If Lizzy is feeling this bad, I can't even begin to imagine what Darcy is going through!

Lady C and Caroline? Something smells fishy!

I didn't forget about the picture but I did forget to mention it in my reply. Would it have helped E solve the mystery of her father? And, Renee, I know it may be a while before E experiences Darcy's primitive untamed side, but I'm sure it would be worth the wait. Right? Thanks again Renee for your steadfastness.

I think the problem lies with the fact that these two have just taken what was told to them in face value. That they are brother and sister. Somebody needs to wake up and smell the rotten apples! I believe that stupid Bingley woman had tattled to Lady C, Darcy's interest in Lizzy. Lady C, thinking that the two won't ever find out the truth, had come up with this fat tale! Come on, Darcy! You have the resources to find out the truth! Stop running around with your tail behind your legs! Find out the truth! Do not take things at face value! You know, your aunt would stoop to nothing just to force you to marry her daughter! If they told you that Wickham was your brother, you would move heaven and earth to prove it wrong!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Renee, Annj, Cindy, StevieB, Ima, Basia, Splatt, and Annabella for your comments.

You've raised a lot of questions. Just what did happen to that portrait in the Willoughbys' attic? And are Lady C and Catherine ever up to anything good? Annabella said something was fishy - could it be Caroline's cologne? And that was some lecture you gave Darcy!

We never hear much about Darcy's actions behind the scenes in P&P. Can we hope he's just as busy in this story?

All right, I'll quit teasing. I'm far too cruel even writing the story.

Cindy, I like that term, "The Darcy Boys." Wouldn't it make a great title?

-Jan

In Chapter 6, one of her dance partners talked about something of interest that he found in the Atic.

I was so hoping it would be a portrait of a women who look just like her. Thus they'd know who the mother was. Then we'd find that it was Darcy uncle not his father that was her father.

I guess I was way off because we never found out what was going to be brought because Lizzy was gone.

Poor Darcy, Poor Lizzy.
Jan I'm really enjoying your story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Geri

Another amazing chapter. That you have this story in your head and are so gifted as to put it to paper, is truly amazing. SORRY TO GUSH, but I couldn't help myself. I am quite forlorn with all that happened with Darcy and Elizabeth parting as they did, and am anxious as to how they will find there way back to one another. I keep reminding myself that JanH has this story completed and will not let it end unhappily for them. And about the posting schedule, I also must remind myself, that "Patience is waiting with a happy heart." Or so I tell my children.

So many questions still to be answered Great chapter, Darcy coming after Lizzy was rather a nice change of pace, for Darcy that is. Yes I was rather looking forward to another horse back ride too. And of course the portrait in the atic, darn I just knew we would here about it today. This is such a good story, PLEASE POST ANOTHER CHAPTER SAY LATER TODAY?????? PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE

Thank you, Geri, Christina, and Julia! I loved your comments.

Geri and Julia, don't give up on your theory about the attic. And Christina, your gushing caused me to blush, but still, it made my day.

-Jan

What an emptional & engaging chapter! One really couldn't ask for anything more...
Thank you!

Kim

Hey Jan,
Feel free to use The Darcy Boys as the title of YOUR NEXT STORY. We will be waiting patiently. Or maybe not. HeeHeeHee Cindy

Dear Jan,

Finally I have some time in RL to get over here and read your story....and how very glad I am that I did. I thought for along time that I would not read this as a WIP but I could not resist....and I was DYING to know how the premise was set up, how it unfolds and how it will end!!!
So Jan dearest, here you have me at your mercy, strung out on the angst-ropes, hoping you have secured the safety net below. I look forward to the journey ahead (in more ways than one ) and I thanks you for the gift of your amazing story telling.

Go raibh maith agat,
Ali

Thank you, Kim!

And Cindy, I was hinting that you use The Darcy Boys as the title of your work! When I'm strung out in the middle of writing a story, I can never even imagine conceiving another one. It's like childbirth - so painful! Eventually after the birth, one forgets the pain, but not for a while.

And dear Ali, how wonderful to see you here and thank you for your comments!

I've been sending Ali bits and pieces of chapters for her expert assistance in certain areas, and she never lets me down. Of course, I haven't sent her an entire chapter yet, so I'm figuring she was forced to read this to figure out what the heck I'm talking about. She's been so generous to share her knowledge with me.

-Jan

After reading chapter 7 I didn't realize I had tears in my eyes. I was reading so intently with a heavy heart. How can you be so cruel Jan H. At the same time I cannot stay away from your story since I started reading it, angst and all. So I must endure the pain for a greater cause..a D & E ending. Let this mystery be solve ( I think the answers are in the attic),I know very slowly. The story has to torture us first. JanH you are an amazing, fantastic & incredibly talented storyteller. can't wait for the next chapter.
annj

This story just gets better Jan! I totally feel for both darcy and lizzy, their moments together while sitting out the rain and in the carriage were heartbreaking. Who would like to suffer such a twisted fate?? Sigh...can't wait to read lizzy's trip to London, and perhaps meet Darcy??

Here you go, my dears. chapter 8 and 9 have just been posted!

Jan,

Thank you for another two wonderful chapters.

I have never known anyone who would be adopted child, but I have read some sociological articles on the subject. I think you have masterfully described one of the most important subjects of such a cases – people who learn they were adopted, lose the sense of whom they are, and they have to build again their self-concept. I’m also impressed with the way you write about how Elizabeth feels other people look at her now. After all our self-concept is in large part function of how we are perceived by the others. Of course, in Elizabeth’s case it is now much more complicated, since some important people in her life, have doubts about who she really is and if they can love her not as a sister.

I hope finding her mother – even dead – would be for Elizabeth first step to rebuild her self-concept. I found it most touching that they are (were?) so alike.
I’m also most excited with Darcy being so determined to find out the truth. I know there is still a long and probably painful road to happiness for them, but I am convinced theirs instincts are not deceiving them. And they both obviously don’t love each other with sister-brother love.

Beautiful story.

Basia

Thank you for the 2 chapters. Now we knowwho her mother was I'm hoping her father is Darcy's auncle so that W & E will have a chance. I'm feeling E. pain & W. as well. You write so well Jan I'm addicted to this story. Thank you again.
annj

Thanks for the chapters, Jan. I loved them!!! I knew Darcy wouldn't just sit around and not try to find out the truth, even if it was his father. I'm glad Elizabeth has some of the burden lifted and I just want to smack Caroline, as usual. Please post soon!! Cindy

What a GREAT story Jan!! I really think that Peter Darcy is Elizabeth's dad. He didn't know about her birth, since he was told she fell down the stairs and I think Darcy will be the one to go to Ireland. There is something ugly brewing with Lady C and Caroline Bingley. I hope Darcy can excape the clutches of those two. More please!!!!

JAN,
2 wonderful chapters of your unique story--many thanks for sharing your creativity.

Lady Cat and CarolineB_ _ _ h--the irony of an unholy alliance over an Easter holiday. Like Richard III, either one of them could take "Machiavel to school." While the innocent sleep they both are preparing and the working an agenda, which is why thoughts of Richard III came to mind.

To see and hear the above quote in its context:

Laurence Olivier
http://youtube.com/watch?v=thz2EUizC9Q

RICHARD III--WM SHAKESPEARE
Why, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile,
And cry 'Content!' to that which grieves my heart,
And wet my cheeks with artificial tears,
And frame my face to all occasions. . .
I'll play the orator as well as Nestor,
Deceive more slyly than Ulysses could,
And, like a **Sinon, take another Troy.
I can add colours to the chameleon,
Change shapes with Proteus for advantages,
And set the murderous Machiavel to school.

**[Sinon, a great liar, is the man who was in charge of abiding by the WOODEN HORSE and lighting a beacon lamp as a signal to the Achaeans for their final assault against Troy.]

STEVIEB

Thanks, everyone, for your comments. You are brave souls to stay tuned to this sad tale. I told Renee even I'm getting tired of writing angst!

Basia, I'm glad you think the adopted child portrayal bears some likeness to the truth. My best friend adopted her daughter, and I've borrowed just a bit of what she's shared with me and then added a lot of what I think I would feel if I were in Lizzy's predicament. Hope I'm not too far off base.

-Jan

Marvelous! That was a wonderful chapter. I am so glad Elizabeth is relieved that she didn't ruin the Willoughby family.

So glad that we can now see a ray of hope Darcy is such a treasure, his love for Lizzy is so transparent. I can only hope that you will not toy with us for too long, Jan

Oh, what angst indeed. But there is light at the end of this tunnel, is there not my dear Jan? My vote is for Uncle Peter as the father--and I venture to guess that they had a secret Catholic wedding and that Elizabeth is NOT an illegitimate child (Oh, I just like to fantasize don't I). Please resolve it for us and bring together our lovelorn couple! I love your writing Jan!

Hugs.
Mimi

I love Sins of the Father. The characterization of everyone is wonderful, and I love the tension between Darcy and Lizzy.

My bet is that Paul is the father and that Lintel killed Elizabeth's mother for some reason.

and I venture to guess that they had a secret Catholic wedding and that Elizabeth is NOT an illegitimate child

Very clever, Mimi, I'm with you in this.

Laurence Olivier
http://youtube.com/watch?v=thz2EUizC9Q

Thanks for sharing this, Stevie. Going there directly!

My guess: Elizabeth W. may have had a secret affair with a "Darcy" but that she was raped by someone else and in despair the "Darcy" fled the country.

Reasoning: I don't like the idea of cousins marrying even though it was acceptable in those days.

Or maybe something gross like incest: Lintel in a drunken state ravaged his own sister! Ewwwwww! Let's not go there...

Jan what a story. I am really liking Miss Willoughby. I think she can anwser alot of there questions. Just show her the family portraits of the boys as young gentleman. Finally hope.

I'm thinking Peter is the father and he is off in Ireland, maybe Lizzy, Darcy & Georgiana can travel there. But then Lizzy won't go to Bath what makes me think she'd go to Ireland. hmmm

I'm dying for more. Please poet again soon.
Geri

What a premise and what a story!! I also believe that Peter is Lizzy's father and when Elizabeth died, he went a little nuts, went to Ireland and became a monk.And that sexual tension between D & E is so thick you can slice it with a knife! Love it!

Frances

A big, big thank you for all the comments! Your messages make me write even when I don't want to.

Would you like to see Lizzy quote Sir Walter Elliot? "I'm...for Bath."

Of course, it doesn't mean she will - we all know how stubborn she can be.

-Jan

Very reluctantly I began to read your story, since at first i doubted if I could bear the topic. But I did. You wrote it exceptionally well. Congrats on such a different tale. Though I hate to think of the difficult moments our beloved couple are passing thinking themselves siblings! What happened to Colonel Fitzwilliam's suit? He is a horrible man!But I must admit you have a point there.Thanks again for the story. I have always enjoyed your talent!Though my favourite one will always be "The Journey"

My dears, chapter ten of Jan's amazing story has just been posted. Enjoy!

Very sad. Very.
When, oh when will the angst end?
Too sad to write any more specific comment.

*sigh* indeed, Basia!

I for one focus on his appearance in Herfordshire and their chance encounter which was situated so romantically. I hold on to that as a prelude to better tidings!

Thank you Jan...and thank you Renee...yes I feel a lot better if I focus on their good times together....the reconcilation will be sweeter with the angst..just that we have to wait for light at the end of the tunnel..and wait amd wait.. ..I am patient this time becoz if the mystery is solved too soon or no angst..then it will be the end of the story...then I am sadder...
hmmmm...I know I know..first Lizzie doesn't want to share her aunt's news with Darcy...then Darcy refuse to share his aunt's news with Lizzy..well thinking that they are not good when together regardless of their parentage...am I close Jan... ...ohhhhhh..but I know I will enjoy rereading this once it is completed...

Love u Jan & thanks

Ima

I'm so sad now. Poor Elizabeth and Darcy. I'm sure things will work out, but until then, I'm very sad. Cindy

Such sadness! I'm sure Darcy didn't really see Lizzy on his way out (or did he?), he's probably in a daze, battling his emotions. Loved their moment by the lake, Darcy has his wit when he wants to use it. Any chance that Lizzy will eventually go to Bath?

Jan! That was too sad! You must raise our spirit soon or we'll just faint with anguish!

Jan,
I love the way you tell your stories. You always leave me wanting more. Thank you.

[I love the way you tell your stories. You always leave me wanting more. Thank you.]

Thank you, Barbara. I think you're the only one who would say that right now - LOL. Everyone else is ready to strangle me.

I'm really sorry to leave all of you on such a low note. This chapter was necessary to provide the impetus for action in the next one. Does that help? Probably not.

I do appreciate everyone's comments. And Eli, I'm blushing to see such a popular and busy author take time to read this story.

I must offer special thanks to Ellen G, Debbie S, and Linnea, my excellent betas. They suffered through numerous re-writes of this chapter with characteristic patience. Now, if only my readers will...

-Jan

Jan! You must be joking! My stories are toddlers in comparison to your exquisite writing! But thank you. Please, do not make us hold our breath too long! i cannot wait to see this poor man unleash so much pentup emotion!

Everyone else is ready to strangle me
If we did, who would write a happy end?

But seriously - I think I'm not the only one, who would prefer to wait until it is finished, because sadness of the story is just too heartbreaking, but once one started to read it - just cannot stop.
Believe me, I don't like angsty stories. I have enough angst with my boss at work, and also angst is usually boring for me. I find nothing excited about it.
But there are exceptions - one of them is this story. It written so smartly, engaging, and intriguing - I just can't stay away.
So, don't worry with our complaining. It means we're totally under your spell.

So, don't worry with our complaining. It means we're totally under your spell.

Thanks, Basia, I actually needed to hear that this week. And Eli, I wasn't kidding. I'm very impressed with your work.

-Jan

Jan another sad chapter.Mind you no matter how sad it is I'm still reading it, the story is so compelling. I can't wait for all this mystery to unfold so that D & E can finally be happy.
annj

Jan
Altho my heart breaks for D&E, I know that the truth (whatever it may be) will give them joy in the end...or at least I'm hopeful it will. Yes, the chapter was too too sad, but I do love the way you write. Don't keep us in suspense too long!

Frances

Chapter eleven is up, my dears. Enjoy!

Jan,

Another heartbreaking chapter! I can see Elizabeth is more active, but seeing her so despaired and jealous is truly painful. I hope Darcy is not really interested in Ms. Simpson, no matter how beautiful she is.

But most of all – reading this story is not easy because of the incredible tension, but at the same time I do enjoy and admire your incredible talent. It is written in such a marvelous way.

Thank you very much!

Oh Jan, this is still such a sad chapter! I feel for Lizzy, esp when Darcy is giving her a cold shoulder! And a Miss Simpson's appearance, with Darcy obviously admiring her! What can this mean??
Yet he's bent on discovering the truth of Lizzy's birth, or perhaps he's more interested to find out why his father has an affair. Very much look forward to their talk!

Poor, Poor Elizabeth to see another on the arm of Mr. Darcy. This was so, so sad a chapter and to have to wait another week is going to be such agony. Please have mercy Jan.