I'm so glad to see you've got another WIP - and so mysterious! What is it about Darcy? My first thought was he was disfigured too - but you say trust you - so I will, but what could it be? Can he walk or stand? Love the dialogue, it's always so effortless and smooth to read your writing - it jumps off the page/laptop! LOL! Can't wait for the next!

Julie

Hey! We must be twins separated at birth! Even our names are the same! Ellen and Elena are just translations of the same name ...
Hi, soul sister!

Excellent beginning, Ellen. You've certainly intrigued your audience with the hints that Darcy is not altogether well. His own comments suggest that something is visibly wrong with him. I do hope you're able to post Chapter 2 soon.

Aside from the mysterious beginning, I also like how Darcy has an unvarnished view of Lizzy--I think he shouldn't be misreading her as in the original. Looking forward to their interactions.

Please Ellen, tell me that you didn't make our Darcy the Elephant man. Some horribly disfigured man who Lizzy ends up seeing past his hideous face to the good man inside; our very own Beauty and the Beast! I want Darcy vain, proud, and gorgeous. This is not to be borne! I am truly vexed, where are my salts?

As a good connoisseur of this particular authoress's taste, I can garantee that regardless of looks or appearances, Ellen G's Darcy will irradiate heat and will put your...mmm....sensibilities to steam.

Still, honestly Alice, can you seriously believe Ellen could ever picture Mr Darcy featuring the elephant man?
Poor Mr Darcy! He has already been transformed into a . Maybe next time he will have a part in Equus?
I will let dear Ellen answer to your questions more fully. But you have made me choke with laughter!

Dearest hermana Eli, always there to jump up and defend me.

Alicia, never fear. While there is something to be said for "inner beauty," I would never have a Darcy I wouldn't be hot for myself. Although, you might wish to remember that even the Beast became a handsome prince at the end!!

Besides, back in the Day, it wouldn't have taken a horrible disfigurement to make someone an object of curiosity. (Especially in a neighborhood with such "a confined and unvarying society.")

Many a Janeite of my acquaintance believes that P&P is inspired by La belle et la bête, so, dear I have all the confidence in the world regarding the conclusion of your newborn, your new story I mean.

What a wretched beginning!! - speaking her mind in front of "that man" .

Teasing, teasing man - sitting quietly in the dark & solitude of the library, when a ray of sunshine comes into his lonely life .

Oooooohh I love your stories E - an excellent beginning

I couldn't believe my eye the chance: a new story, Ellen !
And what a beginning! If you continue - and I have every faith that you'll do - in this rythm, what a journey we'll have !

I didn't think his reason to hide is an horrible desfiguration... rather a sort of injury (leg, maybe ?) who would make him somewhat dependent on someone's help - which for Darcy pride must be a serious flaw.
Could also be that this injury is due to a duel with Wickham after Ramsgate ?
Well - afterall, it is your fault, Ellen, if anyone is busy now speculating away....

Excellent ! Thank you!

I didn't think his reason to hide is an horrible desfiguration

I'm sure you're right, Mihaela. So glad to see you here again. I missed you!

Sandra, Mihaela:

I'm so happy to have both of you visit!

sitting quietly in the dark & solitude of the library, when a ray of sunshine comes into his lonely life

rather a sort of injury (leg, maybe ?) who would make him somewhat dependent on someone's help - which for Darcy pride must be a serious flaw.

Glad to see not everyone is thinking I've destroyed the man!

Ellen;
You would never destroy Darcy! My apologies for not having faith in you! what an eyeopener! of course, the possibilities are endless...and I'd love it if he actually did away with the scoundrel right off the bat--please forgive my propensity to willfully misunderstand!

Frances,

If readers are speculating, it is my own fault for being such a tease!

All will be revealed in time, I promise.

I didn't think Darcy was disfigured when I read this chapter. Maybe he's blind instead. That would explain the need for a doctor on hand and a desire to sequester himself from the neighborhood.

And a blind Darcy can still be hot hot hot! Maybe even better since he'd need to use this sense of touch more with Elizabeth. Can't wait to see what the next chapter will hold!

Ellen,
Thanks for the new story. I loved your Mwahhh-ha-ha-ha! That sounded a little sinister and I loved it. Can't wait to read on. I'm not even going to speculate. I'm really bad it. I do hope he's not disfigured though. Cindy

Wow Ellen, you are spoiling us with yet another of your fabulous story spinning! I concurred with others that Darcy is indeed injured in some ways, hence a doctor residing in Netherfield. Since he hasn't make a formal appearance, this looks pretty good for a start, at least Lizzy is not prejudiced towards him
But am sure you will add angst, suspence and what-nots in this story to whip our appeitites . Anticipating your next update!

Dear Renée, dear Ellen
I have missed you too !

I have to confess, your story IS bothering and bewitching me... I hardly stopped thinking and speculating....
Which I know is a futile exercise as I would be hardly pressed to keep with your imagination ! But at least it is not for want of trying....

Anyway - I wondered how comes that Caroline didn't mention the mysterious gentleman until now ?
And I read again the last paragraph.
her delicate sensibilities ?
mmmm.... I would think that my carrefully laid theory (leg injured etc) is blown away. I don't think a plastered leg would hurt Elizabeth sensibilities !
Blindness ? This would be cruel indeed ! Not to see her eyes ?!

Dear Renée, dear Ellen
I have missed you too !

Ma chère Mihaela and other readers, you will know more after having read chapter 2!

R~

I think we need another chapter update really soon Renee and Ellen ! This is all getting very intriguing.....is Darcy blind? or it's just temporary eye problem? Since the title is "Eye of the Beholder", not "eyes", could it be he's blinded on 1 eye??? How did he got himself injured? Oh man, so many questions and i need answers

I think we need another chapter update really soon Renee and Ellen

I soooo agreee with you, cara!

Apart from the angst that's killing me, I had to laugh when reading the fashion discussion.

One could, for example, dress a cow in a gown of the latest cut, but it would never make of her a lady

This made me rotflmao ... Poor Caro!

Dear Renée, dear Ellen
I have missed you too !
Ma chère Mihaela and other readers, you will know more after having read chapter 2!
R~

We are none the wiser, dears !..
I mean, it is obvious now why this title... but we have yet to find out what happened !

Ellen, I know that you always have updated fast and regularly ! But tomorrow would be long if you oly decide to post daily !

Congratulations to Melissa for figuring out my hints!

All will be revealed...shortly. But not too shortly.

One could, for example, dress a cow in a gown of the latest cut, but it would never make of her a lady

Renee, this was my favourite line too!

WOW! Another new chapter, yay!!! The cow reference was totally greatness Ellen...Can't wait for the next chapter. Post soon again...

Oh Ellen! I LOVE your new story! I'm so sorry to be late in responding...I fell off the edge of the earth last week with a monumental sewing project and am only just now surfacing again. (I had to sew 23 dresses for my daughter's highschool musical in 7 days--I feel as though I've been beaten! LOL)

Shades of Beauty and the Beast to this one and I can't wait!!!

I had to sew 23 dresses for my daughter's highschool musical in 7 days

I'm totally and utterly in awe, dear Rita! Would love to see pictures!

Holy Cow Ellen!!
Fabulous...now Elizabeth gets to put her money where her mouth is! Will she look at Darcy superficially or will she get to know the man? I love her wit and the fact that she's on to the superior sisters from the get-go! Oh Ellen, this is great..please update soon!

Now I'm happy! This looks like the beginning of a most promising relationship, Lizzy and Darcy- us readers and You dear Ellen. I hope that you are not preparing some heavy irony soon. Seems that Lizzy's proud exclamations about inner value are either prophetic or something for her to choke on later. I really hope she won't disappoint us, or Darcy for that matter. Makes me wonder how you will provide the expected and feared angst?????????
"Dressing a cow, won't make her a lady", might be a new euphemism for Caroline Bingley. I'll check for updates eagerly

Oh thank you Ellen for easing my fears of a elephant man Darcy. I have been out of town and just got your new chapter and your previous comments. It seems like he has a head injury of some sort. As long as the rest of him works properly I can't complain! I see that Miss Bingley will be difficult as usual, such a pest that woman. Looking forward to the rest of the story.

Loved Chapter 2. Lizzy had such good put-downs for Caro, who has no idea that she's just been called a cow. priceless.

I have faith that Lizzy will live up to her principles regarding beauty and am exceedingly impatient to see this story unfold. Excellent job, Ellen!

Margaret

Ellen,

Another great beginning. I really like this Lizzy and I hope she and Darcy get along in the very beginning. I am hoping that Caroline,(The Cow), is too vain to try attaching herself to Darcy, however money is money. I would just bet that she is thinking if he can't see, he won't know how much of his money she will spend.

I also hope that Darcy's injury is not wholly permanent. I'm sure you will let us know in a future chapter what happened to him.

Looking forward to frequent postings and wonderful writing.

Thank you

Thanks, ladies! It's really great to see how everyone is on board with this concept...once you all realized that Darcy still has his looks!

This sounds amazing.
you have the most incredible ideas, ellen!

oh my, what happen to my darling darcy?
when will you update again?
beauty in the eye of beholder indeed
caroline will be a happy mrs darcy dispite his lack of appearence? lol
well he does lack appearence according to miss lizzy isn't he?
evil girl, please update soon

Ellen, I've enjoyed all of your stories, but this one promises to be wonderful! I must admit I came to it when two chapters were posted (been moving house and had no Internet for 2 weeks - nightmare), but I did suspect Darcy was there in hiding and also that he might be blind - to be fair to you, that was because of the hint from the story title!

But this has so much promise, and I do admire your ability to write so fluently and regularly - a real skill!

My favourite line though? It has to be this:

"One could, for example, dress a cow in a gown of the latest cut, but it would never make of her a lady." Hilarious!

Welcome back, Splatt! Hope everything went smoothly. To be frank, there's nothing I like less than moving house! And so long without an internetconnection... what a nightmare!

I Love It, I Love It, I Really Love your new story. The comment Lizzy made about the cow dressed up was greet. And Darcy what has happened to him? Please we must have more. Great Job Ellen G

I like this beginning. I love a mysterious man especially when the man is Mr. Darcy.

Wow Ellen...very nice start to your story. So Darcy does not have his eyesight...will it be permanent? I wonder what happened to him? Will he learn to love Elizabeth without reference to the obstacles of her family now that he may be humbled because of his condition? Will Elizabeth love him back? Fantastic beginning...I can't wait for more!

- Sharon

Welcome! Glad everyone's enjoying the story. I promise a new chapter soon that will reveal more!

Ellen always keeps her promises... Chapter 3 is up, dear readers. Enjoy!

Oh Ellen,
I'm sure Caroline and Louisa will educate Darcy fully on Elizabeth's family and connections. I like that the doctor can create a love triangle. Can't wait for the next chapter. Thanks! Cindy

I would have never guessed such a plausible & sensible explanation to Darcy's "infirmity". Excellent chapter...you touched upon Mr. Darcy's instant attraction to Lizzy...Lizzy's implusive jump to judge & misunderstand...Miss B's devious mind...but adding a new dimension in Mr. Hampton. Could he be a rival for Lizzy's affections? Will his attraction to Lizzy cause him to lessen his medical care of Darcy? Oh, how the plot thickens..thanks Ellen!

Ladies and Gents, I've got the title a bit wrong in the subject bar, but unfortunately I cannot edit it.

The title of the story is "Eye of the Beholder" and Not "The Eye... etc."

Sorry, Ellen! I've fixed it everywhere else on the site.

Lovely new chapter! The only problem I have is that after every new chapter is posted I immediately want more!


It must be hard for D though, with his sense of sight impaired, aren't all his other senses heightened? That must make Miss Bingley even more bothersome than usual. I also begin to wonder what will happen once E leaves Netherfield. D didn't want people to know of his presence so I'm looking forward to finding out if he (or Mr. Bingley on his behalf) asks E (and her sister) to keep mum about it, or will it be out in the open?

I'm also wondering what Miss Bingley will say about the Bennets and how Darcy will react to it, especially after the scene in the library!


Eagerly awaiting more Ellen! Thank you for such a lovely story!

Ohh, so many good questions and suppositions!

I have only two words for you:

Chapter 4.

Hmmm...how kind of Miss Bingley to make it her mission to set Darcy straight on the Bennet family. 'Boo - hiss'....the witch.

I find it enchanting that Darcy is so attracted to Elizabeth without the benefit of seeing her 'fine eyes'...obviously the attraction is on a deep, intuitive level. I like that.

Perhaps Darcy can talk Elizabeth into reading to him? Taking him for walks? Just to aid him in his recovery of course.

I love it!

This was a joy to read, and I cannot wait for more. I really did smile at the doctor having to describe her physical appearance to Darcy LOL. How like a man, Mr Darcy, to want to know that so soon!! LOL

Loved his farewell, kissing her hand. Loved the nods to the book scenes etc. All in all, loved it. Cannot wait for more! Great twist on a well loved tale!

Lovely new chapter! The only problem I have is that after every new chapter is posted I immediately want more!

We are on the same boat.

I like your idea - of making D ill before he mer E. I have never read such fanfic before, and was all anticipation after chapter 2, but am a bit disappointed by chapter 3, as - despite changed circumstances - things unfold the same way they did in P&P by JA.
The indication of doctor's interest in E also do not make me hold my breath for the next chapters.
But we will see :) Perhaps you have some idea for this story that will surprise us :)
What I dislike here is Darcy questioning his doctor as to E's looks - I find it really out of character for Darcy - blind or not - as is his slighting Caroline.
What I really hoped for after chapter 2 was, I suppose, reversing of the situation a bit: Caroline not seeking him out, but instead ashamed of him or something, and E more favourable inclined torwards him... That would be interesting turn of events...
Enough of my rambling.
Waiting for your next chapter
Ole

What I dislike here is Darcy questioning his doctor as to E's looks - I find it really out of character for Darcy - blind or not - as is his slighting Caroline.

I don't see why that would be out of character -- apart from the fact that fanfiction is meant to be different than the original. A doctor is a person with whom you have a confidential relationship. Darcy is intrigued, his handicap prevents him from judging by himself, so he asks his doctor... I love it, and the way Ellen has the doctor reply so amusing!

Furthermore, I'm afraid we cannot guide an author in his/her plot development, it's entirely up to him or her, however much we --hypothetically -- would like to see it go in a different direction, right?

I was under the (false) impression that dr.Hampton is older... Nevermind, now I don't like him at all !LOL
I suspect though that Caroline would notice his admiration and will try to 'foreward' the match if only to have Darcy free....
It is interesting to see how Elizabeth is mixed in her interpretation of his character: I thought at first that she would put everything on the unhappy circumstances: He is not feeling noble at all. He feels cheated. , but it seems she saw more flaws than that.

I liked that the explanation was not unnecessarily overdramatical, but I was dissapointed in its ulterior meaning: we will STILL have a Wickham coming to Hertfordshire, it seems...

I found Darcy's inquires quite natural ! I am sure he would have asked about quite anyone new, he would want to know to whom he is speaking !
I wonder what would he find now to admire in Elizabeth's if not her bewitching eyes ! Should be her voice ? Her laughter ?

Chapter 4, you say, dear Ellen ? By all means, bring it on !