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As the rest of the party filed out, each offered Mrs. Hurst their well-wishes or congratulations. Miss Lydia expressed how much she adored children, and Miss Kitty echoed the sentiments. Miss Mary professed that bringing children into the world was a godly duty, and that their Lord was proud of her for her suffering.

Other sentiments were less silly, but no less sincere. Mrs. Hurst seemed overwhelmed by the kindness, and her husband’s normally vapid expression was touched with great emotion.

He continued to hover by her side after everyone returned from the dining room, having foregone the separation of the sexes.

“I am with child, my dear. I have not become an invalid,” Mrs. Hurst said to her husband as Darcy entered with Elizabeth on his arm.

“You were sick three times yesterday.”

Mrs. Hurst gestured to the entering guests. “Thank you for announcing that to everyone.”

Mr. Bennet had the perfect response. “Marriage does appear to provide a gentleman with an astonishing quantity of information he ought not repeat.”

Elizabeth choked on a laugh beside him. Her father’s humor eased Mrs. Hurst’s discomfort, and she soon fell into conversation with Mrs. Gardiner.

The rest of the evening was filled with cards, music, forfeits, charades, and carol-singing. Miss Lydia insisted everyone participate in some manner. Darcy was unaccustomed to such frivolity and tried to decline.

“Careful, Mr. Darcy. Refusing Christmas games may adversely affect your probation.” Elizabeth nudged him with her elbow.

“You did not mention Christmas games among the requirements,” he teased. “How am I to maintain my solemn demeanor?”

“The terms of probation are subject to amendment at my whim.” She shrugged. “If you cannot maintain your solemnity, is there any true loss?”

“I suppose not. You are correct as always.”

“Naturally.” She sniffed haughtily. “I am always right.”

“It is a lesson you had best learn,” Mr. Bennet said. He had appeared as if out of nowhere. “A lady is always right in any relationship.”

Darcy did not have a reply.

Much later in the evening, Darcy stood alone. Elizabeth had taken Mrs. Hurst to another room to lie down. She had insisted on staying until the gentlemen were ready to depart, despite her discomfort.

“A woman never forgets how frightening being with child is for her first time,” Mrs. Bennet said, coming up beside him.

“Indeed,” he replied.

“It is an honor to help another woman after bearing six children of my own,” she continued.

“Six?” Darcy asked.

Mrs. Bennet’s hand shook as she held her handkerchief to her lips. “Lydia was a twin,” she murmured. “Her brother died. My dear little Thomas.”

Darcy had not known. Did Elizabeth know her mother had borne a son once? That she had a brother?

“I am very sorry for your loss, Mrs. Bennet,” he murmured.

“It was long ago. But I cannot forget.” She patted his arm. “A mother never forgets her child.”

Darcy realized again that Mrs. Bennet was not merely a silly, vapid woman. She was a lady who had carried sorrow, who loved her children fiercely and wanted what was best for them.

Naturally, Mrs. Bennet’s solemnity could not last. She launched into detail about how she wished to have grandchildren, and how pleased she was that Jane was now engaged. Darcy listened patiently until Elizabeth returned.

When she did, Mrs. Bennet excused herself to call for refreshments.

“Is Mrs. Hurst settled?” he asked.

“She is.” Elizabeth glanced at the windows. “Look. Snow is falling.”