Excellent, excellent points, jtorres!

I'm worried though that the Simpson family already have expectations because of Darcy's behavior. This is not the first ball he singled her out, right?

Should'nt he be more upset if Lizzy was happy they are brother and sister? Does he not suspect at all that E has feelings for him? And not the sisterly kind?

I have always thought that their respective insights into each other's feelings are not quite balanced. Lizzy is sure he knows how she feels, but it's clear from his conduct toward Miss Simpson and from Jan's comments that he does not. Anyway, she is more reserved than he is in expressing the warmth of her feelings, because she she has more need to protect the proprieties. And she thinks she understands him, but of course she doesn't.

Fantastic as always, Jan! Dare I allow myself to hope?

Kim

Chapter 12 of this amazing story has just been posted, my dears. Enjoy!

I could not see any sensible hope in his quest, but then, hope sometimes has a mind of its own.



Please Jan, do not let their hopes to be dashed.

Basia

"...hope sometimes has a mind of its own"

I love that last line too! Jan, that was beautiful and it gave me a flutter in my stomach. Now I'm so excited that Lizzy and Darcy are thrown together again, despite the presence of their families. Thank god Colonel is not with them, he will only be a nuisance .

HILL! HILL! Bring my salts.

I'm on the edge of my seat.

STEVIEB

Jan, you're killing me, but I feel there may be relief in sight. I hope when Darcy's uncle sees Elizabeth, he admits he is her father. I hope, I hope! Oh my gosh, pleeeease don't make us wait much longer. I thought it was so funny when Elizabeth just left the colonel standing holding his hat. I also thought it was funny when Mr. Gardiner told them to write Mrs. Bennett to inform her that their children would be with her for the duration. Oh her poor nerves. Post soon!!!!!!!! Cindy

A wonderful story, beautifully written.
I do hope they are nearing some advantagous answers.
Roll on the next chapter. Thank you for posting so regularly.

This is just pure blissfull torture, excellent chapter!

See? This is why I normally don't allow myself to read Work in Progress stories - I get so caught up that it's pure torture to sit waiting on the next chapter!

What lovely torture though - can't wait until the next post!

Peter may meet his daughter before he dies. Or he may say, "She's got Henry's eyes." At least we know she dosn't have George's.

Sighhhhhhhhhh I am sitting on the edge..but whatever it is I am glad that Lizzy is on the ship enjoying herself not being apart from Darcy and the Col and Ms Simpsons are as far away as possible...thank you Jan..though I do need the smeeling salt too...(thank you for the insights of what was goin on in Darcy's head..)

Peter may meet his daughter before he dies. Or he may say, "She's got Henry's eyes." At least we know she dosn't have George's. Exactly my thoughts. Anything that will make Elizabeth not Darcy's sister. I think D & E suffered long enough (and my poor nerves to).I like that last line.....hope sometimes has a mine of it's own, AAAAWWWWW!I'm so excited. I hope the answers will unravel in Ireland and put an end to this madness. Darcy is doing everything that will clear E. as his sister and at the same time find out the truth about his father. The two of them shared tha same deep feelings for each other but acted out differently because of the circumstances. Now Jan H can you take heart and relieve our poor nerves from suffering and even just a little give us something to rejoice?. You are an excellent writer. You have me hooked to your story.
annj

Just read the first twelve chapters, and I have to say that I simply love this story with all the angst and bent up emotions, can't wait to read more, thanks!

Goodness, I'm running behind on replying to your generous comments. Thank you, everyone!

JTorres, again, you have exceptional insight into the characters, and I appreciate it. You and Annabella must not worry about Miss Simpson. The matter will be addressed in a later chapter.

Gio, I agree with you about Col F not going to Ireland. I'm getting sick of him.

Stevie B, I think we should have cloned Hill in Chapter 1 and placed a larger order for salts.

Basia, Cindy, and Kim, I always believe in hope.

Josephine, I will only say that answers are near, maybe not as near as you wish, but on the horizon.

Karen, "blissful torture?" You and Tonya are braver than I am to even read this WIP, but I'm so glad you are. I've sworn off reading stories until they're finished.

Carol B, you are such a careful reader. I appreciate your catching details and answering for me on other sites.

Ima, don't fall off the edge - remember, we're now on a ship going to Ireland!

Annj, "The two of them shared the same deep feelings for each other but acted out differently because of the circumstances." Exactly! You said in just a few words what's taken me 12 chapters to portray.

And Annina, thank you for being a new reader! That's always a truly special treat.

-Jan

Thank Gads someone is getting sick of the Colonel other than just me! I get enough of the "wonderful" Colonel from Eli's stories!!!

I love your story Jan. I've really been enjoying it, and I can say that I can handle the angst pretty well. But I am still eager to find out what will happen on that boat to Ireland, and in Ireland. Thanks for a fantasticly written story.

Jan,

Re Chapter 13

Great story and chapter, as usual.

I'd like, however, to see Elizabeth use her vaunted and respected intelligence to jump into the fray to sort things out. I know that she has been stunned by LadyCat's assertion that she is the sister of Darcy, but now she needs to step up by acting on the clues or discerning new avenues of investigation. [Yes. As you surmised, my number one pleasure reading besides JAFF is crime fiction--modern and vintage crime. So, I see Elizabeth taking the initiative to sort things out while using her martial arts skills on LadyCat :) Uh . . . how would Elizabeth know about martial arts you ask Nevertheless, Lizzy, put on your trenchcoat, slip your "heater," "piece," "gat," "burner" in your pocket, put your hat on and tilt it slightly to the side (tipped "ace-deuce") & hit the pavement to find out what's what. *wink* And when you do sort it out, run right up to LadyCat's door and kick it in and scream into the ear of that bee-atch: "LadyCat! Heeeeerrre's Lizzy back again! HeHeHe . . .].

As always, thanks for sharing your creativity.

STEVIEB

Oops, dear Stevie is even quicker in commenting than Mrs Darcy in posting!

Chapter 13 is up, my dears. Enjoy!

Dear Jan,

Are we close to the answer? I hope so.

I won’t try to guess who Elizabeth’s biological father is, but one thing is sure – Lizzy and Darcy are not sister and brother. I have never been strong advocate of sociobiology, but I do believe that we – humans – have some level of instincts that cannot be ignored. These two are obviously very in love with each other, and the sexual tension between them is growing stronger and stronger. It is no longer a matter of what they think, but what they feel. If they were siblings they just could not feel this kind of attraction. It would be impossible not only on moral, social or legal level, but would be simply unthinkable on biological level.

Let me finish this with an anecdote I have heard once from my friend, who is a vet. An old lady asked him to visit her kitten – a woman was very worried that her favorite is sick. He examined an animal, and didn’t need much time to figure out that a cat is going to have kitten. But when he introduced an old lady with this happy news, she was more then indignant with it, and said it is simply impossible because her kitten never goes out, and doesn’t play with any “dirty cats”. My friend was kind of surprised, but told her that he is positive about cat’s condition. An old lady was becoming more and more furious and just then a big, proud cat appeared in a room. My friend just raised his brow, pointed an animal and said “Well, Ma’am and what about this one?” The answer was: “How dare you! He is her brother!”

(Im)patiently waiting for a happy-end,

Basia

They were thrown together indeed and sparks flew! We are one more step closer to the truth, yes! I only hope that they will not have any trouble in Cork and Peter Darcy is still alive. The way you gave us glimpses of Darcy's steadfast belief and feelings towards Lizzy is wonderful, Jan! Can't wait for the next update!

Thank you, Jan, for the new chapter. You are still killing me, but I am hopeful that the pain will be over soon. Sorry to be so dramatic. I, too, hope that Peter Darcy is alive and well and talkative. Please post soon!!!!! Cindy

Goodness. Soooo close to the truth! I can hardly contain myself! Very good chapter, Jan. Thank you!

Oh, The agony continues. Great chapter!

Dear Jan,

Thank you for another wonderful chapter!!! Thank you for letting us see a little of what Darcy has been thinking and doing. Thank you for Mr G's communication to Lizzy "Because I strongly suspect that Mr. Darcy no longer believes you are his sister".

Lizzy has been through so much (as we your readers)and she needed some help from Mr. G to see a little light at the end of her very dark tunnel. We atleast know that we can trust you for a happy ending.

I can't wait until your next chapter. Please let Peter have married Lizzy's mom in a true love union and let him now discover that he has a daughter. Don't let it be that he abandoned her and her mother.

Please, please, and pretty please give us plenty of Darcy and Lizzy together after they confess their love for each other.

Exquisite torture Indeed!!

Please update soon!!

Frances

Jan, as always a wonderful chapter full of suspense and beautiful writing and character rendition, even as we step ever closer to the truth.

I have been reviewing chapters over at DWG (as Sandra P.) pretty much, although I did try hard to review in both places at first but I'm sorry to say I have found time constraints of late interferred...

Anyway, as mentioned in my review over there, I wonder, based on your stunning Prologue, whether Lizzy's father (who I think might be Peter, although I'm still happily open to whatever you bring us - I trust you well enough on past stories to know it won't be George! LOL) knew his child survived the death of his lover? I think not. I do also wonder deep down if he knew there was a child at all? Was the supposed death a cover; after all, Mr Bennet was told Lizzy's mother died in childbirth, not a fall...

My other reason for suspecting it might be Peter as the father is the guidance offered by the other person in the church that night, who suggested that the devastated man "allow Him to work His will in your life."

This for me suits the fate of a man who turned his back on his old life for his church/religion...

So... if Peter IS Lizzy's father yet he never knew she existed, it would explain his never seeking her out.

But all the speculation aside, I continue to just enjoy the ride, and look forward very much to reading more from such a talented writer, Jan. Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful ability to spin a great tale.

And Renee, thank you so much for the high standard of talent that your site represents. It's a place one never fears to come in search of excellent story telling! :D

And Renee, thank you so much for the high standard of talent that your site represents. It's a place one never fears to come in search of excellent story telling!

Thank you, Sandra! And Thank you too for your thoughtful comments on the stories. The authors appreciate that so much. But who could understand that beter than you, since you're one yourself.

"But you must consider it."
"No, I must not!"

Does he mean he doesn't have to consider that Uncle Peter may not know anything, or that he dares not consider it? Because we must consider it, in a way this may be the most painful cliffhanger yet.

Arrgghhhhh. the agony, so close and yet so far.Excellent cliffhanger.
annj

Yeah........I survived the boat trip & didn't fell off the edge...and now joining D&E hunting the clues again...oh such agony..I hope the uncle saw one look of Elizabeth and know who she is and confess straight away and marry them off ....ha ha....such happy reunion...such high hopes...

I do hope the happy reunion will not happen at the last episode...Jan ..there is simply not enough loving between the two non-siblings (I am sure of it)))

Thanks for the chappie...lovin it

Well, the beginnings of hope are in this chapter. I agree with Mr.G that Darcy doesn't believe Lizzy is his sister, and I just applaud his determination!!! He won't give up and just cannot accept that it could be true. He knew his father well, and he isn't taking Lady C's word for it, which is so great!!

I believe that Lady C and Caroline B are conspiring somehow. I don't know if Caroline really understands Lady C's reasons, but she's helped her somehow. Maybe she's the one that found the diaries and turned them over to Lady C, who ripped out the pages? Who knows, but I think Caroline has helped her, with Lady C giving her notice in society as payment.

As for Lizzy, she is just protecting her heart as best as she can. She's in love with Darcy, and as far as she knows, he's her brother by blood. She is trying to help him understand that it's a possibility that they won't find out the answers they need, but he won't accept that and is so determined. It must be so scary!!!

I'll be honest, this story is one of the best fanfics that I've ever read!! It has all the right elements and is written to give us just enough hope, but with all the angst to help us feel exactly what Lizzy is feeling. Brilliant!!!

My guess is that Peter is Lizzy's father. I think that Linton Willohby separated E's parents with a bold faced lie about her falling down the stairs to get him away from her. I don't think they knew of her condition at that time, based on the time frame of his disappearance in March, and Lizzy's birth in December. I think that once it was known that she was pregnant, there was no way to contact him since he disappeared without a trace. I do think they were married by the Catholic priest though, and not just having sex.

I'm probably way off base, but I just hope that if Peter is E's father, he has the joy to meet her before he dies!!! If he isn't, I just hope he is alive and can shed light on the mystery!!

Roses and chocolates to all of you for your very dear, gracious comments! I can't think of a better readership to write for than the JA community. You are intelligent, sharp, insightful, careful readers, and I only wish I was half as clever as most of you. Some of your plots are fantastic, some are wishful thinking, and some leave me no room for surprises.

I want to say a special word of thanks to Sandra and others on this board who also take the time to comment at DWG. That's going beyond duty. I wish DWG was set up whereby I could reply to comments there without hogging the board and pushing stories off.

I also must thank Ali for her excellent and generous input in this chapter and the others that take place in Ireland. Sharing her knowledge of the country added more than I can say. Of course, Ellen G, Linnea, and Debbie S continue to help me with each and every word I write, for which I am always grateful.

Don't miss next week's chapter. I think it will make things better. And as to the length of this thing - it's expanded to 18 chapters, and I'm really hoping that's it.

-Jan

Oh Jan, a happy chapter on the horizen? I'm glad that it's going out to 18 chapters, hopefully filled with lots of D&E mush!!

I keep thinking about this story and the sleuth side of my brain does not rest when there is a mystery to be solved. It's so funny that this story is dealing with a subject that is very personal to me. I was adopted as a baby, and did my own investigative work about 17 years ago that unravelled my own mystery- and what shock and suprises met me at the end of my journey Needless to say, I understand Lizzy very well

Anyway, I keep coming back to the fact that old Mr.D took care of everything concerning baby Lizzy. The Willobys' just dumped her off, and this strikes me as odd if there wasn't sufficient proof that Lizzy was a Darcy. I don't think the Darcy family would get entangled in such a mess otherwise. I'm not positive why old Mr.D didn't just raise Lizzy as his niece though. Since Sir Lewis helped with the adoption, I'm sure that nosey Lady C had to know everything too.

Gosh, I wish we could have another chapter today!! I guess all we can do is hold our breaths until next Sunday, but it is so long to wait!!!

It's so funny that this story is dealing with a subject that is very personal to me. I was adopted as a baby, and did my own investigative work about 17 years ago that unravelled my own mystery- and what shock and suprises met me at the end of my journey Needless to say, I understand Lizzy very well.

Oh, my, I bet you have a story you could write yourself! My best friend's daughter is adopted, and she has toyed with the idea of finding her birth mother but never followed through with it. I admire everyone involved in such an endeavor, the birth parents, adoptive parents, and especially the child. So many emotions involved, and many that call for selflessness. I hope I have portrayed the subject in a sensitive manner, as I would not wish to offend anyone.

Thanks so much for sharing that with me.

-Jan

Hi Jan, just replying to your last post. You have portrayed the subject very well and with such respect. That's why I enjoy the story so well.

Adoption and unravelling the story behind why a person gives up a baby is very personal and affects everyone involved in the adoption. It evokes all kinds of hidden feelings that are very scary, and each person is different so deals with it differently.

My own story was quite incredible, and my birth father wrote a book many years ago that has a little of our story in it. I've met both of them and even though I had been communicating with them for years, only met my b-mother this April and my b-father about 11 years ago. There's a really good organization on the web called PACER that has chapters all across the US that helps people involved in adoption. They have great resources and can be a great help for people if they just need others to talk to, or actually plan a reunion (not everyone is interested in this).

I think the reason George didn't raise Lizzy as his niece had something to do with why he told Sir Lewis to keep it quiet: because Anne was in delicate health and would be disappointed if she knew. We know she liked Peter, so would she have been mortally disappointed if she had known he had fathered a child, either in or out of wedlock, but probably out of the Church of England? Maybe, even though it seems extreme.

But nothing the Darcys did is as extreme as what Linton Willoughby did, lying to the man in the prologue (Peter, I believe) that Elizabeth had died in a fall downstairs, when she was alive and living practically next door, at Bridesgate.

Jan, thank you for the promise of more hope in the next chapter, and of extra chapters!

I really tried to resist this story until it was completed, but I shamefully succumbed to temptation yesterday. My theory is that Peter is Elizabeth's father, and she wasn't illegitimate. I think her parents' sylvan trysts were at least initially catechetical in nature, and in light of Anglo anti-Catholicism, converting to "Papism" and marrying one to boot was probably considered just as wicked (if not more so) as having a baby out of wedlock. I realize that a legal marriage at the time would necessitate a CofE ceremony (with the license or the posting of banns, etc.), but for devote Catholics, the sacrament of marriage is religious rather than civic, and if a priest were to marry Peter Darcy and Elizabeth Willoughby, they would have considered themselves married regardless of the legal niceties.

So that's my prediction, and I won't feel at all cheated if I'm proven correct! I'm enjoying the story immensely and eagerly await the next installment. I may be way off on this, but I couldn't help but feel there was a bit of a "Brideshead Revisited" homage in the name of Bridesgate Manor. Am I wrong?

I am so confused!

JTorres, I still think you've got a story of your own to write - sounds fascinating. Thanks for the name of the organization on the WEB. I'm going to pass that along to my friend.

Carol, I agree with you on Linton Willoughby. I believe he's the worst character I've ever created.

RAM, it's wonderful to see a new reader brave enough to plunge into this thing. Thank you for your comments. Ah, Brideshead Revisited - I haven't seen that in such a long time. I didn't consciously think of it when I named Bridesgate, but I can't vouch for my subconscious. A reader at DWG commented on the name of the inn at Cashel being Fitzgerald's. She said that was in Ballykissangel, which pleased me, as I loved that show. Actually, I've sprinkled a lot of names from Ballyk throughout this story.

And Annabella, don't feel alone about being confused. You have no idea how many times I've had to go back and read what I've written to keep it all straight, especially when I consider readers' possible plots. Someone recently said Peter Darcy is a priest as though it is a fact. I had to check my writing to see if I'd ever said that. Nope, just someone's creative imagination.

Thanks again, everyone, for each one of your messages.

-Jan

Just to let you now I am still loving your story.

Me Too!!!

Chapter 14 is up, my dears. Enjoy!

"Ah, yes, the flowers never fail to entice us away from the path we are on, as well they should. ... "

Beautiful symbolism, Jan.

OMG, as I said on the what's new page, I'm totally overwhelmed.

Not only because of the story development, but because of the beauty of your narration too, Jan.

R~ <-- very very impressed

Awesome...totally awesome!! I knew she had to be someone else's daughter! Jan, you are my hero!

Frances

Dear Jan,

Another wonderful and beautifully written chapter. I’m so happy for Elizabeth – she has found her parents at last. I hope she is going to have an opportunity to talk to Peter, to get to know each other only if a little.

But we have still 4 chapters to go and I have learned in the world of JAFF that is long enough to cause trouble and pain for our characters and for readers.
Darcy’s attitude and obvious resignation is terrifying. Until now he was the one to take an action, to search, to fight, to not give up.

Darcy, Darcy do not run away. Not now. I fear you will have to leave Elizabeth with Peter Darcy – they have to talk, but Fitzwilliam Darcy is going to go to Pemberley or London and will try to fight with his feelings for Elizabeth, using not only few glasses of brandy.

Dear Jan, what have you done? I’m afraid to have hope now, I’m afraid to feel relief, I’m afraid there is still pain to come…

Basia

hey, I'm practically dying here! the story is up to chapter 13; it won't go to chapter 14 when i click on it; even the page ends at 13.

Refresh your page, dear. That should do the trick!

i checked again.... things got right!!!!

Be prepared for a ridiculous amount of quoting! It's all so good!

Jan, what a wonderful piece of writing. Your talent as a story teller goes before you; we’ve all read and loved your stories, but I have to say that you’ve reached new heights for me in this one.

This chapter is giving us so much: angst, humour, and oh thank the Lord, ANSWERS! (Yes, I know there might well be more angst yet to come, but this has been such a welcome respite).

QUOTE: I felt his eyes upon me. "And you, Elizabeth? Do you not wish me luck?" I raised my eyes to meet his. "Of course, sir, and, even more, I hope that what you find will grant you peace."

Oh my, such a goosebumps moment!

QUOTE: So, I simply lifted my head, assumed my best imitation of Miss Bingley, and waved him away.

LOL! Superb!

QUOTE: We strolled in silence, the moon glistening on the rippling surface. The water lapped against the pier, and I knew I should have loved being there in that setting, if not for the anguish on Mr. Darcy's face.

How heartbreaking… I was thinking the same thing myself, what a peaceful, romantic setting for such awful anguish.

QUOTE: "I want more than that." He turned and faced me. "I want...oh, my dearest girl, I need someone...anyone...to tell me that my father is not your father."

Oh Lord! This was just heartbreaking too. You write their emotions so painfully well, Jan, that it brought an ache to my throat as I read it. I feel so sad for them, but seeing Darcy's resistance to the inevitable fading later is just so very painful.

QUOTE: "But I must be honest and confess that is not my heart's desire. I want..." "No, do not say it! You must not say it, sir.

I know she’s right, but oh how I wished he could!

QUOTE: The sadness rose up between us like a deep chasm over which no one crosses.

Achingly beautiful writing; gorgeous.

On a random side note, I have missed somewhere in this wonderful story the reason for Peter not having long to live… I kept seeing reviewers refer to hoping Peter Darcy was still alive by the time they found him, but what is wrong with him?

QUOTE: I prayed fervently that my brother

Wow! That made me blink! Is that the first time Elizabeth has actually intentionally referred to him as her ‘brother’?

QUOTE: If Mr. Darcy drank to excess, my uncle never made mention of it, but then, he had always possessed a modest affinity for spirits himself.

LOL. Jan, dear Jan – you have that wonderful talent that any good writer needs, the ability to bring in some gentle humour even amidst all the angst!

QUOTE: Bishop of Shrewsbury

Hah! I liked this. I originate from Shrewsbury (England), so it was fun to see the name pop up in your story! :D

I was so pleased that Lizzy met Peter Darcy, and I did like that he had adopted an Irish accent!

QUOTE: "No, not Bennet...Willoughby. You are Elizabeth Willoughby...Darcy."

Argh! At last! Even better than I had dared to hope! (And part of me was thinking, yes, she soon will be!)

QUOTE: You are mistaken, for Elizabeth had no child.

I knew it! He never knew, he would never have left her. Willoughby's evilness is revealed in all its awful truth.

Oh Jan, what a chapter you have given us! Poor Darcy. His determination swept from under him, after his intent being so clear as we opened the chapter, and then later he was clearly in a state of depression for much of the remainder. Lizzy was demonstrating her strength so well, but she is so shocked, bless her.

I can see that the next few chapters are going to have us all on the edge of our seats. What a fantastic ride this WIP has been, Jan. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us, you have made my week. I don’t think I’ve ever been quite so content on a Monday at work before! :D

~ Sandra