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.

On to the angst!

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.

Lacy, thanks for your spirited and very perceptive defense.

I just want to add that I found what happened in the barn quite a turn-on.

That was my intent, and I'm glad that someone thought so.

You can certainly count on a few "someones"

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.

Ellen & ladies..

Somebody forwarded this link..thought it could inspire you Ellen..

http://superherofan.livejournal.com/409619.html

Ima

*breathe* *breathe*

OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!!!!! Thanks, Ima! Consider me inspired. (Too bad my whole family has a snow day today and I've got no time or privacy to write!)

LOL....Mrs D...please dont faint..we need YOU alive & kicking..and Ellen..I am sure you can refer to this another day....

Ima

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 ).

And Ima - Thank you very much for that link. Yum!


Cheers,
Julia B

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).

Excellent news, Ellen! Glad to know you are doing okay and haven't abandoned this story.

Cheers,
Julia B

Chapter 24 has just been posted, my dears. Enjoy!

"Don't you 'howdy' me, young man!" Mrs. de Bourgh exclaimed. "You know I find that expression insufferably vulgar."




Enjoy their conversation, such a cool twist with Lady De Bourgh's visit to Longbourn.

That had better be Richard tackling William!!!

I loved, loved, loved this chapter, Ellen! Especially Darcy saying he wouldn't marry Elizabeth next month. *snort*

Caroline's reaction was priceless, too. Now I look forward to seeing who is the new intruder.

Kathy, that's Will tackling a man, not the other way 'round.

Who could it be??

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!

Oh,please let it be Richard and not that dastardly Wickham!

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?

Ellen - I once again got caught up with your tale and you never disappoint. So entertaining and well written.

Now, who did Darcy tackle? Please don't make us wait to long to find out that answer.

Thanks for a terrific story.

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.

Thanks Ellen .

Cheers,
Julia B

It could be Denny he's tackling, or his cousin Richard. As long as Wickham's still locked up for what he tried to do to Elizabeth, Darcy can tackle anyone he wants. :)

I loved how Darcy stuck it to Catherine and Carolyn it couldn't get any better.

Ellen any chance for a new chapter?
Geri

Geri, not to worry... I'm about 75% done with the next chapter. I had hoped to finish it this week, but real life intervened. Soon, my dear!

I am heartily ashamed of myself...making promises I couldn't keep. Sorry! But now that I'm back from our whirlwind college tour (Part Deux), I hope to get back to the business of writing this week. Thanks for keeping me on my toes!

Ellen, we miss you! I know those college tours are fun but tiring.
Hope to see more soon.

Actually, Julia B, I'm on the last chapter! Sad, I know. And the reason it's taking so long is that I'm writing the wedding night scene. There. That should keep the fans interested while I'm trying to get it finished! Seriously, though, as I told Mrs. Darcy yesterday, I've had more work in RL than I've had in months, and something keeps getting in the way. But I'm so close to completing it, it shouldn't be long now. Thanks for your patience, everyone!

May be this helps

Oooooh! wedding night scene!

Wicked Malena! I know in which direction your mind trends...

Or perhaps this is more like it to inspire a cowgirl...

I must confess, Renee, that I find Malena's latest offering more apropos for Silver Dust.

Besides, if you really wanted to inspire me, you'd give me a little Hugh Jackman.

I agree...Cant find a new photo of dear HJ as hot cowboy. But I need to erase Renne's crinkly Cowboy from my memory and replace it with something yummy. Maybe this one may help? Will do my best to find HJ. Promise.

Indeed, Ellen, an eighteenth century duke has little to do with a nineteenth century cowboy. Sorry, for that offensive picture, I've deleted it.

As requested: Hugh Jackman
Go to this website:
http://www.superherofan.net/galleries/albums/superherofan-gallery/Celebrities/H/Hugh-Jackman/

I tried to copy the picture and paste here but couldn't. I've really enjoyed your story and look forward to your next post.

Hope this helps!

OMG, Tsluder, thank you for this treat!

The magnificent Hugh Jacman

Whaa! Did it just get a helluva lot hotter in here or what!


Cheers,
Julia B

Now THAT is an inspiration!!!!
Thanks, ladies!

Babe, that definitely lights my
Hope it finally lights Ellen's muse ...

Malena, I love your smiley!

According to the NY Times, the substantial opening weekend of "Wolverine" was attributed in part to "an unexpectedly large female audience." Unexpected? With Hugh Jackman buff and shirtless? Ha!

Chapter 25 has just been posted on Ellen G's pages. Enjoy! And... don't be sad that it's the last chapter, an epilogue is yet to come!

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Congratulations Ellen, it was great! Loved the grooms first wedding gift and Denny's redemption! Can't wait for the epilogue!

Oh Ellen, it's over but not before the epi. Beautiful wedding night and Denny's forgiveness.

Ahhh, Wet Darcys...*sigh* They always make my day!!
Thank you Ellen for this lovely western. Looking forward to the epilogue. I am sure you must have something secreted up your pen with which to surprise and delight us even more.
Thank you again.

Ellen,

That was fabulous!



Gotta' love those cowboys!

-Ruth

Oh, how I loved this final chapter, but it helps to know that it is not quite over--still an epilogue!

After the way Elizabeth rejected Darcy earlier in the story, and indeed, the way he fought his feelings for her, their wedding night was a welcome relief--for us readers as well as them, LOL. He was everything I--I mean, Elizabeth--could have wished. He planned her pleasure perfectly, taking his time, taking care--right up to the moment when her coming brings him along. Lovely HMS, and the kind that makes an impression that stays long after one has stopped reading!

Also, nice to see everything and everyone else fall into place, including real redemption for Denny that actually helped secure the wedding. I am eager to know what happens to minor players like Lydia, Caroline, even Aunt Catherine (I would love to see Will get her money because who else does she have to leave it to? It's not the money but the principle. I would like to see her punished or brought down in some way for the way she treated the couple, particularly Elizabeth).

And, while I assume that Elizabeth and Darcy live happily ever after, I want details!!