Mary knelt next to her. “I’m in the family way.”
Lizzie’s eyes widened. “Are you sure? Good heavens, Mary! That is wonderful news!”
“The country air was good for me,” Mary said with a nod.
They both stood up, hugged, then jumped up and down, then hugged some more and then finally, both started crying.
“Finally,” Mary sobbed.
Lizzie smiled a secretive little smile. “And you are certain?”
“Absolutely. It’s nothing like the other times. And I’ve seen a midwife today. She pressed my stomach and asked me all sorts of things, and she says it’s definite.”
“I am so happy for you, Mary. I’m going to spoil that child beyond belief.”
And she meant it. With both Mary and Mary’s child, she knew where she stood.
Chapter 24
At the beginning of November, the Talbots found themselves in a carriage, heading to their first ball as a married couple. As she nervously touched the curls Mary had painstakingly curled with heated paper, Elizabeth remembered getting ready for her first ball last November, and silently mourned the fact that she was as uncomfortable and afraid as she’d been then.
She had spent the better part of last year wholeheartedly believing that getting married would give her confidence in her place in society, and yet here she was.
Colin kept giving her soft little kisses and trying to do more, but she was tense and, for the first time in their marriage, insusceptible to his advances, which should have indicated the gravity of the situation to him.
“Don’t fret, kitten,” he said gently, “it’s Powell’s ball, you know and like almost everyone there.”
She relaxed a bit, remembering that Isabella and Elinor had confirmed that they, too, would be in attendance.
“Good evening, Your Graces, welcome,” their host, Mister Powell, greeted them warmly.
Elizabeth immediately noted that he looked much healthier and happier than the last time she’d seen him. She hoped things with his daughter were settled and well, but didn't want to immediately inquire about her, lest she ruin his good mood.
“Good evening,” both Talbots returned the greeting, and Mr Powell congratulated them on their marriage as he led them into the ballroom.
Elizabeth watched his face for any trace of scorn or disapproval, but he seemed sincere, so she relaxed again.
“Thank you,” her husband said proudly and looked like he was going to add something when Lizzie grabbed his hand excitedly.
He looked around and saw that she had noticed Elinor.
“And here you see, Powell, what my married life is like,” he joked. “My wife has spotted a friend and immediately wishes to abandon me. A friend whom she sees regularly, mind.”
“Wives must be obeyed if one wishes to have a harmonious home life,” Powell said with a wistful smile. “You better let her go.”
Talbot pretended to consider it. “All right, I’ll lead you to your friend and then make my rounds about the room, but I’m returning in 30 minutes,” he said with an exaggerated flourish of his hand.
Lizzie smiled and all but ran off to hug Elinor.
“Your Grace!” her friend exclaimed merrily.
“I seem to remember repeatedly telling you not to be formal with me,” Lizzie chided her good-naturedly. “Let us find a place to sit. Have you seen any of our other friends?”
As they walked to the chairs in the corner, Elinor told her that she had spent some time with Lady Isabella and Lady Louisa earlier.
“My husband is the reason why we’re so late,” Lizzie frowned. “How did Lady Louisa seem to you?”
“Quite recovered, I think. No longer as ghastly pale as she was.”
