Is the reason Wickham not been in touch with Darcy yet regarding the ransom that he has hightailed it back to Longbourn for a confab with Elizabeth? Could it be that he believes that if he discloses Darcy's original plan--namely, have Wickham take Fan off their hands to clean up the Bennet family reputation -- that Elizabeth will be so incensed that she will now leave Darcy for Wickham? It may seem crazy to us readers that Wickham would be so deluded as to think he could pull that off, but then again -- she considered marrying Wickham for Fan's sake. Wickham may imagine she would be so upset with Darcy for trying to get rid of Fan that she would partner up with him to take the ransom money and the child? Wickham could hit her weak spot by telling her she cannot trust Fan’s interests to Darcy. If Wickham could pull this off, it would be the ultimate sting of Darcy.

I would feel confident about the failure of such scheming except that Elizabeth has not written to Darcy. He has written her such sweet letters everyday. And it seemed that they had been getting along quite nicely. And, why has Elizabeth moved back to Longbourn? Is she is trying to put distance between her and Darcy? Will Wickham tell her the truth that Darcy should already have spilled? Will it make Elizabeth think Darcy is just waiting for a chance to ship Fan off to school? I think we saw Elizabeth starting to have deep feelings for Darcy, but if Wickham sets it up as a Sophie’s Choice, I think she’ll choose to protect her child first over sticking with a man she does not think loves her.

I really needed my tissues, what with Darcy's confession to the Vicar and Fan teling him she 'loves Papa too'.

But where, oh where is Wickham? Has he hi-tailed it back to Meryton to tell Lizzy the truth?

Enjoy your seaside adventure!

Irene
GRC

Oh, thank Providence! I was so worried when Darcy thought on Maggie's incompetence and wondered if Fan could've actually been dead. Ugh, it gives me stones in my stomach just thinking about it! Of course, we can always count on Wickham to ruin everything. I know he's a bad guy, but to kill, even indirectly, a child- his own child, nonetheless- is just beyond disgusting and vile. I hope he is drawn and quartered, or perhaps just maimed and forced to live in destitute for his longevity. Thanks for updating! I'm so relieved she's been found!

Finally Fan was found! :) Love the last bit when she called Darcy Papa and he melted. I melted too :)

So glad that Darcy finally relieve his burden to the old curate ... now he has all the encouragement to confess to Lizzy. Her not returning his letters..hmm..i hope Wickham didn't return to Hertfordshire and told her what Darcy had done.

Look forward to the family reunion! And of course, Darcy's confession
Happy Easter!

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! I know it is just a story, so why am I crying all over the room????????

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful..........

Thank you!

HOw heart breaking was Darcy crushing confession. Totally surprised by the how Fanny was found. Now why do I think that Wicky has been working on Lizzy during her lack of correspondance.

Jan I'm loving your story.
Geri

Two new chapters since I've last read! Jan, you are amazingly quick with your updates.

I absolutely agree with many of the other posters that Darcy needs to be honest with Elizabeth. Although, after reading that she didn't return any of his letters, I'm wondering if it's too late and she already knows. I guess time will tell! I am thrilled, though, that Darcy was able to find Fan unharmed. It's also nice to see him lose his heart a second time around.

Jan, you said there are dark times ahead, and until D & E are honest with each other, I have no doubt of that. However, I'm just extremely content that Fan is well, and am looking forward to the journey of patching their marriage! Thanks for another two wonderful chapters, and thanks also for the kind comments! It's wonderful to be back.

Hi Jan
Enjoying your story so much that I had to comment.

But..but.. I am so worried about Elizabeth. Why won't she respond to Darcy's letters? Surely she must be anxious in hearing any news about Fan. This is speculation on my part but what if Wickham has now kidnapped Elizabeth? What if this was his plan all along - to get Darcy away from Elizabeth by distracting him with finding the child?

Wickham may think that Darcy will pay a higher ransom for Elizabeth rather than Fan. Wickham could have tricked Elizabeth into going with him with the promise of handing Fan over.

I hope this is only my overactive imagination and nothing more. Can't wait till your next post!

An absolutely superb read! Can't wait for the next chapter to see what happens since Darcy has been shot.
Please don't keep us waiting longgggggggggggggg!U3FY

Fan is going to be upset when she learns her papa has been injured. I hope Wickham is dead but it's probably take some time for Elizabeth to forgive Darcy. Thanks for the very exciting chapter, Jan!

I went back to read that ransom note from Wickham, and I am a little surprised that Elizabeth became so angry merely from reading it. After all, it was Wickham and the note seemed to accuse Darcy without specifically pointing out what he had done. As Bingley surmised earlier when he saw the note, it could have meant Wickham still blamed Darcy for not receiving the living earlier and was now using the child to get it.

"Darcy, I have the child. We had a bargain, and you have failed to honour it, but now you will. If you wish to conceal the truth of what you have done from Elizabeth, and if she ever hopes to see her niece again, you will hand over the fortune we agreed upon.
Your search will turn up empty, so do not waste your time. Wait for further notice of when and where you are to deliver the funds.
G Wickham"

Elizabeth seemed to have assumed the very worst of Darcy even before he confessed. She also seemed to not have been impressed with him when he kept his promise and showed up with Fan in tow. After reading that note, I would think she would have expected to see him come back alone. To see him in the carriage with Fan in his lap -- why didn't she run to him and say how glad she was he had gotten the child from the clutches of the kidnapper -- because even if he had paid Wickham, would that not count for something?

Just fussing a bit with Elizabeth whom I have felt throughout is keeping Darcy as much at arms' length as possible. I guess it's her fear of feeling too much? Thank goodness Darcy was shot. The poor man will need to be injured and nearly helpless before Elizabeth gives him a break. Darcy is also fortunate to now have Fan in his corner. She's decided who her parents are and she is not a young lady to be denied.

oh, what the f***!!!!
So, I've started reading this story some time ago, but I kept being behind with the chapters... and today, when I finally catch up.... DARCY IS SHOT AND HALF DEAAAAAD???!?! so noooooo way!

beg your pardon, ladies, but I really neeeded to let it out someway!
and now, on with my comment, hard task, as I kept smiling/crying/laughing and so on all the time!
I see that Fan has everyone wrapped around her little finger (and not only Elizabeth and Darcy, I'm talking about me and I think all the other readers as well ) isn't she just the cutest of things?
and we are so lucky to have her in this story, because now I know that Elizabeth will never have the guts to leave Darcy, as it would hurt Fan too much (hey, as long as they are together, I'm positive they can overcome anything, bullets included )

as we say in Italy "gli fa vedere i sorci verdi" ("she makes him see the green rats" ) oh, but now they will have to spend a lot of time together, after all she is his wife, and he is seriously injured, and he needs some candy to heal doesn't he?


huh, any chance we are having an early post this week? I can't stand to have Darcy all bloody in the middle of the wood

and last: wickham IS dead, right?

Mama, Papa and Fan - sweet, tender moment.
Elizabeth would not be Elizabeth if she did not follow Darcy.
Thank you.

I haven't had a single moment to comment on this fantastic story, but I have been following it as eagerly as everybody else, eating my nails every Sunday in expectation, anguished when the new update did not come before Monday (you have spoiled us there!)

Even today, I have but a couple of minutes to comment, so I will only say this:

I LUUUURV this story!

I agree with all the comments about its excellence

My vote goes to: Wickham is dead.

And the Bingley sisters: what witches! I hope the story lasts long enough to see them get their comeuppance.

Great, great work.

Lovely chapter, my dear. Thank you and I will look forward to the next one.

It's a shoulder wound-- but then again people died of infection back then -- so good grief, chewing my nails down to the nubs again. Loved the sweet interaction with Papa and the child. No longer anxious about Elizabeth making it tough on Darcy-- for heaven's sake, he took a bullet for her-- she's got to forgive his "concealment." Again, wishing the week away again until your next post.

thumb up!

Thank you, everyone, for all the comments! They keep me going, and I really appreciate them. Contessa and Rori, I welcome your remarks and am glad to know you are reading the story.

I hope the next chapter answers most of your questions and concerns. Thanks for staying with me throughout this ride.

I did think Elizabeth would listen. Was the raven deep enough to keep Wickham away until help comes? Would Bingley not have listened as well? Will Lizzy have to go to help or will help come?

Did she listen and fall to the ground? Oh dear 3 more days until I get some answers.

Thank you Jan lovely story

Geri

Wow! What a place to leave it! Like many, I'm hoping Wickham is maybe dead in the ravine, and that either Bingley followed or Elizabeth will be able to run and get some help. Thank you for another wonderful chapter! I'm thrilled Elizabeth knows the truth and now the two of them can move towards having a real marriage.

P.S. I'm glad you had a good vacation! Welcome back!

Thrilling chapter, Jan! Darcy mans up to his misdeeds, Elizabeth's response is righteous anger. I bet she had a different perspective of it all once she heard Darcy and Wickham's exchange, especially right after Fan called for her Papa. Did she hear that Darcy did it because he loves her??

Poor Wickham, everyone knows that Cutter's Wood is a dangerous place!

Chapter 17 is up, my dears. And what a chapter it is! Mrs Darcy is thrilled.

They finally found their forgiveness!

Irene
GRC

Yes, Yes, and as long as I get to read it! At last they have come together! She loves him and he knows it! YAY!

Thank you! Thank you!

I think we all expected (hoped!) that they would reach a moment of accord, and it seems so close now it almost feels as if it has happened. But as we end the chapter, they're still in separate bedrooms. To be continued at Pemberley! Poor Darcy, I really wish for his sake that Elizabeth had been willing to, eh, spend a little more time in his bedroom at Netherfield now that he has his strength back.

But I get it. She has a legitimate gripe against him and his being injured doesn't wipe that slate clean. She's too smart and self-possessed to simply fall into his arms and say it's all forgiven. As eager as I am to see them deliriously happy together (I don't know if Jan plans to give us a moment like that?), I would respect Elizabeth less if she could so quickly shrug off the past simply because he says I love you. Too much other stuff, just like at Hunsford.

I also like how Darcy is shown NOT milking her sympathy for all it's worth. He must have liked lying in bed and having her read to him and be at his beck and call. But that's not the life he wants with her, and he demands that they face their issues head-on. I love this Darcy for that.

And, Fan, too --I love the way she fits into this. Kids often do offer their love easily and completely, and sometimes even to parents who abuse them. Elizabeth questions Darcy's intentions toward Fan, as she should. To his credit, it seems never to occur to him to use Fan's new affection for him as a way to manipulate Mama. Everything he feels for Fan is honest and true, no attempt to win Elizabeth by suddenly being a good father to the child she loves. He is just being a good father because that's who is.

at long last!!! was it really so hard to say?

but, oh so sweet a chapter *__* I'm sorry I can't find better words, but they are so right for each other!

I will have to find something very exciting to keep me busy this week, I really can't wait to read what's next!

I am positive I speak for everyone here when I say YES JAN! PLEEEEEASE!


I honestly would have been disappointed if it happened like that, after all we've read before...


the fact that he is hot and rich doesn't hurt either
(couldn't stop myself sorry )

Marvellous!!!

Thanks...thanks...thanks!

De-lurking to say how thrilled I am to be reading another exceptionally wonderful story by Jan H! Your style is unique and captivating: I am particularly pleased to be reading this story from Darcy's point of view. From the comments, it is clear that your writing talents are bringing joy to many, but I wanted in particular to add my own: Thank you!

Oh, Darcy, you've learned how to set aside your pride and begin anew. So has Elizabeth, both of them confessing what we knew all along, that they loved each other. So Wonderful! Jan, your Darcys are so beautifully human, love their flaws along with their charm.

On to Pemberley, please!

I think you're stories are so wonderful-thanks for the hours of entertainment. You are a gifted story teller-Mary

Poor Mr Wickham!To break his crown in manner of Jack and Jill! And poor Mr Darcy! For ever tied to make love only at Pemberley!LOL
Thank you for a lovely chapter. I hope you already have some other story just as entertaining.
Male

Yay! Ding Dong the Wick is dead!! He was such an inhuman being I can’t feel a bit sorry for his death only rejoice that he can’t hurt Elizabeth or Fan again!

What a sad ending. Darcy’s father had such high hopes for him and look how he ended up.

I can’t get over how Darcy has changed toward Fan. So different from when he first met her.

Actually, by the time he had gotten to this part, I was hoping he would get sick. This sounded so much like his aunt Catherine I wanted to smack him. If he has any hope of ever having a happy marriage, he needs to stop the proclamations and begin to work as a couple for the good of both.


Yes you did…you conspired with the devil and almost lost the one thing you valued most! Elizabeth truly did have 2 children on her hands and she still does to a certain extent. Darcy’s lies and half-truths have made the whole situation very confusing for Elizabeth. She doesn’t know what to believe.

I suspect that Darcy will still have a lot of ground to make up and I can’t even imagine what will happen with his own family or even those of Caroline Bingley’s ilk. Darcy needs to learn to share everything with Elizabeth and to lose some of his aunt Catherine’s personality. They have a long trip to Pemberley...it will be interesting to see how they manage once they are there.

You have given us such a flawed Darcy...more so than most. Disguise has been his constant companion rather than an abhorrence and his own pride and vanity have allowed him to make decisions for people he had no right to make. Elizabeth fell in love with him before she found out about his conspiring with Wickham. When she married Darcy, all she knew was that the one person who loved her was Fan and Darcy’s dealings with Wickham almost lost her Fan. She is right…perhaps they can start over at Pemberley, removed from the lies and the heartbreak that has surrounded them at Netherfield. Fan loves her Mama and her Papa…maybe they can truly become a family.

I really love this story Jan as I love all your stories and can’t wait for more to see how our little family is faring!

Oh, how I LOVED this chapter! The scenes with Darcy and Fan are absolutely heartwarming. And I am so glad that our dear couple finally declared their love to each other. Thank you so much.

Thank you, everyone, for all the kind comments. And thank you, Kathryn Ann, for de-lurking! It's always extra pleasing when a new reader speaks up. I can safely say that all cliffies are over because the next chapter is the last.

See you Sunday.

Ahh...finally! :) I do agree wholeheartedly that ODC should start anew at Pemberley. I wonder if what Darcy had done is ever made known to Bingley??

Anyway, a very beautiful chapter, brought tears to my eyes when Lizzy finally declared her love :)

Yay for no more cliffies! But I'm sad that next chapter will be the last. Look forward!

Thanks for the new chapters, Jan! I loved the transition from Elizabeth's anger to love. I agree that they should start anew when they get home. I am glad Fan is acting as if she is happy and secure and no longer acting out. The DArcy family should be a happy one!

Jan, I love your story and wait for the new chapter impatiently every week! Therefore I'm a little upset that the next chapter will be the last... I hope to read more about Lizzy and Darcy's life after they made amends.
Well, all I can do is to be thankful for this wonderful story and wait for you posting a new one!

Jan,

I found this wonderful story last night and have read it straight through. It has recognizable elements from some of your others. I count myself lucky in my timing, being able to read it from beginning to end nearly without a break.

Thank you!

Carol

I am sooooo sad it's over! I anticipated the new chapters every week, refreshing my screen repeatedly for hours on posting days. I should say thank you and praise you Jan for a job well done but all I can find in my heart to say is waaaaaaah! I can't even beg for an epilogue since that was too perfect. Maybe a sequel? Hehe.

It is so beautiful, the beginning, the middle, and the end! Thank you, Jan, for this wonderful story. We suffered thru some angst but it is all worth it to see ODC so happy in their marriage. I like that Lizzy's persistence paid off eventually with Lady C's visit to Pemberley and her interaction with Fan :)

Look forward to more stories from you, Jan!

Jan, I am sad that the end has come. This story, as all of your stories, are so well written. I've enjoyed this story and will be reading over and over again in the future.

Wolfie

A most fitting end to a lovely love story! I like how you close out everyone's story, including Lady C and Caroline. Darcy's determination and generosity is matched by Elizabeth's patience and kindness. With parents like this, the child had little chance to grow up to be anything other than delightful. Nurture making the best of nature.

Jan, Thank you so much for the beautiful ending to your story. Sometimes the story mad me cry, be angry and laugh, and that's a good thing.

Irene
GRC

I very much enjoyed reading this story Jan.

Glad it all worked out well.
I really like how Darcy excepted and loved Fan as his own in the end & that there will be no retaliation on Wickhams part is an extra bonus.

It all came together beautifully, thanks for the good read!

Fitzwilliam Darcy and the killing of the pillow
at least it was for the best of the causes! That scene, it was just perfect! so sweet and yet entertaining (trust Elizabeth to make someone laugh at the oddest moments )
and a great metaphor too of how they managed to overcome the wall of misunderstandings they had built.

as for the rest of the chapter, simply the perfect ending to a wonderful story. I really enjoyed it, so Jan, thank you very much for sharing

It was so beautiful, perfect...Jan thank you for the one more of your stories which must be reread.

Wow…listening to Darcy talk about Fan and her nightmares after Wickham, and how she behaved in spite of all the strange places they stopped at…such a difference from this trip and the one to London and back to Netherfield.

This just melted my heart! What a wonderful scene…yes…he had come a long way! And putting his ‘family’ first was such a big step!


Of course she hid her feelings. He didn’t tell her he loved her when he asked her to marry him at Longbourn…he just saidand
Through Elizabeth’s shame and disgrace of her family, those were words that said the opposite. She had to hide her feelings to protect her own heart. These two had been at cross-purposes for so long!

In spite of how long it took them to get there, it’s fitting that their wedding night should happen at Pemberley.

Their banter when he found her in his bed was delightful! And when he saw the pillow and told herAnd then he threw the pillow out the window and later threatened to ‘drown’ it! I was howling with laughter. I could see this entire scene as it happened! Wonderful visual!

I wasn’t surprised at Caroline Bingley not marrying. Someone with that much spite and bitterness really does take on the hard and drawn features to match their personality. I can’t imagine anyone who could live with her.

Lady Catherine is the one who really surprised me, too. Getting to know Fan and helping her with her art…and telling Elizabeth that Wickham’s mother also had artistic talent which she rarely used. But the part I really had to laugh at was
Somehow, I don’t think they really mind! Darcy was so much like his aunt…haughty, proud, overbearing! She could have gone on to become a lonely, bitter old woman much like Caroline Bingley…but she, like Darcy, became a better person…and it was all because of ‘the child’.

Fan truly became Darcy’s daughter…from the moment she first called him Papa! And I laughed when, like a typical Papa…he panicked when he had to give her away and vowed the man she was to marry wasn’t good enough for her!

But most of all…I truly enjoyed the final scene when Darcy admitted that he sometimes was ill-tempered on purpose! What a long journey these two have been on to get to this wonderful place of love and family. Whether Darcy realizes it or not…Elizabeth was right…it all did seem to be by accident…they might never have gotten together if it hadn’t been for ‘the child’.

Your stories always give me such a wonderful array of emotions and this one is no different! I enjoyed every bit of it and it is another one I will re-read again and again! It's such a beautiful love story...but not just love between a man and a woman...but love of family and the love for a child.
Stories like this are also my escape into the world of early 19th century England and with my favorite couple!

Thank you so much Jan…now…when is the next one?!

A beautiful ending and epilogue, Jan. In reviewing their marriage and children, they both seem to forget that Elizabeth was not the mother who bore Fan. And, of course, Darcy was as much her papa as Elizabeth was her mama. Thank you for another one of your satisfying stories!

Carol