Despite Elizabeth Bennets fervent objections, the surrogacy with Isabella Thorpe proceeded. Three days later, the Bennet family found themselves at the hospital once again, this time for the embryo transfer. Mrs. Bennet was a flurry of activity, questioning the doctor about every minute detail and even suggesting that the gender of the child be chosen.
"Mother, please," Darcy said, trying to calm her enthusiasm. "The gender is not important."
But Mrs. Bennet would have none of it. "How can it not be important? If the Darcy line ends with you, how shall I face your father in the afterlife? Ive tolerated your refusal to replace Elizabeth, but cant you at least give me a grandson through surrogacy?"
Elizabeth had long known of Mrs. Bennets preference for a male heir, but to hear such inhumane words even as Jane was fighting for her life was too much to bear. She had to stand up for her daughter, even if it meant defying her mother-in-law and husband.
A loud pop startled everyone in the waiting area, silencing Mrs. Bennets complaints. Jane Eyre, who was playing with a balloon, had blown it up and let it burst, her innocent laughter a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere.
Mrs. Bennet huffed, "That girl is far too bold for her own good. She needs discipline."
Elizabeth, who had been patient for so long, had reached her limit. "Fitzwilliam, you must tell your mother to stop speaking this way about Jane. Not in front of her at least."
She could ignore how Mrs. Bennet treated her and the lingering scent of perfume on Darcy that hinted at his infidelities. But she would not stand by while they mistreated her daughter.
"Do you understand?" Elizabeth asked, her voice filled with a mixture of anger and sadness. Would Darcy even care about her feelings anymore?
Darcys gaze flickered with a hint of guilt, but it was quickly replaced by his usual stoicism. "Elizabeth, you know I didnt mean that. Jane is our daughter, and we will do whats best for her."
But Elizabeth was tired of his excuses. "Then make your mother stop her cruel words! At least not in front of Jane!"
She could tolerate Mrs. Bennets behavior towards her and Darcys indifferent attitude, but she would not allow them to mistreat Jane.
As the days passed, the surrogacy process moved forward, and Isabella Thorpe was confirmed to be pregnant. The Bennet family, especially Mrs. Bennet, was overjoyed at the news. However, Elizabeth couldnt help but feel a sense of bitterness mixed with her relief. The child Isabella carried was meant to save Jane, but the circumstances surrounding its conception were far from ideal.
Mrs. Bennet, now more eager than ever to have a grandson, insisted on moving Isabella into the Darcy household to ensure the best care for the unborn child. Elizabeth watched as her home was transformed into a nursery, and Isabella was treated like a queen, all under the guise of caring for the child that could save Jane.
One day, as Elizabeth was leaving the Intensive Care Unit after spending time with Jane, she overheard a conversation between Isabella and Darcy. Her heart sank as she realized the depth of their betrayal. It was clear that Isabella had ulterior motives, and it seemed Darcy was more than willing to indulge her.
Elizabeths world was crumbling around her. Her marriage, her family, and her once unshakable love for Darcy were all falling apart. She had endured so much for the sake of her daughter, but now she wondered if it was all worth it. The love she had for Darcy was the cheapest thing she had ever done, and the cost was her own happiness and the sanctity of her family.