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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.
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.
Gosh, Jan, what a beautiful chapter!
It felt so smooth and nice, after the anguish of the previous ones. I absolutely loved how both D and E put up a united front and how protective he was of her. For once, he was very supportive about Fan, as well.
And so well written too! I'm well aware that quality in writing is the norm in your stories, but I have to say that the Netherfield scene with the Bingley sisters is a masterpiece.
And forced intimacy to the boot! I feel sorry for poor Darcy, but I do relish those forced scenarios
Brilliant!
They're starting to understand each other and she's apprehensive but warming upto him.
So glad to see our favourite couple are going the right direction so far :) Their support to each other in Netherfield is heartening. But poor Darcy, has to suffer from sleeping so close to Elizabeth
Look forward to what you have planned for ODC, Jan! Thanks very much for another wonderful chapter.
Unfortunately, Darcy had to go back to Meryton and face the Bingleys but as luck would have it, he gets to share a room with his lady love.
Glad to see he defends Elizabeth in the face of such advesaries as the Bingley sisters.
Irene
GRC
I was thinking, there goes Elizabeth yet again trying to save the Bennet household. Can't they do anything w/o Elizabeth? I feel Mrs. B is always so selfish, just thinking about herlself while Mr. B is ill, she could be tending him to get well intead of wailing and screaming and making things worse. Darcy could have refused, but he didn't. I hope Lizzy can see that he will do anything for her and give him some credit.
They were able to put a united front against the Bingleys and Hursts but I know a Hunsford-type confrontation is coming when Elizabeth finds out Darcy's duplicity in the Wickham affair. I'm anxious as to when that will happen which I'm assuming it will be soon.
And speaking of Lizzy, one word comes to mind: jealousy. I believe she is jealous that Darcy 'supposedly' loves another which is why she is so indiferent to him. Stupid Elizabeth for thinking that and stupid Darcy for not telling her it is she the one he loves.
He could say that he loves her, and then she could respond she loves him too, and that would be the end of all problems...but then we wouldn't have a story, would we Jan?
I just love you story, I love how you write, I love how you describe the struggles that Darcy goes thru (being his POV), I love how misunderstandings and issues arise by the mere fact of "lack in communication". It is as simple as that..no matter how much there is love, if there is no communication between a couple, it never works.
I just love it Jan!
Oh, and I loovved the giant pillow between them. Guess, for Darcy, it was the biiiiggggesttt pillow he had ever seen. That was funny!
First marriage proposal - disaster,
accusation that she run away with W - another disaster,
second marriage proposal - he said that he doesn't have romantic feelings toward her, that woman he loves doesn't love him - again disaster.
Bingley praised him for his "sacrifice", if she heard that...ughhh
So, how can she show any feelings toward him? I wouldn't.
Well, he defended her in front of the Lady C and as a couple they stood together in front of Caroline, but it is not enough.
Very beautiful story.
Thanks
Jan, thank you for the new chapter. I loved it.
I was proud of Darcy when he took the time to help ease Elisabeths' feelings after the harsh words of Lady C.
I was so glad to see Darcy and Elisabeth acting as a front towards Caroline and Louisa. And I thank Bingley for putting them in the same rooms.
But I'm afraid that trouble is waiting round the corner. I hope it won't be Caroline who will find out the news of the encounter between Darcy and Wickham. She would really enjoy telling that to Elisabeth.
Oh I can't wait for the next chapter to arrive. I hope Darcy has delicious dreams in the meantime.
I love how Darcy & Elizabeth played along with each other in front of Caroline. That was nice!
I think the nurse is a good idea. She can teach Fan to behave with being mean to her.
Thanks for he up-date Jan, and thanks for making Lady C go away!
Love that they are to share a bed. Poor Darcy. LOLOL
I do like that they are at least behaving better towards one another-- and that he defends her.
Looking fwd to the next posting!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the last chapters. Your writing in 1st person is very good. It really gives readers the opportunity to read this enigmatic man's mind.Also, you have approached the subject of the marriage in name only, which is otherwise quite repetitive, in a brand new way. Very refreshing. But then again, you have always given perfectly lovely stories. Cant wait for next chapter. Thanks
Caroline being so quiet and benign after Elizabeth left the room is quite out of character for her.
I'm hoping we'll find out what's wrong with Mr. Bennet soon, especially as he's pulled D&E back to Meryton. I was looking forward to them settling into Pemberley, finding a routine, and getting more comfortable with each other.
Toss the pillow, Darcy!
I can't wait to see how they awake in the morning?
Geri
Thank you, everyone! Some of your comments made me laugh out loud. Several of you mentioned a Hunsford scene in Darcy's future, and I certainly wouldn't rule that out. Right now, though, he's happy, so I'll let him enjoy it.
My dears, I'm a bit late. Switched to iMac recently and didn't have Office yet. Now I do, and the first thing I did was posting Jan's new installment. Enjoy!
Chapter 10
Jan H- what a great story I love it!! Can't wait for the next chapter!
Another great chapter Jan, the barriers are starting to break down.
Jan! You make monday a happy day. Thank you very very much!
I like the way Darcy is softening to the girl.
Yes, yes, a softening Darcy. I'm glad he thought thru
his idea about being in the bedroom with Lizzy and she took the matter in hand.
Darcy and Fan, she wanted to be conforted and Lizzy scent does it for her and Darcy too.
Irene
GRC
A most satisfying chapter
I certainly hope that Lizzy will show more appreciation to Darcy now he's beginning to warm up to her family. So glad to see ODC are doing their best to put up a perfect marriage, and enjoying themselves in the process
The little scene betw Fan and Darcy was quite endearing. If only Elizabeth has witnessed it.
Thanks for the story, Jan! Look forward to the next weekend
It seems that both Elizabeth and Darcy are trying to get along; whether subconciously or not, it's a moot point. At least it is a beginning. They do work well; hopefully they'll realize it sooner rather than later.
For some reason, and some might not agree w/ me, I feel Darcy is right. Fan should call Elizabeth "Aunt", though I do understand Fan only knows one mother and that is Elizabeth. Nevertheless, I think Fan should be aware that Lydia was her mother thus honoring L's memory, honoring the woman that gave her birth. It was very amusing how Darcy and Fan were going back a forth w/ "Mamma" and "Aunt Elizabeth".
Darcy's scene w/ Fan was sweet. Maybe Elizabeth should go away more often and give them time to know each other. If E is not there to distract Fan, perhaps she will start feeling more comfortable w/ Darcy. Fan just needs/wants love and guidance. Darcy should start calling her Fan instead of "the child" and maybe Fan will start calling "Uncle Fitz" or something similar. They have something in common: their love for Elizabeth...and that might be the catalyst that helps the beginning of a beautiful friendship!
As always Jan, wonderful chapter but...I have a feeling this the calm before the storm.
Another excellent chapter. Thank you. Glad things are getting warmer everywhere, but I cannot help bracing myself for more angst in the near future, am I wrong?
The trip to Meryton seems to be doing both Elizabeth and Darcy some good.
Elizabeth's interactions with Darcy in the bedroom surprised me, she was relaxed and teasing in what Darcy thought would be an tense situation. Good for her!
Darcy with Fan surprised me, too. Even if he's a bit awkward, he's still gentle. Fan doesn't have a name for him ... yet. Let's see what she comes up with. I know what I'd like her to call him.
Can't help but hope that they get to a point where some their feelings can be openly expressed. So far, they're mainly going on impressions. Love how this is developing, Jan! Thanks for a great chapter.
Very lovely chapter.
thank you
Have just discovered your website from a hint on DWG, and look forward to reading lots more. Loved this last chapter of The Child - yes, hope Elizabeth does soften from Darcy's appreciation of the Gardiners.
Is it curmudgeonly of me to say I see Darcy's point of view about what Fan calls Elizabeth. There's no reason Darcy and Elizabeth can't act parental, but Fan is neither their adopted nor biological daughter, so wouldn't it be even odder if she did call them Mama and Papa? Won't they be telling her about her mother? Nothing wrong with being brought up by an aunt and uncle. Plus it gets complicated if she calls Elizabeth mama and doesn't call Darcy papa. Do you see what I mean? Why not transparency and honesty from the beginning?
Thank you, everyone, for all your comments! I'm glad you are enjoying a bit of fun as a break from all the angst. As to what Fan calls Darcy and Elizabeth, the child will probably make that decision. Never fear that Darcy's problems are over. Just like in real life, they always seem to be hovering around the corner.
Thank you for this wonderful story. I can't say I'm pleased with Darcy's behavior at the moment. He is being very insensitive towards Lizzy's and Fan's feelings. And he doesn't even notice it. I absolutely understand our dear girl's insecurity and hesitancy. He told her he loves another woman - a woman he can't have. What is she supposed to think? That her husband is in love with a married lady? Or a woman of even lesser social status than herself? This Darcy really has no emotional intelligence. Typical male. And so very annoying. Lol.
I'm so happy because we will get a new chapter very soon. Just like all your stories, this is so much fun. By the way, congratulations on publishing An Arranged Marriage and The Journey. Very exciting news. I will definitely order my copies. Love those two stories.
Oh please, please, please let something happen between E and D while Fan is with the rest of the family. Even if it is something small. Thank you for this wonderful story.
Chapter eleven is up, my dears. Enjoy!
Well, I certainly feel sorry for Darcy, he is trying and it is taking a toll on him. But hopefully Lizzy will appreciate all his hard work, at least he got a kiss!
Even Maggie got a man!
Irene
GRC
Hi Jan,
Well, there is no way Wickham is going to be out of the picture. He thinks Darcy has cheated him out of money again. I hope his intentions are not to steal Fran (his own daughter) and put her up for ransom. But I have a bad feeling that he was the 'mean man' that Fran was refering to.
It is good to see Darcy and Elizabeth becoming closer yet it's rather ashame that their non-communication of their feelings puts them in an awkward situation. They both desire the same thing, yet neither knows.
I do feel for Darcy having to put up with Mrs. Bennet. It must be really embarrasing for Elizabeth to have her husband subject to such mascinations.
Wonderful chapter.
Hi Jan!
Good chapter. I was scared the nurse could be a man. That would have been really frightening!
And why the child does not want to pray? I am intrigued!
Thank you
China
Darcy seems to have a way with Fan now I'm also wondering if Maggie's man is Wickham. That will be most unfortunate indeed!
As for ODC, I'm so glad that Lizzy is taking the initiative to talk to Darcy. The poor guy, all the self-control is certainly doing him in. But the good night kiss is a good start hope as each night pass, they will be more comfortable to do a bit more
Thank you for this lovely chapter. You know Jan, I'm beginning to get quite jumpy now. All these blissful chapters are making me feel that some ominous event is lurking around the corner Still, I look forward to more
This may be putting a modern construct on a Regency story, but Lizzy -- unwittingly or not-- is being a bit of a tease. She does say that she knows "men have needs," but if so, shouldn't she be more aware of his distress?. Also, if she loves him as she implies, wouldn't she want more? Or, at least, try harder to assuage his pain. It doesn't seem that her reluctance is because she thinks he doesn't love her. She just seems "missish"!
I don't usually take the side of the man when it comes to consensual sex, and it may be that I see Darcy as more sympathetic because the story is told from his point of view. But this Elizabeth is either very naive, less sensitive than I thought, or ambivalent about what she wants.[I vote for-- and hope it's-- the last, ambivalence]. She pats the bed for him to sit down, she messes his hair, she wears a transparent lawn gown to bed, and she's sometimes flirtatious. Yet she's embarrassed and uncomfortable about a small kiss, showing relief when it's over. I'm confused.
Good story, Jan! I rarely write comments.
In this chapter and the last one, too, I've been getting the vibe that Elizabeth would like to jump Darcy's bones. I mean, the minute she walked in on him and little Fan after the incident in the closet, with him holding the kid -- well. Note that Elizabeth tells Fan Darcy is not a mean man.
And before that, Darcy gave his wife a very nice trinket which must inspire the warmth of gratitude -- and maybe something more? I would speculate that the reason Elizabeth is hanging back is because she is feeling too much rather than too little, and she is afraid of being head over heels about a man who says he is in love with another woman. Even when Elizabeth says she knows a man has needs, it sounds as if she may be discounting his attraction to her --because she has to see it -- as just a physical thing. Remember, she had thought he had a mistress, so she has some understanding of a man's physical needs.
Eventually, she knows the two of them will have to jump into the sack but she probably wants to protect her heart from loving him too much -- and perhaps even being a wild woman once she gets her hands on him. She probably thinks he wouldn't like that or would be repulsed by her ardor, as if she is behaving like some common girl who might his mistress. Naa, he wouldn't like that. So, she's trying to be cool.
Maggie man - Wickham? Darcy I want to ...I don't know what to do with you. Probably E would find a proper way to deal with you.
Jan, we are totally under your spell of writing.
Thank you.
It seems most of us are speculating that..
Maggie's Man = Wickham = Mean Man...
and if that is so, we are in for big trouble coming soon.
It did surprise me Darcy calling Fan by her name. That is a good beginning even thou he still sees her as "Wickham's child". Hopefully, Fan will win Darcy's heart soon thus winning Elizabeth's (tho I think he already has it). However, as long as E thinks Darcy loves another woman, I do not think she will open up/give herself completely to him.
Both have a lot to learn about COMMUNICATION.
But at least Darcy got a goodnight kiss.