Suddenly Mrs. Darcy(86)

                So it was that Alice Woodham had her heart’s desire. After some discussion between Fitzwilliam and me and correspondence with Mrs Lovelace, it was decided that Georgiana’s first engagement upon our arrival in town would be a visit to Queen Anne’s Gate. Mrs Lovelace, Miss Sophia Lovelace, Miss Frances Lovelace, Mrs Woodham, Georgiana, and myself sat about Mrs Lovelace’s parlour and smiled over teacups while Mr Darcy, Mr Woodham and Colonel Fitzwilliam, whom Georgiana specifically requested be present, stood, looking only a little awkward. Mrs Lovelace’s little dog wagged his tail against the hearth. Nothing was spoken of the relations between those present, but everybody knew. It was a kindness to the girls that they be allowed to meet their sister thus, and it was a kindness to Georgiana that she should be in ignorance no longer. I understand that Georgiana, as Lady Avery, has kept up correspondence with both of her adult sisters and discreetly visits with Mrs Woodham when in Derbyshire, as do Fitzwilliam and I.

                Our own visits to town have been limited, to our great delight, by the arrival of our two daughters: Anne, who was born in the second summer of our marriage, and Emma, in the fourth. I know Fitzwilliam would like a son, and with four sisters by birth and four by marriage, I am scarce less eager for one myself. As I write this, my belly swells beneath my hand, and so we have every reason to hope.