Page 95 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Late July, I think.”

Chapter 34: With Child

For several moments, no one spoke.

Georgiana still held Elizabeth’s hand, her attention upon Dr. Wynn.

At last, she asked, “Do you believe I am with child, sir?”

Dr. Wynn did not answer at once. “I believe it is possible.”

Georgiana began to weep.

Elizabeth offered her a handkerchief and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

Dr. Wynn rose. “I should like your brother to be present before we discuss anything further.”

“He is in the next room,” Elizabeth said. “I shall fetch him.”

Georgiana’s grip tightened before Elizabeth could rise.

“Lizzy, please stay with me.”

“I will stay, if your brother approves.”

The two gentlemen entered together, and Mr. Darcy went directly to his sister.

“Georgie?”

She looked up at him, sobbing. “Dr. Wynn believes I am with child.”

For an instant, Mr. Darcy did not move. Then he sat beside her.

Dr. Wynn resumed his chair across from them.

“I cannot be certain yet. Other causes can make a woman miss her courses or suffer sickness. Taken together, however, the signs are persuasive.”

“How persuasive?” Mr. Darcy asked.

“Enough that I believe your sister is increasing.”

“I am sorry, Fitzwilliam.”

“Georgiana, you have nothing for which to apologize.”

He drew her closer as she covered her face.

Elizabeth remained seated on her other side.

Mr. Darcy looked at Dr. Wynn. “This would have occurred soon after the twenty-fourth of August, Dr. Wynn.”

The doctor’s expression altered as he said, “Then the timing is consistent with what I have observed. If matters proceed as I expect, the child would likely be born toward the end of May or the beginning of June.”

Georgiana’s shoulders shook, and Mr. Darcy held her closer.

Dr. Wynn waited until her crying eased before speaking again.

“You must understand, Miss Darcy, that I am telling you what I believe, not what I can prove today. Time will give us greater certainty.”