Ugh! Wickham is such a, slimy, contemptible creature! He's desperate enough to do anything to get that money now...the child, Elizabeth, they mean nothing... just the money! And with Darcy's actions, now he knows how Darcy feels about Elizabeth! And of course we knew Wickham wasn’t going to let this go!

To go to Mr Bennet and ask for Elizabeth’s hand when she already turned him down and told him what she thought of him...I’m so glad Darcy realized in time to get to Longbourn but I wondered if he would actually be willing to ask for her hand. You really surprised me there! Wow, the Hunsford proposal was nothing short of insulting but this one is so 'unfeeling'. He told her he did think she would be a good mistress of Pemberley
This quote took me a while to realize what he wasn't saying...he didn't say he didn't love her any more...just that he wasn't making declarations of love! Very clever, Jan!

But I guess I’m not understanding Elizabeth ...I can understand why Mr. Bennet would ask if Darcy would adopt Fan; he doesn’t know the whole history...but why would Elizabeth? She knows what Wickham has done to Darcy’s family...why would she even think that Dacy would give Wickham's child his name? I always thought she was smarter than that! OK...now I’m getting more than just a little upset with Elizabeth. She’s carrying this stubbornness a bit too far, IMO. To ask Darcy to adopt Wickham’s child? Can I borrow Darcy’s shovel and use it to smack Elizabeth over the head to try and bring back a bit of sense?!!
I mean, if she wants to provide a good home for Fan...and she’s thinking of a marriage of convenience anyway, why wouldn’t she say yes? She can’t be that stupid to think that Wickham will stop his gambling and womanizing. Which home would be better for Fan to be raised in? Think of the child if nothing else Elizabeth and say yes!

Of course, if she says yes and they marry, Wickham would still be out there and even more desperate! I’m sure he would attempt to blackmail Darcy with the truth of who offered him money to remove Fan from Longbourn and started this mess!

Oh boy...this isn’t over yet by a long shot! I can’t even imagine the fireworks that will happen when Elizabeth finds out...actually I’m hoping it's after the wedding...then they have to at least deal with it civilly for Fan’s sake. Of course if it’s after the wedding, I can also see Wickham trying anything...even maybe attempt to kidnap Fan or maybe Elizabeth and Fan to get money...Oh Dear, I wouldn’t put anything past Wickham when he needs money!

Well...the way I see it, Darcy is still at the bottom of a very big hole...Elizabeth and her stubbornness is beginning to dig herself one, too...and then here is Wickham standing at the top and ready to bury them both as long as he gets Darcy’s money!

Poor little Fan is such an innocent child. She is 2 years old and has no idea of what turmoil is surrounding her. Does she call Elizabeth ‘mama’?....and if she does…How would Darcy react to that every time he heard it?

Oh Jan...I just love this story and all the twists and turns you are giving us. Your writing just draws me in and keeps me captivated! I can't wait to read more to see who Elizabeth will choose and what repercussions will follow! I think I need a

Misunderstanding alert!

I feel as if Elizabeth is in love with him and she does not wish to ruin his chance at happiness since he does not seem to love her any longer. Could she marry him thinking he is in love with someone else? If she refuses, will she explain why? Probably not - how could she possibly admit it after refusing him twice?

Ah, but I get ahead. SAY YES, Elizabeth, and save you both (and us) more heartache!

And if she says yes... then what? How could he hide his love for her?

What will Wickham do if she does say yes?

Oh, I can't wait to find out!

Your previous stories are VERY high on my list of favorite JAFF and this story is quickly joining them. Thanks for the update, Jan!

Wendi

Wow! I can't believe that Darcy decided to ask her. Well , with Wickham's declaration of marriage I guess it really threw his doubts off.
I do hope she says yes. I can definitely understand her questions as far as him wanting to marry her and how he would feel about the child. I'm sure she feels she would be more of a burden to his family name than anything else. But if the only other choice is Wickham, well how could she say no?
As usual Jan, great writing. Now all your readers in high dudgeon

I never wish my life to move faster now that I am grown-- excepting your posting schedule which has always made me pine for the next week, and the next, and the next! Not that I'm complaining... Great chapter! I hope Elizabeth just "falls on her sword," "takes one for the family, king & country" and marries the handsome, rich, honorable master of that great estate Pemberley. Poor her, indeed.

Darcy created a monster out of Wickham! Even thou he was one already, now he is a greedy, desperate and dangerous one. But I guess Darcy made his bed so now he has to lie in it. He will have to deal w/ W who will stop at nothing till he gets $ out this whole situation.

Darcy is making decisions as he goes along. Unfortunately, most of them if not all are as impulsive as they are irrational, with the exception of Elizabeth's proposal. It drives me crazy how often Darcy changes his mind. I feel like screaming, "Make up your mind man!!!"

Still the arrogant and conceited fool.


I see great misery in their future. Elizabeth will think he loves another woman and Darcy will think she does not love him. This proposal is worst than Hunsford.


I wish we could know what Elizabeth is thinking, both regarding her feelings toward Darcy and her sense of guilt and protectiveness towards the child.


But why is Elizabeth taking all the responsibility towards Fan? I think it's guilt. But even Mr. Bennet refers all decisions regarding the child's welfare to Elizabeth as if she (E) was the mother. Strange behaviour.. Poor Fan! It's as if she is a burden to everyone except E. What about Mr. & Mrs. B's reponsibility? All, including Jane, just want to wash their hands of the problem. Probably Fan can sense E is the only one who does not reject her. It's so sad...And E has no choice but to marry Darcy; but I feel it's unfair for her to ask him to adopt Fan and give her the Darcy name.

Well Lili, if you stop and think about it, Mr. Bennet never did put forth any effort with his children, and Mrs. Bennet doesn't have the sense to even begin to do anything...that's why Lydia was allowed to grow up as she did and then go off to Brighton with no idea of right and wrong.

I have to agree with you about Fan...children can sense when they are not wanted or when there is a problem...Elizabeth is probably the only one who doesn't 'blame' the child!

I'm hoping she says yes, too! But I can see her point...she doesn't want to stop him from being able to obtain his love...not knowing she is that love!

I'm still after Darcy's shovel to smack them both on the head and wake them up! Wickham is desparate and dangerous...that's for sure!

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! You are such a wonderful writer, Jan. Again, cant wait for next week.

Jan, I am sorry for not commenting before.
I am loving your story as I love your previous ones.
Thank you very much for sharing this with us.

Thank you, Lucy, Irene, Astrid, Kimberly, Rori, Gio, Vesna, Sandy, Wendi, teb, Christina, Lili, and Kayakchick for all your comments! And welcome Romi and Gidget! It's so great to hear from new readers. Gidget, I'm crazy about your name because I loved that book.

So many questions - I think they'll all be answered in what lies ahead. As someone said, this is going to take a while to get sorted out, so hope you'll stay with me.

I've been reading your story at DWG. I just love it, Jan. Darcy is trying desperately to help Elizabeth, but being the social ostrich that he is, he is going about it in the wrong way. Proposing is his first step in the right direction. Yes, she'll find out he found Wickham and was going to pay him to take the child, but love will conquer all. Unless you're going to be REALLY mean to us. ; )

Jan, please say Robin is right! I am so glad that he proposed even if it was not too tenderly done. Well, he did the best he could! I love not having Wickham in the child's life but will he attempt to get something out of the deal? I love this story, Jan. Of course I do. I love all your stories!

I'm loving this story.

How could Darcy not at least give a better hint that he still loves Lizzy? I know he's unsure of himself, but geez... "had I flattered you..." (Hunsford proposal) at one point he seemed to understand that flattery can help a proposal along. Has he forgotten?

Please give us more!

Thank you, Robin, Lucy, and Greatreader for your kind comments! I do hope love conquers all. I'm having some trouble with Elizabeth's attitude right now, and for good reason, but hopefully she'll fall for Darcy in spite of his failings.

Chapter 7 is up, my dears. Enjoy!

Jan, you know I love your writing and I am sooo excited about this new story. Thanks for quenching our thirst for more angst. What is wrong with us?

Oh Jan...I've been waiting for this all day! And what a chapter! To say the opening sentence shocked me would be an understatement! And Darcy silencing Caroline is even more of a shock! Sorry Caro...you'll never mistress of Pemberley now so believe it!!

Believe that if it makes you feel good, Darcy! Wickham is desperate and now he is even more desperate...he thought you cheated him before but it's nothing to what he is feeling now! He is a very dangerous man and you just can't see it!


Oh Dear! I notice he doesn't ever call her by name...she is only just 'the child'.


...did Darcy just say he had conceited assurance? Wonder of wonders!!! and then....
...did he also just say he had no patience?...My My! He certainly has faults to spare, doesn’t he?

I'm not surprised that Elizabeth was only interested in having in writing that Darcy would always provide for Fan. Why would he expect any different...wasn't that why she was marrying him...the reason he gave for her marrying him...not love or affection but for 'the child!'

Darcy's resentment just builds and builds...does he expect Elizabeth to go from despair to his bed just because he said he would take care of 'the child?'

Darcy loves to wallow in self-pity and anger...
So...you run away again to your club...tell your wife nothing...you drink too much and continue to blame everyone else! Have you learned nothing at all? Seems that all Darcy can think about is his favors to Elizabeth. I've got news for him, if this is all he feels, then he doesn't deserve her. Maybe he should have married the likes of Caroline Bingley...but he needs to understand that Elizabeth is not some unfeeling woman of the ton!

For all she knows, he married her to keep her from a fate worse than death at the hands of Wickham. No professed love or affection.

And what would he expect her to think? He can’t be so blind as to think she wouldn’t want to make sure Fan was well taken care of and settled. No matter who the child was...dense...dense Darcy! So he runs away again when things aren’t ordered to his exact specifications!

Actually, I was thinking of some other part of his anatomy! *snicker*



At least until Darcy decides to allow his emotions to override his sense...again!

I actually see Elizabeth as being very confused, yet, women had few rights and could only refuse or accept dances and proposals. Her options are limited right now...Wickham or Darcy. Naturally, after what Wickham has done to the family she would choose Darcy. But she is in a world she doesn't know...she is fearful, confused and apprehensive. At least this is how I see her.

Maybe I can make a better decision on Elizabeth after some more interaction. It is good that once she had some concrete information, that he didn't have a mistress and would not, she decided that she could join him for dinner and not remain separate. I'm hoping that is a good sign.

Now...what is Wickham going to attempt next! And we haven't heard from Darcy's family yet, either! Oh Dear!

Being done in Darcy's POV, we know nothing of Elizabeth' thoughts and we have to rely on Darcy's interpretation of things to make a conclusion. And we know how good he is at reading people!!! LOL!

Love, Love, Love it Jan and can't wait for more!

Also hoping the storm has passed - at least temporarily! These two really need some perspective (and conversational) exchange if they desire a "real" relationship and marriage. Love it Jan - looking forward to the next!!

Just say yes and marry and then when Wickham tells what Darcy tried to arrange she will be stuck with him regardless.

Can't wait for Ch 7
Geri

Okay so chapter 7 was already posted. So Elizabeth joined him I'm glad he didn't storm out the front door.

Heres to hoping the storm clouds stay away for a little any way. :D

Geri

Darcy is so full of anger. If he doesn't accept Fan and treat her more lovingly, poor Lizzy will never be accepting of him.
I know in those days, children were supposed to be seen only rarely but Darcy needs to give in a little even if Fan does remind him of Wickham.

Irene
GRC

Oh dear, Darcy with his pent up anger and frustration is not going to make things easy. But at least Elizabeth now knew that he has no mistress and is fully committed to her. So that's a good start when she joined him for dinner. Hope the peace will at least be for quite awhile so they can get to know each other better :)

Today they both need frying pan. Talk, people, talk!
Storm passed? - it's beginning.

I enjoy this story very much, they are just so yours L and D. Thank you.

We had a bad storm here a couple hours ago with tornado warnings and hail but even though the winds and rain were ferocious, we didn't get the tornados...at least close to us.

What made me chuckle is that just as I was reading your comment, the sky darkened and the thunder rolled again (it's still raining). So this gave me such an weird feeling! Yikes!!! It's coming around again!!

I feel that it is going to be rough goings for a while. They are so cold to each other. I do hope they find some middle ground here.
About Fran, if she is with Elizabeth why is she crying all the time? I hope she gets handed to Darcy and her nerves are soothed quickly, that would be the beginning of some kid of bond or mayhap she is named after her her grandmother for a reason and she will continue to wail.
How awkward for everyone involved her. Did the banns get posted or was it to quiet of a wedding?
What about Darcy's family when will they decend upon the newly weds?
Elizabeth ended up in Darcy's room, that was a hoot! She subconciously wants him.

Love the story so far. It's a FMS without the FM. What an interesting twist. And since I know how the story will end, I can endure the rough waters without jumping overboard!

Ohh Jan, I feel torn. I have issues w/ Elizabeth's attitude. For some reason I feel like she is not even trying. Even thou Darcy started most of this mess, he did help E and her family to remove the "scandal" by marrying her. Jane will be able to marry Bingley, Fan will always be taken care of and the Bennets' respectability will return. She could at least be a little grateful. Besides it's not as if D is asking for his marital rights, he just wants to spend time w/ her.

The other thing that bothers me is that all the Bennets, including Jane, are being selfish. It was easier just to "dump" the child's responsibility to Elizabeth so they can go back to the way they were before Lydia eloped. And I'm extremely curious as to why does Elizabeth feel herself responsible for Fan? I do not understand that!

Now, was Elizabeth jealous? I wonder!

Those two really need to talk to each other, otherwise they will never be happy. E is jumping to conclusions and acting accordingly and D is being very angry and resentful. They've got a loooong way to go.

It is hard not to feel disappointed for Darcy and accept he feels rather neglected, especially since the wedding night of his dreams is still just a dream. But I can sympathize w/Elizabeth a little, a very little... in regards to her needing to just need a little time to de-compress. Who wouldn't be suffering from tactile overload after being locked in a carriage w/a needy, cranky, young child, then having to soothe the child again once in the new home. Not quite the easy transition for this marriage -- w/someone she believes really doesn't love her anymore, etc etc etc. I am sure she is a bit overwhelmed and trying to figure out how she is going to fit into this household w/out losing her dignity. Great chapter JanH! BTW-- just saw that Arranged Marriage & The Journey are being published this year! O happy day!!!!!! Will def be ordering my copies!! Congrats!

Hi, Cindy, Sandy, Terry, Geri, Irene, Gio, Vesna, Teb, Opehlia, Lili, Christina, and Fiona, and thank you for your entertaining comments!

I know you're frustrated with Darcy and Elizabeth right now. On another board, some are even critical of little Fan. I will say there's a bit of lightness ahead, beginning in Chapter Nine. Don't give up on me!

Nevah!!!
Your stories are always so well written and I love them.

I did think of something, though. Darcy hates Wickham so much but what did Wickham really do to him?

Seems like what he has done to the Bennet family is far, far worse than anything he did to Darcy. Darcy's sister is married, he had Wickham out of his life for good. Wickham is only back because Darcy brought him back.

Now, poor little Fan has done nothing to him...yet he can't even call her by name. WAKE UP DARCY!!!!!

OK...I'm bringing out the

Looking forward to more!

Please include me as one of the avid readers of this story. I'm eating it up with two spoons.

Chapter 7 has been my favorite so far. Yes! They're married and have to find a way to go forward together. I can feel Darcy's frustration, as I believe that Elizabeth is hiding behind the child a bit. Their spat at the end of the chapter did much to clear the air, adjust Elizabeth's misconceptions, but they have so far to go. And I want to be with them to the end, or their beginning.

Thanks!

Jan trust me we will never give up your beautiful story, any of them.
Fan is a two-year old child who has an anchor in Elizabeth. I hope that one day, when he opens, she will find the same in Darcy.

Sandy, the storm you spoke about was on our TV, it looked awful.

Jan! I absolutely love your stories! I like the way you write from the perpective of only Darcy (or Elizabeth in other stories). Please, don´t make us wait too long for an update.
Congratulations!

Thank you, Sandy, Lucy, Vesna, and China! I appreciate your kind comments so much. China, I try to post every week, so look for a new chapter soon.

Chapter 8 has just been posted, my dears. Enjoy!

Good Grief Darcy! Get the stick out of your posterior and lighten up! I really get the feeling that Lizzy is trying to tease and bring a little liveliness to the evening and he is just so resentful of anything that doesn't have her in his bed even though he is doing nothing to move toward that end.

RuhRoh...so...not only has his staff found out that his marriage is a sham...he also gives the impression that he can't stand to sleep in the room next to hers. And his yelling at an inquisitive and innocent child and calling her a creature certainly isn't going to win him any brownie points! Wonder how he would have felt if someone called his sister a creature at that age?

What he is too blind to see is that it is that resentment that is the whole problem. Because of it he can't even begin to think of them as a family which means there is no warmth or friendly interactions. Lizzy is largely ignored or at least she isn't given the respect that she should have. Why should she think that he wants anything more than a marriage of convenience.

Bravo Elizabeth!!

Of course it stung you dolt! You reject everyone and everything to do with her. She is truly treated as nothing more than his property so why he should think she should feel more is beyond me. What will it take?

I’m surprised Elizabeth didn’t punch her lights out! And Collins is out there feeding this, I’m sure. Hope something happens to prevent him from inheriting Longbourn...maybe one of those famous ‘Fatal Carriage Accidents'? LOL!

But of course, Darcy’s relatives are so kind and honest and considerate and loving...certainly they are much better than...what was it he used to describe Fan...Why would Fan embarrass anyone...Lady Catherine does quite well on her own! Arriving unannounced and uninvited...and good grief...the harridan even lied to her own brother! It will be interesting to see how the earl reacts once Lady Catherine is gone.

Still, I think Darcy is a very selfish ‘creature’! He has shown no warmth or caring for anyone but himself! His resentment is so deep that he can’t see that Mrs. Abernathy merely spoke friendly to Fan and she became a very friendly and well-behaved 2-year old. The child is frightened of him...period! She knows he doesn't like her. Children can sense these things. What is it going to take for him to begin to attempt to thaw...cause if he doesn’t...then Lizzy needs to apply for sainthood to put up with him!

How does any of this compare to how he and Georgiana were raised? Maybe when they get to Pemberley Mrs Reynolds can cut through the ice and resentment that consumes Darcy. Something has to shake him up because he is becoming no better than Wickham and his resentment for Darcy!

And Wickham is still out there! I was afraid he would try something when Lizzy went to her aunts alone.

Oh Jan...there is so much going on and so much that can happen! I’m just so anxious to see what is going to happen next! Excellent writing as usual! I can already tell this will be another JanH story I will read again and again. And congratulations on getting 2 of your stories published. Definitely gotta add them to my kindle and our Library, too!

William is never going to win over ODG with that attitude.
And poor Fan, at least Mrs. A seems like a good choice.
Aunt Cat., I'm glad Darcy defended Elizabeth in front of her.

Irene

Poor Mr. Darcy, his Aunt is not entirely wrong: bringing up a ******* did taint families during the Regency Era, and would have most definitely lessened Georgiana's chances for a good marriage. All the more admirable of him, then, to stand by Elizabeth. And good for him to get the good woman Mrs. Abernathy,as even Elizabeth conceded that Fan is "spoilt rotten". As her social standing is rather shaky, Fan would need to have excellent manners and education to balance that.

I hope Elizabeth stops referring to Fan as "my child", though, as I (along with Mr. Darcy) look forward to the sweet happily everafter when she has her own child. Their child. It's going to be a long and bumpy road, but so worth the wait. Thanks, Jan!

"Come now, sir, you must understand when I am teasing, or this marriage shall prove quite tedious."

Love your Elizabeth, JanH! Lines like that are just delicious. Another great chapter.

I say things are looking good! Even though Darcy is still behaving like an ass, but at least he is attuned to Elizabeth's feelings and willing to calm down and reason with her. Hope the nurse he has engaged is a truly nice lady. I think after witnessing how Darcy came to her defence in front of Lady C, Lizzy would be more appreciative now (i truly hope!!). Thanks for another great chapter!

Well, I for one am glad Darcy was upstanding when it came to his wife, concerning his aunt's behavior. The fact that his uncle stayed behind to leave with Richard was also most satisfying and Elizabeth pointing out the door and Catherine's carriage was the coup de grace. Bravo Elizabeth. I hope D&E can at least come to some common ground after this.

Loved little Fran waking up Darcy like only a true toddler would. It would have been a real cute scene had Darcy decided to check himself and not yell.

Another wonderful chapter Jan.

First let me just say Thank you for this great story.

Mr.Darcy hasn't changed much,has he? He has a long way to go or is he just masking the good side of him just because his feelings are unrequitted?

I don't understand Has Lizzy softened towards Darcy? I guess no. She treats him almost with contempt and maybe she has to understand the fact that not many men would take on a wife with a child. And about the physical side of their marriage, did they discuss that they will wait. I think i will have to read again.

I can't wait to see how the story will unfold.

Thank you.

Wonderful chapter.
I was afraid that they will fight about Mrs A, but she seems nice person, otherwise Fan would not accept her.
Lady C - nothing new about her, good that E heard him.
Thank you Jan.

I think that's what I like as well. To hear Darcy's point of view is refreshing, if sometimes annoying. I imagine entering the mind of a man is for a woman author as hard as for a man to enter the mind of a woman.

p.s. I find it funny that someone is critical of Fan. That's it. She's the villain. I knew there was a Fan behind all the problems in the original!

So, Darcy's testy that his world is revolving around a two year old. I'm hoping that he'll wise up and see that the way to Elizabeth's heart is through Fan. Usually it takes some kind of catastrophe to bond unlikely friends, so perhaps there will be a calamity in Darcy's future to open his heart to Fan, too. A very safe sort of calamity.

Two steps forward, one step back for our dear couple.

(sending thanks to Sandy for her posting instructions; very happy to be able participate in this wonderful story's comments.)

It seems readers are divided about Fan. For me, she reminds me of Lydia, with her wailing, screaming, and "spoiled" behavior (as Lizzy called it).But I do not blame Fan; she is just a child and children are not born with discipline...they are taught discipline. Therefore, I blame Elizabeth and the Bennets for not teaching her manners, discipline, and spoiling her. I think hiring the nanny was a good move even though Darcy did it for the wrong reason.

IMHO, Elizabeth is being stubborn and unreasonable. She's taking a lot but she is giving nothing. And I still ask, where are the Bennets? Ohh, that's right! Back at Longbourne in their own little world getting their reputations back.

Great chapter...can't wait for more

Thank you, Sandy, Irene, Fiona, Christina, Gio, teb, Christina Joseph, Vesna, and Ophelia! I loved all your comments. It's obvious you have strong feelings about this story.

Fiona, I agree that Fan is going to need all the manners she can acquire because Regency England had brutal rules about illegitimate girls' social standing.

Christina Joseph, just so you won't have to go back and search, Darcy did promise Elizabeth they would wait for the physical side of marriage until she was ready. And you're right, Darcy hasn't changed much even though he thinks he has. He's got a lot to learn.

Ophelia, writing from a man's point of view has literally made me pull my hair out! I've promised myself I will never do it again.

And Sandy, thanks for the congrats about publishing. That was a real surprise when Meryton Press approached me because I never intended to publish any of my work. Christine, I appreciate your shout-out on Facebook. I haven't joined the network yet, but have been told that I should. Incidentally, I left you a message at Meryton Press. You're a sweetheart!

Thank you, Lucy and Lili! I agree, Lucy, that Fan seems to demonstrate Lydia's personality. Hopefully, being reared by Elizabeth and Darcy will be a civilizing influence, if they ever get their act together and decide to work as a team.

And Lili, you have made comments more than once about the Bennets leaving Elizabeth to take all responsibility for Fan, and I agree. As we know, Mr. Bennet was never more than a lackadasical father. I imagine him even more so as a grandfather. Since Bingley has not yet offered for Jane, and she has no guarantee that he will, Darcy seems to be the family's only saving grace of what to do with Fan and, as you said, restore the family's reputation. Elizabeth says in Chapter 3 that she doesn't know why Fan demands so much of her time (is attached to her) more so than her sisters, but it seems that Fan has chosen Elizabeth as her mother. And Lizzy has always been a responsible person.

I appreciate your comments.

I'm enjoying your story, Jan. It makes my day to see a new chapter up.

Chapter 9 is up, my dears!

Dear Jan, allow me to compliment you on the harmony between style and content, in this story as in all your others, and how beautifully you know how to evoke the era. Such a pleasure to read you.

Renée

Poor poor Darcy.
I suppose they did not know that the Bingley relations would be at Netherfield. It doesn't make for a nice visit.

I love the way that you munipulated your story so that Elizabeth and Darcy have to share a room, bravo to Bingley for making it so. I wonder if Elizabeth realizes that she is in love with Darcy or is she just holding back because she thinks he loves another?

Caroline - Gah! It's good to see Darcy uphold his wife in the face of the nay-sayers.