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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.
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. ; )
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.
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!!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!