Birth and Bravery
Preparations for the birth of the Collins' Baby brought on many emotions for all at the estate of Longbourn. Between the hope for an heir and the excitement of a new babe, both family and servants alike were filled with anticipation. Joy was found in the halls of Longbourn again, the previous gloom and angst as a result of Lydia's actions were no more. The Bennet family was finally at peace. Naturally, with such positive thoughts, it seemed only right that Mrs. Bennet put those feelings to use, in the form of updating the nursery.
With color suggestions from her expectant daughter, Mrs. Bennet saw to the clearing out and renovations of the rather somber room. Light green and yellow curtains lay in front of the large window, which allowed for a great deal of light to enter the space. A few books of fairy tales from Elizabeth's childhood were brought up to read to the baby once it was a little older, these were stacked on a bookshelf beside a nice rocking chair. The crib which held each of the Bennet sisters was brought down from the attic to house the babe once it was big enough. For the time being, a bassinet was placed in Lizzy's room until the child became a bit older.
Additional preparations for the upcoming birth were also made. Extra sheets were procured and kept in Elizabeth's room. A plan of action in the kitchens was made to ensure a steady flow of both heated and cooled water made its way to Elizabeth's room was also implemented. Among these discussions came Elizabeth's thoughts on hiring a wet nurse.
"Mama, I do not wish to hire a wet nurse. After all, it is an additional expense for the estate and I pray I will be able to produce that which is necessary for my child."
"Yes, but Lizzy it is not proper for a gentlewoman such as yourself to nurse her child."
"If Georgiana Cavendish, the former Duchess of Devonshire can nurse her children, certainly the daughter of a country squire and wife of an insignificant parson can as well."
"Lizzy, there are many substantial differences between you and the late Georgiana Cavendish. She, as I understand it, was a woman who lived her life miserably to a man she barely tolerated. She took on lovers and never seemed to be happy. I do not wish for you to compare your life with hers."
Sighing in understanding, Elizabeth yielded, "I understand Mama. Please consider my wishes at least on the matter of the wet nurse. I know I have been very blessed throughout this situation, but on this matter, I feel very strongly. I will make one concession, I will interview potential candidates and give my thoughts on the ladies. I will make no promises, for I do not wish for my son or daughter to be raised by nurses their whole lives. He or she has already lost one parent and does not need to lose another."
"I think that a fine concession Lizzy. And your child will not lose another parent, I will be sure of that."
"Mama, while I too do not wish for such an event, it is a possibility. After all, your mother passed amidst her lying-in. Simply because one does not wish for the worst possible outcome does not mean that it should be forgotten about."
Mrs. Bennet straightened her back, gathering her strength, and took her daughter's face in her hands. "My dear Lizzy, your grandmother died because of unforeseen complications. I pray with all my soul that you will live to see your child grow into the wonderful person they are destined to be because you raised them and taught them right from wrong. You will not die. I am sure of it."
"But Mama, should I lose my life while delivering this child, I hope that you and papa will give it the life that I would have wanted for him or her. I should wish for my child to be well educated, or as well educated as possible, but not to a point of piousness or arrogance. I should wish for this child to enjoy these groves and hills which encompass the land from which their people have come for generations. To live their life and not take it for granted. Can you promise this for me, Mother?" Elizabeth's eyes teared while giving this firm, but loving declaration for those sentiments lived close to her heart.
Elizabeth's eyes were not the only glossy pair seen. Mrs. Bennet dabbed her own with a handkerchief before responding, "My dear sweet Lizzy, I am afraid that I have taken you for granted all these years. I never came to know you, my precious daughter for who you were until I made perhaps the biggest mistake of my life. That is a burden that I must carry until my dying day. But yours is far from here my child. Of this I am certain. I will have no more talk of this."
"Yes, but I need to hear your promise of which I have spoken. Childbearing is a messy and dangerous business. If I pass whilst bringing this child into the world, I need to know that my kin will be well taken care of."
"I promise to ensure this and more. Should you die," Mrs. Bennet's voice cracked in feeling, "I vow to give your child every possible benefit in life. I will personally see to their excursions in nature for the benefit of their health and your father will insist upon teaching their mind for molding. After all, your mind was that of his daughters that he appreciated the most. And above this, I promise to never force them into a marriage they do not wish for. We cannot make the same mistake again."
The pair spent the rest of the afternoon engrossed in more pleasurable topics. Nevertheless, the fear of her lying-in remained, after watching her husband die before her she learned one valuable lesson: death was a certainty of life.
The Gardiners and Mary arrived on a late August morning bringing gifts from their journey. The families cheered as gifts were opened and laughter was shared. The most notable of these was a hand-stitched mobile for the baby. Her handy needlepoint created the image of Elizabeth's dream from several months previous: a flying dove. But Mary added a small dove flying behind it to signify Elizabeth's unborn child.
"Mary, it is beautiful. I love this. Thank you, my dear sister, for listening to my dreams and my fears for all these months. I could not have made it this far without your constant support." Elizabeth turned to her family, some of whom had glistening eyes. "I thank all of you for helping me in this trying time. I pray that all will go well in the forthcoming future. Now," she paused. "Let us have no more talk of this, I am desperate to hear of your journey to Derbyshire."
The Gardiners departed the next day as Mr. Gardiner was forced to return to his business. But before their departure Mrs. Gardiner made her sentiments quite clear, "I shall be sorry to be leaving during this time. But as soon as Lizzy goes into delivery I should hope you would send us word, for we will come as soon as possible." This scheme was agreed to by all.
Shortly thereafter, the Bennet, former Bennets, and Georgiana all gathered in Lizzy's room to catch up and hear of Mary's travels. They each noticed a change in her since they had last seen her, and it was not the increased tan upon her skin. She seemed more content, less agitated. Mary seemed happy, which they had not seen in its truest form in quite some time. Even after Lizzy returned home, Mary, while appearing happier, chose to bear the burdens of her older sister. Now, as she related events of her journey to her sisters, they saw her for who she was, a woman in want of simpler country life. Perhaps away from the chaos of Longbourn. Only time would tell as to the continued changes in Mary's countenance.
The next morning a large carriage unfamiliar to all but one at Longbourn arrived. At the time, both Georgiana and Lizzy were knitting booties for the babe. As soon as Georgiana saw the coach enter the drive a squeal escaped her.
"Georgiana, pray whatever is the matter?" Elizabeth asked with a concerned tint to her voice.
"Oh Lizzy, it is just my brother come from home. I shall be very glad to see him, will it pain you very much if I went down to see him?" Guilt was ridden upon Georgiana's face.
"Georgie indeed not. He is your brother. Of course, you should go to him. Tell himー" she paused as her past actions flooded her memory.
"Yes?" The younger girl asked with a hint of excitement.
Elizabeth reddened. "Nevermind, think nothing of it."
"Lizzy, please." Georgiana encouraged her with open eyes and a trusting countenance as she reached for her friend, Lizzy pulled back.
"Georgiana, it would ease my conscience if you would not say anything on my behalf, indeed pray forget I spoke at all."
"Very well." Georgiana stood and left the room, her blonde hair bounding behind her as she made her way to her brother. Upon closing the door, Georgiana was unaware of her particular friend wincing in pain in her bed. Georgiana hastened down the stairs, she found him just entering the vestibule. "Fitzwilliam!" She cried as she entered his outstretched arms. They walked into the surprisingly empty parlor.
"My dear sister, how are you? I have read your letters and you have told me you are well but are you truly?"
"Yes Fitzwilliam, I have never been better. I spend many hours a day with Lizzy, either reading to her or talking, we knit and sew clothes for the baby. We've done a great many things. But, before you ask, I have spent my scheduled time on the pianoforte."
"My dear, I was not worried. I knew you would follow through on your promise for fear of not being able to stay again."
Anger and concern filled the younger Darcy's countenance, "But we will not have to leave soon, will we? I promised Lizzy I would stay until after the baby was born."
Hoping to ease his sister's worries, Mr. Darcy continued, "Dear sister, yes you may stay here. I will be at Netherfield at Bingley's invitation. I plan on staying at least until the second week of October."
Doing the math in her head, Georgiana was satisfied with that answer, for if the baby came on time, they would still be in the area for the Christening. "I am in agreement brother. I have enjoyed my time in Hertfordshire, but I should very much like to return to Pemberley before the weather turns."
"Then that is what we shall do." They continued to talk about what they had missed in the time apart. After glancing at the clock, the pair noticed they had been speaking for nearly an hour. No sooner was this noticed, than servants were seen rushing up the stairs. Seconds later, gasps of pain were heard from upstairs. Leaping into action, Georgiana rushed to the aid of her friend.
Throwing the door open, Georgiana saw a maid, Mrs. Bennet, Mary, and Kitty all at her side. Sweat dripped down the face of her friend. She appeared to be in the earliest stages of delivering her child into the world and actions needed to be taken.
Kitty turned to the doorway, "Georgie!"
"Mrs. Bennet, has the midwife been sent for, or those at Netherfield?" Georgiana asked.
"Oh no, dear Georgiana, please ask that your brother sees to that. I hate to ask it of him." Mrs. Bennet cried as she held a cooling cloth to her daughter's face.
"It will be no trouble, Mrs. Bennet. Fitzwilliam will seek them out immediately." Georgiana rushed down the stairs, meeting her brother at their base.
"Fitzwilliam!" Georgiana cried, "Pray send an express to the Gardiners. We've promised that word would be sent as soon as Lizzy began the stages of her confinement. Additionally, those at Netherfield must be notified of Lizzy's condition. But most importantly," she paused to emphasize this point, "the midwife must be collected from Meryton. Pray be safe, brother."
With a determined look in his eye, Mr. Darcy confidently said. "It will be done." Quickly penning a note to the Gardiners, he informed them of their niece's condition. Once completed, he turned, received his overcoat from Mr. Hill, and sent the fastest of his outriders off to Netherfield. Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy mounted one of Bennet's horses and was off in search of the midwife.
Mrs. Bennet, regaining control of the situation continued "Georgie, as much as it pains me, you Mary and Kitty must return to the hallway, or better yet, the parlor downstairs. It is inappropriate for young women such as yourselves to be exposed to what will take place." Mrs. Bennet explained, much to the dismay of those now forced out of the room.
While riding the horse, Mr. Darcy rode as fast as was reasonably safe, if any harm came to Elizabeth, he would never, could never forgive himself. He marveled at how his once shy sister commanded a list of instructions in a time of crisis. At this moment, Elizabeth was most likely the reason for her transformation. He silently prayed that she would be well until the midwife returned to Longbourn with him. Once he reached Meryton, a kind soul gave him directions to where he would find the midwife. She gathered her instruments and before Mr. Darcy could think, he realized that without the carriage she had no mode of transportation.
"Mrs. Dubois, I'm afraid in a panic I neglected to bring the carriage. If you are comfortable, I am perfectly fine sharing the horse. I understand it would be rather improper, but we don't have the time. I understand if you are afraid for the sake of propriety I can have my carriage fetched, but it is at Longbourn at present."
"It is quite alright sir. I don't believe I caught your name." She spoke as he lifted her onto the horse.
"Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, at your service ma'am." He spoke while beginning the journey back to Longbourn.
As he entered the house, his senses were overwhelmed. Mrs. Dubois ran up the stairs to begin assessing the situation. Servants ran about, yelling to "fetch this" and "fetch that", meanwhile he could hear muffled cries escaping Elizabeth. His heart broke to hear them. Oh how he wished to comfort her, but even if they were married, which they were not, he would not be allowed in the room. He turned to the parlor doors again, opened them, and found his missive to the Gardiners.
"Shall you head to town to post it?" A concerned and anxious Georgiana asked.
"I sent our fastest outrider to Netherfield to retrieve the Bingleys. I shall meet him on the road and have him make the journey to London. I need to be of use and this is how I may be so."
"While she may not know you are helping, I am sure it would ease her comfort."
Instead of allowing those words to cloud his judgment, he spoke. "I must be off; I shall return as soon as possible."
He turned to head out of the parlor when Georgiana spoke again. "And Fitzwilliam, I do believe she loves you." A smile covered his face as he exited the house to begin his tasks to assist the woman he loved as quickly as possible.
"Be safe brother."
"Always."
Georgiana made her way above stairs to hear blood-curdling screams escaping her friend's body. She now began to understand why they did not wish for maidens to be in the room. Mr. Bennet had remained in his bookroom after hearing the first cry and sought to distract himself from the cries of his favorite daughter. Despite the positive influences on Mr. Bennet's character in the past several months, he was still prepared to allow others to fulfill his responsibilities, even in a time of crisis. Georgiana knocked before entering the room. His face looked exhausted, his hair appeared disheveled as he continued to run his fingers through it many times over. Mary sat beside him, offering him a comforting embrace.
"Mr. Bennet, Mary, is there anything I can get either of you?" Georgiana asked upon entering.
"No Georgie, the only thing I wish for is to be of comfort to my sister or for her pain to stop, but I am not allowed in the room and until the child is born, the pain will not stop. I feel useless." Mary spoke solemnly.
Determined to lift her friend's spirits, Georgiana declared, "Mary, you are not useless. Your presence since February has kept Lizzy strong. If it were not for you, those first weeks would have been substantially worse for Lizzy I dare say."
"Thank you, Georgie. And thank you for commanding the room to bring about the aid we so desperately needed."
"Of course, Mary and if you should like to join me, I shall be in the parlor continuing the project for Lizzy's baby."
"I should very much like to assist by any possible method," Mary said walking arm in arm with Georgiana. Georgiana began knitting the pair of booties that had been previously started while Mary began knitting a scarf as they would be approaching the winter months.
In between the next set of screams, a carriage entered the drive. Seconds later Jane Bingley ran up the staircase and entered the now crowding room. Bingley made his way to the parlor before meeting his father-in-law in the library.
"I understand your brother has been playing hero today," Bingley remarked to Georgiana.
"Yes, one man was dispatched and sent to Netherfield, while my brother went to town to find the midwife. He penned a note to the Gardiners then delivered it to the outrider who informed you of Lizzy's condition. He wished to be of use."
"Just like Darcy," Bingley smirked. Only he and Georgiana knew of Darcy's true feelings regarding the woman, but several others had suspected for a time. Mary took that smirk as a revelation of Darcy's feelings for Lizzy. After the adventure in Derbyshire, she felt confident in Mr. Darcy's attachment to her sister, but his actions on this day and Mr. Bingley's smirk were a final confirmation.
"Where is my brother? Did he not come in with you?" Georgiana asked.
"He returned with us, but needed to catch his breath and wished to brush the dirt from his person.
Not long after, Darcy returned. After quickly dusting off the road dust from his person, he entered the threshold of Longbourn once more. This time, uncertain as to his next actions. He turned to the parlor to sit with Mary and Georgiana and Bingley. He felt out of place as he was not family, but he couldn't return to Netherfield, he knew that he should, but could not leave where he could be of use. Resigning himself of the current situation, he and Bingley turned to the library.
"Ah, Mr. Darcy," Mr. Bennet said upon giving permitting entrance, "I believe I must thank you for your actions," Bennet said with a hint of sarcasm layered within his voice.
"It was my pleasure, Mr. Bennet." He responded on command.
"Would you gentlemen care for a glass of port?" Bennet asked.
"I don't drink anymore Mr. Bennet. But thank you." Mr. Darcy said coldly.
Sensing his friend's discomfort, Bingley spoke up. "I for one would gladly take a drink." Bennet began pouring glasses for him and his son-in-law for some time, unaware of the progression taking place upstairs.
The next hours continued to move ever so slowly. At some point, Elizabeth's sisters and Georgiana entered the library and the port was put away. Mr. Darcy selected a book from among Mr. Bennet's collection and began reading, not paying attention to the words behind them as his mind was elsewhere. Mr. Bennet took up a game of chess with Mr. Bingley. Bingley was defeated rather easily but took the loss in stride.
While Darcy waited in the library, the sound of a rider broke him from his reverie. Moments later, his outrider sent to Gracechurch Street returned. "Mr. Darcy," the man said, "I delivered the note to the Gardiners. Their carriage followed me and they should be arriving shortly."
"Who all is coming?" Darcy asked.
"Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Their children stayed with their nanny as I understand it."
"Thank you and good work. I'll make sure to increase this quarter's wages for your assistance here. I would ask that you get something to eat from the kitchens, however, Longbourn is very busy at the moment. Depart for Netherfield, refresh yourself, and send another outrider to Longbourn in your stead. We may have further need of another in your absence."
"Thank you, sir." The man said before departing. Darcy returned to the library to inform the gentlemen of the Gardiners imminent arrival.
"Mr. Bennet, I would like to inform you that Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner will be arriving shortly."
"I believe Mrs. Gardiner will be a welcome addition for Elizabeth." In case any further point needed to be made, a shriek of pain coming from the birthing room shook the house. The noise set Darcy's teeth on edge, he clenched his jaw and flexed the muscles in his hands. This evening reminded him ever so much of Georgiana's birth and his mother's demise.
Georgiana, sensing his discomfort, placed a comforting hand just above his elbow until she felt the tension release his body.
Not five minutes later, the sound of a moving carriage approached the house. Those waiting in the library stepped outside to greet them. Once the couple exited the carriage, Mrs. Gardiner quickly thanked the family for welcoming them both, then hastened up the stairs to be of use to her niece.
In her bedroom, Lizzy was progressing nicely along according to the midwife, but she felt as though all the energy in her body had evaporated. She had no idea how her mother did this five times. A sharp pain coursed through her entire body. She omitted a scream that sounded as though a person were dying. She thought she was. She turned to her mother to speak, but her mother hushed her while she held a wet cloth to her forehead. "Save your breath, my dear. You'll need your strength."
With tears streaming down her face, Elizabeth pleaded while gasping, "I cannot mama. Please tell Fitzwilliam that I'm sorry. Tell him that I-"
The midwife nodded to Mrs. Bennet, indicating the need to push. Needing to be a firm presence for her daughter, Mrs. Bennet proclaimed, "You are going to tell him yourself. Now on three, you are going to push Lizzy."
"I cannot mama! I can't!"
"Yes, you can. Of all the women I've met in this world Elizabeth, you are among the strongest. You have overcome every obstacle which has come your way and you are sure to overcome this as well. You are going to push. Now!" Squeezing one of her mother's hands, and squeezing the other of her aunt's, the scream which followed was by far the loudest.
"Good job Lizzy. You can take a break for a second, catch your breath, but then you'll have to push again."
"Please mama, make it stop."
"I can't my dear. You must be strong."
Opening the door ever so slightly, Georgiana spoke to her friend. "Lizzy, listen to me. You have conquered so much, have come so far to give up now. Please." Her voice cracking, Georgiana swallowed her tears, she had to be strong, for Lizzy. She heard the screams and knew she had to help.
As Elizabeth began to push, excruciating pain filled the entirety of her body. It seemed her child wanted to be out and out now! Mrs. Bennet continued to hold a cooling rag to her forehead and held one of her daughter's hands, while Mrs. Gardiner held the other. The feeling of her child out of her body gave her but a moment to relax.
The midwife looked at the child and spoke, "Mrs. Collins meet your daughter." While the complex emotions of holding her child brought her much joy, her mind told her she had failed to produce the next heir to Longbourn and it would now go to another. Amidst these brief morose thoughts, her beautiful daughter grasped her hand when the same pain from before returned. The midwife's face whitened as she saw the beginnings of a second head.
A/N: Hey y'all, I know I'm so evil for leaving you on a cliffhanger. And yes, is twins a cliche on this site that is overused for no real reason, yes. Do I care? No. Will there be a reason later as to why? Is that even a question?...(the answer is yes by the way.) In other news, I'm sorry that it took me so long to get this chapter out. I am working two retail jobs to pay for the next two semesters of college. And 50-60 hour work weeks in customer service tend to drain on one's mental state. Yay Christmas! (Also you can take this as your PSA to remember to be kind to the cashiers, food service workers, and any other customer service workers during this time of year. They go through a lot and get very little time to spend with their families so you can enjoy the holidays. So please, be kind to them and be patient with them, we get very few breaks and limited access to water in some cases.)
I also got carpal tunnel in my hand from typing prices into a computer all day, so that was fun...not. Be patient with me as we get closer to the conclusion of this tale which has been a project of mine for so long. I promise I will try to get the next chapter out as soon as possible. I once again thank you for your kind and encouraging reviews in the time since the last update, I greatly appreciate it. I still read every comment...I will never feign a lack of pride. As long as it is kept under regulation. Thanks a million from the bottom of my heart.
-Camille