A/N many thanks to my beta reader/editor, goclimbatree / Ann
Chapter 31
Summer at Pemberley advanced, as did Elizabeth's condition. By the middle of August, Elizabeth was utterly miserable, feeling huge and ungainly, and as her abdomen increased, so did her misery. Although she attempted to bear it as much as she could without complaint, still the entire household was aware of her growing discomfort. She could often be found wandering the halls, although she tired easily, and at least one footman was tasked with following Elizabeth through the house and grounds to assist her as needed. She had bristled at first, but when she had nearly fallen one day out walking in the garden, she became more accepting of the need for the footman to follow her.
Around the first of September, visitors began to converge at Pemberley. Lord and Lady Matlock arrived first, accompanied by Anne, and they greeted the entire family gathered in the front drawing room. Lady Matlock exclaimed over Elizabeth's size and commiserated with her for the general discomfort she was feeling, recommending that Elizabeth would be more comfortable sitting with her feet up instead of constantly moving about.
"But I cannot sit still," Elizabeth complained when Lady Matlock made the suggestion. "I ache when I sit for too long, and I ache if I move about. William is very kind and does all he can to help, but I have been so unsettled the last few days."
"Your time is approaching, and your body is getting itself ready," Lady Matlock reassured her. "What does the midwife say?"
"The same as you," Elizabeth admitted. "She was here the day before yesterday and examined me and told me to take it easy and try to relax. She also insists that the room be kept dark, the fire raging and that I am to remain in bed and not move for a month following the birth. I assure you that none of this will be occurring when I give birth if I can prevent it. William had arranged for the accoucheur to arrive in the next few days, along with a monthly nurse, but we have spoken of hiring a wet nurse only for the night feedings. I have spoken with my aunt Gardiner, who has given birth four times within the last twelve years, and she did not follow any of the practices the midwife believes are necessary for me." When Lady Matlock began to object, Elizabeth held up her hand. "William agrees with me on this. My feeding the baby will likely prevent me from becoming with child as quickly, and neither of us intends to be like many of those in society who only bring their children down on occasion to show them off."
"I do understand a few of your points, but I do urge you against feeding the child yourself. That is not something a woman of your station does," Lady Matlock replied.
"My aunt fed her children, and there were no ill effects. She also did not become with child immediately again after like many women do," Elizabeth said. "William and I have discussed this and are in agreement about what is best for our family. I understand and appreciate your objection, but we intend to act in a manner that suits us, regardless of what 'society' thinks."
Lady Matlock simply nodded before changing the topic to something else.
Several days later, the Gardiners arrived, along with their children. Darcy had made a second carriage available for the children and their nurse to travel in, making the trip much easier on that family. Mrs Gardiner took a look at Elizabeth as was surprised at how large her petite niece had grown. "If superstition is to be believed, you are carrying a boy, as you are all in front, and I imagine you will deliver very soon."
Lady Matlock agreed with this statement. "The accoucheur and monthly nurse have arrived and agree that it will not be long. Does Darcy still intend to remain with you through the birth?"
Elizabeth nodded. "He does, and again, we know that it is not the norm. However, I want him with me through this, and we have discussed it with the accoucheur, who reluctantly agreed to say nothing. We have also discussed some other concerns with him; we insist that all tools be cleaned and kept separate ahead of the birth, as William has read that helps to prevent infection. The birthing room has been prepared, and everything within has been scrubbed very well. We are as prepared as we can be, as the accoucheur also believes my time will be soon, and the babe will not wait until the end of the month."
Over the next few days, the atmosphere at Pemberley grew more expectant as the rooms were abuzz with activity, as they worked to be certain that all was in readiness for the arrival of the heir. Darcy, always fastidious, took a keen interest in the arrangements and ensured that the birthing room was properly cleaned and remained that way.
Likewise, the accoucheur and monthly nurse were well settled at Pemberley and were ready to assist Elizabeth as she gave birth and were reluctantly willing to follow all the strictures laid down by the couple. They both recognized that the wealthiest members of society often had odd habits and simply went along with what they believed to be odd behaviours.
Elizabeth continued to experience pains, which eventually turned into true labour pains. The true indication of Elizabeth's labour beginning was her waters breaking, which occurred one morning as the family sat at breakfast. After a particularly intense pain, Elizabeth felt her dress become damp and immediately stood, drawing attention to herself. Lady Matlock and Mrs Gardiner noticed the condition of her dress and encouraged Darcy to accompany her upstairs to the birthing room adjacent to their suite. The accoucheur was called to the room, and Elizabeth's maid helped her to change and prepare for the birth. Through it all, her husband remained at her side, offering encouragement and soothing words whenever needed.
Her labour was intense, and with Darcy's help, Elizabeth walked around the room as long as she could to help the babe move into position for the birth. Finally, the accoucheur encouraged her to move into position on the bed set up for that purpose. Before long, Elizabeth's cries grew in intensity and volume, and her grip on Darcy's hand threatened his own wellbeing. However, his presence brought Elizabeth comfort, and he had no desire to be anywhere else.
Likewise, their two aunts were nearby, their faces a mix of concern and anticipation. They watched the couple, knowing there was little for them to do but wait. As Elizaebth's breathing grew more rapid and shallow, Mrs Gardiner approached with a cool towel to wipe the perspiration from her face.
Through it all, William offered words of encouragement. "You are doing well, my dearest Elizabeth, my love," he murmured. "I am here. Just a little longer, dearest, and we will meet our child. I love you so very much."
Elizabeth's gaze met Darcy's, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain, determination, and love. "Thank you, William," she breathed, her voice strained. "Your presence means more to me than words can express. I love you too." His words encouraged her, and her determination grew. She began to focus all of her energy on the task and, using her husband's words, found the strength to push through the pain.
Finally, Elizabeth pushed again at the direction of the accoucheur, and everyone held their breath as they heard the cry of a newborn fill the air. The child was quickly taken by the month nurse and cleaned and wrapped in a clean blanket before being laid on Elizabeth's chest.
"It is not quite over, Mrs Darcy," the accoucheur told her. "There is one more yet to come. It appears this little one will have a sibling very soon."
Elizabeth and William looked at each other in surprise and then looked down at the child in her arms. "How soon?" he asked.
"A few more minutes," the accoucheur told them. "Mrs Darcy, you will need to push again in a few minutes, but you have a moment or two to rest."
The joyous couple caressed the face of the babe in Elizabeth's arms, although the child was quickly taken up by Lady Matlock as another pain struck Elizabeth, making her incapable of holding her child at that moment. Lady Matlock and Mrs Gardiner helped clean the child further and dressed it in a little gown that Elizabeth had sewn as she had waited.
In a little more than half an hour, a second child was brought into this world, and the steps with the first repeated. The accoucheur and monthly nurse helped Elizabeth deliver the afterbirth, and finally, the little family was washed and dressed in clean clothing. Darcy carried an exhausted Elizabeth into her room and laid on her the bed, and sat down beside her. Lady Matlock brought in their firstborn while Mrs Gardiner held the second, and the two children were presented to their exhausted parents.
"You have a son, Darcy," Lady Matlock said as she presented the child to his father. "Already, he looks like you – look at that scowl." Darcy, too happy with the outcome, ignored the tease and took the babe in his arms.
Mrs Gardiner brought the second child and handed it to Elizabeth. "And this one takes after you, Lizzy. You have a daughter, and I can discern your own impish look upon her face."
Both new parents laughed at this comment as they stared down upon their children. "One of each, William," Elizabeth said quietly to her husband. "We never considered the idea of twins, but I guess that means we can use both of the names we selected."
Darcy nodded. "This is William James Alexander," he said, indicating the child in his arms. "Elizabeth wanted to name him after me, but I did not want to saddle another generation with the name Fitzwilliam. We settled on William." He grinned broadly. "And the little lady there," he continued, indicating the child Elizabeth held, "is Roseanne Elizabeth, named for her exceptionally beautiful mother."
Elizabeth smiled at her husband and reached over to caress his cheek, forgetting the presence of others in the room. He leaned down to press a lingering kiss to her lips, which caused the others in the room to blush. However, it was obvious to those in the room that the new parents were extraordinarily happy with each other and their children, and soon, they left them in the room alone.
When the child Elizabeth held began to fuss, she moved to bring her to her breast to feed her. It took a few minutes, but the two of them, mother and daughter, soon figured it out, and William looked down on her in awe. "How does that feel?" he asked.
She laughed. "It is a rather interesting feeling, and it does not feel at all like it does when you suckle me," she teased. "I believe the wet nurse may be more needed than we had planned, as I believe feeding two children will be substantially more demanding than feeding one."
Darcy agreed. "You are likely right, my dear, and I would have suggested it, but I was not certain if I should approach it just yet," he told her honestly. "You will be a wonderful mother, my dear, and I love our children so very much already."
"Has anyone told our sisters or Anne of our news yet?" Elizabeth wondered sleepily.
"I am certain our aunts have mentioned it, as I believe they were nearly as excited as we. I am somewhat astounded that none of them have arrived at our door and attempted to demand entry yet," Darcy replied.
"What time is it, Will?" she asked when they traded babies so Elizabeth could feed baby William.
He took his watch from his pocket before standing with his daughter in his arms and moved to look out a window. "Good Lord, Elizabeth, it is two in the morning. I was unaware of how long you had laboured, and I would guess that is why our sisters have not banged on our door. They will likely do so in the morning."
Elizabeth chuckled. "It has been an eventful day," she said wryly as her son finished eating, and she adjusted her nightgown to cover herself.
Darcy returned to his position next to Elizabeth and wrapped the arm not holding his daughter around her shoulders. The four of them sat together on the bed, the two new parents staring down at their children. Soon, Darcy felt Elizabeth sag against him and realised she had fallen asleep. He could not sleep yet; his heart was too full of what the day had held. He was a father, not to one but to two perfect, tiny little babies. An heir to teach, and a daughter to spoil, although, by rights, little Roseanne would be heir to Rosings. Anne had shared her desire to ensure that Rosings would be inherited by Darcy's eldest daughter, so she could ensure that the women of the family always had a place as well.
Basking in the peacefulness of the moment, Darcy continued just to sit there awake as his mind wandered through a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. He reflected on the weight of responsibility that now rested on his shoulders as a father and the legacy he would pass down to his children. He was determined to do his best for his children to ensure they would be prepared for whatever life brought to them.
With a tender gaze, he looked at his daughter, Roseanne, cradled in his arms. She stirred slightly, and he watched her delicate features, so like her mother's. Darcy felt a surge of protectiveness and vowed to be the best father he could be, guiding her with love and instilling in her the values that had been passed down through generations.
Turning his attention to William, held in his mother's arms, Darcy could not help but feel a swell of pride. His son, the heir to Pemberley, would one day carry on the family name and all that it represented. It was a weighty role, but Darcy was determined to be a supportive and nurturing father, guiding William in the ways of honour, integrity, and compassion. He prayed he would be there when it was time to turn it all over to his son and that his son would not be saddled with Pemberley so abruptly as he had been. He had been prepared to take it over, yes, but the weight was very heavy on such a young man, and he felt he had failed often in those first few years. He would have much preferred to have had his father's guidance as he began the running of the estate and hoped he would be there in that role for his son.
In the midst of his contemplation, Darcy felt Elizabeth stir against him, her drowsy voice breaking through the silence. "Will," she murmured softly, her eyes still heavy with sleep. "We are parents, love, twice over."
A tender smile graced Darcy's lips as he placed a gentle kiss on Elizabeth's forehead. "Aye, we are, my love," he replied in a hushed tone. "We are parents to these precious babes entrusted to our care. It is a heavy weight but a welcome one."
Elizabeth's e fluttered open, and she looked at her husband with a mixture of exhaustion and contentment. "I cannot believe how blessed we are, William," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. "Twins, a boy, and a girl!"
Darcy pressed his cheek against Elizabeth's, revelling in the warmth of their connection. "Indeed, Elizabeth," he whispered, his voice filled with happiness and awe. "I am filled with gratitude for the love we share and the beautiful family we have created together."
As the night slowly gave way to the soft light of dawn, Darcy held his wife and children close, cherishing the stillness of the moment. He knew that soon the bustling chaos of life would resume, with their sisters and extended family clamouring to meet the newest additions to the family. But for now, in the peaceful embrace of his family, he allowed himself to be absorbed in the profound joy and love that filled his heart.
Georgiana and Kitty were delighted to meet their new niece and nephew the following morning. The new parents had slept late, and Elizabeth remained in their rooms, although she refused to remain in bed all day, defying convention and her husband in standing and carrying their babes to and from the nursery. She also sat in a rocking chair several times throughout the day as she fed her children. A temporary wet nurse from the village was brought to the house after being carefully vetted since they had not yet hired one since they had not expected Elizabeth to give birth quite so soon.
When their sisters had finally been able to visit the nursery, they were surprised to find both their sister and brother there. "Lizzy," Kitty cried reproachfully, "Lady Matlock indicated you should not be out of bed yet."
"Kitty, you know that there is little that can convince me to remain abed for days upon end. I certainly will not do so for a month, and my husband will ensure that I do not overtax myself," Elizabeth explained. "Our aunt Gardiner certainly never remained in bed any longer than she had to. I was with her in her last confinement, and she was up the next day as well. I will be fine."
"What are their names, William?" Georgiana asked. "Two babies; We were so surprised when we heard the news."
Each of the new parents was holding a child as Darcy began the introduction. "This lovely lady in my arms is Roseanne Elizabeth, and her brother over there is William James Alexander. Would you like to hold them?" he asked the girls. At their eager nods, he transferred his daughter into Kitty's arms and then retrieved his son from his mother, only to give him to his baby sister. "I remember holding you when you were this small, Georgie," he said affectionately. "You were so tiny, yet so noisy." He grinned at the memory. "Just like with these two, I loved you from the moment I saw you."
He went and stood next to his wife, laying his hand on her shoulder and speaking quietly, only for her. "As I loved you from almost that first moment. It took me a day or two to recognize the feeling, and I am more in love with you than ever. I am so grateful for the gift you have given me this day."
She reached to squeeze his hand. "I love you too, William," she whispered back. They stood there and watched as their sisters held the babies and then laughed when they attempted to exchange them. They were unsuccessful until Darcy plucked baby William from his sister and then handed him to Kitty once she had released Roseanne to Georgiana.
A few moments later, Anne joined the group in the nursery. "I could not believe it when Aunt Matlock told me the news that you had twins, Lizzy," she said loudly upon entering, startling both children, who jerked in the arms of their aunts. "Oh, I do apologise," she said much more quietly, seeing the reaction her entry had caused. Both children required some effort to settle, and Georgiana was unsuccessful with Roseanne, who began to cry in her arms.
"Let me take her, Georgie," Elizabeth said gently. "I was going to feed her before you all arrived, and I do not believe she will calm until she has had something to eat."
"Do we need to leave?" the girl asked, uncertain of what to do since she had never heard of such behaviour before.
"No, just give me a moment to get her sorted, but you can stay," Elizabeth replied, taking the bundle that was handed to her and accepting a blanket from her husband, who stood in front of her, blocking the other's view as he introduced Anne to his son and shared the name they had selected for their daughter. Elizabeth smiled softly at this, knowing it was unnecessary, but appreciating his care. Once she had Roseanne settled on her breast and a blanket covering them both, she indicated that her husband could move. He moved slightly and sat down directly beside her in a chair he had moved there for just this purpose. From this spot, he could watch his wife as she fed their babes and was close enough to touch both her and the child in her arms. He reached over and did just that, caressing his wife's cheek before dropping his hand to caress his daughter's downy head.
The three unmarried ladies watched the connection between the couple, and two of them felt a longing to find the same one day. Anne simply looked at them feeling content, pleased to know that her legacy would be continued at Rosings through the daughter of her cousin Darcy.
