As I read through the last bit of discussion, I had a thought that kept flowing through my mind - in this story Elizabeth is only about the age of Lydia in the regular one. But, unlike Lydia, her father is dead, no mother, her brother is gone, she is essentially alone, and though she is a fairly smart girl, she had led a very sheltered existence until the death of father, she has dealt with huge upheavls and changes in her life in very fast order. To me, Elizabeth can best be discribed as a pool ball - being bounced back and forth between situations that are completely out of her control and trying to adjust to them as fast as she can. Her head must be spinning. That does not even mention what her emotions are doing.

Today we would NOT encourage a 15 year old to get married and even then it was not common. It was rare for a girl to even be "out" at that age. It was more common to wait until 17 or 18.

My own take is that she is not sure WHO to trust. That is hard - because she is not even sure she can trust herself. Her emotions are like a ping pong ball - everywhere. I have been glad that for the last few months she has been with the Gardiners - because at least she has had some time to just be. Then she thinks Jamie is dead - I mean the fact this child is still standing up is AMAZING!!!

I agree she has made some whoppers of errors - but so has Darcy, and she came into this (was pretty well forced into this) with grave trust issues about him. I think sometimes it is hard to remember that until this chapter - she was basically an orphan. Yes the Gardiners were around - but only some. She is trying to figure out, what she feels, what she thinks, what her harmones are doing to her. Also, the nice part of her time with Darcy was extremely short - compared to all the bad time with him.

Frankly, I really do get why she is having some major issues.

But, I think she has also grown up a bit during this time. She has had TIME to think - to pull pieces together. I am excited that we are now beginning to move back towards her story with Darcy. Unfortunately, I am not sure that Jamie being back is such a great idea. He may be more of a hindrance than a help. Malvena though - she may be a great help and she may help move Jamie to a place of understanding and helping Elizabeth and Darcy. One can at least hope so.

I do love this story. Can't wait for the next bit.

mmin

WOW! You've been writing this story for three years????!! When I read that I was amazed! I only started reading it a week ago, and I'm already impatient (:

One of the best fanfics I've read!

Tanya, Thank you, thank you for another post of your lovely story. Mal and Jamie so happy. Ruth and Cranford having a happy beginning. Now to Lizzy and Darcy, a resolution of animosities, openness with one another would be key to any future for these two people. Let's hope they can find it soon.

mmin that was explained very well. I must say I agree with everything you said. Thank you.

Tanya, thank you so much for the wonderful new chapter! It was so emotion-packed! I love the aunts and loved having Ruth be happy. I can't believe Elizabeth saw Darcy for the first time in a long time. Will he seek her out? Thanks again!!

I agree with the first part of this post. Elizabeth still seems incredibly self-centered. The revelation of Wickham's character should make her feel worse! To know that she picked him over her husband after learning what a scoundrel he was, that she cause her great discomfort and take more responsibility. If she was mature at this point in the story, then she will be the one to reach out to Darcy, not the other way around.

But great chapter

Once again, I'm blown away by the quality of your writing, Tanya. It's addictive, and I can't wait for my next fix.

I'm hoping that Jamie, who knows Elizabeth so well, will be the catalyst to bring her back to Darcy.

More soon, as soon as you can manage it, please.

Debbie

I agree, of course, with the great chapter part but must raise an objection to the criticism of the Elizabeth in this story being in denial. She is not drawn as some paragon who always behaves exactly as a reader might wish or hope, but she is depicted realistically as an intelligent, principled but still immature girl--and we are watching as she matures.

She takes some comfort in thinking that she is not an idiot or hopeless dupe but the victim of a level of evil and cunning that she is only starting to understand. She could not fathom before that it existed, and her reaction is like looking back on the misconceptions you might have had as a child--and forgiving yourself for those misconceptions.

But she also recognizes that her previous misconceptions, however much they were not her fault, could well mean that she will never regain Darcy's affections. Realistically, this is a possibility. She may have lost him forever. I would not rejoice in that, but thank goodness, this is JAFF that usually comes with happy endings unlike real life, which sometimes does not.

I find this Elizabeth likable and endearing, and I am rooting for her!

I agree, I like this Elizabeth. If Darcy would've just been open with her & given her some sort of explanation, things would not have gotten so out of hand. I hate it when in these sorts of stories the woman is just expected to 'obey' her husband's word, however nonsensical it may be or appear to be, because that's the way a wife 'ought' to behave, having no right to question or object to a man's authority. I can't accept this way of thinking & would much prefer to see the woman get upset & leave if she feels she must!

I think people might be upset with Elizabeth because ultimately we know that Darcy is a good man (or because they would love to have a Darcy in their life & how dare she jeopardize that sort of relationship!). To call her immature, self-centred or unable to see the errors of her ways just because she doesn't trust Darcy's non-explanation seems over the top to me. She may be young, but she isn't without reason. You can't just tell someone to do something 'just because' & then get upset when they don't immediately abide. Open communication is best!

Anyway, Tanya: I love your writing. It's a bittersweet feeling when I see that there is a new SB update - I'm excited for the new chapter but pained that the next installment probably won't be for a few months. Now that Elizabeth/Darcy scenes are on the horizon, I am more excited than ever! Please, let the next post be soon!

I agree with Lacy about Elizabeth and the way she's thinking. Her mind worked then like a very young 16 year old girl (I teach girls that age, and she feels very real to me), Things seem black or white; seeing the gray areas comes with age and wisdom. Things are either right or wrong to them (this is bad, e.g. and that is good. Situation ethics is a foreign concept.). Darcy is more worldly, but he is also young in thinking, although certainly less naive than Elizabeth. She was adolescent in her stubbornness, yet with such a good heart, I can't find it in me to condemn her. Elizabeth is coming to understand herself and the way the world works, and we should be rooting her on as we would our daughters. They learn, not through what we say, but through experience. Elizabeth is 18 now, and she's gotten a whole lot smarter. And she's learned the way we all learn: through suffering.

I find it interesting linguistically that Regency novels use "humble" where we would think "humiliating." He doesn't want to feel "humbled" Malvina says to Elizabeth. Think humiliation, and the larger impact of the word gives pause. Don't we go through life trying to avoid humiliation (shame). Guilt we can cope with and remediate. Darcy feels "humbled" in P&P, and we are proud of him. If he felt humiliated, we'd be embarrassed for him.

Just rambling here, trying to work out the characters and the language in my head. Doesn't that speak well for this story? No bubble gum for the mind here!

Huh. I guess I never thought about it that way. I keep forgetting how young Elizabeth is and how new all of this is to her. I also agree with someone else who posted that since we know that deep down, Darcy is a good man, it is hard for some people (like me!) to deal with Elizabeth's misconception of Darcy. In the end, I'm rooting for them to get back together too!

I have just finished reading Chapter 29. Exquisite! Thank you. I eagerly await the next installment. To add to what others have stated, your writing style is deeply satisfying and the story is coming along beautifully. I am so glad that Darcy was reintroduced before this chapter ended, albeit bittersweet.

I was delighted to see Darcy and Elizabeth back in focus in this wonderful chapter. But I'm at a loss with respect to the relationship between Ms. Bingley and Lord Gregory. She is insipid and shallow, yet his lordship (who seems like a kindly and intelligent fellow) continues to bestow attention on her. Can someone enlighten me...perhaps I missed an earlier chapter when this was explained. Thanks!

Ditto!!

Chapter 30 is up, my dears. An hm... very satisfying chapter, I daresay... Enjoy!

Omg love love love this story so much. Thank you for two chapters in such quick succession.

I am so happy that Lizzy and Darcy have reconcilled. What an amazing ride to reach this point! The ice skating scene was...wow...their longing for each other was almost palpable. And their that their reconciliation happened over Mr Darcy seemed highly symbolic. While I hated their separation, I have to say that it has allowed Lizzy to grow up and mature into herself and given the two of them the space to work our what they really wanted...so happy that it was each other!

I'm also relieved that James and Mal have found each other again. How lovely that they begin their lives together with the birth of their first child.

Looking forward to finding out what the story was with Wickham all those years ago. Also hoping that there will be a rekindled friendship between Darcy and James!

Anyways, I'm off to re-read your latest offering! Thanks so much and please please please post again soon!

xo

I will quote from Miss Darcy,
"Ah well...finally"

I must say, though this was the most unerving Elizabeth I have ever read, your writing is simply superb, and I only regret the length of time it took you to finish this story. I have not followed it, left it when you abandoned it a couple of years ago, but followed the threads to see when the coupling was achieved. I have read chapter 30 , enjoyed it immensely but sincerely wished you have finished with it all long ago. I suppose real life is always meddling with the best authors, and you my dear, are seriously a great writer. Just promise next time you post something you will make sure you have finished it before posting. I will probably be hooked again and do not wish another five years in anguish.

Malena,

Um. *Whispers.* It's not finished. Not even close. Sorry!

Thanks otherwise for your kind comments!

OMG
And here I was hoping the nightmare was over. By nightmare I mean the terrible knot in Darcy's life, not your magnificent writing. I suppose I will get into my little hole and peek whenever I read good reviews of what is going on with the life of this silly girl. Plan to read it all through when it IS finished...only if it finishes in the fashion of ASP, that is. Otherwise, I will stick to this ending. I must say...this would be a great ending, why add anything more? Had they not suffered enough yet?

Who said they're going to suffer more? However, knowing Tanya, the story will definitely have a happy end.

Sorry, dearest Mrs Darcy.However I trust your confidence I really need that reasurance from Tanya herself... After all, she is the Queen of postponed anguish!
While I was reading this chapters I went until I did not read he in the end accomplished the service of a husband I could barely breath(Good Lord, how much could my poor heart stand?) then I went blushing for your description was just perfectly lovely. The little details I covet. Hats off for that. But [please, let her be rational for now. No more missunderstandings)

Tanya this was a great chapter - tying a few loose strings up. I hope Elizabeth tells Darce about the letter. I think it will make him understand where her heart was at that time a little more. I'm so glad they're reconciled. I hope they have no more worries as far as themselves. To bad for Miss Bingley, but she should have moved on long ago. I'm happy for the happy couple. Now they can work on being a married couple. Please post again soon.

Tanya, A beautiful chapter, I also thought you were coming to a conclusion but Oh well, D & E are together at last but is someone lurking in the background to usurp their happiness.

Oh Tanya:

At last! A wonderful chapter of reconciliation for our couple! I only hope that we can look forward to only more good things between them.

Thank you, thank you!

Tanya, I am completely and utterly wrung out. That was the most tumultuous chapter. I was almost ill with frustration at Lizzy when she seemed unable to say words that needed to be said. Once again Darcy was put in the position of having to make the first move to reconciliation. I hope she makes herself and her heart very clear to him in this night coming up. That man desperately needs to be smothered with love and fussing and spoiling and cuddling.

I was thrilled to see another chapter so soon. This story is insanely gripping. Thank you so, so much for sharing!

Tanya, I for one am glad it's not over yet. I wonder, will you tell us what the secret was between Darcy and Wickham? And is W really dead--somehow, I don't believe he is. Knowing how you can stir up waves of angst, I fear or anticipate or whatever the word, that we will see Darcy and Elizabeth cruelly divided by misunderstanding again.

I must tell you, much as I am disposed to love your Elizabeth, there were points in this last chapter where I found myself shouting at the computer screen, "Tell the man you love him. Speak, woman!" Well, all in her own good tme ...

Your story grips me, as someone else here has commented, "insanely" so. You are good, very good. So, don't have a care for my poor heart or giving me a heart attack--just tell the story you must.

Oh, and also, your minor characters stand out with such pinpoint clarity. Mary, who has stuck with her mistress during all these trying years. Miss Bingley--and I am glad she really is minor here--finally unable to live any further in denial, the truth smacks her in the face.

Jamie, Georgiana and Mal are not minor, of course, but they played less of a role here. I wonder if we will see more of them later.

I'm a little giddy. I know you have just given us two (as always, wonderful!) chapters fairly quickly, but dare I hope for more soon, please? As always, no pressure. I'll be waiting whenever it comes.

No! Why did I have to read this and let it ruin my happy reunion!
I suppose the Wickham issue really hasn't been resolved and what about that letter. I've never known Miss Bingley to give up so easily. (And to make that comment about Malvina's marriage while Jamie was in the room!)
Should I be hoping for a baby? Will that keep Elizabeth at Pemberley and away from harm?

Thanks for at least leaving us with some hope for a happy ending! Hope to see more soon.

All I can say is I can't wait for more!

What a surprise to have two new chapters and such long ones at that! I am relieved to see Darcy and Elizabeth reunited, but I know they have a long road ahead of them. I have a feeling Wickham is not out of the picture yet, and I'm a bit nervous to see what havoc he might create, but I hope that Darcy and Elizabeth manage to have some serious heart to hearts in the coming chapters. Will we ever find out what happened between Darcy and Wickham? Either way, Tanya, I am thrilled to know that you are working hard on this story! Thank you.

Thank you Tanya for this chapter, it was so gratifying and I simply cried and cried throughout most of it.

I'm so happy for their reunion...I've been waiting for this for years!

But it is still frustrating that Elizabeth has to make things SO HARD by not just saying what's in her heart, is it really that difficult. Must she always make him beg for it?

Even so, I love both these characters, and I hope nothing will come and break them apart. Please don't do that to us! No more misunderstandings esp. with Elizabeth unable to say what is obvious so that there is more misunderstanding/confusion between them.

Again thank you for posting again so soon, it was a great chapter!

I so hoped that she would make it back before papa Darcy passed away. Darcy was forgiven rather quickly for forbidding Georgiana not to write sooner. However with everything considered I elated that she didn’t make a big deal out of it.

I’m so glad that she has finally realized where she needed to be and I think it is time for her to do a little begging.

I adore your characters (accept Caroline) and this wonderful story. You have made my month posting so frequently lately. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Geri

I am so SO happy they are back together. I was screaming at the computer when they kept misunderstanding each other and not speaking. Infuriating.

So very happy but so sad about Mr. Darcy. Very sad.

Hope it's not too long before this excellent story continues.

dear Tanya, I was really happy to find another chapter after the last one...and if I remember well, this's the first time you've posted this quickly a new chap...but anyway all for the better^_^I've been in heaven since I've started reading about their first time...that is, until I read 'that' post about this story not being over yet. I'm all for more chaps goodness from you dear dear Tanya, but pweeese, I beg you, no more troubles for Elisabeth and Darcy: you've created a couple of minor characters that seem perfect to angst upon and our favourite couple has already suffered enough (and us with them ) By the way, I'd like to see a good fitting end for our little viper (Miss Bingley)you'll do it, won't you? That's all and I hope for another chaper soon^_^

I'm so surprised to hear that there's more than a final chapter. I felt something in me lie down and rest after finishing this chapter. I don't mind the ambiguities and unknowns remaining. I don't need to know what Wickham did. I don't want him back in story. I want them to stay as besotted and intoxicated with each other as they are at the end of this chapter. I'll read anything you write, of course -- the telephone book, a grocery list, etc. -- but I hope we're at the end of the roller coaster ride and that we may coast along for awhile reading about their great joy and hot sex.

OMG-- I am afraid you all with think I am quite wacked -- but I have to admit that my hand was shaking on the mouse as I read this chapter. SB has been such a long and winding tale -- and to finally have the much anticipated reunion of D&E... ahhhhhh. Really, there are many stories out there that I have enjoyed -- but at the moment I can hardly think of one that has so entranced me -- and held my attention for so long. Thank you for finding time to finish this. It really is a treasure!

I'm 60 years old. I have been with this story since the beginning, while I am glad that there is still more to come, I just want to know I will be around to read the rest of it! LOL

Somehow I have the feeling we haven't seen the last of Wickham or Caroline.

Thanks for the quick new post....keep them coming cause I love this story so!

I am not sure Wickham is dead much as I would like him to be! Thank you for the lovely and sometimes frustrating reunion. They have both matured but are still the same people so it was only natural for them to have misunderstandings and unexpressed thoughts and needs. Very well done, Tanya! I feel sorry for Caroline. This was a wonderful chapter!!

You're stories are great Tanya and I really enjoyed 'A Singular Proposition.' I'm a bit compulsive in my reading habits so I tend to wait untl a story is finished before reading it -- but 'Strange Bedfellows' is really begining to test my resolve!

Here's to hoping for a glorious happily ever after very soon!

Words cannot express how much I adore this story. I was devastated when I first read it to discover it was a WIP, but I am thrilled to bits to see that you are still posting. And what a post! The emotion in your story is wonderful. I feel very fulfilled after reading one of your beautifully descriptive chapters. As an angst lover, I have held my breath with anticipation as our couple has bobbed upon the story seas of their misunderstandings. I, for one, am ecstatic that there is more to this wonderful story. Thank you so much for the privilege of reading your work.

I couldn't believe it when I saw a new chapter had been posted so quickly after the last one!
Dare I hope that this becomes a trend?

i feel the same way. i was so shocked.

i dont know about anyone else but i'm so happy to see more of darcy and lizzy. i feel that jamie and mal are pretty much done. theyre happy and i cant see them going anywhere. but with darcy and lizzy theyre so many unfinished things. like the whole wickham thing.

my husband thought that i was going crazy because i was practically jumping up and down on the couch (pulling a tom cruize) when i saw there was an update so soon after the last one.

I can't help wondering if Mr. Darcy's death was a plot device to get Elizabeth back to Pemberley while Darcy is there, or whether there's some significance to his having to die before they can reunite. It reminds me of Moses getting to the Promised Land but not being able to enter it. Only his followers were given that privilege.

I also have a question: What did Darcy mean when he says, " 'Elizabeth, you do know I have never-....Not in word or deed." Losing this one battle, he closed his eyes his expression pained." What does "Losing this one battle" refer to -- which battle?

Wow, two chapters within a week. What a great story...cant wait to see where it leads from here. WooHoo!!!

I must admit I have only recently discovered the "mrsdarcy" website and have thus only read a few of the fanfiction stories. Tanya, having read yours, I am very much impressed by your style and your abilities of inventing such surprising and complex plots!! Your imagination appears to be endless I truly hope this story doesn't end too soon, although I admit I can hardly wait for the next chapter...

Tanya, What a mixture of emotions in one wonderful chapter. I know I have said it before but you are a great writer. I was glued once again to every word you wrote.
I tell you Elizabeth has been driving me crazy for some time and in this chapter I just wanted to shack her silly when she wouldn't / couldn't talk to William. I just hope they don't slip up now that they have finally started opening up. As always I look forward to more. Thank you for such a Great story.

Count me in with all the rest. I love this story and, yes, the angst. You write emotional turbulence so well. I am a) excited to hear more chapters are coming as I think that both E&D have lots more to clear up between them and b) stressed because I don't know if I can take the wait between the chapters.

I also want to know where is Cat? Why did he run away in the hallway? Is he shunning Elizabeth? Given his allegiance wholly to Darcy? And, will Darcy mend the fence with Jamie? Did Wickham really die-doubt it, his sort never get their due?

We need a promise that you will encourage the muse to write faster and also that you will publish this. I want a copy (soon!).

Thank you so much for another superb chapter Tanya.
It's posting an even bigger surprise than the last one!
I must admit I had to stop reading it at one stage, when Darcy was admitting he would let Elizabeth go, if she still wanted it. God! what desolation and sadness. I just wept! And Elizabeth! I could have shaken her!
Darcy, desperate in his need to know if she had a care for him. She just couldn't tell him. What utter despair they both suffered.
Their reconcilliation was just so real .........I don't think it was desire they felt, but it was there obviously, more a need for comfort, physical and emotional.
Darcy and Jamie still haven't made their peace.....I feel there is more to come...... and Jamie is a little suspicious of why Elizabeth is staying. Did Darcy force her?? WE know he did not... and she has told him she cares for Darcy. We will see..but I think their day of reckoning regarding their past troubles will come.
And of course there is Wickham............I do not think for one minute that he is dead...that would be too easy! And Tanya has mentioned the owl ring again in this post ....is it a clue?
And Valerie and the letter............... that problem needs to be addressed as well, I suspect.
Not who wrote the letter, but were the contents the truth??
You have spoiled us a bit Tanya with two chapters so close together, please do not wait too long to post again.
And please not to much angst .......some little angst is ok with me, but not big D&E angst. Separation angst! Just couldn't take it!

Simply the best chapter so far because D & E are reunited. You're writing I don't have to tell you is superb.I was reading this at work in the wee hours of the morning and tears are just flowing,my co-workers was worried if I received a terrible news.SIGH!I just hope that it's not too long for the next post. Thank you once again.
annj

Awesome chapter, Tanya! I have a big, stupid smile on my face, and you are directly responsible.

Thank you.
Debbie

How very happy I was to see a new update so soon and what a glorius chapter it is! The only sadness was in thinking that it might be ending soon -- except that would put us out of our bittersweet misery. Then I saw the message that the story is not ending soon and that is good news indeed. More bittersweet misery is on the way -- and more deliciously satisfying writing -- and more of these characters who have lept off the page and become real as well as a part of our hearts. What a gift, Tanya. Thank you. However, sometimes that Lizzy drives me a little crazy -- I have to keep reminding myself how young she is.

The emotion in this chapter was so convincing and real. I found myself in tears and also remembering vividly the pain of my own father's death. I also felt the immense relief when E&D finally found their way back to each other. What a wonderfully appealing vulnerable Darcy, openly declaring his need for her. What excruciatingly poignant moments that only made reconciliation so much more fulfilling.

It makes sense that there is much more to this story as there are still big issues at stake. Tanya is not one to gloss over these things and will take her sweet time to make certain each detail comes together. She is a writer that we can trust not to be hasty or rash.

But like someone else has said, now that we've had two installments so close together, it will be even harder if we must wait long. However, we will wait. This is an amazing and wonderful story that we have remained faithful to for quite some time.

Thank you again, Tanya, for sharing your gift with us.

I also have a question: What did Darcy mean when he says, " 'Elizabeth, you do know I have never-....Not in word or deed." Losing this one battle, he closed his eyes his expression pained." What does "Losing this one battle" refer to -- which battle?

Ophelia, I have been thinking about the above question and I think Darcy has decided to be truthful with Elizabeth about past events.
The spectre of Valerie and that night at Vauxhall Gardens and the knowledge that Elizabeth knows about it has probably played on his conscience and he will try to be honest when the topic comes up.
However, he did not know about Miss Bingley's affection for him, therefore he could not be honest with her! Therefore he lost that battle. It pained him because he desperately wants to be honest with Elizabeth ..... he WAS honest with her... because he did not know!
But I believe he will face the question of Valerie soon and I hope ha handles it well.

I don't know whether any of that makes sense!