Loved the 3° chapter Jan H.

I hope Bingley didn't have the courage to tell Jane the bad news and Darcy informs him of the idenity of the childs mother.

I think Jane deserves better treatment than that as does Elisabeth.

Can't wait for the next chapter to appear.

Well, well, Jan...what a chapter!

At first I got upset at Elizabeth. I thought that she jumped the gun getting all riled up towards Darcy without provocation, as if she was extremely mad at him. I believed she had forgiven him for Hunsford.

Then my ire turned towards Darcy and Bingley. I agree w/ Sandy, both are fools and cowards. Bingley is certainly a rake; played w/ Jane then left her, then do the same thing all over again. Ha! What a jerk...and he feels he needs to explain himself. If I were Jane, I would slap him hard and kick his butt out of town.

And don't get me started w/ Darcy. Definitely an arrogant fool. Checking her out 'how good she looks' then thinking she is not good enough to marry. Then, questioning her on 'how could she elope w/ Wickham?' speech. Fool and stupid is what he is to believe a shrew like Carolina. Believing Caroline?? Pleaaasse!!

Guess both deserve to suffer. Jan, how are you going to fix this, I have nooooo idea.

Great chapter, full of emotional upheaval..

I am totally immersed in another JanH story! I love a Darcy pov, which is so rare. Now that they each have their misconceptions cleared up, what's next?

Darcy's leaving after Lizzy's disclosure is definitely giving her the wrong impression, just like in canon! But what can he do to remedy such a situation?

Bingley is such an ass! Twice deserting Jane after paying her too much attention. She's better off without him, though it will break her heart when he left, again :(

More please!

Thank you, everyone! I truly do appreciate every comment, and I share your frustration with Darcy and Bingley. They do have a way to go.

Special thanks to those of you who left long, in-depth replies. I love to see your passion for these characters. And for those who are commenting at more than one site - you deserve a halo!

-Jan

I'm loving the story so far. I'm a big fan of your other stories and look forward to following this one. Thanks so much for taking the time to entertain all of us JA fanatics!

My dears, a chapter you've been anxiously waiting for : enjoy chapter four of Jan H's fabulous The Child!

I just loved the story so far! Thank you!!!

Oh Jan...I started writing my comments as I was reading and here they are:

And this is your decision to make? Why, pray tell?

No, they wouldn’t! What if after your father died, someone else came in and took Georgiana away from you so you could marry well since then you wouldn’t have the 'burden' of your sister to look after?

I actually cheered Bingley! He may yet be their salvation...not Darcy!

Oh sure, now you say that! The Bennets might not be in this situation if you had said from the beginning!

Yes, for this is by far the first intelligent statement you have made. Please do for she is all that you deserve!

Go ahead Darcy...believe what you want and drink all you want...look at Hurst...marry Caroline and live the life he does!

Good Lord...he really is dense!

That should have been a big clue if he was even listening to her!!

Ahhh...lookin closer to Hurst all the time!

Darcy has learned nothing all this time. He doesn’t tell anyone about Wickham, he removes Bingley from Jane, he finds out Jane did have feelings for Bingley so then he runs away and takes Bingley away with him and doesn't tell Bingley a thing. And then comes back to find chaos and decides to believe Caroline’s lies (she’s good at that), once again not finding out the truth before making a determination.

This is such an arrogant, self-centered, and despicable Darcy and I’m so looking forward to the day that someone smacks him up beside the head with a 2x4 no 4x4 and he suddenly has that ‘ahha’ moment! In the meantime, he is going to bring even more destruction to the Bennet family.

So, is Bingley going to be a better man and actually marry Jane and they can raise Fan and push Darcy back to his Pemberley to stay with some society woman he married for convenience who will spend his money and run his name and estate in the ground? Oh...I actually like that idea!!
Sometimes you have to sink to the deepest depths before you can begin to crawl your way back...how much further can this Darcy sink?

I know this is long Jan but I absolutely am so caught up in your story and it is so well written! This is going to be a long journey for Darcy, I can see...and it all centers on a child! Thank you so much and I eagerly await next Monday!

Did he learn anything? He is arrogant idiot, he just gave a powerful weapon to that... Wickham.

Your writing is so good.

What is Darcy thinking? Apparently not much! I can't wait for Lizzy to lay into him for his continuing arrogance. Selfish disdain for the feelings of others indeed!

Irene
GRC

Comment originally posted by Christine:

"Oh happy day! I have been trying to get in to read this for a couple of days now-- and for whatever reason, everything kept freezing up. Thank heavens! Can you imagine my how crazy with anxiety I have been knowing there was a new JanH story and I had yet to read it?!

By the way JanH-- were you aware of the writing contest that LaurelAnn at AustenProse is sponsoring? The winner will be published in an anthology w/authors like Syrie James, Stephanie Barron, Amanda Grange, etc -- by ballantine Books. Here is the info-- I thought of you when I saw this new story-- now that I know you are writing again, maybe you can write something for the Feb13 deadline! http://www.pemberley.com/JAMMDI/JAMMDI.html

So happy you are writing again. Happy day indeed!"

OMG!!!!! DARCY, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE??

Does he realize the chaos he just started by finding Wickham and telling him about the child? Guess not!OMG!!! I cannot believe he had the gall to do that? Who died and made him 'God'? Ohh, that's right..he appointed himself 'God Almighty' who knows 'what is best for everyone'.

I was going to point out some of the lines that struck me the most but Sandy did better than I would do, sooo I'll just DITTO to everything she said.

I'm sure Darcy will be repeating that over and over. He really need some serious banging on the head!! The consequences of his actions will be devastating for the Bennet Family. What makes him think the child is burden to the Bennets? What would have happened if somebody tried to take Georgiana away from him if they perceived she was a burden to him?

Arrogant.. Presumptious.. Stupid.. Obtuse... Blind.. Irresponsible.. Interference... This is what comes to my mind when I think of Darcy. How will he ever redeem himself after what he has done? Whatever comes his way, he will surely deserve it! I think he just placed the final nail in his coffin...


Nooo, Darcy himself is solely responsible for destroying whatever happiness he could have had...

Jan, such a 'I don't know exactly what to call' Darcy you have created here. He frustates me to no end. I cannot wait to see how you get him out of this mess! Excellent as always .

BTW, Bingley 1, Darcy -2!

What! You mean to say you think this Darcy is wrong? You know the old saying about how the mighty are fallen - well, my Darcy is digging himself a deep pit.

Thank you Renee, Malena, Sandy!, Vesna, Irene, Christine, and Lili, for all your comments. Sandy, I got your message loud and clear - LOL. And Christine, thank you for telling me about the contest at AustenProse. I doubt that I've got time to write anything by the deadline, but I'll take a look at it.

Hang in there with me. This is going to be a rough ride.

That was so much fun! I just know that Elizabeth is going to be soooooangry at Darcy for his presumption. I cannot wait to see her lay into him!

OMG! I cant believe a new story...FINALLY!!! And it is greatness so far! Cant wait for more. You have made my day!!!

btw, I cant remember but if I am correct, dont you usually write in Elizabeth's POV?! Love how it's in Darcy's this time!!!

Thank you Jan for this new story!!!!
I love all your stories and this one, in Mr Darcy POV seems to begin very well!!
Oh I can't wait another week for the next chapter!
Thanks again for brighten up my week!!

Hmm...I'm not sure if Darcy's decision to help in the Wickham's situation will be any good, as I am quite sure that the Bennets are very attached to the child. But at least he asking the ladies for a dance at the ball is helping :)

Thankfully Bingley hasn't bail out yet! But we'll have to wait and see of course ;)

Thanks for the update

I believe Darcy is acting according to his time. You can see that his plans regarding the child are very similar to what Austen describes in Emma with Emma's friend. She is being raised at a school but believed to be the daughter of a rich man and his mistress. I see no wrong in that.

You could always take a chapter or two of something you have previously posted and condense it (like a teaser)to fit the perameters. Do say you will try to enter!!!!!! What a great way to bring attention to your body of work!

Wow Jan, it sounds like Darcy has a long way to go here.
He takes it into his own hands that he's the one that needs to decide after 2 years what to do about Lydia and Wickham's babe???

Yeah, I say there's a lot more angst to come. First of all why would he even think any of the Bennets would want to see Wickham ever again, and second why would he want to even include Wickham in their life. Sounds like his 'pride' is not quite in check.

I wonder what Georgiana would have to say about what he's doing. Would she question him on if she was the one to have the babe if he would be so readily to have it gone, to give it up?

Well, I will await patiently to find out your answers.
Very much enjoying the story!

Thank you for your comments, Lucy, Mixon, Gio, Malena, and Teb! And hi, KayakChick! Glad to see you again. I do understand the distress Darcy is causing some of you, and Malena, I appreciate your saying that Darcy is "acting according to his time." I agree with that statement. We love him, though, and want him to be a better man. Keep your fingers crossed.

Well, I got interrupted and forgot to finish my message. Christina, thank you for your continuous encouragement! I looked at the guidelines for entries at AustenProse's contest, and since the deadline is very, very soon, I just simply don't have time to put something together for it. I write slowly, and short stories require a lot of attention. But I appreciate your thinking of me. Maybe next time.

Chapter 5 is up, my dears. Enjoy!

What a twist! Wickham proposed to Lizzy! Now Darcy is truly caught in his own game. Can't wait to see what great idea he can come up with!

Good Gracious, what a mess Darcy has made of it. He is truly caught in his own game. I can not believe him to be so stupid. But Jan H, I love your story. Love this Lizzy and will be very curious to learn how she will trust this 'messy' Darcy.

Darcy keeps digging his own hole deeper and deeper.
Wickham has turned the table on him.
"Give me till the morrow"!

Irene
GRC

Talk about being thrown for a loop. I guess Darcy was his own worse enemy in what he tried to do. Obviously Wickham has no idea how Darcy feels about Elizabeth, which in itself is a good thing as the situation would probably no doubt be worse.

Darcy would be better to cut his losses now and pay Wickham to leave. Of course, we now that likely won't happen and if he did it would raise suspicion to all concerned.

I must say Darcy is truly in a dilema! I really have no clue what he could do unless he is honest with Elizabeth and offers her his hand himself. This would take the babe away from Longbourn and also put the family in a better way. But what of the way it would make Darcy look? Will he? Won't he? Can't wait to find out.

Oh my Jan, what a mess.

He is definitely not thinking straight. He does not really recognize the strength of his own feelings... And now Wickham has proposed.. Heaven! Does he truly believe that once this problem is solved (in one way or another) that Lizzy will NEVER marry... he is in so much denial there isn't a river in Africa long enough for him to take the trip...

Give him till tomorrow indeed!

Darcy, you did not expect this , didn't you? Well, what great idea will come to your mind now? How are you going to fix this mess? Hope E has a frying pan for your thick head.

Anyhow I feel a little sorry for him because it is known that the road to hell is paved with good intentions

Magnificent writing.

Thank you, Jan

Oh no, Darcy doesn't know what he's created, bringing Wickham back to Longborn.
The easiest thing Darcy could do is to propose, but I guess that would be to simple I guess. Maby Bingley can find his courage to do what Darcy should, and propose to Jane...

Thanks Jan , hope to read the next chapter soon.

Well, Jan...you have certainly come up with one perfectly saucy twist. Simply beautiful. I wonder what he will do. Million thanks for the update.
Male and happy Valentine

OMG Jan! I can't believe you have come up with such a despicable Darcy!

And this is a man he would want to take a small child? Someone who must put on an act to act to convince the family he wishes to do right by her? Wickham already calls the child a brat and he doesn’t even know her yet! Who died and made Darcy God! Well...obviously disguise is not abhorrent to this Darcy.

Even Bingley knows this is not right...and he doesn't have a thought unless you put it into his head, Darcy!

Yes...and guess who is the one who trampled it! Moron!

And basically he’s telling Lizzy that 'he' (Darcy) was the one who orchestrated Bingley coming back to Hertfordshire...that Bingley wouldn’t have done it on his own. That makes Bingley look like an even bigger cad than before.

This is the same sister who thought nothing of outright lies to get what she wanted...and he’s supposed to think of her? Are all of these men morons? Darcy is trying to play on her sympathy? She must choose between Fan and Jane? If she doesn’t choose Jane then Darcy will tell Bingley not to marry Jane. No matter the period Darcy, I would term that emotional blackmail!

And I can only hope that band tightens enough to choke him to death. Then Wickham wouldn’t get any money and he would leave them in peace!

Lizzy is right, what is it to Darcy who she marries. Darcy admits he separated Jane and Bingley, he never told anyone about Wickham, he appoints himself judge and jury as to what should be done with Fan...all of this regardless of how anyone in her family may feel. If he were an uncle or even a cousin, I could see him wanting to involve himself but he is doing this purely to assuage his own guilt feelings.

Maybe if Bingley finds out what Darcy is trying to do to the Bennets, it will be the impetus to finally stand on his own two feet and make his own decisions.

I just have one question for Darcy...If you suffered an ailment for every wrong you committed against another how long would you live?...Choke on that!

So he has until tomorrow...it will be interesting to see how much worse he can screw this up.

Jan, you know I'm loving this story or I wouldn't be so emotional about this Darcy. He has himself backed into a corner with seemingly no way out...so now what? I can't wait to find out! Excellent writing! You always capture my emotions!

Happy Valentine's Day my fellow P&P lovers!

What a great twist, Jan...having Wickham ask for Elizabeth's hand. Love it! Cant wait to read what Darcy's solution will be. But not so sure if this is fair, leaving us hanging like this on V-day, lol!

Oh the metalling old fool. Darcy has managed to make it only worse. Come on Sunday. :D

I don't think Darcy's idea of sending the child to a school is bad at all, for the time. Sounds awful to me, but infants were routinely sent out to live with wet nurses for the first couple years of their lives and grade school children were shipped off to boarding schools.

I do feel sorry for him, as it's not turning out even remotely as he had intended.

Thank you, Gio, Anne, Irene, Teb, Kimberly, Vesna, Pausiniken, Malena, Sandy, KayakChick, Gio, and Julie, for all your comments! They run the gamut from understanding Darcy's desire to help by putting the child in a school to wanting to hit him over the head with a frying pan! And I don't even want to imagine what Sandy would like to do to our poor hero.

As someone said on another site, "When one finds oneself in a hole, the first thing one must do is stop digging."

Poor Darcy is going to be scrambling to clean up his mess, so please don't give up on him.

Hit him over the head with a frying pan, indeed! Talk about "out of the frying pan into the fire!" Eeeeeesh-- he has certainly made a mess of things-- and I hope he tosses and turns all night, and goes to her with his hat in hand in the morning and begs for Elizabeth himself. Surely, he can put the child in some kind family's household so that they can look in upon her from time to time, like Colonel Brandon did in S&S. Keep writing!! And I am heartbroken that I thought to message you so late about the "Jane Austen Made Me Do It" anthology.

My vote is for the frying pan! I certainly hope Darcy's judgment improves, because he's already got a lot to make up for.

I understand why Elizabeth won't give up the child to Wickham, but why do I have the feeling that she wouldn't be happy about giving up the child to someone trustworthy either? That little girl isn't happy with anyone else, not even angelic Jane.

Lovin' it, Jan!!!

Wendi

Wickham is just despicable...Is this the kind of man Darcy wants the Bennets to give up the child to? What in the world is wrong with Darcy?

Not only is he arrongant but he is also stupid. To have Wickham meet him at Oakham Mount..Elizabeth's favorite place..where she can catch them??!!!

Darcy has certainly lost his mind. I thought that disguise of every sort was his abhorrence! Now he is spying, hiding behind bushes and eavesdropping. And to top it all off, Wickham proposed to Elizabeth!? Well, it was Darcy pressuring Wickham to do 'whatever' to get his hands on Fan in exchange for payment. It certainly backfired!!!

What I don't understand is why is Elizabeth taking all the responsibility for Fan. Willing to marry Wickham to keep her? Is it guilt? What about the rest of the family? Mr. & Mrs. B are just as responsible...He for letting Lydia go despite E's warnings just to have some peace and quiet in his library; and she for always encouraging L's wild behavior.

Ohhh, Darcy! He is in deeper s..t than before. I can only imagine how Elizabeth will react when she finds out it was Darcy behind all of Wickham's scheming.

I agree Lili! Jan's comment above about Elizabeth finding out can only result in a deeper hole!

And Jan...the way I feel about Darcy right now....I may just be up top shoveling the dirt back in on top of him! Muahahaha

Lovin this story!

Thank you, Christina, Wendi, Lili, and Sandy, for all your comments. I think everyone of you agrees that it's the frying pan for Darcy, except Sandy, who wants to bury him alive! As for Elizabeth's relationship with the child, I think we'll see how deep it is in future chapters.

Christina, no problem about AustenProse. I just appreciate you believing I should even enter.

I just got caught up! Jan, I don't want to hit Darcy because Elizabeth will do it for me when she finds out he is behind the whole plan. I can't wait until she knows all! Thanks for the new chapter of this very fine story!

Chapter 6 is up, my dears. Enjoy!

Lizzy say, "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes".

Darcy still loves her, tell her the truth.

Wickham, what will he do now?

Irene

so *almost* romantic, Darcy, if you could manage to tell her what you feel. Gah! How long will you hide it from her??

But really, Lizzy, you must be fooling yourself to think the woman he loves is any other than you.

What a great set up you've created, Jan, for the truth of the mystery woman to be revealed. This is classic Jan. You always build skillfully towards a revealing tipping point.

How can this proposal manage to feel so steamy with no outright professions of love... Skillful writing indeed... I want to yell at her (and I was mentally) Say yes... Say yes, but ODG is nothing if not logical, and right now, his reasons don't make sense, and we all know the missing puzzle piece, it has jagged edges on one end, from a previous breakage, and it is called his heart... whew!

Dear Jan!

I'm sorry I have never commented on your stories before but I think it's better late than never. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love your writing! You are among my favorite JAFF authors, if not my absolute favorite! Reading your stories is more enjoyable than watching a movie. I read them over and over and over again. Thank you for giving us another one that keeps me on edge! I can not wait for the next chapter!

Your adoring fan,
Gidget

Just a very quick note to mention this:

"The woman I love does not love me, Miss Bennet, so you see, I forfeit nothing."

Ooooh, I smell misunderstanding and heart-ache!

Excellent, excellent story.

Argh, what a proposal! Why did Darcy say he "no longer harbour any romantic fancies" towards Elizabeth, sigh....if only he declared his feelings, but of course that could be the end of this story already haha! I think there's no doubt that she will accept his proposal. But I wonder/fear if Wickham hedged his revenge.

Great writing as usual, I am SO hooked, Jan!

Darcy! Darcy! Darcy!
I hope she'll say yes.
And then we will be waiting more impatiently next Sunday.

Wonderful, exciting writing.

Thank you, Jan