Chapter Twenty-Four #2
With both Anna and Lewis, Anne had been ill for most of her pregnancies.
By her own choice she remained confined to her chambers for much of that time, refusing to leave for days on end.
During all of those long months, not once did she send for him, and while he tried to see her on a regular basis, for the most part she denied him entrance to her chambers, being too unwell.
In both instances, Lady Catherine had insisted that Anne relocate to Rosings Park for the duration of her pregnancy and confinement, but Anne refused.
Following her marriage to William, she had no desire to ever return to Rosings Park, not that she could have endured the travel while being so ill.
When it came time for Anne to deliver Anna, she was attended by Mr. Purdy, a doctor whom William had never cared for but who had been employed by the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families for as long as he could remember.
After each visit the doctor consulted with William, though in the end the two men never completely agreed on what could be done to alleviate Anne’s suffering.
When it came time to give birth to their first child, Anne had not been in the birthing chamber for much more than seven hours when his housekeeper sought him out in the library where he was waiting.
“Mrs. Troutman, how is my wife?”
“Sir, Mrs. Darcy has given birth to a beautiful daughter,” she said, with not much enthusiasm.
“But?” he questioned, knowing something was not quite right. “Is the child well? I heard no cry.” He panicked. “What are you not telling me?”
“Mr. Darcy, there was an incident during the birth which I must report.”
“Go on,” he bid the woman.
“Unknown to the doctor and those who were attending Mrs. Darcy, your wife petitioned her maid to give her laudanum for the pain.”
“Good God, what was she thinking?!” he said, more to himself than to the housekeeper.
“Mrs. Darcy is sleeping now, but towards the end she lost consciousness and we could barely rouse her to push out the babe. Eventually, Mrs. Darcy’s maid broke down and told us all. Thankfully your daughter is fairly small; otherwise I do not know how we might have managed her delivery.”
“And the child? You have not told me if she is well.”
“It will be several hours before we can know for sure. I am sorry, but your daughter was also affected by the laudanum. She was quite listless and pale after passing from Mrs. Darcy’s body.
The doctor did much to stimulate her breathing, and when she finally took her first breath, there was no healthy cry, only a faint gurgling sound.
Nevertheless, the wet nurse is encouraging the babe to suckle as we speak, and Mr. Purdy believes that much of the laudanum will pass through the child once she is able to take in an ample amount of nourishment.
The midwife suggests you wait another hour while the maids finish taking care of Mrs. Darcy and your daughter.
If you wish, you may see both of them at that time and hold the little girl.
Mr. Purdy will be down momentarily and would like to speak with you. ”
“I would imagine so.” He scowled. “Tell him I shall be waiting in the drawing room.”
Just then, there was a knock at the door, and none too soon.
To William’s relief, it was one of the upstairs maids telling him that Elizabeth had finished changing and was waiting for him to join her.
Putting those disturbing memories aside, William silently thanked God that Elizabeth was a strong, determined woman and nothing like poor Anne.
Within minutes he was upstairs and at her side, pulling her into his embrace and offering words of comfort and reassurance.
“Are you ready, my love?” He kissed her, not caring who might be witness to his attentions. At this moment Elizabeth and their unborn children were all that mattered. He would rally, supporting Elizabeth and the babes with everything he could muster. She was his present and future.
“Yes, William,” she lovingly smiled. “Let us begin walking. It will no doubt be several hours before I am ready to use the chair, but the more I walk, the sooner we will be able to see our children.”
Thursday, the Next Morning
William and Elizabeth walked much of the night throughout the confines of their suite of rooms, with an occasional turn down the length of the hallway, hoping not to wake the girls.
During the early stages of her labour, Elizabeth’s contractions were fairly mild, causing no more than a dull ache in her lower back or across her lower abdomen.
This was good, since it allowed her to periodically take a break from walking and rest in her bed while William sat next to her reading or massaging her feet.
This routine, however, took a decided turn around six o’clock in the morning, a little after first light.
Without warning, Elizabeth’s pains came more regularly, increasing in intensity and duration.
Each time she felt the pain, it was nearly impossible to stand, and therefore she relied heavily on William to hold her up until she was able to walk again.
When being examined by the midwife, the woman predicted it still might be a few more hours before the mistress would be ready to push.
At this time the village doctor was sent for and a wet nurse was alerted in the event that Elizabeth had difficulty providing enough milk for two babes.
Per William’s request, Uncle Gardiner had sent a birthing chair to Pemberley several months prior since there was nothing of the sort in storage from Lady Anne’s time.
Being that Elizabeth could barely hold herself up to walk, she knew the chair would greatly aid her as she progressed through the final stages of giving birth.
“My love,” William enquired after the midwife had finished examining her, “is there anything at all I can get for your comfort?”
“No, nothing at present. William, you have been a dear to stay with me throughout the night.”
“You are remarkable, Elizabeth Darcy. My part is small compared to what you are enduring for the sake of our children.”
“I am glad it will not be long now.” She smiled lovingly, pressing her hand to her stomach. “I have cradled them here for so many months, and now my greatest desire is to hold our precious babes in my arms, alive and well.”
“I know,” he said, kissing her hand.
“William, do you think you could look in on the girls? I worry for Anna. You must reassure her when she hears my cries. And please tell Georgie that I would dearly love to hear her music once she is able. Please, my love, go to them. They need you, too.”
“Yes, I shall see to our girls; you need not worry.”
“Although the doctor will not like it, I shall ask the midwife to send a servant for you when my time is closer. It is my greatest wish that you be here for the birth of our children.”
“I shall be waiting, sweetheart.”
On leaving Elizabeth’s room, William first went to his own room to change his clothes and take care of some of his personal necessities before seeking out Anna and Georgiana.
His valet must have anticipated his needs, since there was warm water in the basin and a fresh set of clothes on his bed.
After changing and having a quick shave, he went directly to Anna’s room to see if she was awake.
“Papa, I have been waiting and waiting for you,” Anna sobbed, running into his embrace as soon as he opened the door. “I do not like it when Mama cries. Please, Papa, may I go in and sing to her? She needs me.”
“I am so sorry, Anna; it is not possible for you to join her. Mama is working very hard now to birth the babes and she does not want you to worry for her. She sent me to be with you and Aunt Georgie for a time and asked to hear some of your beautiful music. She says it will be a great comfort to her and the babes. Since you have finished breaking your fast, let us go to the music room and see if Aunt Georgie is there yet.”
“Yes, Papa. I would like to sing All Through the Night for Mama and our babes.”
“Your song will be perfect. Come, my sweet child, let us go now.”
By the time William and Anna arrived at the music room, Georgiana was there arranging her music and preparing to play. “Brother, how is Elizabeth?” she asked with trepidation. “I overheard the maids saying her labours started late last night.”
“She is tired, but doing well. Elizabeth sent me to find the two of you She would like to hear some of your lovely music.”
“Of course. Come, Anna.”
“Aunt Georgie, may we start with my song? I would like the angels to watch over Mama and our babes while we are waiting.”
“‘Tis an excellent choice. Let us begin.”
Although William had wanted to remain at Elizabeth’s side, he was grateful she had sent him to be with the girls.
Their music was comforting to him as well, and the time passed quickly as they played and sang through song after song.
While listening, he silently petitioned God to protect his wife and unborn children, praying all would be well.
It was late morning by the time a maid came to the music room informing William that Elizabeth was nearing the final stages of the birth and would like for him to join her. Before leaving, both girls rushed to his side and into his outstretched arms.
“Brother, our Elizabeth and the babes will be fine; I know it,” Georgiana quietly said.
“Papa, tell Mama I love her and that Aunt Georgie and I will be praying for her and our babes.”
“Yes, my dears,” he said, kissing them both. “I shall tell her.”
On leaving, he watched as Georgiana picked up Anna and took her back to the pianoforte. “We should continue our music, Anna. This will be the most difficult time for Mama, and our music will help her.”