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'.

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?