Lacy, Lizzy had the gun under her dress ever since she set out from the ranch. If she couldn't carry her Colt, she'd still be armed! But where the Colt is a six-shooter, the derringer is too small to carry more than one bullet. Still, this makes it ideal for concealing on one's person, hence the term "stocking pistol" or "stocking gun."
Mrs. Younge handed Lizzy the dress and locked the door behind her; there was never any forced contact. I would imagine, in hand-to-hand combat, Lizzy would have won anyway.
Geri (and everyone else who's following the story): Thanks for your patience. I've been working on the chapter but have been interrupted several times. After all, one needs some privacy to write HMS... (and today my son's home with the flu!)
I'm going to try to post before the end of the week, because then I'm on vacation. Hang in there!
Ooooooh! Well done, Ellen! I do not think they could have waited much longer (nor could I, honestly). I loved the urgency, not surprising, with all that unresolved sexual tension (revealing dresses, al fresco swims... gosh! this guys were really needing it by now!)
And now for some good angst again. Though fortunately they will be fairly relaxed now.
Well now that Elizabeth’s had her man (and he her!) there’s no turning back. Regardless of who is there to voice their displeasure!
And is Mrs. Bennet complaining about the chores her way of welcoming Elizabeth back? What’s she going to do when her ranch hand gets married
Fabulous chapter, Ellen! I just love this E & D; they're both independent but now know they want each other and aren't afraid to show it. Lady C doesn't stand a chance, especially arriving when she did. Please hurry with more!
Oh good gawd-- the only person who says "seriously displeased" is Lady Cat... here it comes... I am all anticipation. BTW, loved the straw in your fly scene. What a hoot!
Yes, you write exceedingly well--especially scenes of -- romantic expression. And was that Catherine whose voice was like a blast of cold water at the end?
Backing up a bit, I noted this: "Elizabeth might have been less distressed at her untimely exit from the town earlier that day had she known that Charlotte Lucas, just inside the door of the confectioner's, had been witness to the entire exchange with Mr. Wickham."
I must tell you, it would have saved me a lot of angst if I had known this a few chapters back--but that's the point, right, LOL?
This was just an especially great chapter and I even have to applaud your cliffhanger. After all, you certainly delivered before leaving us on the edge.
Ellen, thank you for the fun-filled chapter! I loved Mrs. B's displeasure because Elizabeth was gallivanting around the countryside and not home tending the sheep. I loved the hayloft, the posse, Charlotte's role in the rescue and just everything. I hope that voice at the end is Cat deB, Caroline, or better yet--both!
Thank you for letting E & D seal the deal. That just seemed so right. I bet it will not stop them from having a steamy wedding night, right? Keep up the good work!
i am really happy you posted a chapter. i having been a devoted fan. however, i dont want to write something negative but i was not liking it. after 22 chapters of foreplay the actual act was a let down. he was selfish and in the barn no less. just my opinion dont take it personaly.
Regarding the comment above, I do understand how someone could see Darcy as selfish, but I think it is more realistic that he was stunned by E in essence throwing herself at him and was just overcome with the lust and spontaneity of the moment. I am counting on Ellen to give us another scene where the pair have a little more time and Darcy can show a little more finesse, and he did apologize, after all. I guess I'm just a sucker for that man!
Darcy was the victim of a very powerful force of nature he simply couldn't control. That happens when a man has never made love before, little experience or hasn't done it for a long time... As simple as that. He felt bad about it. Elizabeth however was only puzzled for the fact he felt bad... Why? Because she doesn't know yet what to expect! Apparently she was excited enough to enjoy it all, even without the climax. So, I bet he will make up soon and show her how he can make her even more happier.
So, indeed, it was a realistic rather than a selfish.
thank you, great chapter ellen! and i'm looking forward to what lady c has to say, she's one of my favourite bad guys:) and i really liked the scene between e and d, they'd been all over each other for so long, i think it would have been in some way out of character if they'd actually managed to wait until their wedding night. and about it taking place in the barn, i don't know if this is what happens in america, but here in finland it's almost an old countryside romance story must that some romance takes place in a haybarn, so i thought it a very appropriate place indeed:)
First, a big "thank you" to everyone who took the time to comment.
Now, Geri, there were certainly thoughts of consummation on Darcy's mind while they were in the stream, and they were certainly close enough for something to have happened, but the foreman arrived on the scene and spoiled everything.
Which, Mags, is part of the reason everything in the barn was so rushed and, um, unsatisfying to some. As Renee pointed out, Will had been celibate for at least half a year (remember when he refused to partake of Lil's charms? That was way back in Chapter 7, before any of E&D's heavy make-out sessions!) and overwhelmed with the opportunity he had been given, not to mention the memories of his own deflowering in a barn (a very powerful influence). AMG had it exactly right when she said, "I think it is more realistic that he was stunned by E in essence throwing herself at him and was just overcome with the lust and spontaneity of the moment." And it's true that E didn't know any better about what she was missing. But don't you worry none, ma'am; he'll soon set it to rights!
And yes, Anniina, the "love in a barn" theme is very common in the U.S., particularly in the Old West.
Thanks for another chapter Ellen! I hope your son is feeling better! Love D&E as usual. I can't wait to see what Lady Catherine has to say! Lol. Thanks for posting the chapter, Renee!
I know you already responded--and responded well, IMO
-- to complaints of "Did he have to do it quick and dirty in the barn?"
I just want to add that I found what happened in the barn quite a turn-on. He was so overcome by passion that he could not wait--had to have her now. This is the first of a lifetime of good times for them. Also, you have been building with each physical encounter, so, as much as I liked this, I knew it was a step toward more, longer... If the first consummation is a star-spangled event, then it's hard (or soft) to show it it better and hotter in successive encounters. And while I know fanfiction is about fantasy, some peppering of reality makes it more exciting--first times are never the BEST times, I think.
I think Lizzy was pretty happy to be with the man she loves, and this just paves the way for him to truly blow her socks off.
I don't think he was any more selfish than she was. She wanted it and for her "a girl in jeans" at that time, it just fits the story/her personality.
Lady C. is there, but unlike others who say "oh, no!", I said "bring it on!" This is where Darcy will defend his Elizabeth and declare his love. Perhaps Mr. Bennet will witness that they were naughty and make the wedding happen ASAP: shot gun and all!
Fun story, Ellen. I've enjoyed all of your stories so far.
OH MY! Lizzy and Will sure are a passionate couple. That stern voice at the end of the chapter can only be one character; what in tarnation does Aunt Catherine want now?!
Has anyone heard from Ellen? Its been over a month since the last chapter was posted, and her last message in this thread was on March 2nd. I hope everything is okay. (psst.. to be honest, I'm secretly hoping that there haven't been any more distractions, vacations, snow days, etc to keep her from writing more of this wonderful story ).
Hi, Julia! Thanks so much for your concern. Chapter 24 is complete and just needs some edits. All things being equal, I should be able to get it to Mrs Darcy tomorrow (Monday).
I just LOVE this story, Ellen! It is so light and witty and sexy in a fun way. I thought your device of having Darcy start off the response to Lady C was very clever and original. I'm not sure who he is tackling at the end, since that doesn't follow canon, so please bring on the next chapter and end the suspense!
I have been enjoying this story immensely and enjoy all your work. Aunt Catherine does not seem to get it, and but for the moment at least, it seems you have sent her hurtling over the cliff. So, who has come knocking this time?
I suppose the silver lining here is that its a good thing Aunt Catherine showed up afterall! So Lizzy & Will will now get married in a week, instead of a whole month! I only hope we won't have to wait much more than a week to read all about it.