my benefactor, and you’re Mrs. Darcy’s sister. I would want his approval.”
“You have this well thought out,” Kitty teased.
“I’ve had longer to consider it — since last summer when you were at Pemberley.” This time he kissed the inside of her wrist. “I’ve thought of little else for months.”
Surprise rested on Kitty’s lips. “Truly?”
“Truly,” he confessed. “I’d heard of your return from Mrs. Oliver when she came into the village to order extra supplies. Thankfully, the Collinses required assistance in reaching the estate. It gave me a good excuse to see you again.”
“You shouldn’t have risked your safety for the likes of Mr. Collins,” she said.
“For the pleasure of your company, I’d risk more than that,” he assured.
Hearing more people in the hallway, Kitty said, “I suppose we should finish hanging this ornament before the others catch us alone together, and all your plans go to naught.”
Winkler’s smile broadened. “Not such a terrible fate. Come, my dear. This time I’ll climb the ladder, and you’ll steady it.” He paused before he took the first step. Slowly, he leaned toward her, and Kitty thought he might kiss her, but, instead, he said, “On Christmas, we might sneak in here alone for a few minutes.” Kitty’s breath caught in her throat. “Of course, I must finagle an invitation from Mr. Darcy to join the family in order for that to happen. Surely, the roads will be clear before the holiday.”
Kitty said with a grin. “I’ll see to the invitation.” She handed him the beribboned ball.
“Lots of berries on this particular mistletoe,” he taunted as he looked down upon her.
“What shall you do with the berries, Thorne?” she asked in a breathy response. Suddenly, the man’s presence towered over Kitty in ways having nothing to do with the ladder.
“As is traditional, I’ll find a pretty girl lurking beneath the mistletoe. Then I’ll steal a berry and claim my kiss.”
Even over the noise of the common room, Darcy recognized Elizabeth’s light tread on the stairs. He had anticipated her joining him for over an hour. The men’s posturing had quickly grown old, and he desperately needed a few minutes alone with his wife. With Elizabeth, Darcy had realized that he could be more than an echo of his father, and he no longer searched for what these men didn’t know. He had earned the love of a remarkable woman — a woman of exceptional strength. Darcy needed only her for his happiness.
Then he saw her. Elizabeth swayed on the steps, her face pale with worry, and Darcy was immediately on his feet and moving in her direction. He caught her just as she lurched forward. “I have you,” he whispered close to her ear, and she sank into his embrace. “What is it?” He braced her stance with his body.
“I cannot do it,” she rasped.
“Do what?” he demanded. Elizabeth buried her face in his chest. “Tell me,” he said authoritatively.
Elizabeth looked at him, and Darcy recognized her fear. “Mrs. Joseph’s baby… I cannot deliver her baby.”
“Of course not,” Darcy began, but then what his wife really meant became clearer. “Do you mean to say that Mrs. Joseph is…?” He couldn’t say the words.
“Yes.” Elizabeth disengaged herself from his embrace.“I was in the room with Jane, but I know nothing beyond comforting my sister.”
Darcy took a deep breath. “First, let’s send Joseph to sit with his wife, and then you and I will speak to the Washingtons. Surely, there’s someone in the area who can serve as a midwife.”
“Do you think so?”
Elizabeth’s voice asked for reassurance, but Darcy held his own doubts. The nearest village was some fifteen miles away. “One thing at a time. Mrs. Joseph needs her husband. Stay here, and let me bring the man to us.”
Darcy left her on the steps and returned to the common room. No one below could observe her at the bend in the stairs. Leaning over Mr. Joseph, Darcy whispered, “Come with me.”
Joseph looked up in surprise.“Is something astray?” the man hissed.
“Just come,” Darcy insisted and turned to leave. He didn’t look back to see Joseph scramble to his feet.
Darcy returned to where Elizabeth waited. Turning, he braced her as Mr. Joseph joined them. “What has happened? Where is Mary?” Joseph demanded.
“You should go to her,” Elizabeth said softly. “Your child shall make an appearance in a few hours.”
Joseph looked like he might faint, but he bolted up the stairs, taking the last six steps two at a time.
“Southland, just the man I wanted to find,” Edward declared as he entered the library. Neither of them addressed their previous conversation. The colonel knew the man would act professionally. He didn’t have to guard against Southland’s maneuverings.
The lieutenant scrambled to his feet and came to attention. “I apologize, Sir. I should’ve informed you of my whereabouts.”
“We’re not on the front, Lieutenant,” Edward assured. “I simply require your assistance in arranging an entertainment.”
“I’m at your disposal, Sir.” The man remained in formal stance.
Edward’s eyebrow rose in amusement. “Then I can count on you to coordinate filling the bird bath.”
Southland flustered, “If that… if that’s what you require, Sir.”
Edward fought the desire to smile. “We should recruit Mr. Manneville to our efforts.”
“I assure you, Colonel, I need no assistance in filling a birdbath.”
Edward laughed easily. “Wait until you see it, Southland. You may have second thoughts.
“That cannot be,” Darcy protested.
“We’re fifteen miles south of Harrogate. Not close to Skipton or Bradford — at least, not under these conditions,” Mr. Washington explained. “The few area farms depend on each other for these needs.”
Elizabeth’s concern rose quickly. “What is Mrs. Joseph to do? Surely, someone in the neighborhood could assist us.”
“We’ve had no need of such services,” Mrs. Washington admitted sheepishly. “God never saw fit to bless Mr. Washington and me with our own children, and Nan be too young to be having her own brood. The girl need be taking a husband first.”
“But you know something of what a woman must go through. You can assist Mrs. Joseph with the delivery?” Elizabeth pleaded.
“I’m afraid not, Mrs. Darcy. I know nothing of birthing babies.”