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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 17 is up, my dears. And what a chapter it is! Mrs Darcy is thrilled.
They finally found their forgiveness!
Irene
GRC
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!
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.
Marvellous!!!
Thanks...thanks...thanks!
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!
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!
I think you're stories are so wonderful-thanks for the hours of entertainment. You are a gifted story teller-Mary
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
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
Jan, I love your story and wait for the new chapter impatiently every week! Therefore I'm a little upset that the next chapter will be the last... I hope to read more about Lizzy and Darcy's life after they made amends.
Well, all I can do is to be thankful for this wonderful story and wait for you posting a new one!
Jan,
I found this wonderful story last night and have read it straight through. It has recognizable elements from some of your others. I count myself lucky in my timing, being able to read it from beginning to end nearly without a break.
Thank you!
Carol
I am sooooo sad it's over! I anticipated the new chapters every week, refreshing my screen repeatedly for hours on posting days. I should say thank you and praise you Jan for a job well done but all I can find in my heart to say is waaaaaaah! I can't even beg for an epilogue since that was too perfect. Maybe a sequel? Hehe.
It is so beautiful, the beginning, the middle, and the end! Thank you, Jan, for this wonderful story. We suffered thru some angst but it is all worth it to see ODC so happy in their marriage. I like that Lizzy's persistence paid off eventually with Lady C's visit to Pemberley and her interaction with Fan :)
Look forward to more stories from you, Jan!
Jan, I am sad that the end has come. This story, as all of your stories, are so well written. I've enjoyed this story and will be reading over and over again in the future.
Wolfie
A most fitting end to a lovely love story! I like how you close out everyone's story, including Lady C and Caroline. Darcy's determination and generosity is matched by Elizabeth's patience and kindness. With parents like this, the child had little chance to grow up to be anything other than delightful. Nurture making the best of nature.
Jan, Thank you so much for the beautiful ending to your story. Sometimes the story mad me cry, be angry and laugh, and that's a good thing.
Irene
GRC
I very much enjoyed reading this story Jan.
Glad it all worked out well.
I really like how Darcy excepted and loved Fan as his own in the end & that there will be no retaliation on Wickhams part is an extra bonus.
It all came together beautifully, thanks for the good read!
Fitzwilliam Darcy and the killing of the pillow
at least it was for the best of the causes! That scene, it was just perfect! so sweet and yet entertaining (trust Elizabeth to make someone laugh at the oddest moments )
and a great metaphor too of how they managed to overcome the wall of misunderstandings they had built.
as for the rest of the chapter, simply the perfect ending to a wonderful story. I really enjoyed it, so Jan, thank you very much for sharing
It was so beautiful, perfect...Jan thank you for the one more of your stories which must be reread.
Wow…listening to Darcy talk about Fan and her nightmares after Wickham, and how she behaved in spite of all the strange places they stopped at…such a difference from this trip and the one to London and back to Netherfield.
A beautiful ending and epilogue, Jan. In reviewing their marriage and children, they both seem to forget that Elizabeth was not the mother who bore Fan. And, of course, Darcy was as much her papa as Elizabeth was her mama. Thank you for another one of your satisfying stories!
Carol
Jan H: Thank you, thank you for another brilliant, well constructed and engaging tale. You have a lovely talent, and we are all in your debt for sharing it with us!
To travel along with Darcy as he tells his story, as we hear his words, feel his feelings, has kept me entranced. All my thanks for giving us this wonderful story!
And, I'm looking forward to your books being published!
Lovely wedding night. It has always been a trade mark of yours to leave your readers with a sweet last image rather than a heated one, and for that I admire your writing skills even more. It is very difficult to convey such sweetness where ladies generally expect more action and still leave your audience absolutely satisfied.
Also, you have successfully provided entertainment at very regular intervals, which allowed us readers to count on finding a new delightful chapter every Monday morning, a great way to begin Mondays. Hats off for that too.
Thank you again and again. Love your stories. Please never park your plume.
Hugs
Malena