Well, dearest Basia and all other fans, here it is. A new chapter for you to enjoy... Very interesting developments, I promise you!

chapter 19

Very interesting developments, I promise you!

That’s so true. Excellent chapter.

I don’t know how long I will able to cope with all this angst and tension, but I just can’t stay away.

In a few minutes I’m off to my hair-dresser. I’m sure she can do something about all those grey hairs that appeared on my head after I have started reading “The Eye of the Beholder”.

I’m happy Elizabeth at Pemberley, not only because of the obvious hope she and Mr. Darcy will have an opportunity to talk, but also because it means she can be away from her parents. In truth, I was never fond of Mr. Bennet, but in this story he is really getting on my nerves.

If the Colonel knows which of the Bennet sisters the one is – it would be so much easier. But of course Ellen you don’t want anything to be easy for them, do you?

Do I see slight Ann’s interest in Dr. Blackmail?
Good that Lizzy told Jane everything – even if Jane won’t be able to help openly, Lizzy is not alone in her misery.

And last but not least – I know it would be too good too be true that it is Mr. Darcy who came, but I’m going to stay with this naïve hope till next heartbreaking chapter.

I have been slowly reading through 'Eye of the Beholder', and enjoying it immensely. It is written so beautifully, and with such Regency style, that it just flows perfectly. The plot itself is most engaging, and you have me desperately wondering what is going to happen - I look forward to reading the rest of this, and of course, some of your other work too.

Stacey, I'm so happy to see you here as well. Happy reading, my dear!

I do love this story. I also noticed Anne's interest in "Dr. Blackmail" and can see a ray of hope there. I hope it's Darcy at the door. I'm sure he felt that Elizabeth had more to say when she was interrupted by Georgiana. I am also glad E confided in Jane. She needs her support and maybe, since Jane and Mr. Darcy have had some interaction, she will be able to help E. The Colonel needs to open his eyes. PLEASE post soon! Cindy

Please let it be Darcy who walks thru the door! What a great way to foil Dr. Hampton's plan... D & E would have to marry if they were caught in a scandal. I can't wait for your next chapter!

Like the others, I hope that it is Darcy who knocked on Elizabeth's door, and I hope that he heard her conversation with Jane. Actually, I hope that whoever knocked is anyone else but Mr. Hampton, that horrible blackmailer. He is no gentleman at all! I've read all of your stories here, Ellen, and I love them all.

Great chapter but good lord Ellen! GAH! GAH!

Oh!! OK what if it is Darcy at the door and as a result of E&D having . . . hrummph . . . HMS, Darcy's eye sight is restored! Do you feel me? Anyone like where my head is at? Oh well just an idea.

STEVIEB

I'm with StevieB...PLEASE make it Darcy or anyone other than Mr. Blackmail! Even Georgiana would be good then she could find out the truth and help the lovers somehow..maybe she could tell the Colonel and he would never let Dr. Scumbag take Lizzy from Darcy!!
PLEASE give us hope...the surgery alone has me all goosepimply! Love this story!

Frances

Meh! Poor Elizabeth! To have an "understanding" with such a Man! Who's knocking at her door???

Please don't let that be Dr. Hampton at the door! The angst is getting too strong, and I need some True Love (tm) to offset it! Or some premarital lovin' between Darcy and Lizzy. Or least a little humor.

Please? (puts on best puppy dog eyes for Ellen G.)

Please let that be Darcy at the door!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited! Please post again soon!!

Glad everyone is so excited about the story! And a special welcome to those who have not posted on my boards before.

OK what if it is Darcy at the door and as a result of E&D having . . . hrummph . . . HMS, Darcy's eye sight is restored!

Wow, that would be some kind of miracle, StevieB! (The kind we all like a great deal!)

Well, I'm not promising HMS (at least not yet!) , but I'm sure everyone will find something to like in Chapter 20.

Oh, Ellen, I cannot wait.
Though I agree, that anyone will do apart from Dr Blackmail, I'm afraid that the only hope for E not being bound to marry the doctor would be to have D informed before the operation, so that he could give up on it for her sake.
But we don't have much time for him being informed (so please let it be him at the door and allow them to actualy speak - HMS can wait for later)...
The additional reason why I'm in favour of this scenario of not performing the operation is that I don't trust this laughing gas!

Oh Ellen! Another chapter? How soon will it post? I am to thrilled about it! Great story! Who is at the door? Please, can it be Darcy?

Gads! What a muddle! I was so pleased that Elizabeth was finally able to confide in Jane, though. Mr. Hampton's blackmail is far too great a burden for Elizabeth to bear on her own. He should marry Anne who hangs on his every word and who would probably consider it liberation to be so far from her managing mother. And poor Darcy being worn ragged by the haranguing of his aunt....has no one the back bone to ask her to leave? Heck, blame the convalescent's need for peace to heal, I don't care, just get her OUT of there!

So...who could be at Elizabeth's door? The timid knocking would make me think perhaps Georgiana (or Anne??) but the progressively bolder knocking puts me in mind of Darcy. It's the waiting that is so darn hard, Ellen! LOL

Man I love this story!

Ellen, WOW what a cliffhanger! Now if it's not Darcy, I'll be extremely disappointed, but somehow I think it might be Georgiana Darcy.

Well at least she managed to tell Jane everything that is going on. At least someone else could intervene for her in case Elizabeth cannot. When will they tell Darcy about Jane being engaged to Bingley?

I agree with others too, I would much rather Darcy not have the operation, just so Dr. Evil can't hold anything over Elizabeth. If he does the surgery, then Elizabeth will definitely feel obligated, since he held up his end of the bargain.

PLEASE, PLEASE post again soon!

Brandy

Oh please let it be Darcy sneaking into Elizabeth's chambers!! I could poison that quack. You've woven quite the spell Ellen and I for one, am totally mesmerized. I can't wait to read what happens next. Great stuff.

ACK! Who's at the door?? Ellen G, you are too cruel to leave us with one hand on the doorknob!

Can't wait for next time - I love your story!

~leanne

Ellen, that was an incredibly wonderful and awful place to leave off! I can't wait for more of this! I do hope it is not Mr. Hampton at the door. I hate him and his evil ultimatum. Blackmail is a better word! Please let it be Darcy or Georgiana!!! I am excited to get more details.

At first I thought it would be Darcy at Elizabeth's door, based on past entree into her room, but knocking? Twice? Then I thought the doctor, but again, knocking loudly, to draw attention to his going to her room? (But then he might want the scandal to force marriage. Blech.) It wouldn't be Jane. The Colonel seems an unlikely candidate. So it's got to be either Georgiana or Ann, though the latter is about as likely as the Colonel. My guess (and hope) is for Georgiana as the mystery visitor. [crosses fingers] Still loving the story Ellen!

Ellen, you're killing us!!!!! I'm really hoping that Darcy is at the door after overhearing all of Lizzy and Jane's conversation. Maybe I'm living in a fairy tale, but I can't stand any more angst. I can't wait until chapter 20.

Oh, please, can't Dr Hampton compromise Anne? They're perfect for one another.

After some thinking on this chapter I'm beginning to believe it would be Georgiana.
But should it be Darcy, I hope Elizabeth would not spoil the meeting by this stupid notion of hers:
... she pondered (...) whether he would perhaps ask her to become his mistress with his fiancée under his own roof!

I just started reading this story the other day and am hooked! I hate what Hampton has done to Elizabeth and I hope he won't get away with it. I love the idea of Darcy falling in love with Elizabeth without having ever seen her. I so wish for the surgery to be a success and for the first face that Darcy sees to be Elizabeth's. Will he find her to look like his mental picture of her? Will he find her to be beautiful no matter how she looks? Will Darcy rescue her from Hampton? Or, will she keep her word and go to Nova Scotia only to have Hampton die enroute?

You've left me with so many questions, I'll not be able to resist reading each chapter as it is posted!

Love your story. Can't wait for the next chapter. Thank you.

Welcome to the new readers, and thanks for your input!

Chapter 20 is almost done. We've got a holiday weekend right now in the U.S., and after it's over and we're back to our normal routines, I'll be able to post.

and after it's over and we're back to our normal routines, I'll be able to post.

R~ <-- all anticipation!

Waiting, waiting, waiting

Have a great holiday weekend!

Chapter 20 has just been posted, my dears. Enjoy! I know you will... An absolutely amazing turn of the plot! Fantastic.

Thank you Ellen - your story is simply excellent!!

Absolutely wonderful! Loved Darcy being the one in Elizabeth's room, love the way it all came together, although I suspect we are not at the end yet.

I do hope that Darcy doesn't let Hampton do the surgery after all... and I had hoped Anne would end up marrying Hampton instead, although again, I believe you may yet have some more twists for us.

I really loved the bit where Elizabeth's thought turned to Darcy's prowess on horseback and the bit about the Colonel being all nudge nudge! Hilarious.

Great chapter, can't wait for more.

Sandra

Yes! Yes! Yes! The good doctor gets caught. I have a sneaky suspicion that Darcy can see. Hmmmm. I was so so glad it was Darcy in Elizabeth's room and that he knows EXACTLY how she feels about him. Thank goodness for Jane. Continue soon! Cindy

Hi there,
I hope I am doing this right but I have to tell you how much I have loved this wonderful story. I was hoping that Jane would speak to Mr Darcy, I am so glad that she did. Come on Hampton take Anne in stead I am sure she would love to go to Nova Scotia in Elizabeth's stead. She would be very far away from her domineering mother there. Also she has tons of money.
Many Thanks
JoJW6M

Oh YES Dr. Blackmail's true character has been revealed. Yah hoo. So much has come to light In just 1 chapter, it was great. Love your story.

HeHeHe!!! I am sooo glad the Doctors true character has been revealed!! Excellent chapter!

Perhaps for better effect I should disrobe and join you in bed!

Of course he should! I loved this naughty Darcy.

This chapter was pure delight and joy. Thank you so much.

I wanted Darcy to be in the door, but I was positive it’s gonna be Jane or even Dr. Blackmail.
Jane taking things under control? Hard to believe! Well done girl, well done.

How many chapters are left, you say?
And why I have a feeling it went just too smoothly? That, after all those misunderstandings, machinations, and intrigues it is just too good to be truth?

I don’t like to see anyone being humiliated. I believe there is some good in him; I understand his yearning to have a wife. Yet, his scheme and the blackmail were simply inexcusable and dishonorable.

Basia

Oh that was delicious!! The evil doctor finally gets his comeuppance, but what about our beloved Darcy? Will he regain his sight or will he be content to see with his hands forever? Post again soon, Ellen, we're all anticipation.

Love that it was Darcy in room and what a scene! Beautifully written..I loved that you did not torture us too long....leading Jane to Darcy was excellent! Yea Janey! Cant wait till the next chapter!

Yey! I guessed correctly! And Jane saved the day. Just lovely, lovely, lovely, Ellen, and the bedroom scene was so sexy! I will have this big grin on my face all day - thanks to you!

I don’t like to see anyone being humiliated. I believe there is some good in him; I understand his yearning to have a wife. Yet, his scheme and the blackmail were simply inexcusable and dishonorable.
I meant Dr. Blackmail here of course.

I can't believe that in this state of joy and excitement I forgot to ask: but what about Darcy's eyes now?
I didn't want Dr. to operate him, but how is he going to have eyesight back?

Jane is a hero!!! Bless her! I'm so glad the truth was revealed, at every turn, too. What I'm curious about, though, is how did Darcy know that the Colonel was winking and smirking??? Can he see? I say let time heal his poor eyes...who knows what could happen? Either way he and Elizabeth will have each other and that's all that really matters.

Bless Jane indeed, Rita!

I for one can imagine Anne marrying the doctor after all. She'll forgive him, and won't mind travelling with him to Nova Scotia. I'd love to be away from a mother like she has as far as possible, even the end of the world! LOL

how did Darcy know that the Colonel was winking and smirking???

Good point. Actually, poor, dear Jane was absolutely mortified that she had to ask for this favor from the Colonel, and told Darcy so.

Hi Everyone! Been on vacation for the last few weeks. Glad I can post again, but I have been reading the updates...I have the new iPhone and it works great for reading the stories on Mrs. Darcy's site!

Cant remember how to get a quote to italics but I LURVE the line in this chapter: "The material of the coverlet that separated them was insufficient to insulate her from the heat emanating from his body; it soon spread to her own."

Rita: Good point! How could he see the winking? Maybe he can partially see.

This a great story Ellen. Thanks for making my day too!!!

Great angst releaving chapter. Of course, one must never underestimate Lady Cat. But, for now, AHHH.

I'm glad you had Jane serve some useful purpose. In the canon & FF more often that not, Jane never seems to understands what's going on re Lizzy or alternately knows but takes no action to lend assistance to bring D&E together. Jane is described as being caring & but based on the canon how she is crafted for FF she often seems oblivious. So, nice to see Jane step up to protect Lizzy AND Darcy.

Hmm . . .why is he looking for Darcy?

". . . absently rubbing the cover of the book he held, before giving a slow nod to no one and leaving the room in search of his erstwhile patient."

Does the doctor want to apologize to Darcy and say in effect the anticipation of the . . . hrummph . . . p-word made me kinda crazy; therefore, I acted out of character?

STEVIEB

OH! Thanks for not having the doctor go forward w/ the experimental eye surgery.

Hurray for Jane! And the Col. wink wink, nudge nudge, say NO more! LOL! Holy Cow, Ellen! How could you leave it there? I was ALL into it! When Darcy stole into her room for a kiss and a cuddle. When Darcy did a set down on Mr. Blackmail. *sigh* I WANT MORE!!! Please!

Marvelous chapter 20, Ellen. So glad that the evil doctor has been foiled in his plot. (BTW, what he did was more 'extortion', i.e. criminal coercion, than 'blackmail'.)

I was glad to see Jane stepping in to save the day. Such a change from so many fanfics lately in which Jane is criminally oblivious to her 'dear sister's' needs.

I suspect that Darcy the Beholder will have at least one functional Eye with which to observe the Beauty of his beloved Lizzy. (that's on my wish list, anyway.)

Hampton has at least 3 erstwhile patients. He will have no reason to see Darcy, as he knows that Darcy has essentially dismissed him from his presence. He might want to apologize to Lizzy--that would be the only honorable thing to do. I suspect that Hampton, so caught up in his desire for Lizzy, was unaware of Anne's interest in him, although now he knows. I can't really see her overlooking his dishonorable actions at this point. (Would anyone run off thousands of miles--even to avoid a mother like Lady Catherine--with a man who had shown himself to be so untrustworthy? I would be surprised if Anne has the courage for such a leap of faith. She couldn't think he had any real interest in her, after all.)

I look forward to the next happy developments. (recognizing that there will be no joy for Lady C.--tough!)

(BTW, what he did was more 'extortion', i.e. criminal coercion, than 'blackmail'.)

You're absolutely right, of course, Margaret. Thanks for pointing that out!

Though dictionary.com also defines "blackmail" as:
any payment extorted by intimidation, as by threats of injurious revelations or accusations.
I think that suits, too, don't you think?