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Re: Jan H - The Child

Jan H- what a great story I love it!! Can't wait for the next chapter!

Re: Jan H - The Child

Another great chapter Jan, the barriers are starting to break down.

Re: Jan H - The Child

“There now, does my state of undress meet with your approval?”

One more touch—” Taking her hand, she mussed my hair, causing it to fall across my forehead, and then she laughed. “Now, the servants will see that we are both, indeed, in need of assistance, and all will appear natural between us.”
This whole sequence just made me laugh...And then...the final touch...the pillow thrown on the chaise! It seems that working together to put up such a front for the Bingleys has served them well. They actually work quite well together! Nice way to start the day!

By the time I got to the superior sisters going over the stile I was almost rolling on the floor! Caroline wanting Darcy’s assistance…Louisa squealing...all the talking and noise! I’m sure the guys were ready for some target practice on some feathers of a different kind!

Stooping down to her level, I attempted to speak in a softer tone. “There now, do not cry. All is well.”

I stared in unbelief as she held out her little arms to me. “Up, man,” she sobbed.

Rather surprised that she did not even know my name,
Why should she know your name...you have made it quite clear you want nothing to do with her. Children are quit sensitive. They know who wants them and who doesn't.
And I can just see this scene...Darcy trying to talk logic to a small child. He says 'aunt' she says 'mama'...he says 'aunt' she says 'mama'! Wonder if that logic thing worked with Georgiana at that age?

“One cannot blame her for searching out the strongest reminder of you.”
OMG...was that a hint of...tenderness...care...approval for the child? Wow!! Impressive Darcy...most impressive!

“It is just that I never thought to hear any child call you Mamá but mine.”
Gee...I wonder if he will ever refer to his own children by their names...I don't think I've ever heard him refer to Fan by any name other than 'the child!' What did this child ever do to him? He had better get over blaming Fan for Wickham's deeds soon...or he will never have a happy home.

To this, Elizabeth turned and faced me. “What is this? You find some of my connections worthy?” With a smile, she turned toward Bingley and raised her eyebrows, while he simply laughed.

Excellent! He so deserved that!

These two are taking such small steps. And I can't wait to see what Caroline will try next! She is such a twit! She has no shame or pride at all...she's going after another woman's husband for goodness sake!! Isn't there a name for women like that?

Oh Jan...I'm loving this story so much and can't wait for more!

Re: Jan H - The Child

Jan! You make monday a happy day. Thank you very very much!
I like the way Darcy is softening to the girl.

Re: Jan H - The Child

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

Re: Jan H - The Child

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

Re: Jan H - The Child

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.

Re: Jan H - The Child

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?

Re: Jan H - The Child

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.

Re: Jan H - The Child

Very lovely chapter.

thank you

Re: Jan H - The Child

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.

Re: Jan H - The Child

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?

Re: Jan H - The Child

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.

Re: Jan H - The Child

Jan H
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.


Or in the case of Wickham...slithering around the corner??!!

Re: Jan H - The Child

Jan H
As to what Fan calls Darcy and Elizabeth, the child will probably make that decision.


I am glad you take my view of it Parents and guardians can teach a child to say aunt and uncle, but the words that come more quickly to one so young as Fan are Mama and Papa (or Dada, depending upon the culture.) The role of mother and father are, I daresay, primal. Fan will have time to learn who Lydia was and who Darcy and Elizabeth are -- whatever the words she uses, I suspect the feelings she has for the roles and the way they play them, are not something that can be taught.

A rose by another name is still a rose.

Re: Jan H - The Child

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.

Re: Jan H - The Child

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.

Re: Jan H - The Child

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.

Re: Jan H - The Child

Jump to say thank you.

Re: Jan H - The Child

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.

Re: Jan H - The Child

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

Re: Jan H - The Child

Today IS Sunday, is it not? Where is my share of Jan's story? Mondays are not the same without it!

Re: Jan H - The Child

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

Re: Jan H - The Child

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!

Re: Jan H - The Child

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

Re: Jan H - The Child

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.

Re: Jan H - The Child

I so much want to run to that Wood.
Maybe with google maps?
Great story! Thank you

Re: Jan H - The Child

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

Re: Jan H - The Child

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.

Re: Jan H - The Child

Oh I want to shake your darcy get it over with confess the whole truth now.
Oh dear more soon please

Re: Jan H - The Child

Come on, Darcy! This is a good time to man up and confess to Lizzy what you have done!

Re: Jan H - The Child

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!

Re: Jan H - The Child

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

Re: Jan H - The Child

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!

Re: Jan H - The Child

Jan H
I'll be gone over Easter, so look for an early post of Chapter Fifteen. Happy holiday weekend!

Early post...we can handle that definitely! It will feel like the Easter Bunny came by!

Happy Easter to you too, Jan!

Re: Jan H - The Child

Chapter 17 is up, my dears. And what a chapter it is! Mrs Darcy is thrilled.

Re: Jan H - The Child

They finally found their forgiveness!

Irene
GRC

Re: Jan H - The Child

Yes, Yes, and as long as I get to read it! At last they have come together! She loves him and he knows it! YAY!

Thank you! Thank you!

Re: Jan H - The Child

I think we all expected (hoped!) that they would reach a moment of accord, and it seems so close now it almost feels as if it has happened. But as we end the chapter, they're still in separate bedrooms. To be continued at Pemberley! Poor Darcy, I really wish for his sake that Elizabeth had been willing to, eh, spend a little more time in his bedroom at Netherfield now that he has his strength back.

But I get it. She has a legitimate gripe against him and his being injured doesn't wipe that slate clean. She's too smart and self-possessed to simply fall into his arms and say it's all forgiven. As eager as I am to see them deliriously happy together (I don't know if Jan plans to give us a moment like that?), I would respect Elizabeth less if she could so quickly shrug off the past simply because he says I love you. Too much other stuff, just like at Hunsford.

I also like how Darcy is shown NOT milking her sympathy for all it's worth. He must have liked lying in bed and having her read to him and be at his beck and call. But that's not the life he wants with her, and he demands that they face their issues head-on. I love this Darcy for that.

And, Fan, too --I love the way she fits into this. Kids often do offer their love easily and completely, and sometimes even to parents who abuse them. Elizabeth questions Darcy's intentions toward Fan, as she should. To his credit, it seems never to occur to him to use Fan's new affection for him as a way to manipulate Mama. Everything he feels for Fan is honest and true, no attempt to win Elizabeth by suddenly being a good father to the child she loves. He is just being a good father because that's who is.

Re: Jan H - The Child

I smiled sadly. "I said I loved a woman who did not return my love-the one truth I uttered among all my lies. That woman is you, Elizabeth, always only you."

at long last!!! was it really so hard to say?

but, oh so sweet a chapter *__* I'm sorry I can't find better words, but they are so right for each other!

I will have to find something very exciting to keep me busy this week, I really can't wait to read what's next!

Re: Jan H - The Child

As eager as I am to see them deliriously happy together (I don't know if Jan plans to give us a moment like that?),

I am positive I speak for everyone here when I say YES JAN! PLEEEEEASE!

I would respect Elizabeth less if she could so quickly shrug off the past simply because he says I love you.

I honestly would have been disappointed if it happened like that, after all we've read before...

I love this Darcy for that.

the fact that he is hot and rich doesn't hurt either
(couldn't stop myself sorry )

Re: Jan H - The Child

Marvellous!!!

Thanks...thanks...thanks!

Re: Jan H - The Child

De-lurking to say how thrilled I am to be reading another exceptionally wonderful story by Jan H! Your style is unique and captivating: I am particularly pleased to be reading this story from Darcy's point of view. From the comments, it is clear that your writing talents are bringing joy to many, but I wanted in particular to add my own: Thank you!

Re: Jan H - The Child

Oh, Darcy, you've learned how to set aside your pride and begin anew. So has Elizabeth, both of them confessing what we knew all along, that they loved each other. So Wonderful! Jan, your Darcys are so beautifully human, love their flaws along with their charm.

On to Pemberley, please!

Re: Jan H - The Child

I think you're stories are so wonderful-thanks for the hours of entertainment. You are a gifted story teller-Mary

Re: Jan H - The Child

Poor Mr Wickham!To break his crown in manner of Jack and Jill! And poor Mr Darcy! For ever tied to make love only at Pemberley!LOL
Thank you for a lovely chapter. I hope you already have some other story just as entertaining.
Male

Re: Jan H - The Child

Yay! Ding Dong the Wick is dead!! He was such an inhuman being I can’t feel a bit sorry for his death only rejoice that he can’t hurt Elizabeth or Fan again!

“His parents died some time back,” I said softly. Wickham had no one...other than the child he did not want.”
What a sad ending. Darcy’s father had such high hopes for him and look how he ended up.

Seeing the child had done me great good like a medicine. I had not realized how hungry I was to view her sparkling brown eyes and hear the infectious giggles that erupted quite frequently. And when she called me Papá, it warmed my heart as much as it had upon hearing it for the first time.
I can’t get over how Darcy has changed toward Fan. So different from when he first met her.

“I will tell you when I have done enough.”
Actually, by the time he had gotten to this part, I was hoping he would get sick. This sounded so much like his aunt Catherine I wanted to smack him. If he has any hope of ever having a happy marriage, he needs to stop the proclamations and begin to work as a couple for the good of both.

“I do not pity you. When I learned that you and Wickham had conspired together, I—I tried to hate you, William!” A sob escaped her, and she placed her fist to her lips. “But I could not. For all your false actions, I could not hate you.”

I held my breath. I had come closer to losing her than I feared.

Yes you did…you conspired with the devil and almost lost the one thing you valued most! Elizabeth truly did have 2 children on her hands and she still does to a certain extent. Darcy’s lies and half-truths have made the whole situation very confusing for Elizabeth. She doesn’t know what to believe.

I suspect that Darcy will still have a lot of ground to make up and I can’t even imagine what will happen with his own family or even those of Caroline Bingley’s ilk. Darcy needs to learn to share everything with Elizabeth and to lose some of his aunt Catherine’s personality. They have a long trip to Pemberley...it will be interesting to see how they manage once they are there.

You have given us such a flawed Darcy...more so than most. Disguise has been his constant companion rather than an abhorrence and his own pride and vanity have allowed him to make decisions for people he had no right to make. Elizabeth fell in love with him before she found out about his conspiring with Wickham. When she married Darcy, all she knew was that the one person who loved her was Fan and Darcy’s dealings with Wickham almost lost her Fan. She is right…perhaps they can start over at Pemberley, removed from the lies and the heartbreak that has surrounded them at Netherfield. Fan loves her Mama and her Papa…maybe they can truly become a family.

I really love this story Jan as I love all your stories and can’t wait for more to see how our little family is faring!

Re: Jan H - The Child

Oh, how I LOVED this chapter! The scenes with Darcy and Fan are absolutely heartwarming. And I am so glad that our dear couple finally declared their love to each other. Thank you so much.

Re: Jan H - The Child

Thank you, everyone, for all the kind comments. And thank you, Kathryn Ann, for de-lurking! It's always extra pleasing when a new reader speaks up. I can safely say that all cliffies are over because the next chapter is the last.

See you Sunday.

Re: Jan H - The Child

Ahh...finally! :) I do agree wholeheartedly that ODC should start anew at Pemberley. I wonder if what Darcy had done is ever made known to Bingley??

Anyway, a very beautiful chapter, brought tears to my eyes when Lizzy finally declared her love :)

Yay for no more cliffies! But I'm sad that next chapter will be the last. Look forward!

Re: Jan H - The Child

Thanks for the new chapters, Jan! I loved the transition from Elizabeth's anger to love. I agree that they should start anew when they get home. I am glad Fan is acting as if she is happy and secure and no longer acting out. The DArcy family should be a happy one!

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