Twins for Mr. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (The Misadventures of Darcy & Elizabeth) by J. Dawn King

Author:J. Dawn King [King, J. Dawn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Goodreads: 221553498
Publisher: Quiet Mountain Press, LLC
Published: 2024-11-24T05:00:00+00:00

14

Elizabeth stroked Charlie’s cheek. His fever persisted, although, after two days, abated. He appeared to respond to the lukewarm water baths and compresses and the liquids they managed to give him. She was especially encouraged when she touched his bottom lip. The lad’s little tongue teased the pad of her finger before attaching himself, suckling hard.

Raging emotions jolted her. Delighted, she called Mrs. Carter away from feeding Clara.

At the same time, Darcy entered the nursery, his constant concern for the health of the child furrowed his brow. He took Clara from Mrs. Carter.

When the nurse was in position, for the first time, the boy never hesitated, taking long pulls, gulping milk until it dribbled out the sides of his mouth. It was such a turnaround from his prior efforts that Elizabeth reached for Clara, holding her next to her brother. Instantly, the babe settled, the corners of her pout lifting into what appeared to be a smile. Then, she belched, sounding more like a hardened sailor than a lovely little lady. Elizabeth and the other females chuckled. Darcy laughed. What a welcome sound in the nursery.

When the doctor came into the room, he confirmed that Darcy and Elizabeth had reason to rejoice, especially when little Charlie’s lower stomach rumbled to a roar.

He cautioned, “Continue to nurse him, Mrs. Carter. I do not hold with these modern ideas of giving an infant wine, watered-down honey or sugar, or cow’s milk. I have personally seen no success from using these measures. Instead, a colicky baby is most often the result. The babies will need to be kept warm and out of the wind. Both have weak lungs from their early birth. Allowing them to cry for short periods is healthy.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Elizabeth rejoiced to see her husband relax.

The housekeeper tapped on the door frame. “Sir, Lord Matlock, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and the attorneys are awaiting you. I put them in the drawing room. Would you like me to direct them to your study?”

“If you would allow me a moment.”

After her husband departed, the housekeeper remained alongside her. Elizabeth asked if all was well.

“Mrs. Darcy, I have interviewed several women to serve as an additional wet nurse to aid Mrs. Carter. Of the many who applied, one woman, Mrs. Congden appears to be the best qualified of the candidates. Her milk was thick, creamy, and smelled sweet. Additionally, she reported that she bathed at least once each week. Her circumstances are that after she was widowed, she moved in with her sister, who willingly cares for Mrs. Congden’s eighteen-month-old daughter. This will allow Mrs. Congden to reside here.”

Elizabeth’s brows shot to the ceiling. The housekeeper examined the breast milk? The exceptionally detailed care and concern of Darcy House’s servants continued to impress her. And her husband? This was one more point in his favor.

Pleased with Mrs. Price’s devotion, Elizabeth said, “Then I shall look forward to having Mrs. Congden in the nursery.”

“She is below waiting for your approval. I shall bring her up directly.

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