Timeout stool for little Darcy

I'm blogging at Romance Junkies Blog about Mr. and Mrs. Darcy's unborn child in my new novel Every Savage Can Reproduce, Pride and Prejudice-inspired Science Fiction. Here is an excerpt about the timeout stool for little Darcy

***

“What?” Darcy’s eyes widened at Elizabeth’s insane declaration.

How could you suggest that, Mom? Logan protested loudly to his mother. He must have kicked inside the womb, as Elizabeth felt a sudden contraction. She gasped and held onto Darcy’s arms.

“What is the matter?” Darcy asked anxiously.

“Logan is kicking too hard…” She drew in a deep breath.

I’m sorry, Mom! Logan said. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just couldn’t stand the thought of even a fake wedding between Dad and that awful man-turned-woman princess Caroline Wickham.

Scowled, Darcy settled Elizabeth in the nearest chair, and caressed her belly and back tenderly. Then, with a stern voice, he talked to his unborn son. “Logan, if you ever do that again to your mother, I am going to put you on the timeout stool for a long time – once you’re old enough to be put there!”

Logan replied in a quivering voice, Yes, Dad! I promise. Mom, too. I swear. I love you both. I won’t do anything to hurt either of you.

Elizabeth nodded her head and pressed her hands on her belly. With a few more deep breaths, she felt the pain fading away.

“That was not acceptable, Logan,” Darcy said sternly. “You must understand that I can’t let it go without punishment.”

Yes, Dad.

Darcy embraced Elizabeth and let her rest as he thought about a suitable reprisal. “For your punishment, son…you are not allowed to say anything for the next two days.”

Oh…! That’s bad… Yes, Dad, Mom, I am sorry.

Elizabeth patted her stomach. “Apology accepted. Now off you go.”

Thanks, Mom, for not being angry with me, Logan said meekly, and subsided into silence.

***
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