Copyright held by Renée O. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the administrator.
website design company |
Holy cow! Bingley's breaking Jane's heart while Darcy is finding out the truth.
Irene
GRC
Anguish! Anguish from beginning to end! But you know what? I'm inordinately happy that the truth about the child is out already, when I was preparing myself for a long ride of angst for Darcy about it. Not that the man is any merrier, though, but the shock of the disclosure is still too recent.
What drives me crazy is the way they always take the blame! But, hey, they wouldn't be our same beloved characters if they didn't, would they?
Needless to say, I loved the update! (I've been checking the website like a possessed during the last few days, all in anticipation )
Bingley, in my book, is fast becoming a rake! This makes twice he has paid Jane marked attention then leaves. And what's worse is the fact that he feels himself so noble by leaving so his sister can make a good marriage! Fool!! He hasn't figured out that Caroline only wants Darcy so she won't accept anyone else no matter what he does!
If he only knew the lies his sister sent in her letter to Jane and what she did to stop him from having a good marriage....and then the lies she deliberately told to Darcy to make him think it was Elizabeth's baby. And Darcy is stupid enough to believe her! He's an even bigger fool!
Just who is supplying Caroline with her information. She deliberately didn't send word of what was happening to the Bennets, even though she knew, and now she is insinuating all sorts of things about Elizabeth and I'm certain that she knows exactly who the baby's mother is! Witch!!!
And Darcy...to believe Caroline enough to accuse Elizabeth of such behavior! She was right to let him have it when she saw him. Their lives might have been better if he had confessed everything to Bingley but no...he only thought of himself and then ran away and took Bingley with him.
And his behavior...
I totally agree w/Sandy on the Jane/Bingley situation. I think Jane deserves so much more than Bingley. What will he do when he finds out all that Caroline has done and said, will he dis-own her, I surely would. She is evil of the worse kind. First hiding that Jane was in London and then portraying Elizabeth as a fallen woman who brought her own family to such a lowness. She doesn't deserve to be married to any gentlemen that would have her.
And shame on Darcy, it is as if he hasn't learned anything. Now what we he do w/his absense to Elizabeth, please don't tell me he will go and look for Wickham after all this time. You would not dare subject that baby to such a father. Or will he make a false wedding contract between Wickham & Lydia - I think it is a little too late.
I for one do think it was partly Darcy's fault what Wickham did, as a gentleman of standing it was his duty forewarn a town of his debts and the society of his rakish ways. He should feel guilt and I hope he does to the fullest.
I'm glad Elizabeth let him have it, she should have slapped his face after what he said to her.
How will Darcy ever get out of this one and bring things to right?
I wonder if Bingley will be able to go through with it... For Caroline's sake no less... We shall see, I don't think he'll be able to pull it off
We've got their initial misunderstandings out of the way... so where do we go from here?
Even as misunderstandings (and arrogance) abound, I'm choosing to be hopeful! The Darcy POV here is wonderful Jan - it appropriately accentuates feelings and reactions while staying in character. Looking forward to the next...
Bingley is ready to leave Jane again, she deserves better.
What Darcy will do now when he knows the truth?
He abruptly abandoning her, poor Elizabeth.
Loved the 3° chapter Jan H.
I hope Bingley didn't have the courage to tell Jane the bad news and Darcy informs him of the idenity of the childs mother.
I think Jane deserves better treatment than that as does Elisabeth.
Can't wait for the next chapter to appear.
Well, well, Jan...what a chapter!
At first I got upset at Elizabeth. I thought that she jumped the gun getting all riled up towards Darcy without provocation, as if she was extremely mad at him. I believed she had forgiven him for Hunsford.
Then my ire turned towards Darcy and Bingley. I agree w/ Sandy, both are fools and cowards. Bingley is certainly a rake; played w/ Jane then left her, then do the same thing all over again. Ha! What a jerk...and he feels he needs to explain himself. If I were Jane, I would slap him hard and kick his butt out of town.
And don't get me started w/ Darcy. Definitely an arrogant fool. Checking her out 'how good she looks' then thinking she is not good enough to marry. Then, questioning her on 'how could she elope w/ Wickham?' speech. Fool and stupid is what he is to believe a shrew like Carolina. Believing Caroline?? Pleaaasse!!
Guess both deserve to suffer. Jan, how are you going to fix this, I have nooooo idea.
Great chapter, full of emotional upheaval..
I am totally immersed in another JanH story! I love a Darcy pov, which is so rare. Now that they each have their misconceptions cleared up, what's next?
Darcy's leaving after Lizzy's disclosure is definitely giving her the wrong impression, just like in canon! But what can he do to remedy such a situation?
Bingley is such an ass! Twice deserting Jane after paying her too much attention. She's better off without him, though it will break her heart when he left, again :(
More please!
Thank you, everyone! I truly do appreciate every comment, and I share your frustration with Darcy and Bingley. They do have a way to go.
Special thanks to those of you who left long, in-depth replies. I love to see your passion for these characters. And for those who are commenting at more than one site - you deserve a halo!
-Jan
Oh break my heart/Lizzy's heart. I am eager to see what Darcy does next. The worst thing about Regency times is that woman can't really do anything.
Enjoying the story very much and am look forward to more.
Geri
I loved how Darcy's choices shaped the future. Not meeting Elizabeth at Pemberley changed everything. It remains to be seen how Darcy feels now that he knows that the baby was Lydia's. The Bennets are still ruined. Is Wickham gone from the story? I expect him to come back to cause more havoc.
Excellent chapter. I just want to see where you lead us, Jan. I know I will not be disappointed with any direction you choose!
Hi, Geri and Lucy! I appreciate your comments, especially the fact that women were so hampered from doing anything in Regency times. It's like they have to wait for life to happen to them. And Lucy, you're seeing exactly what I was struck by when I first thought of this story - how different everything would have turned out if Darcy and Elizabeth had never met at Pemberley. I'm afraid Darcy's future choices will have even more consequences, and watch out for Wickham.
I'm loving the story so far. I'm a big fan of your other stories and look forward to following this one. Thanks so much for taking the time to entertain all of us JA fanatics!
Finally, Jan, I have been able to sit down with a hot drink and some chocolate and immerse myself in the wonderful story you are creating. As you know, I am a huge fan of your writing and the stories that you craft, and I am delighted that you are posting a new one here at Mrs Darcy's.
My first reaction upon starting to read? Woo hoo, it's from Darcy's point of view!!! I LOVE it! And I love that we are a few years down the line rather than 'attached' to the original story in terms of timescale.
Another thing that I also loved (I will be using the "L" word a lot!) was that the story of P&P did in effect continue from Elizabeth's perspective, and it did not alter its path until Darcy's absence came into play. The consequences as we can see are profound and disastrous.
I also loved the misunderstanding that they both laboured under at first - Darcy married, Elizabeth bearing Wickham's child - how realistic, for we all make those sort of assumptions, jump to conclusions, let our minds deceive us - very natural in the circumstances, and I adored their reactions to revealing the truth - a jealous Elizabeth in a strop, and then Darcy actually calling her "Elizabeth" to her face when he discovers the truth!
I hate the fact that Wickham is lurking out there...
And I had been thinking, here's our sweet, loveable Bingley:
"waiting with such impatience for the servant to announce him that he almost ran over the man upon entering my study"
"he had perfected the art of fidgeting"
"looked like a starving dog that had been thrown a haunch of venison"
Wonderful descriptions, and then the bounder decides to back off from Jane AGAIN! What is he about???? Jan, you have to talk some sense into that man (but great twist!)
Sigh. Sorry at being late to get here, but thankfully I got to read 3 chapters at once - result! Looking forward very much to reading more each week.
As expected, this story has all the signs of being yet another Jan H classic, with a beautifully emerging plot, perfect characterisations and lovely dialogue. What a lovely way to spend Sunday afternoon; thank you so much, Jan.
Sandra P
Thank you Jessi and Sandra! I'm so glad you're reading my story, and I appreciate your comments. Sandra, you're a dear for writing such nice, long messages.
My dears, a chapter you've been anxiously waiting for : enjoy chapter four of Jan H's fabulous The Child!
I just loved the story so far! Thank you!!!
Oh Jan...I started writing my comments as I was reading and here they are:
Did he learn anything? He is arrogant idiot, he just gave a powerful weapon to that... Wickham.
Your writing is so good.
What is Darcy thinking? Apparently not much! I can't wait for Lizzy to lay into him for his continuing arrogance. Selfish disdain for the feelings of others indeed!
Irene
GRC
Comment originally posted by Christine:
"Oh happy day! I have been trying to get in to read this for a couple of days now-- and for whatever reason, everything kept freezing up. Thank heavens! Can you imagine my how crazy with anxiety I have been knowing there was a new JanH story and I had yet to read it?!
By the way JanH-- were you aware of the writing contest that LaurelAnn at AustenProse is sponsoring? The winner will be published in an anthology w/authors like Syrie James, Stephanie Barron, Amanda Grange, etc -- by ballantine Books. Here is the info-- I thought of you when I saw this new story-- now that I know you are writing again, maybe you can write something for the Feb13 deadline! http://www.pemberley.com/JAMMDI/JAMMDI.html
So happy you are writing again. Happy day indeed!"
OMG!!!!! DARCY, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE??
Does he realize the chaos he just started by finding Wickham and telling him about the child? Guess not!OMG!!! I cannot believe he had the gall to do that? Who died and made him 'God'? Ohh, that's right..he appointed himself 'God Almighty' who knows 'what is best for everyone'.
I was going to point out some of the lines that struck me the most but Sandy did better than I would do, sooo I'll just DITTO to everything she said.
What! You mean to say you think this Darcy is wrong? You know the old saying about how the mighty are fallen - well, my Darcy is digging himself a deep pit.
Thank you Renee, Malena, Sandy!, Vesna, Irene, Christine, and Lili, for all your comments. Sandy, I got your message loud and clear - LOL. And Christine, thank you for telling me about the contest at AustenProse. I doubt that I've got time to write anything by the deadline, but I'll take a look at it.
Hang in there with me. This is going to be a rough ride.
That was so much fun! I just know that Elizabeth is going to be soooooangry at Darcy for his presumption. I cannot wait to see her lay into him!
Thank you Jan for this new story!!!!
I love all your stories and this one, in Mr Darcy POV seems to begin very well!!
Oh I can't wait another week for the next chapter!
Thanks again for brighten up my week!!
Hmm...I'm not sure if Darcy's decision to help in the Wickham's situation will be any good, as I am quite sure that the Bennets are very attached to the child. But at least he asking the ladies for a dance at the ball is helping :)
Thankfully Bingley hasn't bail out yet! But we'll have to wait and see of course ;)
Thanks for the update
I believe Darcy is acting according to his time. You can see that his plans regarding the child are very similar to what Austen describes in Emma with Emma's friend. She is being raised at a school but believed to be the daughter of a rich man and his mistress. I see no wrong in that.
You could always take a chapter or two of something you have previously posted and condense it (like a teaser)to fit the perameters. Do say you will try to enter!!!!!! What a great way to bring attention to your body of work!
Wow Jan, it sounds like Darcy has a long way to go here.
He takes it into his own hands that he's the one that needs to decide after 2 years what to do about Lydia and Wickham's babe???
Yeah, I say there's a lot more angst to come. First of all why would he even think any of the Bennets would want to see Wickham ever again, and second why would he want to even include Wickham in their life. Sounds like his 'pride' is not quite in check.
I wonder what Georgiana would have to say about what he's doing. Would she question him on if she was the one to have the babe if he would be so readily to have it gone, to give it up?
Well, I will await patiently to find out your answers.
Very much enjoying the story!
Thank you for your comments, Lucy, Mixon, Gio, Malena, and Teb! And hi, KayakChick! Glad to see you again. I do understand the distress Darcy is causing some of you, and Malena, I appreciate your saying that Darcy is "acting according to his time." I agree with that statement. We love him, though, and want him to be a better man. Keep your fingers crossed.
Well, I got interrupted and forgot to finish my message. Christina, thank you for your continuous encouragement! I looked at the guidelines for entries at AustenProse's contest, and since the deadline is very, very soon, I just simply don't have time to put something together for it. I write slowly, and short stories require a lot of attention. But I appreciate your thinking of me. Maybe next time.
What a twist! Wickham proposed to Lizzy! Now Darcy is truly caught in his own game. Can't wait to see what great idea he can come up with!
Darcy keeps digging his own hole deeper and deeper.
Wickham has turned the table on him.
"Give me till the morrow"!
Irene
GRC
Talk about being thrown for a loop. I guess Darcy was his own worse enemy in what he tried to do. Obviously Wickham has no idea how Darcy feels about Elizabeth, which in itself is a good thing as the situation would probably no doubt be worse.
Darcy would be better to cut his losses now and pay Wickham to leave. Of course, we now that likely won't happen and if he did it would raise suspicion to all concerned.
I must say Darcy is truly in a dilema! I really have no clue what he could do unless he is honest with Elizabeth and offers her his hand himself. This would take the babe away from Longbourn and also put the family in a better way. But what of the way it would make Darcy look? Will he? Won't he? Can't wait to find out.
Oh my Jan, what a mess.
He is definitely not thinking straight. He does not really recognize the strength of his own feelings... And now Wickham has proposed.. Heaven! Does he truly believe that once this problem is solved (in one way or another) that Lizzy will NEVER marry... he is in so much denial there isn't a river in Africa long enough for him to take the trip...
Give him till tomorrow indeed!
Darcy, you did not expect this , didn't you? Well, what great idea will come to your mind now? How are you going to fix this mess? Hope E has a frying pan for your thick head.
Anyhow I feel a little sorry for him because it is known that the road to hell is paved with good intentions
Magnificent writing.
Thank you, Jan
Oh no, Darcy doesn't know what he's created, bringing Wickham back to Longborn.
The easiest thing Darcy could do is to propose, but I guess that would be to simple I guess. Maby Bingley can find his courage to do what Darcy should, and propose to Jane...
Thanks Jan , hope to read the next chapter soon.
Well, Jan...you have certainly come up with one perfectly saucy twist. Simply beautiful. I wonder what he will do. Million thanks for the update.
Male and happy Valentine
OMG Jan! I can't believe you have come up with such a despicable Darcy!
Oh the metalling old fool. Darcy has managed to make it only worse. Come on Sunday. :D
I don't think Darcy's idea of sending the child to a school is bad at all, for the time. Sounds awful to me, but infants were routinely sent out to live with wet nurses for the first couple years of their lives and grade school children were shipped off to boarding schools.
I do feel sorry for him, as it's not turning out even remotely as he had intended.
Thank you, Gio, Anne, Irene, Teb, Kimberly, Vesna, Pausiniken, Malena, Sandy, KayakChick, Gio, and Julie, for all your comments! They run the gamut from understanding Darcy's desire to help by putting the child in a school to wanting to hit him over the head with a frying pan! And I don't even want to imagine what Sandy would like to do to our poor hero.
As someone said on another site, "When one finds oneself in a hole, the first thing one must do is stop digging."
Poor Darcy is going to be scrambling to clean up his mess, so please don't give up on him.
Hit him over the head with a frying pan, indeed! Talk about "out of the frying pan into the fire!" Eeeeeesh-- he has certainly made a mess of things-- and I hope he tosses and turns all night, and goes to her with his hat in hand in the morning and begs for Elizabeth himself. Surely, he can put the child in some kind family's household so that they can look in upon her from time to time, like Colonel Brandon did in S&S. Keep writing!! And I am heartbroken that I thought to message you so late about the "Jane Austen Made Me Do It" anthology.
My vote is for the frying pan! I certainly hope Darcy's judgment improves, because he's already got a lot to make up for.
I understand why Elizabeth won't give up the child to Wickham, but why do I have the feeling that she wouldn't be happy about giving up the child to someone trustworthy either? That little girl isn't happy with anyone else, not even angelic Jane.
Lovin' it, Jan!!!
Wendi