Dear Ellen
I am not nagging, no, no (now, why everybody thinks I would do this ? ...)

Just wanted you to know I am thinking about you...


And to wish you a Happy weekend !
(of course I would have a very happy one, if only... but no, no... I won't...*mutter mutter*)

Mihaela (& Everyone else)

Please bear with me... I was almost ready to post and I ran into severe computer issues. I hope to resolve them soon.

Thanks to Eli, my dears, the chapter could be posted sooner than Ellen and we expected after all her computer distress...

Here you go, chapter 9 has just been posted!

Yay!!!! She's going to read to him!!! He didn't seem to be repulsed by her family but perhaps we'll learn a little more about that later.

I LOVE that he recognized her as soon as she came through the door. LOL He has her intrigued, too. Now, let's hope his appeal begins to outweigh that of Wickham AND Hampton!

Happy Mother's Day to all and thank you Ellen and Renee for such a wonderful treat. Poor Darcy. I love the way Elizabeth feels in his presence and that she is showing so much concern for him. I can't help but laugh at the way Elizabeth feels about the old doctor. I love this story and am anxious for more. Thanks Renee for the postings all this week. In truth, you post so constantly that none of us have room to complain. Thanks again!!! Cindy

Ellen

Thanks for the lovely chapter. It was a nice Mother's Day suprise. I liked that it ended with the the plan for her return to read to him. But, how will she get past Miss Bingley and the doctor and accomplish that task?

But, as I said before, please get the bandages off of Dary toute de suite. With Wickham and the sneaky doctor afoot, Darcy needs his eyes!! Give the man his eyes

STEVIEB

No, no, not yet ! Bandages off, he'll be just a 'handsome face' again ! Elizabeth needs to see more of "him" before seeing his figure. Ahd he, well, he is already bewitched without seeing those fine eyes...

Too bad Wickham name is not mentionned in the presence of the good doctor ! Methinks Mr.Hampton knows something about Darcy's dealings with the rake. Is Collins to come as well ?

How come D was not "impressed" by the lack of propriety displayed by the Bennets ?
And I am looking forward to the announced visit and consequent reading moment !
Shakespeare ! What will she read ? Sonnets ? Or rather "A Midsummer Night's Dream" ?
"Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind."

Loved this chapter !

Please. Let us celebrate with style!!!

Ellen,
thank you for another wonderful chapter. I especially liked the ending of it. Lizzy coming to read him... What a splendid idea. Perhabs they can find other activities more exciting
I just hope she's not going to meet Wickham on her way to Darcy in the morning.
I've read on the main page that fabulous Mrs Darcy is going to post chapters of one of the stories every single day now. Is this "The Eye of the Beholder" by any chance?
I must admit I'm not a huge fan of Regency stories but this one... Yummy
Basia

Ellen, so Lizy as three men jockeying for her. One for a temporary amusement, one thru devious means and one who is trying to persuade himself against it! WOW, can she navagate this land mine of beau's safely? And Collins hasn't even showed up yet!!

Thank you for posting!!

Stacy

It is time for Mr. Hampton to stop being so nice and charming. I think he should start being mean and short-tempered so Elizabeth doesn't have to like being courted by him. I hope the morning reading goes well. Thanks for the lovely chapter, Ellen!

Hello Ellen,
Just another reader writing in support of this wonderful story. I too am eager to see how things will progress but I know that if it was all posted at once I would not experience as much delicious anticipation. I like that Darcy and Elizabeth's interactions as well as other events occur naturally, nothing feels forced and contrived here. More of the same and maybe a smooch or two, still to come I hope. Thanks for the fabulous WIP!

Ellen,

Thank you for such a wonderful chapter! I just imagine Lizzy wanting to crawl under the table with the behavior of her family at Netherfield, but I hope Darcy can "overlook" them! I was so happy to see Lizzy sneak in to talk with Mr. Darcy and I can't wait to see how their readings together go.

Now I do not mind the Doctor as long as Elizabeth knows she's not interested in him and he doesn't try too hard to bad mouth Darcy. I hope that Lizzy will be able to know enough of Darcy's character by the time Wickham starts his lies that she will be able to put him in his place! Maybe Darcy will tell her about his sister before Wickham starts. I can dream can't I! Please post again soon and I hope your computer nightmares end soon!

Ellen

Thanks for another excellent chapter of this intriguing story. Will you give us Darcy's reaction to the turbulent Bennets? Or will he, like Bingley and Hampton, set that 'ill-mannered behavior' aside? It's amusing that Mrs. Bennet's ambitions with respect to Mr. Hampton at least serve to prevent her pushing Lizzy into someone else's (Wickham?)path. I would expect L's reaction to Wickham to be as shallow as it is in canon, since W doesn't know that Darcy's in residence & would have no particular reason to slander him. Or will that be a cause of Lizzy to disbelieve W? She is building up a positive emotional investment in Darcy, whether she knows it or not, and therefore should be less susceptible to W's slimy ways.

I thought Hampton was unusually unperceptive when Lizzy asked about Darcy, given that he was witness to the 'touching' episode. Or is it that he is too far infatuated to realize that *she* would have been affected by such an experience (who on earth *could* be immune!!! )?

Love the interactions between L&D--he's so captivated and she's so drawn to him. She may think she's on a mission of mercy, but I doubt that she would have made the effort if Mr. Collins had been the wounded man.

I always eagerly await updates to this story.
Cheers,
Margaret

3 men after Lizzy's heart (or body), what a challenge ! I hope Wickham will divert his attention to someone else soon so Lizzy will not fall deeper into his charm. The doctor seems to think that Lizzy is for sure to marry him....i hope she'll not give him too much encouragement. On the other hand, so pleased to see her gracious manner in greeting Darcy and even offered to read to him . Now, THAT i am so looking forward to!

Ellen;
Another excellent chapter with even more intrigue and suspense!
Wickham's the charmer; Hampton's safe & stable; & Darcy's just irresistible! She can't stay away from him. Darcy's the challenge...she wants to not like him yet she keeps rationalizing his behavior. Let's hope he doesn't do anything really stupid, like discourage Bingley from courting Jane. I'd like to see Dr. Hampton and Wickham compete against eachother,or have Wickham start his attentions to Miss King and get him away from Lizzy.
I'm not sure if I want Darcy to get his sight back yet...his injury gives him an advantage and makes him more humble, especially around Lizzy.
I have a feeling that we shouldn't forget about Caroline and her manipulative ways. She has a poison tongue and a mercenary heart!
Can't wait till tomorrow!

So many wonderful responses!

I'm not sure what Renee has been promising with regard to frequent postings, but it does not apply to "Eye of the Beholder." Sorry The most I can handle is about once a week. Thanks for bearing with me.

Oh Elizabeth you have a beautiful soul......to be so thoughful about our beloved Darcy...my heart is all a flutter........

I'm not sure what Renee has been promising with regard to frequent postings, but it does not apply to "Eye of the Beholder." Sorry The most I can handle is about once a week. Thanks for bearing with me.

Don't worry, my lovely! I've got still a few new instalments of Eli's in store for the fans.

I love your story. Can't wait to read the rest of it!

Just wanted to tell you that im love reading this story its fantastic.You have created soo much tension between Darcy and Elizabeth i love his way of "seeing" her it was very sexy.I love what your doing and i love reading this fantastic story
Niketa

Chapter 10 is up. Enjoy!

"You know I marry Mr. Hampton today. So make haste, my dear; I cannot keep him at bay for ever."
Well, if that isn't a significant dream....hopefully Darcy will think on that for a while.

Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth more and more but there seem to be so many obstacles to a relationship between them. What can occur to remove some of them? I'm curious as to the Colonel's opinion of Jane...will he prove a better judge than Darcy? That would be a fun twist, having him meet the Bennets earlier and be able to excercise some unbiased observation of them.

Wickham makes my flesh crawl, literally! Ugh! Please let Elizabeth quickly discern his character so he makes no further progress with her. Lydia is shameless, too! Blech! I keep telling myself she is just young and unguided but she seems to have no inner sense of propriety whatsoever.

You never fail to please, Ellen! Thanks for the great chapter.

So, he did hear the improprieties and he has formed an opinion on her family !
But as the Colonel arrives, I hope he will realize there are now 3 gentlemen who are able to appreciate the Bennet girls making abstraction of the mother and younger girls !
But at the same time, would the Colonel addition provide another headache for Darcy ? Is him to be interested in Elizabeth as well ? Granted, Darcy doesn't know yet about Wickham...
Or maybe the Colonel's arrival would scare Wickham away ?
As always, I just speculate away. Not that I ever really guessed where your plot led us.. but I am enjoying doing it nevertheless....

Lovely !

Ellen,
thank you for another wonderful chapter! So, Darcy doesn’t think well about Bennets. What a surprise.
But I was wondering if – since he cannot see at present – his opinion about Jane could be a little different than it was in original P&P. I had an impression that his prejudice was in large part based on his observations of Jane’s behavior toward Charles. And since he cannot observe with his own eyes if she is “indifferent” perhaps he’s not going to be so reluctant (as he is about the rest of the family).
And he plans for colonel to help him see what’s going on. Well, Fitzwiliam didn’t seem too haughty so perhaps he’s not going to strengthen Darcy’s ill opinion. On the other hand, he might become another rival. And we still don’t know if Collins is going to show up. That would be fun. Five competitors!
The last thing – if I understand correctly the Bennets don’t know about Darcy. But I fear that they’re going to learn about his presence and stupid Lydia immediately is going to spill the beans.
Or, Bingley is going to give a ball and Wickham, unaware of Darcy’s presence is going to show up and they meet in a secluded corridor, and Darcy cannot see him, and… Stop, stop!
Great story!

Forgive me Ellen I write it here but I just don’t know where else to put this. I wanna thank Renee for her kindness. I admitted above English is not my native and she was very sweet with her comment and words of support. Even simple comment is of great effort for me, but I work very hard on improving my vocabulary and grammar. You know how.
Renee, thanks!

Thank you, Basia . I think the authors are all thrilled to know that so many fans who are not native speakers of English appreciate their stories so much, and what's more, express their appreciation in their comment threads, wherever they come from. Personally, I think it's so exciting to know that the stories posted here on Mrs Darcy's are read and appreciated all over the world, and I'm not exaggerating!

I'm delighted to have you as one of our regular visitors, Basia, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with your use of English. My compliments go to you.

Ellen,

Eyes woman! Darcy's needs his eyes toute de suite. A full plate for Lizzy--Darcy/the Doctor/Wickham . . oh my.

Oh. I am glad the Colonel is coming to assist Darcy. As no one else can be trusted. Bingley is obtuse so he is never any help; therefore, the Colonel, with his military experience, is needed to keep an "eye" on what is going on & provide his tactical expertise.

More. More. More chapters. Love the story.

Thanks

STEVIEB

I'd laugh if the Colonel was added to the growing list of Elizabeth's admirers. Hopefully he'll see Jane's affections for Bingley and discover Wickham's presence in town, preventing both of Elizabeth's traditional charges against Darcy. Will we find other forms of angst to make up for such relationship ease, however?

And furtive kisses between Wickham and Lydia was not what I had in mind when I commented last. I suppose I should be more specific next time.

I trust Lydia about as far as I can throw her. She and Wickham will have to make their own special brand of trouble. I hope the colonel will tell Darcy that Jane loves Bingley so he can relax about that. Thanks for the new chapter!

As she did so, she stole a glimpse at his face and marveled at the appearance of the new skin on his face. In the light of day, she could see but little damage, certainly no proud flesh. She wondered again if it were hidden by his dressings...or whether perhaps Mr. Hampton had been less than honest with her.

I liked this part. Elizabeth doesn't strike me as the type who will easily overlook being lied to. Hopefully this will put a severe crimp in Dr. Hampton's suit and open the way for Darcy. At least, once Darcy gets off his high horse.

Thanks all, for your thoughtful responses...which I will not address individually, so as not to give anything away!

Chapter 11 will be up shortly.

Indeed, Ellen, chapter 11 will be up shortly... As a matter of fact I've just posted it, with trembling hands... I'm afraid, very afraid...

I really think Hampton is blind instead of Darcy... How can he possibly woo a woman who's younger than...? No, I won't say it... whom he didn't tell about his far-reaching plans!?...

Mrs Darcy is most seriously displeased with this man!

Find out and see for yourselves in another gripping chapter, dear friends!

Hi ladies! Um...Renee....the links you posted for chapter 11 take us back to chapter 6 instead. Scrolling to the bottom of the page only brings us to the end of chapter 10.

*Rita wriggles in anticipation of reading chapter 11*

Try again, dear friend.

Got it!!! Holy Toledo!!! Nova Scotia?!? I think not...nope, that will not do.

Darcy, you must get moving, man. Now that the Colonel is here perhaps things will improve...and then there is still that repulsive Wickham to be dealt with. I fret because I feel that Darcy's inability to see makes him vulnerable on so many levels with so much to lose.

Great, great chapter, Ellen!

Oooooh, this just gets better and better. That sly Dr. Hampton conveniently forgot to mention he had a son, who no doubt is as old as or older than Lizzy! Darcy, blind or not, better move fast or the good Doctor will enlist Mrs. Bennet to press his suit on Lizzy!

> "Do not be so sure of that, cousin," Darcy said with
> dark humour, "for she will surely see advantages to
> having a blind son-in-law."

I loved this line!

You can't sweep Elizabeth off to Nova Scotia without being married first, can you? And is going so far away really so horrifying, if she did want to marry the doctor? Maybe we are meant to be concerned that the doctor does not state his intended residence up front and plans to dupe the Bennets during betrothal. Darcy and his keen hearing will save the day, I have no doubt.

Somehow this story's drama doesn't have me wringing my hands with anxiety like others do. Am I being naive?

Ellen,

sing along:

Jeepers, Creepers, Mr. Darcy needs his Peepers.

Jeepers, Creepers, Mr. Darcy needs his EYES!

Oh my Ellen, What About his eyes

Oh my Ellen, Give him back his eyes

Oh my Ellen, 'Cause he is in for a Suprise.

Nova [expletive] Scotia!

STEVIEB

OK, I just lost all sympathy (not much was left) for Dr. Hampton. The whole idea that he would consider removing Lizzy completely from her life, when she is *so* much younger than him is abominable. His plan for Nova Scotia is something that he has to reveal sooner rather than later--it would be awful to lead her on and then spring it after she had accepted. Only after the wedding does the 'for better or worse' condition apply, at this point 'informed consent' is required. It wouldn't be fair to put her in the position of being a 'jilt'.

I agree that Darcy should be nervous about having a physician whose personal goals are contrary to the patient's wishes. I hope the Colonel is able to detect what the Doctor is doing & protect Darcy from mischief.

I think I would like to see Darcy & Lizzy having a dance--not entirely impossible IMO.

Ellen, I always look forward to updates to this story!

Cheers,
Margaret

Oh my God! The gall of the good doctor! A young and pretty wife to be removed to Nova Scotia!


Great story!

Lorena

I very rarely comment, but I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying this story and the plot twist with Darcy's blindness - it makes for a wonderful change in the story! Marvelous. And anything that brings Colonel Fitzwilliam in earlier is good. :-)

I do hope that Dr. Hampton turns out to be a good guy rather than a shady/selfish Wickham sort - I would prefer Elizabeth love Darcy as the best of men and not by default - that she chooses Darcy because he's the most wonderful she's ever met rather than he's the the least-bad-of-the-bunch. How selfish if Dr. Hampton were to break his oath simply for jealousy!

Regardless, I look forward to the other chapters - this is a great story!

That sly doctor! I think he is very nice and I really like him but I wish he was evil so Lizzy would have an excuse not be courted by him. Does he kick puppies and steal candy from children? I hope so she can find out his true character. I like this story a lot even though I am complaining about Dr. Hampton.

Grrr! Naughty Dr. When does he plan to tell his intended that he is moving to the New World?

OK, all sympathy for the doctor is gone! It's time for Mr. Darcy to stumble upon some of this information. Thanks, Ellen!

Chapter 12 is up, my dears. Enjoy... but don't forget a hankie. Mrs. Darcy needed one!

This was a very interesting chapter, Ellen. Mr. Hampton's admonishment of Elizabeth for spending time alone with Mr. Darcy at the same time that she is spending time alone with him! Elizabeth's thoughts on whether or not physical beauty would be necessary for her to fall in love...thinking only in the context of Darcy rather than Hampton. Mr. Jone's unwittingly generous revelation regarding Hampton's ultimate mission of Nova Scotia. I'm certain that Darcy can find a clever and diplomatic way to spill those beans to Elizabeth....and what will be her reaction??

Will Darcy be sans bandages for the ball? I imagine he will wish to be away from the majority of guests but still looking his best. I don't want Elizabeth to be shallow enough that Darcy's looks persuade her unduly, but it seems only fair for Darcy to be able to claim some advantages in his confused and distressed state. The man deserves a little break!

Thanks for the lovely post, Ellen and Renee! I truly enjoyed it....

P.S. Does Bingley know about Wickham and would his name make it onto the guest list for the ball?

Oh, I cannot wait for the ball. Please, do post soon
I hope Darcy will get his chance to talk to her. I hope he will know better then to propose like in JA's Hunsford.
I'm very disturbed by Lizzy's thoughts about Wickham. I hope Lydia or Colonel will share something about him that will cause Lizzy doubt him a bit at least.
I hope that even if Darcy spoils his proposal, he will get a chance to explain Wickham AND doctor's plans for Nova Scotia...
I'm almost sure doctor wasn't going to tell her before the proposal, as he thought about proposing this afternoon in the pallor. I doubt it contained explaining his plans to her...

Thank you for another wonderful chapter!
I understand Lizzy is young and naïve but I wish she was a little more concerned about men’s mind and intelligence, an a little less concerned about beauty. But perhaps I’m biased – I must admit I don’t like Wickham and I love Darcy.
Dr. Hampton… “my dear” – what is he thinking! Insolent man. In a way he’s even worst than Wickham. Wickham is a scoundrel, but at least he knows that (even if doesn’t share this knowledge with others). Dr. Hampton seems quite pleased with himself. And the way he was describing Lizzy in his letter. Sure, he admitted she’s witty and beautiful, but also quite robust. Godness, she’s not a cow!
And the ball! I can’t wait to see what you have planned for them! I would love if Lizzy could dance with Darcy (dream on)

Ellen, Wonderful job, this is such an enlightening story. Poor Darcy to finally realize that he may never see again and possibly disfigured, that would truely be devistating. My heart goes out to him. And then to learn of Mr. Hampton's plans for Lizzy to be taken far away from her family to a formidable place after there marrige. I hope Darcy acts on this before it is to late.
Again wonderful story I can't wait to read on. julia42