Chapter 34: It's Time
Tuesday, 19 January 1813
Rosings Park
Once the New Year began, Georgiana returned to London and Aunt Eleanor. The reduction in company accompanied a noticeable reduction in Anne's health. Each day her strolls became slightly slower and she leaned more on her friend for support. She would exhaust a few minutes sooner than she had the day before.
No matter how fatigued she felt, Anne forced herself out of the bed and into doing some exercise. She was adamant she would stay healthy enough to see her child born, as well as have a chance to hold it. She may wane, but she refused to give up.
When, on a cold and gloomy Monday, Anne forsook their walk, it left Elizabeth and Peeke concerned. "I find myself too exhausted to leave the bed beyond the necessities today," she told them, spending much of her day in sleep. Anne begged both ladies to keep her confidence, asking them to allow her this one poor day. She swore she would be recovered by the following morning.
Elizabeth and Peeke allowed Anne to rest without informing either Lady Catherine or Mr. Darcy. However, neither of the two ladies saw any prudence in keeping Anne's declining condition from the doctor. Peeke agreed she would subtly share what happened with Mr. Pryce before his Tuesday visit.
The next day, Tuesday, the official visiting day, the sun shone and Anne showed more vitality. When informed of the previous day's inactivity, Mr. Pryce reluctantly told the ladies that Anne's decline was to be expected. He credited her friend's efforts for it having been delayed this long. He had no further information that he could give, except that it was in God's hands from this point on. He left plenty of laudanum. She should be given a drop any time she requested from this point forward.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Wilson examined Elizabeth. She remained larger than normal for this point in her pregnancy, but the midwife was not overly concerned. With well over a month before they could expect the babe, there was nothing that could be done anyway, beyond watching. The babe moved often, which was a good sign. Darcy, though concerned about Elizabeth, could not help but have some pride that his child was so uncommonly large. Elizabeth, facing the delivery of said uncommonly large child, was not so impressed and made sure he knew it.
After Mrs. Wilson's visit, Mr. Darcy returned to the study. Elizabeth sat beside Anne's bed as her friend rested. Elizabeth worked on some needlepoint as Anne began to discuss her death and her wishes. "Peeke has told the servants you will be helping to feed the babe until you can take it over. Mrs. Wilson has spoken with them as well, they all admire your dedication to me."
Elizabeth thought of her father's disapproval, but there was nothing to do for it now. She had agreed before he voiced his objections and there was no going back. "Mrs. Wilson assures me feeding the baby will be important to aid my recovery," Elizabeth agreed.
"You will foster for me. For the first year at least, while it still feeds from you," Anne stated, though the matter had by no means been settled. "After that time, you can return the child to Darcy if he is ready to take care of it, if not, you will continue to foster it."
"You would do better to speak directly to Mr. Darcy on that. While I will be happy to care for the child, I do not relish that he could come at any time and take it from me. That would not be good for the child." Nor me, she added silently.
Looking at Elizabeth a bit before changing subjects, Anne asked quietly, "You have said you will not maintain contact with my family. Do you still feel that way?"
Smiling comfortingly at her friend, whom she had no wish to discompose, Elizabeth honestly told her, "I will retain a correspondence with Georgiana."
"But what about Darcy? What about the child after it must go to live with him? Will you stay in their lives?" she asked pleadingly.
Elizabeth grew serious. She did not wish to deceive her friend and benefactress. "I would dearly love to stay in his life, but I fear once we leave this sanctuary the differences in our stations will become more pronounced. Everything we have between us now is despised outside these rooms."
"But when I die, it frees you to align yourselves," Anne suggested.
Sighing deeply, Elizabeth felt such an alliance would not be achievable. "Once we leave, I will remain a lady of the country. Even as the owner of a small estate, I will always have the character formed by my rural rearing. Mr. Darcy is one of the elite. Those of his class do not align themselves with people of mine. The expectations of marriage for his class are at odds with the expectations of marriage from mine. I could not reconcile myself to such a life."
"Do you really believe Darcy is so different when he is in society? For almost a decade, he has been a part of the haut ton yet separate from them. In the five years since his father passed, he has dedicated his youth to being a proficient estate manager and caring for his sister. He participates in London society, but he does not indulge."
Elizabeth pointed out to Anne, "Look at your own parents and Christine. Such things are more the norm. Mr. Darcy and the Colonel spoke of Lord Huron's mistress as though it was expected because it is expected. Miss Bingley…pardon, Lady Huron, will be allowed to take her own lovers once the heir is born. I can not reconcile myself to such a marriage!
"Nor do I wish to be in a marriage where I am considered unequal to my husband," Elizabeth continued. "My own father married the daughter of a tradesman because she was a local beauty, later to find beauty was the only thing she could offer. He now consoles himself in finding humor at her expense. I could not bear to live that life," she concluded.
"You protest too much," Anne responded.
"Excuse me?"
"You protest too much. You have spent your time finding reasons to keep from giving yourself to Darcy, but you well know they are only your imaginings."
"How am I to know that?" Elizabeth gasped. "My conjectures are based on what I have seen of your society."
"Do you think he would have remained at Rosings Park after your pregnancy was suspected by Mrs. Wilson if he was of that bent?" Anne asked quietly. "Even when he went to London, he returned as soon as his task finished, no matter how much I tried to keep him there. He returned sooner, and on a Sunday, because you fell. He would not have rushed back like that for me," Anne scoffed. "And you"—she pointed at Elizabeth—"were sobbing and mooning over his being gone, particularly when I did not give you his letters. So do not try to tell me you are unaffected by him and could easily walk away." Anne was forced to rest a moment to catch her breath before continuing. "I have never seen him treat you with anything other than respect. Even when he ignors and avoids you in public, it is because of his respect for you." Raising an eyebrow while again catching her breath, she remembered, "And he was much nicer to your father than he would have otherwise have been."
Elizabeth lowered her head, not wanting Anne to see her reactions.
"You arrived here believing the worst of Darcy, a notoriety he apparently did much to earned while in your village. But since you've been here, please, tell me anything he has done that would continue to support that assumption."
Elizabeth was at a loss. Even from their first night, Mr. Darcy showed her kindness and consideration. There were some arrogant behaviors, but she could not think of anything he had done to indicate he thought less of her. She had her own struggles with accepting herself after making this choice, she assumed he had struggled with them as well, but if he did he never showed it to her.
"As I suspected. Darcy has always been arrogant and above his company when first introduced, but once he knows more of a person he is the best of men." Anne shook her head but smiled gently. "You are stubborn, you know. Once I die, Darcy is free to marry you. You and I know that is what you both wish for. The only times you have separated at night is when you went for your sister's wedding and when he was in London. Why should you start? With me, he has made the expected alliance and increased his estate. With you, he will be happy and continue his family."
Elizabeth let out a light huff. "It all seems so easy in here. But once we leave this wing, there is so much more to consider. We have to stay apart for some time for propriety's sake. If I take the baby…"
"Not if. You will foster my child or stay with it in some way. You gave your word." Anne reminded her.
Elizabeth sighed. "Then I must wait until Mr. Darcy comes to bring the child home, then see how we feel."
"You think he will find someone else in that time, but you are a fool. You only tell yourself that to drive yourself away from him," Anne said quietly and sensibly. "You think we are odd, and in some ways we are. Because of the station in life we are born into, we form alliances rather than homes. We have so few in our circles to choose from when we marry, and our constraints of propriety leave us with only a limited chance to know one another before the marriage. It leaves us with few options at finding a love match." Anne sighed her melancholy at her gilded but empty life. A life dedicated to family alliances with few genuine attachments. "But in most ways, all people are alike. We all wish to find someone we can feel safe with. We all wish to find someone who makes us a better person. We all wish to love and be loved." Anne paused again to catch her breath before she continued. "This is what I wish to ensure for my child once I am gone and you are the only person I can depend on to do it. You will help my child feel safe. You will make my child a better person. You will love and be loved by my child."
"But what if Mr. Darcy does not wish to ally himself with my family? You have seen how he feels about my father!" Elizabeth cried.
Anne gently lifted the corners of her mouth. "His concerns for the alliance no longer matters, he is attached." Lifting her brow, she reminded Elizabeth, "You must know I feel the same way Darcy feels about your father." Pausing to consider how she felt about Mr. Bennet, Anne modified her statement. "In a way, I must be thankful for the man's neglect. If he had taken care of his family as he should have, I would not have you here and I would not be having a child."
Once again, Elizabeth was uncomfortable with Anne and not sure how to respond to her.
Anne may have noticed, but did not remark on Elizabeth's silence. Sliding down in her bed, Anne indicated she wished to rest. "Speak to Darcy for me. Neither one of you have made arrangements for you to foster, but you should go stay with him after you leave here. It will be a difficult trip, but you can travel slowly. Maybe twenty miles a day on the good roads…" Anne's voice trailed off as she slid further under her counterpane, turning her back toward Elizabeth as she sunk into a slumber.
Elizabeth returned to her room, dreading renewing the conversation with Mr. Darcy of the promises Anne had extracted.
~~~oo0oo~~~
During his week in London, Darcy had spoken with Aunt Eleanor about ways to keep Elizabeth with him.
As the countess's suggestion was aligned with his own plans for the future, Darcy began to contemplate the best way to approach Elizabeth with such an indecorous proposal. Though their arrangements would remain the same while at Rosings Park, once Anne died, Darcy now planned to bring Elizabeth and the baby to Pemberley rather than London. Residing at Pemberley for those months required before he could start having their banns read would be the most prudent way to go. His retiring to his estate would seem natural with the death of Anne and a new baby to care for, and they would stay out of the eye of society being so far away in Derbyshire.
He was not yet prepared to speak to Elizabeth about his plans, but felt no rush. Elizabeth would not enter her confinement for another month or more and was compelled to remain at Rosings for another month beyond that.
When he entered their room that night, he warmed at seeing her profile in the moonlight. With only six more weeks or so before he could meet his daughter, or son, Darcy found himself looking forward to teaching it all the things his father taught him. How to ride would be the first thing. As soon as it could sit up, Darcy planned on putting it in the saddle with him. By the time it turned 4 or 5, it would have its own pony to ride alongside him. Smiling with the pride he already knew he would feel, he went to Elizabeth and began to rub her belly as she looked up at him with a half-grin.
"So you greet your child first," she teased.
Darcy kissed her neck before taunting her back. "Fortunately I find I can greet you both at the same time for now."
Elizabeth shook her head, grinning at his silliness as she ran her hands up his chest and behind his neck. Darcy put his arms around her, rocking her slightly. He bent down to kiss her before leading her to their bed.
"How was your day?" he asked her.
She inhaled as though she had something to say, before pausing briefly then saying "It was agreeable. Anne spoke to me for a while before going to sleep for much of the day."
"Did she have anything of value to say?" he asked absently as he started tasting her body, starting with her neck and beginning to work his way down. He preferred they both be unclothed as they slept, thankful for the forge in her belly that kept them both warm. (1) It made removing themselves from the bed in the mornings much more challenging as there was nothing to protect them from the icy air.
Elizabeth paused again before she answered him. He had made his way to her breasts before she finally spoke. He dearly hoped Anne did not have anything of value to stay, he had no desire to stop what he was doing to attend to Anne's latest madness. "There were a few things," she said lightly. "But nothing that will not wait." She placed her hands in his hair, stroking his temples and behind his ears, the spots he loved to have rubbed.
Murmuring his acknowledgment and his inattentiveness to anything involving Anne, Darcy moved to his now kicking little baby. Taking a moment away from his kisses, he told his little one how much he had to teach her—maybe him—and how they could sneak some fun together like his father did with him. Thinking about a not so distant future where he would include fishing, swimming, and even archery in with teaching his heir how to care for the estate, caused a warmth to grow inside of Darcy. It was no longer the shallow passion of the physical kind, but now that shallow passion combined with a genuine affection and respect for the woman lying beneath him. He kissed her belly as he again stroked her side, bidding adieu to the little one as he made his way further down her person as her hands continued to indicate her desires as they moved through his hair.
Taking pleasure in her release, he continued, making a complete tour of her being. After, she began to return the favor. Stopping her when her ministrations moved to his chest and looked to go lower still. "You need not do this for me. I can tell it is more cumbersome for you to move about." He reached down, caressing her sides as he took a teasing tone. "You will have a copious number of opportunities to atone for it after your time is complete."
She froze, looking up at him. In the dark, he could not make out the expression on her face, but she said nothing. He began stroking her hair, believing she was appreciating the exemption he offered from her pleasing him with her mouth for the next month or so.
"OWWW!"
She bit him! It was not one of the usual gentle or playful nips she would tease him with. This one would leave a mark.
"Why did you do that?"
But she refused to answer, now continuing on her way down with more gentle and stimulating uses for her mouth, though she still nipped a little too aggressively once in awhile. When she reached his most sensitive part, he reached down to lift her up. Tonight he didn't trust her to treat it with the respect it required to function. "No, no, no, dear. Not there." Hooking his hands under her arms he pulled her up to a position that allowed him to guide himself to into her. Though he usually preferred her under him, she found this position more comfortable and pleasing with her growth. Who was he to deny her?
He tended to drift into a light slumber after, though she frequently did not. Usually, she allowed him to recover, but at times she could be downright provoking. After her aggression, he thought it wise to be wary today but she quietly lay on his chest allowing him to stroke her hair and back.
When he felt he reasonably able to again speak, he asked why she bit him like that.
She replied with a question of her own. "Why did you say I will have a copious number of opportunities to make up for any attentions denied you?"
He pulled her up to gently kiss her. "When you come to live with me, we will have endless time together." He had the conversation so often in his mind, and though his mind was not yet completely clear on the details, he simply forgot he had yet to engage Elizabeth in either the conversation or the commitment.
She thrust herself away from him. "What do you mean! When I come to live with you? Who has determined such a thing!" She was furious. "I only agreed to do this! I never agreed to be your mistress beyond this! This is at least hidden! Exposure outside of Rosings Park would shame not only me, but my sisters as well! Look at how difficult it was in Hertfordshire and none even knew!"
Cursing himself for his stupidity, he moved over to where she now lay and pulled her again to him. "Stop," he commanded, a bit too aggressively. As she fought to free herself from his grip, he sighed, growing more gentle the second time he spoke. "Stop. Please stop. You mistake me. I am… "—all his planned words were now gone from his head—"I do not intend to bring you to my home as a mistress."
She stopped fighting him and was listening. But his own mind was working, trying to assure he was precise in his speech. "Well, that is not exactly true. I would bring you as my mistress…"
She huffed and started wriggling again, trying to escape him.
Growling at his own stupidity, he just spat it out. "Mistress of my estates! I wish to marry you! How difficult is that for you to understand? I came to Rosings Park in March fighting with my own indecision, but as soon as I saw you again I knew what I wanted." Correcting himself—"No, I knew before I even saw you! Then Anne came up with this stupid plan and drew me into it. And I agreed partly because it would keep Aunt Catherine from plaguing Georgiana, but also because"—he lowered his voice in shame—"it was an easy way for me to be with you. I would be married to one within my social circles, one my peers would easily accept. But in truth, I would be with you"
Elizabeth stilled, listening to his confession.
He would need to tell her his plans sometime soon so she could prepare, now was as good a time as any other. He began stroking her hair, it comforted him and made it easier for him to begin. "Those nights in London were miserable without you. Even without your fall, I was returning the next day." He laughed a bit at the memory that came to mind. "I brought your corset with me thinking it would help, but it only made things worse." Giving her a brief kiss, he continued. "As early as the time we went to Hertfordshire, I had become accustomed to having you in my bed. Now I cannot bear the thought of sleeping without you."
Elizabeth nestled into him as he opened his heart, tangling her hand in his hair to comfort him.
This was why he could not bear to be without her. She comforts me. Being with her takes away my fears. "Once Anne dies, we will go directly to Pemberley, avoiding London and its prying eyes. You will stay as a guest of Georgiana, but you will be situated closer to me than in the townhouse. After a couple of months have passed, enough for us both to show respect for Anne, we can marry." He pulled her tighter, nuzzling his face in her hair.
Quietly, Elizabeth asked, "Mourning for one's spouse is properly a year. There is no way I can stay at your home for so long without notice. Georgiana will have her coming out next year and needs to continue her preparations."
"Hang the year of mourning time. I do not have to wait that long. Men are forgiven if they curtail their mourning, particularly those needing a mother for their child."
He should have known better by this point, but old habits die hard.
"Yes, and the women who marry them are viewed as fortune hunters," Elizabeth said curtly as she pulled back, removing her comforting hands from his hair. "Likewise, I could not be away from Longbourn for so long without causing undue speculation." Elizabeth bit out her resentment of the paradoxical nature of society, "Lest I ever forget, wealthy men are forgiven many transgressions, while poor ladies are forgiven naught."
Cursing himself and his own stupidity, he realized he had not considered his plans from her perspective. If they married too soon, she would likely be seen as a self-serving social climber. Her family and friends in Hertfordshire would know where she was and would question her staying away from her estate. Her sister was already making plans for her to stay with them after the Bingley's child was born. Her father would know the reason for her being at Pemberley and would express his disapproval in no uncertain terms. Even knowing all of those things, he thought only of his own plight rather than hers. Would his hubris know no bounds?
Sighing he tried to rectify his error, now struggling to come up with another way for her to stay with him. "BenKey," he said softly, leaning toward her. "Please forgive me. You know what a selfish creature I am, though I am trying to improve. I need a way for you to stay with me. Help me find one."
"What if you stay with me?"
Confused, Darcy turned over what she might mean. How could he stay with her at Longbourn? Her father despised him, neither man desired the company of the other, and, even more importantly, Darcy could not see a way for him to spend his nights with her. "I do not believe I would be welcomed at Longbourn."
"But if I uphold my promise to Anne, I will be both feeding and fostering the babe for at least a year."
Darcy was still irritated Anne would think he would not wish to know his child for a year or more.
She continued, "Jane's child will be very close in age to this one. It would stand to reason I would do well to spend much of my time at Netherfield Park with Jane if we are to care for infants so close in age."
Darcy perked up. "That would suit. Bingley will give me a room close to yours so I can"—he coughed amusedly—"spend time with my child." Feeling more confident they were finally coming to a resolution, he spoke the rest of his plan aloud. "When it is time for the child to return to Pemberley, my mourning time would well be finished and I will be able to bring you home as my wife." Rubbing his head against hers as he basked in knowing the desired path for his future had been paved as he wrapped himself around his future.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Tuesday, 26 January 1813
Rosings Park
Elizabeth woke to feel, as usual, Darcy behind her, but there was an odd weight on her stomach. Looking down, she saw Anne sitting in a chair beside the bed resting her head on the baby.
Bracing herself for Darcy to be irate when he awoke to find Anne again in their room unannounced, Elizabeth listened to Anne talking to quietly to the baby.
"…and I do love you so very much…I want very much to meet you and hold you, but if you do not come soon I may not." She paused to catch her breath. "I am trying so very hard to remain strong, but I fear I have so little time left." She again paused for breath. "I only wish to know you will be happy and loved." She gulped, swallowing her sadness. "Elizabeth and Darcy will give you love and happiness and you will give it to them in return."
At that point, Anne stopped speaking but continued to rest her head on Elizabeth. Unable to stop herself, Elizabeth placed her hand on Anne's head, stroking her hair in the same calming gesture she used so often on Darcy. Anne looked up, her hand still holding the babe, and smiled. "You will remain together, will you not?" she asked.
Elizabeth smiled sadly down at her odd friend. "Yes," she whispered.
The past Sunday, the future plans had been decided. Anne had spoken about the fostering and told them of her wish that they stay together and marry as soon as possible after she passed. Darcy started rattling off his vision for the upcoming year or so when Elizabeth abruptly reminded him she had never agreed to any of it, as he had never asked her consent. She struggled not to laugh at his embarrassment, as he was once again shamed by his habitual hubris. He repentantly asked if she would agree to remain with him, continuing their secret relationship until they could properly wed. And then if she would espouse him. Please.
She finally did laugh at his penitence and agree to all of it, much to Anne's satisfaction.
As Elizabeth wondered at her strange circumstances, Anne now rested on her stomach while feeling the baby's movements along with the occasional tightening of her belly. Mrs. Wilson assured them this was normal as her body began to prepare to give birth. She needed to be called immediately if they became more frequent or began to happen regularly.
Darcy began to move, tightening his hold on Elizabeth as he stretched and groaned in the morning. His stretch ended with his mouth on her ear. "I am ready to service you this morning if you are so inclined," he whispered with his usual morning good-humor. He then opened his eyes and saw Anne, for all intents, lying in their bed. "Damn it, Anne," he grunted as he pulled away. "Can you not come later in the morning to speak to the child?" He looked at Elizabeth in frustration. Many weeks ago she had made him promise to be gentler with Anne's oddities as her illness increased.
"I come when I feel I can," Anne told him as she stayed.
He kissed Elizabeth before rolling out of bed to return downstairs and dress. Once Anne could no longer stay, Elizabeth rose, slipped on a chemise and robe, and helped her back to her room. Anne held her hand after being helped into the bed. "I do love this child. All I wish to do is meet the little life inside of you."
Elizabeth assured her she understood Anne's connection and would always ensure the babe knew how much it was loved even though she was unable to remain and care for it.
As Elizabeth left Anne's room, she felt an overwhelming sadness for the woman and the premature end to her life.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Thursday, 28 January 1813 (3)
Rosings
"Anne's not in here?" Darcy asked before he opened his eyes.
Elizabeth laughed. "No, not this morning."
"Good!" he rumbled as he kissed and rubbed his stubble along the back of her neck while one hand began to encircle a nipple and the other hand found its way to the lower stimulation zone, hoping to entice her to take advantage of his morning utility. It easily worked, as she climbed upon him so they could both begin their day is such a cordial manner.
Once finished, she lay to his side with her belly propped upon him as they recuperated. She gasped as her belly tightened to such rigidity that even Darcy could feel it against his side. "Are you well?" he asked in concern, trying to ease her discomfort.
As the muscles relaxed, she breathed deeply to recover. Deciding that refreshing herself may help her unease, she made her way to the water closet. As she sat to relieve herself, the amount was much larger than expected. Mrs. Wilson insisted she be notified if such a thing were to happen. Once the waters were released, it meant the child would soon arrive.
Elizabeth returned to the room to send Darcy to call for Mrs. Wilson, doubling over again in pain on her way back.
Darcy rushed to her, asking again about her health. She put up a finger as she gasped, unable to speak. Once her belly released, she told him it was time to call Mrs. Wilson.
He frantically looked down at her. "It is too early. There should be another month…"
Elizabeth looked sternly at him, quickly becoming impatient with his delay. "Well, it looks as though your child has other ideas. Stubborn baby, just like its father. Now please, go send for Mrs. Wilson."
This time he did as he was asked. Knowing Anne would wish to know as well, Elizabeth went to wake her.
Anne did her best to leap from the bed. Throwing on a morning gown over her chemise, she accompanied Elizabeth back to her room.
Darcy returned to Elizabeth's room at the same time as the women, suggesting Elizabeth lay down until Mrs. Wilson arrived.
"No, she told me I would do better to walk around," Elizabeth reminded him. So she walked. Darcy accompanied her and Anne sat watching, while they all waited for Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Pryce.
An hour later, Mrs. Wilson arrived at the wing, followed by Lady Catherine. Anne, not willing to tolerate her mother's outbursts at such a sensitive time, as well as fearing Mrs. Wilson's impatient response to such outbursts, thanked her mother for bringing Mrs. Wilson to them as she escorted Lady Catherine out of the wing. Anne informed her mother that it had begun and the child should be born in a day or so, but Lady Catherine would have to remain downstairs. Severely displeased at being denied the opportunity to witness the birth of her grandchild, Lady Catherine made it known she had planned to give her sage advice throughout. Once she learned Darcy would be allowed to stay, she became even more offended.
At that point, an irked Mrs. Wilson stepped in, informing the blathering woman that at least one assistant would be needed to help. As Anne was too weak to help and Peeke would be needed to run errands or get any emergency items, Mr. Darcy would be necessary to help hold Miss Bennet up throughout the process, unless Lady Catherine was willing to condescend to do it. Lady Catherine resoundingly informed the midwife she would not be acting in such a capacity, thus agreeably retired to her sitting room.
Having her lie on her bed, Mrs. Wilson examined her before deciding that continuing to walk would be the best thing Elizabeth could do. As she walked, the contractions would come and go, sometimes closer together, sometimes further apart, but overall becoming stronger and more frequent. She and Darcy spoke of inconsequential things, neither wishing to think too much on the impending birth or any complications or the earliness of it.
Once the contractions started to become a few minutes apart, Mrs. Wilson put Elizabeth on the birthing chair with Darcy behind her helping to hold her up. (4) As the pains became overwhelming, Elizabeth swallowed her misery focusing her attentions on keeping from crying out. Darcy said little, only offering her whispered encouragements as he wrapped his arms around her chest below her breasts to help hold her up. He had brought a leather strap for her to bite on to help her keep from expressing the pains. He silently prayed for the safety of both Elizabeth and the baby, as he could do nothing more.
When Elizabeth felt the overwhelming urge to push, Mrs. Wilson encouraged her while waiting to catch the babe as it exited. In a surprisingly short time, a small head exited, with a little body soon to follow.
Darcy was exuberant! Looking down at Mrs. Wilson, waiting to find if it was a boy or girl, he was greeted by the woman frowning and muttering as she looked down at the crying baby. She cleaned and wrapped it as she murmured, "This is not right, it is too small. For her to have been so large, the babe should be larger. Something is wrong."
Once the baby was wrapped, she placed it at Elizabeth's breast to begin feeding, telling Darcy to hold it there as she began feeling Elizabeth's belly. Darcy was close to a panic. Not only was there something wrong, but he was supposed to hold the tiny little thing to Elizabeth's breast!
"Ahh, that explains it," Mrs. Wilson sighed in relief. Elizabeth looked at her in fear which turned to confusion. "You felt that, right?" Mrs. Wilson asked.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Right, it means you have to do this again. It will be difficult because you are already tired, but if you work hard it will not take as long. Now when you are ready, push," Mrs. Wilson instructed.
Meanwhile, Darcy was floundering in confusion. "What is happening? What is it that is wrong?" he asked, trying his best to sound calm.
Mrs. Wilson ignored him, concentrating on Elizabeth and giving her instructions. "I know you are tired, but just this once more. The babe feeding should help you along."
Darcy felt his ire growing at being left out of the women's understanding. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded while continuing to hold Elizabeth with one arm and the baby with the other.
Mrs. Wilson glanced up at him, but would not relent. "I have no time for you, let me fin…Ahh, here it is! When you feel the urge again, push as hard as you can."
Darcy could do nothing but hold on to them both and wait.
"Here it is!" Mrs. Wilson cried as she helped the second infant slide out safely. She quickly tied and cut the cord before cleaning and swaddling the babe. Much to Darcy's surprise, she placed the second infant on Elizabeth's other breast then looked at him. "It's twins," she insolently told him. "Will you be able to support both babies and help her?" When Darcy looked at her with a slack jaw and wide eyes, she relocated his arms and hands so they would adequately support his family. "Keep them there and you should do a well enough job." She went down to again help Elizabeth as she was still suffering.
Darcy looked down. Whatever they were, there were two of them. But Elizabeth was still suffering! It seemed impossible. He worked up his courage and asked Mrs. Wilson, "Are there more in there?"
She looked up, this time more willing to answer his question. "No, there is only the afterbirth, but it is like having another one. Feeding a child from the breast will help them come out faster. She must birth one for each baby."
Feeling relieved there would be no more babies, Darcy sighed as he then looked down on the ones he now had. These were his! One was slightly larger than the other. They were trying to feed from Elizabeth but seemed to need some help and he had no hands to give them. He watched as he tried to shift them a bit, giving them a better angle of approach. As he watched them feed hungrily, he finally could no longer wait. "Ma'am. What are they?"
~~~oo0oo~~~
(1) I know forge is an odd word for a baby, but I like it because I think there are two definitions that work. The noun definition is a fireplace or furnace where metal is heated before being shaped. One of the verb definitions is "to form by heating and hammering." I believe my reason for using this word needs no further comment.
(2) As usual, I chose this date for a reason. It is the publication date of Pride & Prejudice: the twenty-eighth of January 1813.
(3) Birthing chair and men being in the room: I chose to allow Darcy to help because if you Google "Regency birthing chair" there is a picture of a man holding a woman who is giving birth in a chair while three other ladies help out. You can also Google "Jane Austen's first two years" and the picture is on that page as well. Other pictures I found have as few as two helpers, one helping to hold the woman up and one to deliver the child.