In the Arms of Mr. Darcy Read Online Free PDF Page B

the past weeks we should be beyond such embarrassments. Speak as plainly as you can, child, and I will do what I can to help. Are you experiencing some residual pain or other discomfort?"
    She shook her head vigorously, glancing up briefly. "No, in fact quite the opposite. I feel fine... in all ways. None of the symptoms you or Mrs. Henderson instructed me to watch for. I feel good as new, I suppose I could say."
    "I see." He studied her face, beginning to suspect the train of her thoughts. "So, I am to understand the cramping is all gone? Good. And no further drainage or tenderness from... very good. I detect no lingering fatigue, other than what is normal with a baby, and your overall appearance is consistent with a state of health and vigor. Do you agree?"
    She nodded, hoping he would put the pieces together and spare her further humiliation, but he remained silent. "It is just... You know we rely a great deal on the book for information, and well..." Another glance to his inscrutable face after which she bolted up and began pacing, continuing in a rush. "The book recommends waiting for... for... relations"--swallow--"for six weeks or so, but also states 'until the woman's body is fully healed.'"
    She stopped abruptly, spinning around to face him with hands on her hips and voice strong. "Well, which is it? I feel healed, but it is not six weeks, so... this is my question." The gush of vim evaporated, voice falling into a whisper.
    George's lips twitched, but he managed to avoid laughing, holding out his hand instead. "Relax, Elizabeth. Sit down and I will give the advice I give all my maternity patients, although it is doubtful most of them listen to me. The truth is we do not know what is happening internally after birth. Physicians can only guess what course a couple should take as far as marital relations. There is no accurate answer that is the same for all, as each birth is varied and the effects equally so. However, the standard recommendation is to let your heart and body guide you. When you feel capable and desirous of such activity both physically and emotionally, then that is your answer. I can tell you this with absolute certainty: Many resume within a couple of weeks and I have never known there to be a problem unless an issue already existed which was aggravated by the action. Does this answer your query adequately?"
    Lizzy could only nod.

Chapter Two
C HRISTMAS E VE S URPRISES
    Christmas Eve day dawned with a brightly shining sun valiantly struggling to bestow heat onto the frozen lands, but sadly thwarted by persistent banks of gray clouds dotting the azure sky. It never did rain or snow, but the immobile clouds cast shadows all day. The mild weather would provide an excellent cap to what was universally agreed to be a fabulously successful week.
    The tenant's feast and ball was a triumph. From a raised dais in the formal dining hall, the Darcys welcomed their guests, Mr. Darcy giving a short speech of gratitude and well wishes for a merry holiday and prosperous coming year. Alexander, awake and awed by the glittering chandeliers, was presented formally to the families whose diligent work made his life possible, many of whom would someday call him Master. The applause was deafening, hurrahs rising to the eaves with Lizzy barely managing a dignified retreat before the startled babe burst into wails!
    Calming the upset infant was accomplished easily enough, but the revelry from the first floor chambers would continue late into the night--another tradition successfully reestablished by the new Mistress of Pemberley and savored by all.
    The tenant packages were delivered by Miss Darcy, Miss Kitty, and Miss Mary. Kitty came along for the ride, offering cheery chatter in between the scattered cottages. Georgiana kept the detailed list tight in her hand, fretting over making a mistake or stuttering over the practiced speeches. Mary was the steadying influence, this sort of task not at all unusual for her, as