I was so happy to see a new chapter but then WICKHAM - this is his way of acting . Please post soon and don't separate L and D I think I couldn't bare that.
Thank you
Oh what a lovely looong chapter.
Except for the non reconciliation between B&D, everything was so beautiful, now the missing ring and the dastardly Wickham.
Please more soon Tanya, Irene
OMG Tanya has posted another chapter. What a fantastic surprise.
And what a gripping chapter it turned out to be.
Poor Lizzy! Trying desperately to get her brother and Jamie to be friends again. Quite naively really.
What a voice of mature strength Malvena is with her sensible words to Lizzie... and even Darcy seemed to think that the friendship would never get back to what it was.
But..............................................
What we all dreaded has happened......Jamie arrested for treason. Darcy's ring as evidence. And, I suspect, we all know who is guilty. But where is he? Will he accost Georgiana on her way back to Pemberley?
Malvena and Jamie know that the ring went missing before the massacre but surely the authorities will not take Malvena's word.
I think Jamie is in deep trouble and I do not know if even Darcy can save him. Or how
O.M.G. Tanya!! What a nail biter!! Will Malvina's young friend be able to testify that it was Wickham who handed over the map? Please, please tell us you won't keep us hanging here for long. Goodness...treason!!
A beautiful chapter in large part about the magnificent love that continues to grow between the young couple Darcy and Elizabeth--nice also to see the lovely state of marriage between Elizabeth's brother and his wife Malvina. Although the reticent Regency wife Elizabeth won't gossip with her sister about private moments with Darcy or ask about similar times Mal shares with Jamie, one of my favorite moments was this:
Oh, she thought, I know all about men who dote upon us.
So, I loved this chapter and thank you, Tanya, for it.
Now to this chapter's bombshell revelation, the reappearance of the snake, the very thing I feared. Wickham has set Jamie up, and Jamie faces death for treason. As if that were not bad enouogh, it will not end there. Jamie's family and all his connections will be tainted for generations. (Benedict Arnold even to this day is hardly a proud name in the U.S., and it would be a similar situation for the fictional James Bennet.)
I wonder how many chapters it will take for this to be resolved and how fast you will offer those chapters? I have no doubt or question at all but that they will be good.
Also, what of Georgiana? I am happy to know that the colonel accompanied her back to Pemberley. Often, I am opposed to matching very young girls with men twice their age, but it did work for Colonel Brandon and Marianne. Also, although they are cousins, Georgiana is such a sheltered and hothouse flower, perhaps only someone who knows her very well could ever tend her in the best way. So, is the colonel her intended?
I must say I was disturbed early on in the chapter with this line from Darcy as he reacted to Georgiana's reluctance to accompany the group to London for Caro's wedding:
"Georgie," Darcy said patiently. "There is no gain in always being proper."
I feared that was some foreshadowing of the reappearance of Wickham, but given he has already apparently wreaked havoc on Jamie, will he also threaten G in some way, too?
Again, thank you for this chapter. It came just as I had reread the previous one so often I knew it by heart!
I would thank you for the long wonderful update
but I'm mad that you did this to Jamie
I wonder where Wickham was, I knew things were too good to be true, I bet he did it, didn't he, mayhap he framed Jamie as well, as Jamie did not like him from the start. I hope one of the Tiger gang will be export to England to stand trial and testify and ensure that they mistaken Jamie.
Darcy & Bennet best-friendship no more, I don't think so, given that Jamie had the signet ring with him in India. I wonder when Jamie lost his ring anyway.
I am loving how Elizabeth and Darcy grow closer and closer. Even though there is a hint of sadness from Elizabeth about being childless, I am glad that she is having this alone time with Darcy. I think they need it.
I love your Malvena, she has spunk and a great deal of "tell it like it is". She and Jamie are so perfect for each other. I hope she stays strong through this ordeal especially being with child.
Is this part of the story is where Darcy comes in and figures things out and Jamie is finally freed with there friendship not going back to what it was, but becoming more than what it was? I hope so.
Your writing is aw inspiring with such descriptions as this:
"She had come to know the feel of Darcy's hands on her skin as he drew these things off her figure..."
and
" ...like sweet water. It tipped over the edge and flowed through her like a river, for a long, long, long time."
This was a great chapter. I love that it was lenghthy. I hope you don't keep us hanging for too long. Thank you.
teb
Thank you, Tanya, for another wonderful long chapter. Everything was looking perfect till Wickham (it has to be him right??) came to wreck it! Is this akin to the canon Darcy-to-the-rescue-of-lydia episode? I hope in this case, Jamie will be acquitted soon...and it could well be a chance for Darcy and Jamie to have an improved friendship. Please do not keep us too long from the next chapter!
I am loving how Elizabeth and Darcy grow closer and closer. Even though there is a hint of sadness from Elizabeth about being childless, I am glad that she is having this alone time with Darcy. I think they need it.
I love your Malvena, she has spunk and a great deal of "tell it like it is". She and Jamie are so perfect for each other. I hope she stays strong through this ordeal especially being with child.
Is this part of the story is where Darcy comes in and figures things out and Jamie is finally freed with there friendship not going back to what it was, but becoming more than what it was? I hope so.
Your writing is aw inspiring with such descriptions as this:
"She had come to know the feel of Darcy's hands on her skin as he drew these things off her figure..."
and
" ...like sweet water. It tipped over the edge and flowed through her like a river, for a long, long, long time."
This was a great chapter. I love that it was lenghthy. I hope you don't keep us hanging for too long. Thank you.
teb
DITTO! DITTO! DITTO! I can't add more than that except that I can't wait for more!
I came to this website with a feeling that Strange Bedfellows updated, and I can't believe I was right.
I've missed this story so much. I'm loving the time Darcy and Elizabeth have together. I can't wait for more. I hope that they will grow more open to one another.
Poor Jamie and Malvina! And for her to be pregnant and sick too.
Loving the drama in this series, but hoping for a quick update!!
Perhaps the real love of Lord Gregory's life was Darcy. (Go back to all the earlier innuendos just roiling beneath the surface about homosexuality). And are we ever to find out Wickham's dastardly deed?
A particularly lovely chapter. I thought once the consummation of D and E happened, it would be over. But apparently, there can be more than one consummation. Thank Heavens!
Just want to give a big thank you to Renee for supporting this story! Since HG is no longer around, if Renee didn't keep up this website we wouldn't have Strange Bedfellows!
Thank you Renee, also for supporting other authors I love as well!
Tanya – I love reading how the love between Elizabeth & Darcy has developed. But I hope Elizabeth does not misunderstand Darcy’s reticence regarding Jamie’s situation. Will he call Fitzwilliam back to town to aid with the investigation? The mystery man must be Wickham!
Tanya, I insist that if you are to leave us with this horrible news that you return asap with another post and a more cheerful outcome!
I thought things were winding down. I thought maybe Wickham really did die in the fire because I thought once D&E were physically together it was done.
I'm glad that my original thought that Wicky was still off doing his dastardly things was correct only because that means this lovely story has more to entertain us with.
I was so afraid that Lizzy was going to go balistic when she found out that the ring Darcy gave her brother is the reason he is tied to this case of Treason. Is all I can hope is that the Indian man who related the tale will say it isn't Jamie once he sees him.
I can't breath, I can't breath! It's such an exciting chapter filled with everything! Thank you Tanya! I love this story so much and every time it's updated I know I would not be disappointed :)
Just want to give a big thank you to Renee for supporting this story! Since HG is no longer around, if Renee didn't keep up this website we wouldn't have Strange Bedfellows!
Thank you Renee, also for supporting other authors I love as well!
A fascinating and deeply disturbing development. After all this time, and so far from the events, how is Jamie to convince anyone of his innocence?
I wonder if Fitzwilliam's contacts will help.
Both Darcy and Malvina seem to feel Elizabeth is emotionally immature. This is a bit disconcerting. Perhaps her expectations are unrealistic, but she has matured greatly in her years away from Pemberley.
This story continues to fascinate.
Thank you,
JulietR
Wow, this story continues to be the best in JAFF. Excellent!! Although I have taken the opportunity to read it plenty here online, I hope the author will follow the trend into offline publishing because I would love to have this as an old-fashioned printed book in my hands.
This chapter particularly feels like we are starting a new story but with the rich knowledge of all that has gone before--the relationships, the comings-together, the regrets. I like the way Tanya seems to lead us one way but takes us someplace different--example, I was sure that Caroline's wedding would be a farce and the lady would once again live up to (down to?) her miserable reputation and behavior so far displayed. I love the way that that subplot is underplayed here, and I love the way we can luxuriate in the love affair that is Will and Lizzy, with echoes of Elizabeth's brother and his wife enjoying the same kind of happy marriage.
It all seemed liked fun and games until--with nary a hint of ominous music or gray skies, everything becomes quite serious. Their wonderful life, well, at least, Bennet's family, is threatened. No way that Darcy and Elizabeth can just walk away from that, right? Well, maybe--suppose Darcy says, it's their problem?
Elizabeth began to cry in great, weak, desperate gulps, and her husband, though he held her, said nothing to reassure her.
The moment reminds me of Elizabeth at her most dispairing after reading Jane's letter--she never dared hope Darcy would stick around once Lydia eloped with his worst enemy. I wonder what Darcy will do here?
What a great treat to read this wonderful post when the snow won't stop!!! I'm so hopeful D&E have come far enough in their relationship to not have this new development wreak havoc. So many secrets still to be revealed..write on, Tanya!! As fast as may be!!!
Thank you Tanya for another wonderful instalment.
It feels as if my birthday has come around for a second time this year.
Your story is so heartwarming and well written I can only say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
It all seemed liked fun and games until--with nary a hint of ominous music or gray skies, everything becomes quite serious. Their wonderful life, well, at least, Bennet's family, is threatened. No way that Darcy and Elizabeth can just walk away from that, right? Well, maybe--suppose Darcy says, it's their problem?
Elizabeth began to cry in great, weak, desperate gulps, and her husband, though he held her, said nothing to reassure her.
The moment reminds me of Elizabeth at her most dispairing after reading Jane's letter--she never dared hope Darcy would stick around once Lydia eloped with his worst enemy. I wonder what Darcy will do here?
I wanted to cry when I read the last part of the chapter! my jamie trapped by that scumbag T_T
and what's worse, everybody thinks he's dead, how long will it take them to understand who's behind all this?
and about Darcy's reaction, I say he will act to protect Jamie, firstly, probably, thinking only about his own reputation, after all they are brothers now, he won't stand see his family tainted this way. But I'm hoping in the process they will become friends again? *_*
and above all, I hope to have my wish come true: tell me they will beat W ass!!!!
Wow, this story continues to be the best in JAFF. Excellent!! Although I have taken the opportunity to read it plenty here online, I hope the author will follow the trend into offline publishing because I would love to have this as an old-fashioned printed book in my hands.
This chapter particularly feels like we are starting a new story but with the rich knowledge of all that has gone before--the relationships, the comings-together, the regrets. I like the way Tanya seems to lead us one way but takes us someplace different--example, I was sure that Caroline's wedding would be a farce and the lady would once again live up to (down to?) her miserable reputation and behavior so far displayed. I love the way that that subplot is underplayed here, and I love the way we can luxuriate in the love affair that is Will and Lizzy, with echoes of Elizabeth's brother and his wife enjoying the same kind of happy marriage.
It all seemed liked fun and games until--with nary a hint of ominous music or gray skies, everything becomes quite serious. Their wonderful life, well, at least, Bennet's family, is threatened.
I agree. Keep up the excellent work, Tanya! You are the best. I can't wait for the next chapter - and it most certainly will be a wait . But please don't let it be too long!
Many thanks to Renée for continuing to host these stories. We are all grateful.
I am so sorry that it took me so long to find this story. No wonder with so many other stories posted in here.
I think I love this one best too!!
I did not have the time to finish reading it all..I will try to catch up. I too wish for no more misunderstandings between E & D. Even though Elizabeth feelings have not been spoken I am sure they are unchanged.
I am so sorry that it took me so long to find this story. No wonder with so many other stories posted in here.
I think I love this one best too!!
I did not have the time to finish reading it all..I will try to catch up. I too wish for no more misunderstandings between E & D. Even though Elizabeth feelings have not been spoken I am sure they are unchanged.
I really had to laugh when I read this note. Don't worry about time to finish reading it all... You'll have plenty of time to catch up before the next chapter, I am willing to wager--and like Darcy, I only wager on sure things.
I love this story and find I have time to memorize it while waiting for the next chapter--not that I am complaining. I would love if the chapters came faster, but I will take them however they come, with great gratitude for such lovely work.
Hey everyone, I've been reading Strangebedfellows again, and I'm at the part where they are at Lord Gregory's party. I was wondering if any of you know what the "exceedingly stupid" thing that Darcy said he did while they were dancing.
I always wondered what he was talking about, and I wonder if anyone knows if that was ever revealed.
I've always thought he meant the "exceedingly stupid" thing was falling in love with Elizabeth.
I dunno, that is always the impression I got. Anybody else have an opinion?
I think the stupid thing Darcy refers to is his taking only the first two dances on her card and then being forced to watch her dance with man after man.
"Mrs. Darcy," he murmured. He was still holding her hand, their fingers tightly twined. There was turmoil in his eyes. "I am afraid I might have done something exceedingly stupid."
She only opened her mouth to ask him what it was; but at that moment, her next partner materialized at her side, quite anxious for her company. Elizabeth felt like hitting the unfortunate man over the head with something heavy. She almost wished that Darcy should refuse to give her up. But he only smiled at her and dropped her hand.
"I shall see you later, madam."
With that, he disappeared into the crowd.
It's in Chapter 21. She finds him and gives him his birthday gift shortly after. And when she asks what was the stupid thing later when they are in bed, he demurs from answering the question. I think at that point he is thinking he has fallen in love with her but earlier I think it was the dance card thing.
Could be wrong, of course. Only the writer knows for sure what she meant--I mean, I guess she knows what she meant. Perhaps she meant for us to speculate.
no new chapter...
well, but never mind that, I'm willing to wait if the next one is as good as the previous *_*
as for the 'exceedingly stupid' thing, I agree with Lacy... he is jealous of seeing her dance with other men, and so thinks himself stupid for not having granted all the dances for himself, or, even for not having stayed at home alone with her
I love this story. It's becoming a novel on it's own.
I hope the story will continue, 'caus I realy want to know what happens with Jamie. (Suppose Wickham is in on it.)
Renee:
There was a time when Tanya wrote a personal blog. Does she still do that? Have you made any contact with her? Any hope of her finishing this story? Thanks for letting us know.
First of all, please excuse my long silence. I did not mean to be ungracious. Real life has had me beat for the last six months or so! Unfortunately for me, I work in a field that requires constant reading and mental processing of information (of the if, then, kind), and I come home with the best intentions to keep working on the story, and instead end up listening to the motors whirring in my mind. Sadly, it has a somewhat deadening effect on inspiration.
That said, I have not abandoned the story but am working on it a little bit at a time (sometimes very little). I greatly appreciate your continued interest and the fact that you have not given up on me.