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So I know that I've been MIA for a while now (RL has been quite...interesting ), so imagine my surprise and delight when I found a new story by Jan H! Jan, you are by far one of my favorite authors, and I can't help but fall in love with whatever you decide to share with us. This story is no different. I'm loving everything I've read so far, and I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you Renee, for posting her stories at your site.
If Elizabeth does not find out that Darcy brought Wickham into the scene, then Darcy will have to tell her, no matter the consequences. The marriage cannot survive otherwise.
How will Elizabeth react with such a shock? Idk but I'm really worried. This is going to be Hunsford all over again.
I'm not worried for Fan since I know you would not let anything happen to her, right Jan?
Cannot wait for next chapter. I want to see how Wickham will address the ransom note (I'm assuming it's W behind the abduction and he wants $ in exchange for Fan). OMG, I know this will blow up on Darcy's face!
I think I've solved the problem, Maria.
A big thank you to Christina, Irene, Sandy, Lacy, Pausiniken, teb, Maria, Sammy, and Lili! Every one of you leave great comments, and I love reading them because it tells me if you're getting what I'm trying to say.
Welcome back Sammy! I'm glad to see your name on the board again. Lili, I agree with you that the marriage cannot survive without truth between E&D, so you know there are some dark times ahead. Lacy, you're one of the few who puts some of the blame on Elizabeth. She's not perfect, that's for sure. And dear Sandy, I hope you found a strong limb to hang on!
Renee, thank you so much for fixing the encryption mix-up in Chapter Three, and thanks, Maria, for alerting us to the problem.
Maggie should have been fired long ago! Now Wickham her & Fan, right? Very good cliffhanger, Jan. Does Maggie know how bad Wicky is? I am not sure about that. She is probably an unwilling accomplice but she should never be trusted again.
Very exciting!
This story has been superb thus far! I am exceedingly anxious for Fan to return, or at least for a ransom note to be delivered. That blasted Wickham! I'm glad to see the evolution of Darcy's character, as far as Fan is concerned. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with us! It's lovely.
Jump to say thank you.
Thank you, KayakChick, Lucy, Helene, and Vesna for your lovely comments! These chapters are hard to post just one at a time because they end in such anxious moments. Sorry about that.
It will be interesting when/if a ransom note turned up. Darcy will most certainly have to reveal the truth to Elizabeth, and that is not going to be pretty. Argh! Oh Darcy, what have you done?!!
Thanks for the chapter, Jan! We are so hooked! Look forward to more
Today IS Sunday, is it not? Where is my share of Jan's story? Mondays are not the same without it!
Wickham, Wickham, Wickham!
Darcy is also in big trouble, yes he told about the ransom but not how he is involved.
Lizzy will widdle it out and then what?
Irene
GRC
This story will be fun to re-read for many reasons -- watching the budding relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth one of them and Darcy's slow dawning of care for Fan another. But reading it the first time is a singular pleasure, as one tries to figure out what is happening.
For example, since Maggie asked her employers not to look in on the child on their return from the Lucases' gathering, does that mean she was taking the child that night? But if that is so, then why was Wickham looking in the window at the Lucases, as if trying to make sure Darcy was not at Netherfield? Did Wickham arrive at Netherfield to find Maggie and the child already gone, but did he decide to hit Darcy up for a ransom anyway? Has Maggie taken Fan to Cutter's Wood to hide? But if she was going to do that, then why not just disclose her conspiracy with Wickham and say she now thought better of it --she did not want to go along with him? Or, did Maggie and Fan somehow leave for London ahead of Wickham, since he was seen leaving alone? I think the theft of a jug of milk, bread and ham suggests that Maggie is somewhere still in the vicinity and she may have her own reasons for trying to avoid Wickham. I just don't get, if I am right about that part, why she felt unwilling to confess it to Elizabeth? Is Maggie afraid of losing her job but thinks that if she brings Fan back unharmed, no ransom needed, she will earn Darcy's regard finally -- after all, it was he who hired someone to work over her.
None of this wild speculation may be anywhere close to the target, but you inspired it in me and I thought I would offer it for your amusement. It's the least I can do since your story provides so much entertainment!
I myself was thinking along the same lines as Lacy. The ham, bread, and milk were stole my Maggie so the child would not go hungry, the till money on the other hand is all Wickahm. And if Wickham didn't have the woman and child with him when he left it would be good to check Cutter's Wood anyway - I hope he does if nothing else to rule it out.
And sheesh, why did not Darcy come forward with the truth again. He should have told Elizabeth the full truth this time.
Such a great chapter. I hope the Bingley women do not start any rumours on their own.
trez
Wickham left alone, food was stolen, somebody really needs to check Cutter's Wood.
Darcy, you have an open door so admit the truth. Yes, she will be angry, probably she will kill you with tongue-lashing but remember her little smile when she found out that you are not married and closeness you two have now. Telling the truth is your last train to happiness.
Jan you are wonderful.
I so much want to run to that Wood.
Maybe with google maps?
Great story! Thank you
Jan-as with all your stories-this one is excellent-you are one of my fav authors-wish I was more eloquent in my praise! Mary
What have I brought to pass?
Indeed!!! Darcy made his bed, now he has to lay in it. Unfortunately, he is not the only one that has to pay for his f@ck up; Fan, Elizabeth, the Bennets, just to name a few. But I also blame Elizabeth; she trusted Maggie blindly even thou she was not competent or responsible w/ Fan, Darcy had reservations about her and for once, he was right. And Darcy..he needs to man up and come clean, not only w/ Elizabeth but w/ everyone around him. He has a tendency to avoid speaking of certain subjects thinking they will go away. Sweeping the dirt under the rug so you can't see it does not mean it is not there. When will he ever learn? It will be a mess once this is over.
So many posibilities...of what really happened.
Oh I want to shake your darcy get it over with confess the whole truth now.
Oh dear more soon please
Come on, Darcy! This is a good time to man up and confess to Lizzy what you have done!
Sorry it's taken so long for me to reply. Had some medical problems and ended up sleeping about 24 hours!
Anyway...I'm thinking the same as Lacy and Trez that Maggie has Fan and she is hiding in Cutter's Wood. And, I'm wondering if Wickham has somehow threatened either to harm Fan or the Darcys or all of them and that is why Maggie ran off with Fan.
Darcy really has made a mess of things and now he is planning to head to London? Oh Dear.
Maybe Maggie was supposed to meet Wickham in London and when he gets there and doesn't find her, then what?
Cutter's Wood is important, I'm sure of it. Maybe Lizzy will go there, herself since no one else will.
Oh Jan...I'm now on pins and needles waiting to find out just what is happening with Fan and...how Lizzy will react when she finds out that Wickham only knows about Fan because of Darcy. His not coming forth with the truth is going to make it harder and harder to own up to 'what' and 'why' he did it!
More Jan, more! I love, love, love this story!
Great Story...........YP4 n
Caught up with reading this story over the past weekend and found it to be a great story. I love Fan and hope she is going to be alright in wickham's clutches until her "real" poppa gets her back and I know he will!
Bravo
Thanks, everyone! I'm sorry for the angst, but glad to see you're hanging in there with me. I love reading all your speculations. Some are much better than mine. Darcy truly has made a mess of things.
Mary, you need not worry about making more eloquent comments. I love any and all kind words. They provide such encouragement. And Sandy, I'm sorry you're having medical problems and hope they're cleared up soon. Elaine, I regret you had trouble finding where to post, but thank you for persevering.
I'll be gone over Easter, so look for an early post of Chapter Fifteen. Happy holiday weekend!
Chapter 15 has just been posted, my dears. Enjoy!
I am so glad that Darcy confessed. It's something he needed to do. Faith is the other end of doubt.
Glad he got Fan back. Now what of Wickham? Did he go back to Meryton? Did he go back to the cottage only to fall in one of the holes and die?
I know Elizabeth will be full of joy to get Fan back, but how will she feel about Darcy? Does she have any hint of what he did? Did Wickham come back and tell her? Will Darcy spill and let it all out?
So many questions.
Great chapter Jan. I am so glad Darcy is learning something from all of this.
Confession is the best way to ease the soul, realize your mistakes and learn something about yourself. Now he has to confess everything to E.
Did Wickham somehow tell his "story" to Elizabeth so she did not write?
Fan said "Papa" and he melts down
Great chapter
Is the reason Wickham not been in touch with Darcy yet regarding the ransom that he has hightailed it back to Longbourn for a confab with Elizabeth? Could it be that he believes that if he discloses Darcy's original plan--namely, have Wickham take Fan off their hands to clean up the Bennet family reputation -- that Elizabeth will be so incensed that she will now leave Darcy for Wickham? It may seem crazy to us readers that Wickham would be so deluded as to think he could pull that off, but then again -- she considered marrying Wickham for Fan's sake. Wickham may imagine she would be so upset with Darcy for trying to get rid of Fan that she would partner up with him to take the ransom money and the child? Wickham could hit her weak spot by telling her she cannot trust Fan’s interests to Darcy. If Wickham could pull this off, it would be the ultimate sting of Darcy.
I would feel confident about the failure of such scheming except that Elizabeth has not written to Darcy. He has written her such sweet letters everyday. And it seemed that they had been getting along quite nicely. And, why has Elizabeth moved back to Longbourn? Is she is trying to put distance between her and Darcy? Will Wickham tell her the truth that Darcy should already have spilled? Will it make Elizabeth think Darcy is just waiting for a chance to ship Fan off to school? I think we saw Elizabeth starting to have deep feelings for Darcy, but if Wickham sets it up as a Sophie’s Choice, I think she’ll choose to protect her child first over sticking with a man she does not think loves her.
I really needed my tissues, what with Darcy's confession to the Vicar and Fan teling him she 'loves Papa too'.
But where, oh where is Wickham? Has he hi-tailed it back to Meryton to tell Lizzy the truth?
Enjoy your seaside adventure!
Irene
GRC
Oh, thank Providence! I was so worried when Darcy thought on Maggie's incompetence and wondered if Fan could've actually been dead. Ugh, it gives me stones in my stomach just thinking about it! Of course, we can always count on Wickham to ruin everything. I know he's a bad guy, but to kill, even indirectly, a child- his own child, nonetheless- is just beyond disgusting and vile. I hope he is drawn and quartered, or perhaps just maimed and forced to live in destitute for his longevity. Thanks for updating! I'm so relieved she's been found!
Finally Fan was found! :) Love the last bit when she called Darcy Papa and he melted. I melted too :)
So glad that Darcy finally relieve his burden to the old curate ... now he has all the encouragement to confess to Lizzy. Her not returning his letters..hmm..i hope Wickham didn't return to Hertfordshire and told her what Darcy had done.
Look forward to the family reunion! And of course, Darcy's confession
Happy Easter!
Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! I know it is just a story, so why am I crying all over the room????????
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful..........
Thank you!
HOw heart breaking was Darcy crushing confession. Totally surprised by the how Fanny was found. Now why do I think that Wicky has been working on Lizzy during her lack of correspondance.
Jan I'm loving your story.
Geri
Two new chapters since I've last read! Jan, you are amazingly quick with your updates.
I absolutely agree with many of the other posters that Darcy needs to be honest with Elizabeth. Although, after reading that she didn't return any of his letters, I'm wondering if it's too late and she already knows. I guess time will tell! I am thrilled, though, that Darcy was able to find Fan unharmed. It's also nice to see him lose his heart a second time around.
Jan, you said there are dark times ahead, and until D & E are honest with each other, I have no doubt of that. However, I'm just extremely content that Fan is well, and am looking forward to the journey of patching their marriage! Thanks for another two wonderful chapters, and thanks also for the kind comments! It's wonderful to be back.
Hi Jan
Enjoying your story so much that I had to comment.
But..but.. I am so worried about Elizabeth. Why won't she respond to Darcy's letters? Surely she must be anxious in hearing any news about Fan. This is speculation on my part but what if Wickham has now kidnapped Elizabeth? What if this was his plan all along - to get Darcy away from Elizabeth by distracting him with finding the child?
Wickham may think that Darcy will pay a higher ransom for Elizabeth rather than Fan. Wickham could have tricked Elizabeth into going with him with the promise of handing Fan over.
I hope this is only my overactive imagination and nothing more. Can't wait till your next post!
An absolutely superb read! Can't wait for the next chapter to see what happens since Darcy has been shot.
Please don't keep us waiting longgggggggggggggg!U3FY
Fan is going to be upset when she learns her papa has been injured. I hope Wickham is dead but it's probably take some time for Elizabeth to forgive Darcy. Thanks for the very exciting chapter, Jan!
I went back to read that ransom note from Wickham, and I am a little surprised that Elizabeth became so angry merely from reading it. After all, it was Wickham and the note seemed to accuse Darcy without specifically pointing out what he had done. As Bingley surmised earlier when he saw the note, it could have meant Wickham still blamed Darcy for not receiving the living earlier and was now using the child to get it.
"Darcy, I have the child. We had a bargain, and you have failed to honour it, but now you will. If you wish to conceal the truth of what you have done from Elizabeth, and if she ever hopes to see her niece again, you will hand over the fortune we agreed upon.
Your search will turn up empty, so do not waste your time. Wait for further notice of when and where you are to deliver the funds.
G Wickham"
Elizabeth seemed to have assumed the very worst of Darcy even before he confessed. She also seemed to not have been impressed with him when he kept his promise and showed up with Fan in tow. After reading that note, I would think she would have expected to see him come back alone. To see him in the carriage with Fan in his lap -- why didn't she run to him and say how glad she was he had gotten the child from the clutches of the kidnapper -- because even if he had paid Wickham, would that not count for something?
Just fussing a bit with Elizabeth whom I have felt throughout is keeping Darcy as much at arms' length as possible. I guess it's her fear of feeling too much? Thank goodness Darcy was shot. The poor man will need to be injured and nearly helpless before Elizabeth gives him a break. Darcy is also fortunate to now have Fan in his corner. She's decided who her parents are and she is not a young lady to be denied.
oh, what the f***!!!!
So, I've started reading this story some time ago, but I kept being behind with the chapters... and today, when I finally catch up.... DARCY IS SHOT AND HALF DEAAAAAD???!?! so noooooo way!
beg your pardon, ladies, but I really neeeded to let it out someway!
and now, on with my comment, hard task, as I kept smiling/crying/laughing and so on all the time!
I see that Fan has everyone wrapped around her little finger (and not only Elizabeth and Darcy, I'm talking about me and I think all the other readers as well ) isn't she just the cutest of things?
and we are so lucky to have her in this story, because now I know that Elizabeth will never have the guts to leave Darcy, as it would hurt Fan too much (hey, as long as they are together, I'm positive they can overcome anything, bullets included )
Mama, Papa and Fan - sweet, tender moment.
Elizabeth would not be Elizabeth if she did not follow Darcy.
Thank you.
I haven't had a single moment to comment on this fantastic story, but I have been following it as eagerly as everybody else, eating my nails every Sunday in expectation, anguished when the new update did not come before Monday (you have spoiled us there!)
Even today, I have but a couple of minutes to comment, so I will only say this:
I LUUUURV this story!
I agree with all the comments about its excellence
My vote goes to: Wickham is dead.
And the Bingley sisters: what witches! I hope the story lasts long enough to see them get their comeuppance.
Great, great work.
It's a shoulder wound-- but then again people died of infection back then -- so good grief, chewing my nails down to the nubs again. Loved the sweet interaction with Papa and the child. No longer anxious about Elizabeth making it tough on Darcy-- for heaven's sake, he took a bullet for her-- she's got to forgive his "concealment." Again, wishing the week away again until your next post.
Thank you, everyone, for all the comments! They keep me going, and I really appreciate them. Contessa and Rori, I welcome your remarks and am glad to know you are reading the story.
I hope the next chapter answers most of your questions and concerns. Thanks for staying with me throughout this ride.
I did think Elizabeth would listen. Was the raven deep enough to keep Wickham away until help comes? Would Bingley not have listened as well? Will Lizzy have to go to help or will help come?
Did she listen and fall to the ground? Oh dear 3 more days until I get some answers.
Thank you Jan lovely story
Geri
Wow! What a place to leave it! Like many, I'm hoping Wickham is maybe dead in the ravine, and that either Bingley followed or Elizabeth will be able to run and get some help. Thank you for another wonderful chapter! I'm thrilled Elizabeth knows the truth and now the two of them can move towards having a real marriage.
P.S. I'm glad you had a good vacation! Welcome back!
Thrilling chapter, Jan! Darcy mans up to his misdeeds, Elizabeth's response is righteous anger. I bet she had a different perspective of it all once she heard Darcy and Wickham's exchange, especially right after Fan called for her Papa. Did she hear that Darcy did it because he loves her??
Poor Wickham, everyone knows that Cutter's Wood is a dangerous place!
Chapter 17 is up, my dears. And what a chapter it is! Mrs Darcy is thrilled.