(Untitled)

[bennet_beauty]

It had been such a long time, so many trying hours, but now she had finally done well. The night was thick around the hut when Lydia's first cries arrived and Jane had been unable to stop herself from weeping with the joy of it and when the Doctors were done with their work and cleaning, she was given her daughter in a swath of white blanket to

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[cryptogam]

All had gone well during the birth; no suturing was required, there had been no hemorrhage nor any other troubles, and Jane and little Lydia appeared to be the picture of health. Stephen was nearly dropping from weariness, but he was obliged to stay for another hour or two to make sure mother and babe were stable.

He had no particular love for babies, but the sight of Jane's evident joy warmed his heart. "Congratulations, honey," he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "You have worked very hard indeed, and now you hold the fruit of your labors."

[bennet_beauty]

Jane's joy was evident from both the shine of her eyes and the upward curve on her lips as she regarded Stephen. "And yours," she spoke, voice hoarse from the many hours awake and of crying pain. "For you were a constant help to us."

[cryptogam]

"I did no more than my duty as a physician," Stephen replied modestly. He sat by the bed, loosening his sweaty neckcloth. "Will you put her to the breast, now, acushla? For she has labored hard as well, and needs her sustenance."

[bennet_beauty]

Jane had been well-taught by physicians and many a book in the matter as she did as such, as she was instructed, though she did so where Stephen would not be placed in an awkward position of viewing and she only winced the once at the uncomfortable sensations present.

[cryptogam]

Stephen had little thought for modesty in medical situations - all bodies were the same to the eye of a physician - but for the sake of Jane's modesty, he did not look too closely as he assisted her in lifting the baby's small, downy head to the breast.

He did, however, think sadly of Diana, and how he had thought she might be pregnant before he left for the Mediterranean. He had no desire to procreate himself, but he thought a child might settle Diana's excitable spirits. Unfortunately, it had come to naught in the end.

[bennet_beauty]

Jane eased Lydia up into what she hoped was comfortable positioning and closed her eyes as the new task became apparent as to how it would go for some time.