“So this is the birdbath.” Manneville smirked.
Edward laughed lightly. “Does it not resemble one? A gigantic birdbath?”
Southland looked on from the structure’s edge. “What the hell is it?”
Inspecting for any damage, Edward strolled leisurely about the circle. “When Darcy and I were boys, we believed it had been left behind by an ancient civilization — like the monoliths. As a young lad, my cousin envisioned it the creation of some visitor from the stars. It was Darcy’s mother who gave it the affectionate name of ‘The Birdbath.’ It’s made for great adventures,” he said in reminiscence. “Yet, in truth, no one knows for sure. The area is perfectly round and lined with flat rocks. Darcy’s father brought in engineers and covered the area with Parker’s cement. In the summer, the rain creates a shady place for a cooling splash. In the winter, we supplement the rain with water from the well over there.” He pointed to a small, bricked structure. “Then we let nature take its course. The birdbath makes a wonderful skating pond. Notice how the rain from the last two days has formed a solid base.” He gestured to the frozen surface. “We could add a coating or two today, and tomorrow we could skate upon the bowl.”
Southland analyzed the situation. “We should add a few buckets at a time. The surface would refreeze faster that way.”
“An apt evaluation,” the colonel summarized. “That means you would need to come out here every few hours to check on its progress. Can I entrust this project to you, Southland?”
The lieutenant bowed. “It’s a way to repay the Darcys for their generous welcome. It would be my honor, Sir.”
Manneville groaned. “I’m not looking forward to the cold, but I’m not afraid of a bit of hard labor. I’ll join you, Southland. Especially, if it’s a debt of honor.”
“Thank you, Gentlemen. I’ll send some footmen to help carry the water. We need another three to four inches of ice.”
“Elizabeth, I don’t want you to do this,” Darcy whispered sharply. They remained in the darkened hallway outside their bedroom. “It’s not proper. No one can expect it of you.” Darcy feared that his wife’s assisting Mrs. Joseph during the woman’s delivery would send Elizabeth further into depression, especially if Mrs. Joseph lost the child despite Elizabeth’s best efforts. “I forbid it, Elizabeth.”
There had been a time that those words from him would have guaranteed that Elizabeth would’ve ignored his orders, but with a better understanding between them, she’d come to believe he meant well — meant to protect her. “Fitzwilliam, you know above all others that I’ve no choice. We’re the only ones who stand between disaster and hope for the Josephs.”
“What if we cannot give the Josephs what they seek?” He caressed her cheek. “I cannot bear to see you distraught. You’re my life, Elizabeth. I’d remain lost forever without you.”
Elizabeth walked into his embrace. “My love,” she murmured as she buried her face in his chest. She remained in his arms for several elongated moments before raising her eyes to his. “I shan’t return to my mind’s dark corners. Your love has healed me, Fitzwilliam. So even if I cannot bring Mrs. Joseph’s dreams to fruition, I’ll not retreat to the Elizabeth of late.”
“Are you certain, Elizabeth? This is what you mean to do?”
“Yes, Fitzwilliam. This is what God has placed in my path.”
Darcy kissed her forehead and pulled her closer. “You are an angel — a Christmas angel come to life.”
Elizabeth laughed lightly. “A non-heavenly being is more likely.”
Darcy smiled easily. “You do know how to bedevil a man’s sanity.”
“You deserved every moment of my disdain,” she asserted.
“Deserved is debatable,” he argued, “but I’d go through it all again to earn your love.”
Elizabeth’s hands fisted at her waist as she stepped away from him. “You do not fight fairly, Fitzwilliam Darcy. How can a woman argue against such statements?”
Darcy smiled broadly. “Fighting requires the asking of forgiveness afterwards by one or both of the opponents. As our bedchamber is currently occupied, that’s not a possibility.”
“See. That’s what I mean. Always the most rational of men.” She went on her tiptoes to kiss his lips. “Let’s rejoin the Josephs for now. We may argue at our leisure after we deal with this crisis.”
Darcy caught her hand. “I’ll add an upcoming argument and a bout of forgiveness to my agenda book.” He bent to kiss her forehead. “I may be rational, but I’m still a man in love.”
“Miss Darcy, do you have a few minutes in which we might speak privately?” Mr. Bennet stood by the music room’s door.
“Certainly, Mr. Bennet. Please come in, and close the door. I just finished my practice.”
He smiled easily. “I waited patiently and enjoyed the music.Your expertise on the pianoforte is as exquisite as Kitty has led me to believe. I wish my daughters possessed such talent, but other than Mary, none of them has showed the discipline for practice.”
Georgiana left the instrument bench. “Join me before the hearth, Mr. Bennet. Should I send for tea?”
“That’s not necessary, Miss Darcy. I’ll not take much of your time.”
Georgiana settled herself on one of the settees. “Hopefully, you’ve not found Pemberley’s hospitality lacking.”
“Far from it. Of course, I’m a man of simple needs: country rather than city living and a bountiful library. Of what I wish to speak is Lizzy’s health. Upon our arrival, I’d planned to address my concerns to Mr. Darcy, but as he’s not available, I’m pleading with you for information. Plus, I’m uneasy with your aunt’s appearance at Pemberley — whether she would attack Lizzy. I tell you, Miss Darcy, I’ll not have it. I love all my daughters, but Elizabeth is the one most like the Bennet family. The rest are very much Gardiners, displaying characteristics of my wife’s relatives.”
“What do you require of me, Mr. Bennet?” His request made her uncomfortable. No one at Pemberley discussed Elizabeth’s gestation.
“Mr. Darcy’s letter described Lizzy’s mental withdrawal. Your brother expressed his anxiety for Elizabeth, and in her letters, my daughter’s innate wit and sauciness is missing. How bad has it been for Elizabeth?”
Georgiana took a deep breath as she composed her response. “I agree Elizabeth has lost that special something that makes her unique. She laughs; she cries; but my sister’s singularity has disappeared. Having to serve Mrs. Bingley during your eldest daughter’s delivery was a double-edged sword. Elizabeth loves Jane and would never wish her sister ill, but Mrs. Bingley’s success greatened Elizabeth’s failures. In fact, I was thankful Elizabeth was not present for Mr. Bingley’s announcement of another child.”
Mr. Bennet nodded his understanding. “And Elizabeth is currently with child?”
“So says Hannah. Early on, Elizabeth’s maid noted her mistress’s condition, but my sister has refused to acknowledge her gravidity. Fitzwilliam has insisted that we accept her reluctance. He has consulted the doctor, and Doctor Palmer advises us to allow Elizabeth to handle this gestation without outside criticism.” Speaking so frankly on this personal subject was both liberating and embarrassing.
Mr. Bennet sighed deeply. “I’ve always known that Elizabeth would find such failures to be pure tragedies. She prides herself on perfection.” He paused and cleared his throat. “Should I anticipate Lady Catherine’s censure, Miss Darcy?”
“I wish I knew for certain, Mr. Bennet. If so, Fitzwilliam shall never forgive Her Ladyship. My brother would banish our aunt from his home, but the damage could already have been inflicted. Kitty is trying to determine if it was truly by necessity that my aunt sought Pemberley’s refuge. Our unease comes from the fact that Lady Catherine sent word to the Collinses the evening before she ordered her coach to Lambton. Kitty hopes Mrs. Collins might share what she knows of Her Ladyship’s motives.”
“Do you think it possible that Lady Catherine will speak openly of Lizzy’s losses?”
Worry misted Georgiana’s eyes. “If she does, it’ll only confirm Elizabeth’s fears of being found wanting.”
“I object to Mr. Darcy’s presence during my wife’s delivery,” Mr. Joseph declared.
“Matthew, that’s not necessary,” Mary said softly.
Elizabeth ignored the man’s objection. “Why do you not read to Mrs. Joseph?” she suggested calmly.
Joseph rose to his feet. “I’ll not read any book until your husband excuses himself from this room,” he demanded.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Mr. Joseph, I’ll remind you that the room belongs to Mr. Darcy. You’re here as my husband’s guest.”
“Oh, I see how it is!” His voice rose in indignation. “Your rescue is limited in its scope. Then never fear, Mrs. Darcy. Mary and I will be out of your way momentarily.”
He shoved past her, and Darcy was immediately on his feet. “Now see here, Joseph. You will take care of my wife’s safety, and you’ll speak to Mrs. Darcy in a civilized tone.”
“Matthew,” Mary pleaded. “We need Mrs. Darcy’s assistance. I need her. Your child needs her.”
Elizabeth watched the color drain from the man’s face. “I understand,” he said through gritted teeth, “but I’ll not see you subjected to censure.”
“Wouldn’t abandoning this room for a stable be seen as foolish?” his wife reasoned.
“Fine,” Joseph said grudgingly. “Give me the book.” He quickly reseated himself beside the bed.
Elizabeth smiled at her husband, who seated himself on the bed’s other side. “I’ve a better idea. Mr. Joseph, I want you to hold your wife’s hand. Whenever Mary has a pain, I want you to take note of the time. Only when Mrs. Joseph’s pains are close together will the baby make its appearance.”
“And what will Mr. Darcy be doing during this wait?” Joseph asked suspiciously.
Elizabeth picked up the book and handed it to Darcy. She saw his eyebrow rise in amusement when he read the title. “Reading aloud.”
“And why is Mr. Darcy the one to read to us?”
Elizabeth smiled knowingly. “For several reasons: First, Mr. Darcy has secretly wondered about The Heroine since its release last year, and now he shall understand the book’s parody.” She squeezed Darcy’s hand as she passed over the book. “Secondly, I find my husband’s voice quite soothing, and as I plan to find my own rest while I may still do so, Mr. Darcy’s reading shall allow me to take moments to recover my energies. With my sister Mrs. Bingley, it was well into the night before she delivered her children.”
“Thank you for considering your own health, Mrs. Darcy,” her husband said softly.
Elizabeth squeezed his shoulders as she moved to stand behind him. “Mary, enjoy the novel, and relax as much as possible. Trust each of us to do what is necessary.”
“I’m not afraid, Mrs. Darcy. God has sent us your good sense.”
“Another trip into the cold?” Caroline asked as the gentlemen excused themselves from the gathering. “What’s so fascinating about Mr. Darcy’s gardens dripping in ice?”
Manneville gestured toward Southland. “Just helping the lieutenant with a task.” He grinned insolently.
“And that task would be?” Caroline drew out the words.
“Filling a birdbath, Miss Bingley,” Southland announced a bit tersely.
“The birdbath?” Georgiana squealed. “What a wonderful idea, but how did you know?”
“The colonel, Miss Darcy. It was his idea,” Southland explained.
Mrs. Bennet asked, “What is special about a birdbath?”
“It’s very much like a small pond, Mama,” Kitty said. “Miss Darcy and I sat beside the water last summer and enjoyed the coolness.”
“Then why must it be filled if it’s a pond? I don’t understand,” Mrs. Bennet puzzled.
Georgiana answered, “My father took an earlier structure and created a man-made pool just right for a lady to go wading or for small children to play in the water. During the winter months it’s perfect for ice skating.”
Kitty became more excited.“Ice skating. I love to skate, but we’ve so few opportunities in Hertfordshire. Please say we’ll skate soon.”
“I assume that was the colonel’s thought — an afternoon of skating — but it’ll be tomorrow before the water’s frozen solid enough to support our weight.”
“At least, with the birdbath’s shallowness, no one shall take a dunking,” Georgiana assured. “We shan’t keep you gentlemen any longer. I appreciate your efforts on our behalf.” She smiled happily at them. “I’ll seek my cousin and express my gratitude for his thoughtfulness.”
As he began another chapter of the novel, Darcy kept an eye on his wife. Elizabeth had constructed a makeshift bed, using the two mats given last evening to the Josephs. He knew from the tightness in her shoulder muscles that she didn’t sleep, but he was happy that she’d considered the child she carried — their child — in her decisions.
Every nerve in his body remained alert — the need to protect her always paramount. Darcy wondered if this time God would answer their prayers. He needed an heir, but he would welcome a daughter, especially if she resembled her mother. More importantly, he sensed that Elizabeth wouldn’t feel complete without the child, and she would never achieve the satisfaction he’d found in their marriage.
He didn’t know how long he’d been reading aloud — long enough for his throat to feel raspy — long enough for Mr. Joseph to doze off. At least, one of the Josephs had found a peaceful repose. Between Mrs. Joseph’s repetitive labor pains and her excitement over the story, she was quite active.
“Is this not the most intriguing story you’ve ever heard, Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Joseph asked in a stage whisper. Fluffing her own pillows, she adjusted her position.
Darcy smiled easily. “It is quite different from my usual fare,” he said softly. “Yet, I find myself wondering of the heroine’s fate, as surely as I might when reading Shakespeare or other great writers.”
“You’re a poor liar,” Mary continued to whisper. “You, Sir, are a literature snob. I’ve seen your type before,” she teasingly challenged.
Darcy thought it amusing that Mrs. Joseph possessed a sharp wit while her husband seemed so solemn and prideful. In some ways, they reflected what people would say about him and Elizabeth. With their mates both resting, Darcy kept his voice low. “I am no such thing,” he protested. “I’m a very eclectic reader.”
“Have you read many female writers?”
“Unfortunately, I’ve not, but that’s not because of their lack of ability, which is what you wish to imply, Mrs. Joseph. Women have been denied a voice until recently. I’ve read several works by Charlotte Smith, as well as her male counterparts. My late father thought it important that I become aware of political views. Smith, for example, speaks to the renewal of the land in her Old Manor House and the bleakness of England’s history in Marchmont.”
“I’m impressed, Mr. Darcy,” the lady said mockingly.
Darcy laughed lightly. “I’ve also read my share of books dealing with individual ambition and social gratification; but I prefer Defoe’s ideas on trade in The Complete English Tradesman or even his The True-Born Englishman.”
“Give it up, Mrs. Joseph.” Elizabeth appeared beside her husband. “You shan’t find a man more well read than my husband. I’d thought when I left my father’s house for my husband’s that I might leave behind the man who’d hold that title. Little did I know of Pemberley’s extensive library.” She rested her hand on Darcy’s shoulder, and he reached for her fingers.
“Is it truly delightful, Mrs. Darcy?” Mary’s eyebrow rose in interest.
“It ought to be good,” Darcy replied; “It has been the work of many generations.”
Elizabeth added, “And then you have added so much to it yourself — you are always buying books.” They spoke softly so as not to wake Mr. Joseph, but they no longer whispered.
“I cannot comprehend the neglect of a family library in such days as these.” Darcy easily imagined the aforementioned Mr. Bennet ensconced in the Pemberley library as they spoke.
Before they could continue their conversation, Mary grimaced and tightened her grip on the bed linens. Elizabeth coaxed,“Breathe through it. Do not hold your breath.” She watched the woman’s posture relax as the pain passed. “How close are the spasms?”
A bit breathless, Mary gasped, “I’ve no idea.”
“Six minutes,” Darcy said flatly.
Elizabeth smiled sweetly at she dabbed Mary’s face with a cool, damp cloth. “Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I knew you wouldn’t fail to take note.”
He said in justification, “You said it was important, Elizabeth.” He would understand what Mrs. Joseph suffered in order to better attend Elizabeth later on.
“As it is, Mr. Darcy.” She pursed her lips in an air kiss that instantly eased his defenses. “We’re getting close.” Elizabeth noted Mr. Joseph’s stirring from his nap. “No more holding back, Mary: Your husband’s composure is no longer your concern. I want you to concentrate on nothing but the safe delivery of your child. If you wish to scream, then do so. If you wish to bury your face in a pillow, it’s your prerogative. We’ll forgive any of your shortcomings.”
“What if I’ve no shortcomings, Mrs. Darcy?” Mary taunted.
“Then you’ve no need of me,” Elizabeth declared.
“You expect me to go over Darcy’s head and arrange a Season for Georgiana?” the colonel asked incredulously. He had retreated to Darcy’s study to write and frank letters to his parents and to his commanding officer. In reality, Edward had purposely withdrawn not only to complete his correspondence, but also to have a few minutes to consider the many questions that plagued him. First, he didn’t understand why he’d received orders to escort Manneville to London. Something didn’t add up, and despite doing as instructed, Edward couldn’t help but wonder if the American was all he claimed to be. In the war’s midst, it didn’t make sense to cater to a lone American and to grant the man immunity. Of course, it wasn’t his realm to question his superiors, but as he was to ease Manneville’s way into polite society, it bothered Edward exceedingly. Plus, he had now introduced Manneville to his family and acquaintances, and the colonel didn’t appreciate putting his loved ones in the American’s notice. Nothing about the mission had permitted him a solid night’s sleep. He simply had to trust that the British government truly understood what they had asked of him.
Edward had thought that once he had returned to England, and specifically to Derbyshire, that the uneasy feeling would dissipate, and in some ways it had, but only to be replaced by a new wariness. Or maybe he should say a new awareness: one of his cousin.
True, it had been a long while since he’d spent time with any woman, and, obviously, more than a year since he’d known an English woman. It was also true that he’d anticipated this homecoming when he’d learned that they’d make shore at Liverpool. And just as truthfully, Georgiana had blossomed into a full-fledged beauty, the type any man would desire, which was another truth that he didn’t wish to acknowledge. The thought of Georgiana’s beauty being another man’s privilege had kept him awake last evening, and that exquisite moment in the library earlier had set his emotions akilter. Now, his imperious aunt had cornered him, invading his private thoughts, and had demanded that he take action on Georgiana’s behalf.
“I not only expect it, Colonel, I insist upon it,” Lady Catherine said.
Edward bristled. “It would seem to me that if Darcy were deficient in his duty that the Earl, as the family’s head, would address his concern to my cousin.”
As was typical with Lady Catherine, she ignored everything but her own scheme. “I shall sponsor my niece’s Come Out,” she announced.
Edward blustered, “You… why would you believe after your recent tiff with Darcy that he’d allow you to present his sister to Society? It would appear that my mother, as the family patroness, would be a more likely candidate, as would Mrs. Darcy. I would imagine that in Fitz’s opinion, both would take precedence over your claim.”
“The Countess has no desire to spend another Season in London. Your mother prefers her country associations, and Mrs. Darcy possesses no concept of Society’s nuances. The lady has limited musical training and knows nothing of art. Mrs. Bennet should have taken her daughters to town every spring for the benefit of the masters. It’s incontestable. Five daughters brought up at home without a governess! I have never heard of such a thing. I always say that nothing is to be done in education without steady and regular instruction, and nobody but a governess can give it. And Mrs. Bennet’s lack of decorum! All five sisters out at once! Very odd! Therefore, what could Mrs. Darcy know of the peerage and the beau monde?”
The colonel recognized some truth in his aunt’s words. Part of Darcy’s initial wavering in his pursuit of Elizabeth had been the lady’s low connections, but Edward couldn’t allow Her Ladyship free reign. “If you expect to win Darcy’s favor, you must curb your tongue, Your Ladyship.” Impulsively he added, “What makes you believe you’d be more successful with Georgiana than you were with Anne?” Edward watched with pleasure as his aunt paled. “I don’t mean to speak cruelly, but surely Darcy will ask something similar. As you are thrusting me into my cousin’s place, it seems only prudent that you satisfy my curiosity on the matter. I love Anne, but your daughter was never of the nature to excel in such a setting; yet, you insisted on placing her so.”
Lady Catherine’s haughtiness spoke volumes. “Anne’s health prevented her success.”
“We both know, Aunt, that Anne is extremely shy. Timidity is not an illness,” he declared.
Lady Catherine snarled, “The military has sharpened your bitterness. I’m certain the Earl would find such qualities less than stellar.”
Edward shrugged away her objection. “I would counter that what you see as bitterness is actually reality. That’s what a decade of war has taught me, Your Ladyship. Reality cannot be dressed up in ball gowns nor masked by polite chatter. The reality is that you should have found a country gentleman for Anne, but you wanted a titled peer.” With those words, Edward made a silent commitment to see Anne settled properly. He’d not have her waste away under Lady Catherine’s censure. Immediately, he thought of Southland, and although he’d warned his aide away from Anne earlier, he would now encourage the relationship.A flirtation might be exactly what Anne needed.
“She has my husband’s nature,” Lady Catherine said with some sadness.
“Then you should not have forced Anne to be something she’s not.” Edward paused to choose his words carefully. “Allow Anne some freedom, Aunt, or you’ll lose her forever. You’ll spend your days alone instead of being surrounded by your daughter’s family.” Edward softened his tone. “As much as I respect you,Your Ladyship, I don’t believe you’re the person to guide Georgiana’s entrance into Society. Like Anne’s, Georgiana’s delicate nature needs tending — needs a chance to bloom. I’ve often heard my cousin speak of her deep respect for your ability to thrive in a world dominated by men. Rosings Park has flourished under your hand, but the hardness you needed to survive under such terms intimidates Georgiana. Instead of budding, my young cousin would wither away. I cannot condone nor encourage your plight to bring Georgiana under your auspices.”
Lady Catherine snorted. “I see.You would have my niece — my sister’s only daughter — brought into Society by Mrs. Darcy.”
“If her brother has no objection, I wouldn’t interfere in Mrs. Darcy assuming that role. Darcy has always done everything within his power to give Georgiana pleasure. He’ll not shirk his duty in such an important matter.”
“Would Darcy offend his wife to protect his sister?” Lady Catherine asked sharply.
“I don’t believe it would come to that. Mrs. Darcy will bring no shame on Georgiana. She’s of the nature to admit her shortcomings and to seek the expertise of others. Who knows? If you resolve your differences with Darcy, it’s highly possible that he and Mrs. Darcy will ask your sponsorship for Georgiana.” It’s also possible that pigs will sprout wings to take flight. Edward knew that Darcy would never forgive Lady Catherine’s attack on Mrs. Darcy. For family harmony, his cousin might tolerate their aunt’s presence, but Darcy would not forget the offense.
Edward also realized that he didn’t want Georgiana subjected to the attentions of this year’s eligible bachelors. In fact, if Darcy insisted on Georgiana’s presentation, Edward would take an extended stay in London. A change of posts could be easily arranged. That way he could watch over Georgiana and fend off unscrupulous offers. The image of his waltzing Georgiana across a crowded dance floor brought a smile.
“What do you find so amusing, Colonel?” Lady Catherine’s sour tone cut through the beautiful image.
“Just the pleasure of seeing Georgiana well situated, Your Ladyship.”
“The razor is sharp,” Darcy told Elizabeth privately as he prepared to leave. Mrs. Joseph’s delivery had progressed quickly, and his wife had determined it was time to excuse him from the room.
Checking off items from the mental list she had constructed while resting on the mat, Elizabeth asked, “You used the strop?”
Darcy moved a step closer. “It’s as you wished,” he said softly. Then shooting a quick glance at where Mr. Joseph tended his wife, he added. “Are you certain, Elizabeth? This is the course you wish to undertake?”
“It’s not what I would choose, Fitzwilliam, but it is what must be done.”
“Should I again implore Mrs. Washington to assist you?”
“She’ll not agree. Mrs. Washington doesn’t wish to suffer the blame if Mrs. Joseph experiences difficulty. Plus, the proprietress cannot leave her inn duties.”
“But what if…” Darcy broke off when her fingers touched his mouth.
Elizabeth easily traced his upper lip. “No, what ifs, Fitzwilliam. We’ll all say our prayers and then leave the rest in God’s hands.”
Predictably, Darcy bit back his response. Elizabeth smiled knowingly. Her husband objected to her involvement, but he’d allow her to make her own decisions, as well as her own mistakes. It was one of the qualities for which she most admired him. It was how Elizabeth knew her husband would be an excellent father. Their children would know love with no censure. “I’ll be close. Please take care.” He bent to kiss her temple. “I love you.”
“And I you.” Then he was gone. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth turned to face the Josephs. “Let’s place you in a position to deliver this child.”
Mr. Joseph looked perplexed. “What do you mean, ‘position’?”
Elizabeth laughed lightly. “Men are so incompetent in these matters,” she said with a wink. “Did you think Mrs. Joseph would simply leisurely lie in this bed and your child would make an appearance in its own good time?”
Mr. Joseph stammered, “I… I’d not thought… thought much on it. What must Mary and I do?”
“You’re about to learn that men are not truly the stronger sex,” Elizabeth teased.
“Absolutely,” Mary added. “No man would tolerate such changes to his body.” She lovingly spread her fingers across her abdomen’s expanse.
The ladies would’ve continued their teasing, but when another pain racked Mary, Elizabeth moved everything to the floor before the hearth. She placed bowls of water, soap, several piles of clean rags, Darcy’s razor, and two leather cords nearby. On the table, she’d positioned more water, cloths, and towels.
“What do you require of me, Mrs. Darcy?” Joseph asked anxiously.
“First, I need for you to remove your boots, coat, waistcoat, and cravat. If you wish to change your clothes, this would be the time. Likely, anything you have on shall be ruined by the time we finish.”
Joseph nodded and disappeared behind the screens. Looking very relaxed, a few minutes later, he reappeared. “I’m at your disposal, Mrs. Darcy,” he said with an embarrassed shrug.
“Let’s assist Mary to a place before the fire.”
The man easily lifted his wife from the bed. “Then what?” he asked as he placed Mary on the feather-stuffed mattress.
“You will sit on the floor and place Mary on your lap.”
The woman looked up suddenly. “Are you certain, Mrs. Darcy?”
Elizabeth laughed nervously. “Not really. But one cannot exist in a house with four sisters and numerous aunts without hearing stories of delivering children. I assisted my sister Jane recently, but Mrs. Bingley had a birthing chair available. We’ve no such convenience so I am relying on instinct and on bits of information I learned when I eavesdropped on my mother and Aunt Philips, as well as my Biblical studies.”
Elizabeth’s words stunned Joseph. “The Bible?”
“Saying she delivered Jane on her knees, my mother once complained about the pampering of women today. So, I assumed it’s possible for a woman to deliver upon her knees. Then I thought of Rachel in Genesis,” Elizabeth explained.
Mr. Joseph nodded. “When Rachel plans to have a child through her maid, she is desperate. She would use Biliah as a surrogate. ‘Here is my maid Biliah,’” he recited the words. “‘Go into her that she may bear upon my knees, and even I may have children through her.’”
“We cannot expect Mary to suffer childbirth’s pains on her knees, but we need to elevate her. So, Mr. Joseph, you will be our Rachel and hold your wife on your lap. Mary, you will be our Biliah and bring forth our Christmas baby.”
As Elizabeth finished her explanation, Mary contracted in pain, clawing at her husband’s arm. Without another word, Mr. Joseph lifted her to his lap, placing her back along his chest. “I have you,” he cooed and eased her head to rest on his shoulder. “Our child is coming, Mary. We will see it through together.”
Unceremoniously, Elizabeth eased Mary’s legs apart. “This shan’t be comfortable, but we’re not the first women to deliver a child under less than pristine conditions,” she said as much to herself as to Mrs. Joseph.
“How much longer?” Mary gasped as she fought for breath.
“An hour. Maybe two,” Elizabeth said with more confidence than she actually possessed. Reaching for the hem of Mary’s gown, Elizabeth said tentatively, “This shall be the first of the uncomfortable situations. I must take a look to see if the child is prepared for his entrance into the world.”
Closing her eyes tightly in apparent embarrassment, Mary nodded her agreement, and Elizabeth did what she thought never to do: look upon another woman’s nakedness. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as repulsive as she had expected. She couldn’t say she felt comfortable with the experience, but she no longer saw life through the eyes of a naive girl. Elizabeth knew the marriage bed’s pleasures, and she realized God had made women for this purpose. The Lord had designed a woman’s body to carry a child to term. Mary was the vessel. That’s how Elizabeth would view this experience. “You’ve begun to open for the child,” she said matter-of-factly.
Mr. Joseph stroked his wife’s hair. “I’m so proud of you, Mary. You’ve not complained or fussed through this. I’d have you safe. Earlier, Mrs. Darcy told you to vent your pain. From now on, I expect you to scream your beautiful head off. No more holding it in. I’m capable of loving a woman who sheds a few tears.You don’t need to be strong for me.” He rocked her easily.
Mrs. Joseph squeezed his hand. “They’ll hear me in Newcastle.” Turning to Elizabeth, who sat relaxed at her feet, Mary said, “Tell me about your Mr. Darcy. What type of man has won your heart, Elizabeth?”