What does a "fortnight" mean, precisely? Because I love this story and the cliffhanger endings are driving me CRAZY....

Thanks for the warning about the delayed posting. That better not be the good doctor's weight on her bed. Ellen, the cliffhanger and the delayed post is cruel, but I love it! I'll try to wait patiently. Cindy

That better not be the good doctor's weight on her bed.

Indeed, Cindy! *shudder* or... Mr. Wickham ... I'd die! Let us hope for a certain gentleman we all love so dearly... I'm so curious to learn about the person in the first place and his motive in the second! Can't wait, but we have to exercise patience.

Whoa! Who on earth came into her room?? My first instinct was Darcy....then I had this awful feeling that it was Mr. Hampton because Darcy couldn't write a note not being able to see. Oh man...my ticker is getting a work out here.

What an amazing serious of miscommunications. I believe Jane and Darcy to be on the same page at the moment, but now the Colonel is wildly off track and heaven knows what Mr. Hampton has done or will do if he catches wind of Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth.

You keep me guessing at every flip of the virtual page, Ellen! I love you, man! LOL

Doesn't anyone lock their bedroom door at night? As soon as the dr. said he would give her a powder (i.e., hard core narcotic) I knew someone would come in her room.

Over at HG there is a NC-17 story where Caroline came into Darcy's room twice and . . . ah I can't discuss it. Lock the door! WTF!

STEVIEB

Geeezzzz. Cant believe we have to wait two weeks (DJ Clawson: a fortnight is two weeks, check out dictionary.com it has helped me with lots of "regency" terms).

Why did you have to leave us like that? I swear, these stories make me feel like I am back in elementary school being punished...

Of course, thanks for the chapter. I loved it.

Woah i love this chapter, it has alot of interesting things going on! It was Hampton that came to my mind when said that someone came to Lizzy's bed, since he gave her the drug to sleep and he might abuse his doctor's rights. But am praying hard, really HARD that it's Darcy with his "shuffling step of feet" and "the agonized whisper of her name - "Elizabeth!""

These weekly postings are really toying with my impatience and now we have to wait two!

I truly hope it is Darcy and he could still write a note. It would likely be short and would not be in his fine script, but he could do it. Try writing with your eyes closed, it's not that hard.

Hmmm... library=Hunsford?

LOVE THE STORY SO FAR! CAN'T WAIT FOR MORE.

Okay Ellen, MORE MORE MORE, Love your story.....
I hope it was Darcy that came, "moved slowly and carefully in the darkness" unable to see, HE would have to do this, PLEASE PLEASE HOPE IT IS HIM!
Jane's "other theory" has to be that the Colonel confused Bennett sisters...right? Soooo Darcy has to know Lizzy's interest......that's MY story and I'm sticking to it! LOVE THIS STORY....

Maybe Jane wrote the note for Darcy. I really don't want it to be the good doctor's weight on her bed. By the way, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this story!

I don't want to be cynical, but if it was Darcy coming to her bed then she'd be really mad at him...it must be that dishonorable Mr. Hampton as he calls himself. The note is quite perplexing...could it have been written by someone else?...Maybe Jane did write it for Darcy when she was in the library with him?...how long did the mysterious stranger stay in bed with her...did he do anything other than kiss her...if she was compromised (ie. if someone saw him going into her room) she'll have to marry him...

Have a great vacation Ellen...you'll be missed...hurry back....

Frances

oooohhhhh! Who could it be? I hope it was Darcy, because he has already kissed her and knows how her lips feel! Eagerly awaiting the next chapter!

I really enjoyed this chapter, Ellen. Looking forward to the next one, so I can see what the note says!

And I want to see Elizabeth give Mr. Hampton heck for not telling her his plans for Nova Scotia.

Two WEEKS???? I can't take it!!!
It has to be the DR. I can't see how Darcy would know of Elizabeth staying there until after Jane left the Library so she couldn't write the note for him. And Jane wouldn't want Darcy to go into Elizabeth's room to give her that note.I hope there will be two chapters in two weeks.... I Love this story!!!!!

If Lizzy thinks Darcy likes Jane, will she accept Mr. Hampton? Elizabeth knows Jane would prefer Mr. Bingley but she might think her mother would force Jane to accept Darcy because of his money. Maybe I'm getting worried for nothing....I hope. Keep up the good work, Ellen. I certainly can't wait for more!

Frances said the word compromised. Could it be that the good doctor will do that on purpose so she will have to marry him? I'm not sure I'll survive to find out. Cindy

Thanks for all the love, ladies!

Sorry I can't be around for the next couple of weeks. Gotta go look after my menfolk (DH and son) as they work in Detroit. I'll certainly be writing...the old fashioned way, by longhand! I will definitely have a chapter, or maybe two, ready to post when I come back.

I appreciate your patience!

I for one think your timing is impeccable--I won't be able to check in for next two weeks, so when I return I will be right on schedule with the story! Of course, it would have been lovely to come back to two chapters instead of these torturous cliffhangers. Hmm.

Anyway, I belong to the "It's the Doctor" camp, though it's not because I want it to be. I am hopeful that it could be Darcy, but how would he know she was there? When Jane met with Darcy in library neither knew Lizzy was staying the night, so no note writing just then would make sense. Plus even a careful treading across room would have to be supplemented by careful leaning down for kiss; Darcy wouldn't have risked her waking as he found the right spot.

The cliffhangers seem to resolve themselves relatively painlessly. Should we look for more angst?

Still, for now Jane and Darcy appear clear on things. Colonel knows Wickham is around. And Lizzy senses that Colonel is wrong about his view of Darcy's inclinations (though her questioning at this point is very frustrating to me). So all in all, things are proceeding quite nicely. Funny that I feel that way, as I don't even know what to predict because so many things are so up in the air! Love it!

Ellen,

I love this story so much and am eternally grateful for the warning that it will be two weeks before I get another fix. It helps to know how to pace oneself (cough).

I'm undecided about who the bed hopper is. We all hope that it's Darcy but in truth, it's probably smarmy Mr. Hampton come to compromise Lizzy so she'll have to marry him. Yuck!

Well, I'll just re-read from the beginning to alleviate my suffering until you return.

Thanks for this (and all your others) fabulous tale.

-Pamala

I am distressed that it will be 2 weeks before another post, but we must soldier on.

I am leaning toward it being Darcy....after all, isn't Elizabeth due a letter after a disastrous proposal. I believe Jane would have happily helped him out, even if there was no idea she'd be staying at Netherfield. He probably would have planned to give it to her at another time. The shuffling feet in the dark make me think it was Darcy--wouldn't someone else have a candle?

I think it was Darcy the one that placed the letter.

Jane could have easily gone back to find him, after Elizabeth was setled, and write the letter for him. She could have even told him in which room she was to stay. Even if she didn't tell him which room, it wouldn't have been that hard for him to find out, through a trusty valet, not only the information about where she is staying but even perhaps be guided, through a more discreet route, to said room.

I also think it was Darcy. I bet that Darcy dictated a letter for Jane to write. He could have planned on giving it to her another time but then found out she was staying the night. I know you're gone, Ellen, but I can't wait until you are able to be back and posting more!

Is two weeks up yet? This is torture! I love this story Ellen and I hope the "menfolk" are doing fine.

Dare I say it??? Darcy would be the popular choice but I doubt we'll be that lucky...its got to be the Jekyl/Hyde doctor. Adds more angst to the soup!

Gotta love the story tho....is it time to post yet?

Frances

Two week has got to be getting close. The suspense is killing me. I, too, am hoping for Darcy but feel it's the doctor. Please post ASAP! Cindy

It's been a fortnight plus 1 day. I'm an anxious reader awaiting...

Darcy. It has to be Darcy...

I'm back from Detroit, ladies. (Loved the people, wasn't wild about the city.)

And now all I can say is...

Soon.

Welcome back, darlin'



See how happy I am!

Yeah, Ellen you're back!

Thanks!

Hey, Basia, loved the blindfolded smiley!

Ellen, I’m glad you liked the emoticon. Just think how inspiring it is. Darcy recovers, but for some reason, he is hiding the truth that he can see. Or maybe, after the happy end, he and Lizzy can play hide and seek. I wonder, who would win

I wonder, who would win

Both of them, I daresay!

Chapter 16 is up, my dears. Enjoy! But prepare yourself for more angst...

"Though if I truly loved the man, I would follow him to the ends of the earth"

"Who is the blind one now?" Sweet Jane

Ellen, it was absolutely wonderful chapter. I fear our two lovers still have many obstacles on their road to happiness, but the chapter was so very lovely.
So, Lizzy is slowly falling in love, right? What the doctor is going to do? After his angry reaction (which Darcy could not see) I was afraid he’s going to hurt Darcy. You won’t let he, will you?
But why Darcy is running away?
Thank you!

YESSSS!!

I'm so glad I was wrong about who wrote the letter!! This was a great chapter but I sense Lizzy might fall into some sort of trap with Mr. Hampton...he might lie to her about Darcy and convince her to marry him!

Now there's even more anxiety for our young lovers to muddle through...I hope Darcy gets his sight back soon!

Thanks for a great update!

Frances

Yes, it was Darcy who left the letter!

Hopefully Elizabeth will let him explain himself, since he apologized in the letter and to Jane. His remore is real, and she should be able to see that.

Now we just need to send Lydia off to Nova Scotia with Dr. Hampton, and all will be well! ;)

Oh this story is progressing beautifully. I am on tenterhooks. I can hardly bear to go on holiday for fear I will miss an update! Thank heavens for internet cafes.
Great stuff Ellen, thank you.

YAY, Ellen is back from vacation and we have a new post for her wonderful story! I was glad I was right about Darcy giving Elizabeth the letter, but somehow I am almost afraid for Darcy since he came clean to the Doctor. I am not so sure I trust a man that feels he has been duped out of a chance to secure a wife. Watch out Darcy, I don't trust this guy! Welcome back Ellen and I can't wait for more soon, but I do have a question, since Mrs Darcy is going on vacation, is there a chance that we could get two chapters before she leaves? Please?

How can we get Elizabeth to Pemberley? Perhaps Jane and Bingley can marry and she can travel with them???? Or Kent, I'd take Kent...let's just get them in the same room, and take Elizabeth's blinders off. Maybe when she sees him again he'll be able to see her as well. The angst has to have a purpose, and I'm thinking it's for greater happiness...

Yea!!! The mystery of the letter is solved and I do believe it is to the delight of us all. I fear for Darcy also because the doctor obviously has a deceitful streak in him since he was going to deceive Elizabeth. Jane was very helpful in relaying her conversation with Darcy to Elizabeth. How can we get Elizabeth and Darcy together? HMMMMMMM Thanks for the great chapter and I do hope you post very soon. I love this story!!! Cindy

Another excellent chapter, Ellen. It was good that Darcy was so resourceful as to have his valet pen the letter. (Especially since if Miss Bingley saw the direction she wouldn't be curious about who wrote it. I don't think she could prevent herself from reading a note from Darcy to Elizabeth Bennet!)

So Lizzy understands at least part of what Darcy was trying to convey. Is there any chance that Jane could arrange for Bingley to send a message to Pemberley if needed?? As others have mentioned, I have no particular trust in Hampton any more. I hope Darcy's servants can protect him against any shenanigans the doctor might try in revenge, although I daresay that prospect is a bit melodramatic. On the other hand, he still might try to con Lizzy by misleading her about Darcy's recovery, in which case Bingley could write to find out the truth.

(BTW, I don't think that Darcy will visit Kent as someone suggested. Lady Catherine is unbearable enough when one is able to walk away from her presence--a blind man would be trapped! Unhappy thought, indeed.)

If in the next chapter Hampton tries to make up with Lizzy, I hope she shows him the door, permanently.
And that if Wickham tries to ingratiate himself at Longbourne, that Lizzy and Jane are successful in booting him out.

But of course, what I will be most interested to see is how you manage to bring Darcy to health. Oh, will Lizzy go on the Derbyshire tour with the Gardiners?????

Looking forward to seeing what you've planned. Thanks for posting.
Cheers,
Margaret

Ellen,

Welcome back!

Wonderful chapter . . . but need more, more pls.

I shan't ask. I shan't ask . . .ok WTF Jeppers Creepers when does Mr. Darcy get his Peepers; Jeppers Creepers Mr. Darcy is on a trip home with that not to be trustED doctor and he has no eyes; give him back his eyes.

STEVIEB

Oh yay, it's back!

I loved the letter, and I liked that Dr. Hampton had been intending to tell Elizabeth rather than outright trying to trick her. And I like that while the trust is gone, both he and Darcy appear to be acting as gentlemen.

I second the notion of sending Lydia to Nova Scotia, but I wouldn't wish her even on the doctor!

Jane is brillant in this story! "Who is the blind one now?" - sister always knows isn't it?

Needless to say, am so happy that it was Darcy who sneaked into Lizzy's room. And he was frank with Hampton as well, hope the doctor will not knife Darcy on his back during the trip to pemberley! The Colonel has to be with them right, to protect Darcy!

Yes, now am also wondering how will the lovebirds meet again...with Darcy's eyesight still a question-mark, how is he going to see Lizzy, if she were to tour Pemberley?? Ellen, we want MORE!!

Thank you for your story. So glad Lizzy knows about Dr. Hampton and Darcy honourable enough to admit to H that Lizzie knows.
I hope Lizzy will tour Pemberly with the Gardiners and run accidentally into a now sighted Darcy who doesn't know who she is yet he is captivated by this lady with "fine eyes" and is feeling guilty because he feels betraying Lizzy...Sorry! I got carried away with my day dreaming. Love your story. Can't wait for more.

janeaaddict, I like your prospect, though I would make it more hopefull by allowing Darcy to smell her , so that he could get some suspicions. Besides, when she talks, she will surely betray herself by her voice, unless she gets toungetied or is down with some cold - but then sightseeing would be out of question I suppose...

I feel so sorry for Darcy. Dr. h was wrong not to be more honest with Elizabeth. Since she didn't love him, she will not suffer too much but he might. Very interesting!

Oh, how could you break my heart by having Darcy leave without giving Elizabeth a chance to talk to him? My hopes were so high after she read his letter, and then *smash*. I hope she comes up with some way to contact him.... or maybe Jane will.

Thanks for another great chapter.

Hugs,
Abigail

I just got back from a trip and was thrilled to see this new chapter. It looks like Darcy has redeemed himself significantly to Elizabeth but I fear for him alone in the company of Mr. Hampton. We don't really know very much about Hampton...is his character a vengeful one?? Please let them part ways at the end of the journey never to meet again. I know, I know, I've taken hand wringing to a new level...I will make angst where there may be none intended. Oh well....I can't wait for the next helping of 'Eye of the Beholder'.