If Only In His Dreams (29 page)

Lady Anne had suspected that her son preferred to have Elizabeth with his family whenever he could not be, so she began to inquire as to his schedule.  This also allowed Elizabeth time to know more of the Darcy family as well as Pemberley’s history.  This was a precious time for Elizabeth; she enjoyed learning all she could about her husband’s family and of her husband’s childhood.  It was heartwarming to Elizabeth to hear the stories of Darcy as a young man, free from all the concerns and demands that the estate had for its master.  And Elizabeth understood better her husband’s nature, as it was deeply engrained as he became responsible after his father’s death.

One afternoon, the ladies had taken their sewing down to the pond.  Elizabeth was working on a dressing gown to send to Richard and Anne for their child, while Georgiana and her mother were working on items for
the
newest Darcy.

“I received a letter from Lady Catherine today.” Lady Anne stated.  “She was planning to come for a visit, but she is loathed to leave Anne at this time.  Even though it is yet another month at least until the babe is expected, my sister stated that Anne has become quite large and having difficulty moving around without aid.  It is believed that she carries twins.”

“How wonderful.” Elizabeth exclaimed.  “I am so happy for her.  I will need to make a second gown then.”

“And you best do so quickly, as it is quite common for twins to be born early.”

Elizabeth ran her hand over her own expanding belly.  “How I wish my own bundle was to come this very moment.  I know it is not yet time, but I feel as if I am as big as a house.  I cannot remember the last time I actually saw my toes.”

“I was that way when I carried William.” Lady Anne smiled with the memory.  “He was quite low and a very large infant.  I was so grateful to my maid for all she endured during my confinements.  And my husband was such a dear man to do everything in his power to
make me comfortable,
just as his son is doing for you.”

“I know that I become f
rustrated at times with William.
I am more frustrated that I cannot do all that I wish and do not wish to be a burden to him.”

“Lizzy, my brother would never think of you as a burden.” Georgiana joined the discussion.  “He loves you so very much.  If you were uncomfortable or displeased with something, William would be quite upset if he had not been told so that he could make the situation better for you.”

Smiling at the young lady standing up for her brother, Elizabeth nod
ded her head.  “I know, Georgie,
and I am truly grateful for his attention and his kindness.  I am frustrated with my own limitations, and, unfortunately, William is the recipient of my vocalizing my frustration. 
There is no man who is more loving than your brother.  He is the very best man of my acquaintance.”

As Elizabeth stood up, she felt a twinge in her lower back. Taking a quick, deep breath, Elizabeth was bent over and could not stand up further.

“Lizzy, what is wrong?” Lady Anne asked with concern.  “Are you in pain?”

“Something is wrong.” Elizabeth stated as she attempted to stand again and failed.  She cried out when a strong pain struck her and forced her to her knees, falling forward on her hands as if she planned to crawl.

"How often are your pains?” A concerned Lady Anne asked.

“I have felt pressure off and on all morning, but when I just stood up, I felt as if I were going to tear apart.”  Another pain came, causing Elizabeth to roll on her side.  “Something is wrong, it is too early.” She cried.

“Babes seldom come as we wish, making their appearance at the most inopportune times.  You are far enough along
, I am certain that the babe will be fine.  Georgiana, I would like you to hurry to the house and tell Mrs Reynolds where we are and what has happened.  I do not believe we will have time for the midwife to come attend Elizabeth, so have Cook prepare to assist me in delivering the babe.”  Lady Anne
thought
of what to do about her son; he had travelled London to finalize some business before the babe was due to arrive.  He knew that he would not wish to leave his wife’s side after the birth and with the arrival not due for another month, felt safe in making the trip.

“Once everything is done, I will send an express to London to William.  I know that he will be disappointed to not be here, but it is most likely better he isn’t, so that he will not have to fret in the hall or attempt to force his way to be at your side.”  Lady Anne was attempting to make light of the situation.

“Mother, my gown is wet.” Elizabeth stated as she looked desperately in Lady Anne’s eyes.

“It is natural, Lizzy.  It happens as the babe is ready to be born.  Have no fear.” Turning her head, Lady Anne saw help coming in the form of Mrs Reynolds and Cook. 
Following behind were maids carrying sheets and toweling, as well as a pail of water. “I fear that there is no time to take Elizabeth to the house, this babe is determined to enter this world immediately.” Her words were joined with another cry from Elizabeth as she gripped her mother in law’s hand.

Once the pain had dissipated, Lady Anne spoke to the ladies again.  “Her pains are coming closer together.  It will not be long before the babe crowns.”

The ladies moved Elizabeth to a more comfortable position leaning against a nearby tree.  A towel was folded and placed behind her head to give her some comfort.  A sheet was draped over her lower half, as Cook took position to check on the progress of the delivery.  “I see the top of the head coming.” She stated as she began calling orders to everyone near her.  Lady Anne took her daughter in law’s hand while placing her other arm around Elizabeth’s shoulders.  When told that the time had come, Lady Anne told Elizabeth to bear down and push with all her might.  A few moments later, the sound of an infant crying out for the first time could be heard for quite some distance.  Elizabeth smiled for a moment before another pain tore through her.  It did not surprise Lady Anne, as her
mother’s family had a great many dual births.  She had wondered with how large Elizabeth had become, and then with how rapid the delivery had come.  Elizabeth was again told to push and moments later, the second child was born. The children had been handed off to Mrs Reynolds to swaddle them until they could bring the children inside to be cleaned from their birth.  As the babies were tended to, Cook aided Elizabeth in passing the afterbirth.

Finally the wagon was brought down and the ladies loaded Elizabeth and her babies on to be taken home.  Arriving at the main house, the footmen were called to carry Elizabeth into the house.  Hot water to cleanse the new mother was prepared, as was fresh bedding and clothing.  The twins were cleaned and placed into dressing gowns while their mother was cared for and placed into bed.  The infants were placed in their mother’s embrace.  Elizabeth smiled with joy that she had not
one, but two beautiful bundles,
taking great joy in watching her babes nurse at her breasts. 

The midwife had been sent for to ensure that all was well with Elizabeth, and after the young mother and infants were proclaimed to be in perfect health, Lady Anne finally wrote a note to be sent express to her son.

Darcy arrived to his townhouse after meeting with his solicitor on some business matters.  He was anxious to return to Pemberley, as he missed his wife dearly.  He had received a letter from her the previous day telling him how much she missed him and of her day with his mother.

Stepping to the sideboard in his study, Darcy poured himself a glass of port.  He took the glass with him to his desk, sitting down to do some work.  He hoped to finish everything by the following day, as he had no desire to remain in London any longer than necessary.  Picking up a letter from his desk, he opened to find it was from Alex.

William,

I pray that this letter finds you well and soon to be returning to my sister.  I know that she is missing you terribly
, as she is loathed to be away from you.  I look forward to Charlotte and me coming to Pemberley in a fortnight.  We are pleased to be able to be with you when your child is born.

I have heard from Uncle Edwin that you have some of the best fishing locations to be found.  I plan to take advantage of your knowledge of these prime locations as well as some of your fishing gear.

Will see you soon,

Alex (and Charlotte)

Smiling, Darcy took a sip of his port.  He had received word from Bingley as well, with a similar message.  The Bennet siblings and their spouses were all to be at Pemberley for
the first time in a few weeks.

As he finished his work and prepared to move to his rooms for the evening when a knock was heard on the study door.  “Enter” he called out and the door opened to allow one of his post carriers nearly running out of breath.  “Joshua, what has happened?  Is my wife well?”

Joshua held up the letter to Darcy who quickly tore the paper from the young man’s hands.  He opened it immediately, finding it was in his mother’s handwriting did nothing to calm his fear.

William,

Calm yourself, Elizabeth is well and very happy. A son and a daughter. All look forward to your return.  All are healthy and strong. Lizzy sends her love.

All my love, your mother

Darcy sat down in his chair quickly, as his knees felt weak.  Two c
hildren,
a son and a daughter, and all were well.  Elizabeth had given birth.  It was too soon, they were not due to be born for a month.

Quickly he wrote a message he would send express to Alex, knowing he would pass the word to the Bingleys as well as Charlotte.  Once that task was done, he began calling out orders to his staff to prepare for his departure immediately.  Speaking with his driver, he insisted that two extra men join them so that each could take turns driving the team.  He had no desire to stop at night; he knew that he would not be able to sleep comfortably until he was home, holding his wife in his arms.  The trip was normally made in three days, two if pushed until late each day.  He wished to shorten the journey as much as possible.  The babes had arrived two days prior and he disliked the thought of not knowing of their safety and the safety of their mother. 

The carriage was made ready within the hour and his staff had outdone themselves.  A basket with food and drink
, enough to supply a small army;
was loaded on the car
riage, as well as blankets and
pillow
s
.  The men who were
to make the trip were to take turns riding inside with Mr Darcy and his valet so the men could rest until their turn driving.  The only plans to stop were for changing teams and to answer the call of nature.  Everyone knew their Master’s desire to be with his wife, his fears for their well-being.  Very little was said through the travels.  The closer they came to Pemberley, the greater Darcy’s agitation grew. 

As the carriage slowed in preparation to stopping in front of the main house, Darcy opened the door and jumped from the carriage, nearly running up the stairs.  Mrs Reynolds saw her Master coming into the house.  “Master William, we had not expected you until at least tomorrow.”

“Where are they?” Darcy demanded.  “Where are my wife and children?”

“They are in the Mi
stress’s chambers.  All is well;
the physician was just here to check on them and pronounced them healthy.”

Darcy took the steps two at a time until he arrived
on the landing of the second floor.  He ran down the hallway to the door of the Mistress’s bedchamber, and as he reached to take hold of the doorknob, the door opened and Darcy rushed inside.  His mother had been preparing to go down the hall to retrieve a book for Elizabeth and was quite shocked that her son rushed past her.

“Welcome home, William.” Lady Anne stated with a chuckle.  She quickly made her way from the room after motioning for the nurse maid to follow her.

Stepping to the edge of the bed, he saw the most delightful sight of his life.  There was his beloved, his Lizzy, safe and looking quite well. In her arms was one infant, suckling at her breast.  The other infant was sleeping soundly, pr
esumably after having already been fed
, at Elizabeth’s side on the bed.  A great sense of relief came over Darcy when he knew that they were safe and sound.