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Perhaps it is unfair of me, but I find myself increasingly irritated with Lizzy. It reminds of P&P when Elizabeth is at first charmed by Wickham and misses the holes in his story. So, I realize there is precedent. Here she so trusting of Maggie, despite the hints in the chapter before this one that based upon what Fan said, Maggie has a man who she has not mentioned to her employer. Now all those incidents in earlier chapters when Fan would turn up in the wrong place because Maggie was not watching her take on a different and less random hue -- has Wickham been tracking Darcy all this time and using Maggie as his eyes into the Darcy household?
And, in this chapter, Maggie almost comes right and announces she is going to kidnap Fan -- Don't look in on her in the evening and don't check her out in the morning -- come on, as the child's mother for all intents and purposes, Lizzy -- why are you not seeing red flags and hearing warning bells?
Is Maggie's last name Younge, by any chance?
You might wonder why I am not similarly irritated with Darcy for missing the same signs -- in fact, given that he is a more suspicious and critical type, shouldn't he have put two and two together by now? Maybe, but I am willing to give him a pass because his mind is so wrapped in one thing at the moment. Until he finally beds his wife, he may be not be operating at full capacity.
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.
OMG Jan! You are becoming the queen of cliffes! What a place to leave us! Lots going on and lots of emotions.
Wickham, a gun, Maggie and do not disturb Fan. A bad combination.
Irene
GRC
Is Maggie making the head Nurse sick? She is going to steal the child isn't she and Wicky has a gun oh dear Darcy is in danger.
come on Sunday
Geri
I am guessing that poor Mr Wickham is just trying to fulfill what the infatuated Mr Darcy asked him at the beginning: to get rid of the child- in the hope of getting some funds from Mr Darcy which is all his intention in Austen's classic story. If this is so, then Mr Darcy is to blame for Elizabeth's misfortunes...again.
What a chapter!
Stolen gun is best used to kill the thief.
I hope that Darcy will be brave enough for very open conversation with E.
Rhetorical question: where is Fan?
Waiting for my Sunday evening.
Thank you Jan.
We all know trouble is coming soon. If Fan is missing, Lizzy and Darcy will get closer. But then afterwards, when and if Lizzy finds out about Darcy's original duplicity of trying to get Fan aways from the Bennets, I don't think Lizzy will be to forgive him. I do not see how they would be able to get past such deception. The only way I see this happening is if Darcy risks his life to save Fan, like being shot and nearly dying. That is the only way I see Elizabeth softening towards Darcy for all the damage he has caused. Many times, good intentions gets you into more trouble than helping.
I cannot wait till next post.
Maggie's man is Wickham isn't he? If so--good twist! Fan must seem awful to Darcy but if he had raised her from birth he would appreciate her more. The "terrible twos" are called that for a good reason."
Elizabeth is really starting very small trying to get used to her husband's affections. I hope they will make a little progress!
Thanks for the wonderful chapter, Jan. Love Wickham at large and armed!
Thank you, everyone, for your interesting comments! I can't believe the weekend is already here. Sorry to be so late in replying. I've had one of those yucky weeks in RL, as we all experience from time to time.
Also sorry for the cliffhanger. I'm afraid they're inevitable for awhile, but I'm trying to keep them at a minimum.
Argh! I fear that that response means that we will have to wait longer than expected for the next chapter
Chapter 13 is up, my dears. Enjoy!
Oh! I know that dastardly Wickham has kidnapped the child. Like that the Darcy's are warming up to each other very nicely though. Another terrific chapter Jan!!
They are growing closer but will the truth ripe them apart?
Irene
GRC
Oh Jan...there are just so many things that I enjoyed...Loved Darcy’s response to Lizzy about what married people do to begin their day
Yes, it looks as if Wickham in cahoots with the maid Maggie snatched Fan. Will the increasingly friendly relationship between William and Elizabeth face a sudden freeze when she realizes the role William played -- he paid Wickie to come back into their lives, after all. Now the Wickster probably feels entitled because he did not get all the money he expected -- I'm pretty sure that if he took his daughter, it was not that he was driven by filial love.
I am still willing to get Darcy a pass because he was really trying -- and he's still pretty fogged in with his obsession with Elizabeth, so he's not at full mental capacity. He should have realized by now that this is all W's doings. (I'm assuming so although this has not been absolutely determined in the story yet.) I still blame Elizabeth more. How did she hire Maggie in the first place? Perhaps, though, in the end, William and Elizabeth will agree they are equals in this fiasco.
Jan, thanks for the new chapter. I truly love the story and I can't wait for the next chaper. Love the way how Elisabeth and Darcy grow towards each other. But I fear the moment when Elisabeth will discover the truth about Darcy's role in bringin back Wickham into their lives.
Oh my, when Elizabeth finds that Darcy brought Wickham to the country she is going to be furious.
I do hope that Fan is ok and she is being at least fed and kept warm. I think Wickham would not care a bit if she wasn't.
I cannot believe that Elizabeth would be so naive as to not know what goes on in the marital be at times, especially after Lydia's downfall and the babe.
Waiting a whole week to read more I hope it goes by quick.
Another chapter executed with great writing!
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