I have a hard time believing that Hampton is honorable. I thought his excuse for not telling Lizzy about his plans was really lame. Also, I felt that his pursuit of Lizzy after he observed Darcy's interest was deceitful. For example,from chapter 7: Hampton speaking to Lizzy:

"Oh, yes, very. A shame, really." Mr. Hampton shook his head. "It could really ruin a man's looks." There. He had said it. He wondered if she would notice that he was speaking in the conditional only. In truth, there was but a small area of proud flesh on Mr. Darcy's wound, and while there would be scarring, Mr. Jones's poultices had been remarkably effective, and the doctor saw nothing that would make of Mr. Darcy an ogre. But he was so certain now...so certain that he could persuade Elizabeth to help him make his dreams a reality, that he was willing to mislead her if only a tiny bit, to ensure that her natural, ladylike disgust of physical disfigurement would keep her from developing any romantic notions of Mr. Darcy.
-------------------
This is not the behavior of an honorable man. (I don't subscribe to the All's fair in Love & War motto).

I will feel no sorrow for Hampton's eventual disappointment.

Margaret

Sorry it's taken me so long to respond to all of you. Thanks for all the comments.

Hmm, so little sympathy for our dear Mr. Hampton! I wonder if he will earn back our respect or go to greater lengths to secure Elizabeth?

I ain't sayin'. Only further chapters will say for sure.

I wonder if he will earn back our respect

He would earn mine back if he realizes that Elizabeth is way too young for him, that he shouldn't have concealed his plans, and that he loves her so much that he wishes her to be happy and unselfishly stops his courtship in favour of the man who really loves her and whom she truly loves...

OMG, I'm such a romantic... Please, please, oblige me dear Ellen!

I am hoping the Colonel is with Darcy for his protection. And, what if Elizabeth does visit Pemberley after Darcy gets his sight back and he sees her from afar not realizing it is her. HMMMM, lots of possibilities with this story. I just love it!!! Plz post soon! Cindy

Dr. Hampton will get my respect if he marries Lydia or Caroline Bingley and takes his new bride to Nova Scotia. Or if he apologizes for misleading Elizabeth about Darcy's condition and leaves for Canada sans bride. Either way.

I am like a kid waiting for Christmas morning...will we see our new chapter soon?

will we see our new chapter soon?

Well, if I don't get my next chapter up before my summer guests start arriving (August 1) and Renee goes away, there's going to be a long wait!!

Ellen dear!
Please, please don't let us wait VERY long. I'm going to vacation myself , but unfortunately there's going to be Internet there and I'm taking my laptop with me.
It would be a torture not to know what's gonna happen to Darcy after his chat with Dr. Liar.
Seriously though, have fun with your friends!
Basia

Seriously though, have fun with your friends!

Am I not fortunate? One of the friends who will be coming to stay is our very own beloved author Elena!!
Perhaps we can write something together...

I know, I know, you're such lucky ducks!

I'm sure you'll be having such a great time together! Wish I could join the party...

but for those who stay at home, Mrs Darcy will soon have a major surprise for you... Just you wait and see.

Surprise? What kind of surprise?
Bring it on, Renee!

But Basia, darlin', it's supposed to be a surprise!

Okay, I will tell you this much... it has something to do with fanfiction.

"it has something to do with fanfiction"
You don't say I would never guess
Is there any possibility this FF is going to take place in ?

Ooh, will you be posting a new story of yours Renee?

Is there any possibility this FF is going to take place in... a canal in Amsterdam where Mr Darcy is waving with a Dutch Flag to Lizzy who's waiting for him on one of the numerous bridges...?

Nope, Basia and Sammy! Not for a while, although... Well, just wait and see.

In my post I wasn't talking about me, but about someone else, a far better FF author than me! Just another couple of days and Mrs Darcy is going to make you very happy to be sure...

Chapter 17 is up, my dears. Enjoy!

Oh no! Why did the doctor have to hear about Darcy's supposed engagement? Just as I was getting my hopes up thinking he might change his plans and steal Anne with him to Nova Scotia for some fresh sea air and leave poor Lizzy alone:) I do love this story Ellen, hopefully there is more to come soon!

Sweet Lord! Angst, fear, angst!
Ellen dear, as I understand, NOW we really have to wait for the next installment very loooooooong.
Don't worry about us, your readers. Have a most wonderful time with your friends. I'm just gonna sit in total despair, quietly whipping with fear what's going to happen next to Lizzy and Darcy. But you of course have fun
Ellen with her friends:
Basia:

Dearest Basia,

Chapter 18 is well on its way. If I can have it ready before Mrs. Darcy's departure on holiday, then you needn't wait so long.

Am I not obliging?

Ellen,

Basia

Oh Ellen,
That doctor is getting on my last nerve. He is relentless. I also had the thought that he might be interested in Anne. Now, he is going to hightail it back to Hertfordshire and tell Elizabeth all about the engagement, in a sinister way I'm sure. Boy, what a lapse of judgment Georgiana had in writing to Lady C. Oh no! I'm hoping for the new post before Renee's vacation. Thanks for a great story! Cindy

Oh dear oh dear...so Hampton is so determined to fight to the end to get his girl! Since he's leaving for Herfordshire, at least he will not harm Darcy physically. I hope by now the Colonel has been enlightened about Darcy's real love interest. If he's still hanging around perhaps he can be of GREAT help to provide sound advice to Lizzy (and protect her from that annoying Hampton) and bring Darcy and her together??!!

I hope by now the Colonel has been enlightened about Darcy's real love interest. If he's still hanging around perhaps he can be of GREAT help to provide sound advice to Lizzy (and protect her from that annoying Hampton) and bring Darcy and her together??!!

Sorry, Gio, but the Colonel can be of no help to Lizzy; he has already left Hertfordshire for his parents' estate and thence to Pemberley. Oh, well, I guess something else will have to happen!

the story is fab, as always
I hope Jane understand Mr Darcy, as his confident in her, I hope someone will comfort Lizzy once Mr Hampton talks of Anne DeBourge and not let her jump to too many conclusion, I can imagen what it is already 'he may love me, but will marry his cousin as his family decreed and at the same time desire me for a mistress' ... something along that line

Lydia will marry Wickham then? unless her cherry is not plucked and someone rescue the girl on their next interlude

I so love this story and it's just getting better. The characters are all so beautifully drawn and I'm holding my breath waiting for each chapter.

Let's see what Mr. Hampton intends and how Darcy will get out of Lady Catherine's clutches. Post again soon, please.

Oh, Ellen. So much is up in the air. Perhaps Elizabeth can flee and save Darcy from his aunt. One can hope. Anyway, this is such a wonderful story, and I can't wait to see how you get everybody out of these predicaments. I have to say that I can't wait until the doctor is out of the picture. Thanks for the new chapter, and I would be forever grateful if 18 was up before your vacation. If not, have a great trip!

Good night, Ellen! What have you done to poor Darcy and Elizabeth??? Georgiana summoned Lady Catherine?? Aaaackkk!!! I'd recommend Darcy commence running but that would be ill advised since he'd likely injure himself further tripping on the obstacles in his path from Pemberley.

Hampton is clearly waiting to deliver a death blow to any potential relationship of Darcy to Elizabeth with his impression that Darcy is engaged to Anne.

Hill! Hi-i-i-ll!!! My salts! My salts!

Will chapter 18 give us some relief? You don't know what we suffer!

Georgiana, poor girl! How will they get out of this one? I hope the Colnel will show up on their doorsteps I think the doctor is getting on my last never trying to be sneaky with Darcy and Elizabeth
Awaiting the next installment

Oh, Lady Catherine...blech. And Poor Elizabeth. Dr. Hampton's little Nova Scotia secret, Darcy's supposed engagement. Next it will be a man who keeps a mad wife in his attic.

I also wanted to say how very much I enjoyed Chapter 15. I don't know if I reviewed it, but Darcy and Jane's complete puzzlement over Col. Fitzwilliam's sending Jane to Darcy was hilarious. I snicker every time I read it. Jane and Darcy are too well-bred to ignore each other, and they both share a love for Elizabeth, so it is nice to see them so friendly - and joined in their confusion.

MEH!!!!!!!

Well-written and gripping, but... MEH!!!!

Puhleez post soon, Ellen!

And should I mention, MEH?

In my haste to get to the end of the chapter, i had missed out on Colonel's departure from Hertfordshire, Ellen
Well, i'll just have to be patient for your next update to see that "something else" to happen!

I am not very happy with Dr. H right now. At least Darcy told Elizabeth the truth. Dr. Hampton is going to tell Elizabeth something that is untrue. I guess he doesn't know that but still....grrrrrrr. I am hoping for Wickham takes a ship to another continent but I think he'll make trouble first. Thanks for the excting new chapter, Ellen!

Oh, the pain!
Lydia on her usual path to ruin (and a blind Darcy will not be available to save her).
Lizzy, saddened by Darcy's departure, brow-beaten by her mother--who will be oh so happy when the villainous Hampton returns. hiss-boo
Darcy threatened by the clutches of Lady Catherine-ack, ack, ack!!!!
Won't they get another physician to replace Dr. H?

Please have Lizzy go with the Gardiners to Derbyshire. A little Pemberley visit would set me up nicely!

Sigh,
*impatiently waiting for the next episode*
Margaret

Perhaps we can write something together...
Now ,run me through my body if we are not!

Thank you very much for getting that chapter in before Mrs. Darcy goes on vacation!

And pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease do something about Dr. Hampton soon! He needs a swift kick in the butt, or to be saddled with Caroline Bingley, so Lizzy and Darcy can work things out!

Oh Ellen,
Im soooooooooooooo disappointed, that I will have to wait for another chapter, to see if things work out...I am HOOKED! I dont want to sound like a groupie, but what the heck
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this story

I dont want to sound like a groupie

Awww, gee, Trixiara, go ahead!

Thanks for everyone who's hanging in there with me. I'm working hard on Chapter 18 in the hopes that I'll have it before Mrs. Darcy leaves. I just need a little time to myself...

Ellen, Another fabulous chapter! OH I swear I do NOT like that sneaky little doctor and I am trying to remember if Darcy had already told Elizabeth about Lady C's planned engagement to Anne, but cannot. If he didn't tell her then I hope he told Jane who can be there to reassure Elizabeth, but I have a feeling that the Doctor is planning something to compromise or blackmail Elizabeth into agreeing to marrying him. OH PLEASE post soon!!!!!!!!!! My mind is all over the place trying to figure this one out!

Apologies to all who have been waiting patiently for Chapter 18: I did not get my act together in time to post before Renee left on vacation. So I'm afraid it's going to have to wait. Thanks for hanging in there!

Can you have several ready by the time she returns???

Dana,
This is a splendid idea!
What you think Ellen
Basia

Several?! My, you all have such a high opinion of my writing prowess! Ordinarily it would not be such an issue, but with a house full of guests for the month of August, it will be exceedingly difficult to find time to write. (I have been trying to finish Chapter 18 five minutes at a time! )

Of course, one of those house guests being Elena, the second half of the month might better lend itself to writing. I'll do my best!!!

Ellen, all we can ask for is your best and what you're able to do. I hope the writing is coming along, and I can't wait for 18!

Ellen, I'm curious. Were you and Elena friends already or did you become acquainted through fanfiction? If this is too personal, just disregard. I think I've read previous comments from both of you about being friends. Thanks, Cindy

Cindy, my friendship with Elena is entirely due to Mrs. Darcy's. Isn't that nice?

Ellen,

I have nothing but the highest opinion of your writing! And an extreme amount of confidence in you. I consider each of your chapters a gift (and I'm a bit like a greedy child on Christmas morning wondering what will come next!)

Ellen,

Jeepers, Creepers Ellen I'm anxious for Mr. Darcy to get his Peepers . Please come back. . . with a chapter or 2 or 12 or the rest of the entire thing.

STEVIEB

Time to post yet????

Yes! are we to be blessed with another chapter anytime soon?

Dear Ellen,

You said chapter 18 is almost ready. Perhaps you could send your guests for some nice walk and then you could send us another part of this great story.

Being in such a state of anxiety, we experience waiting for the next chapter, is very unhealthy, you know.

Basia