Jane Austen’s Jewel Box – Elizabeth Darcy’s Ring – Part Three – Jane Odiwe

Jane Austen's Jewel BoxI am so enjoying writing this new work, and I am so grateful for all the fantastic feedback I’ve been getting, along with all your lovely ideas which I’m keeping a record of and hope to include as I go. If you’ve missed the beginning, here are Part One and Part Two. Last week, we left the story just as the French cousins arrived – here’s Part Three – I hope you enjoy it, and I’d love to hear your ideas!

It was impossible to feel ill at ease with this brother and sister who were so open and friendly that she stopped worrying about her appearance. Georgiana could not think that she’d heard of these French cousins before, or ever heard her aunt mention their name, but she shook hands warmly.

‘I do apologise that my brother is not here to greet you, but he is out on business this morning. He is not expected to be long and I know he will be looking forward to making your acquaintance so much. Do come in and make yourselves at home. I am sure my aunt will be so glad to hear you’ve arrived … I will take you to see her at once.’

Mrs Reynolds immediately saw Georgiana’s hesitation and took charge. ‘Miss Georgiana, if I may be so bold, might I suggest that I show our guests to their rooms so they can settle in. I am certain Lady Catherine can wait a little longer to be united with her family … I believe Miss Anne de Bourgh and Mrs Jenkinson are expected from Scotland within the hour and her ladyship will be much taken up with other matters.’

Georgiana heard the wise housekeeper’s words with relief and knew that the kind lady was thinking of her. She knew her state of dress and unruly hair would be the subject of much unwanted attention and disapproval from her aunt, leading to many questions she would not wish to answer. If Lady Catherine found out she’d been out riding by herself, there would be trouble. She smiled to herself at the thought – goodness, how much things had changed since darling Lizzy had come to Pemberley. Not that she was very sure her new sister or her brother would be so pleased that she’d gone out by herself, but filled with a sense of confidence returning, an assurance such as she’d enjoyed in former years, her feelings had been followed. It was so long since she’d listened to her heart, and when the sparkling, crisp morning had beckoned with the idea of a ride across the fields, she’d given in to temptation.

‘Mrs Reynolds, what a perfectly splendid idea,’ said Antoine, turning to beam at his sister. ‘I would not like to disturb my cousin at this hour … we will meet at a more convivial time.’

His sister caught Georgiana’s eye and smirked. ‘Not to mention the fact that our cousin would be scandalised by our early arrival. Thank you, Mrs Reynolds, I know our late invitation must have caused you some extra work, but Lady Catherine insisted, as soon as she discovered how close we were to Pemberley. And your brother is so kind, Miss Darcy – such a generous gentleman in accepting us as if it had been his very own idea. We received a letter from him just this very morning.’

It was plain to see that Mrs Reynolds had taken to the young couple immediately. ‘There can never be too many young people at Pemberley, Miss de Valois, and there are rooms enough for many more. I’ve known Mr Darcy since he was a small boy and generosity is his middle name, if you understand me. Come along now, if you please, we’ll soon have you comfortable.’

Georgiana watched them ascend the staircase followed by Bramwell and the footman laden with luggage. She wasn’t quite sure whether she’d imagined it, but when they reached the top and before they turned off along the corridor, she saw Antoine turn to look back down at her. It was as if he’d known she’d be staring after him and she felt her countenance suffuse with crimson at his discovery, as he winked knowingly before disappearing from sight.

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When Elizabeth arrived at the farm, such an air of desolation seemed to emanate from the very building itself that she wondered if she had the courage to go inside. All the family were crowded into the tiny chamber to say their last goodbyes to darling Neddy, but for all their sorrow, Lizzy thought she’d never known such love as she witnessed there. It touched her heart to see the care taken of each and every one, be they adult or child, as she observed their kind words and small gestures. No dramatics or poor nerves in this household where there simply wasn’t the time or money to feel sorry for oneself, and in the midst of their grief, Mr and Mrs Fretwell showed extraordinary consideration for Lizzy’s feelings and comfort, making her feel truly humble. Fortunately for poor little Neddy, his struggle was not of long duration. Lizzy held his hand, felt his breath whisper her name, before watching him slip away peacefully, almost as if he was slumbering, soft cheeks and cherubic lips lit by glowing candlelight in the dim room.

‘We cannot thank you enough for coming, my lady,’ said Mrs Fretwell, whose brave countenance helped Lizzy to keep in control the waves of sadness washing over her. ‘He’d taken to you like no other, and you made his last days as happy as they could be.’

‘Oh, that I could have done so much more …’ Lizzy faltered, she could not trust herself to speak again, and giving her leave, promised to visit the family again very soon.

The carriage ride home from the Fretwell’s farm was not an easy one as Elizabeth recounted the afternoon to herself. Overcome by her feelings she pulled down the glass of the carriage window and leaned out, taking in gulps of the sharp, frosty air. Looking up to the heavens in a bid to stem the tears that threatened to spill over her cheeks, she could not think how she would ever become immune to such heartache as she now felt tearing through her soul. The responsibility she felt for little Neddy and his family was all consuming, and she couldn’t help thinking she had not tried hard enough to save him. What else could she have done? Once more, Elizabeth questioned her suitability for the role she’d taken on without considering all its consequences. How did Fitzwilliam manage so capably, day in, day out, knowing that he held the lives of so many in his care? Elizabeth rapped on the roof, signalling Saxton to stop. It would never do to go home in tears. She must compose herself; take a walk, if necessary. Yes, she’d feel well again after a few minutes of walking.

Despite Saxton’s advice to the contrary, Lizzy assured him she’d keep to the footpath that ran over the fields to the village of Lambton. She knew she’d have to face Lady Catherine on her return and it would never do to have red-rimmed eyes and a swollen nose. Nothing ever escaped that lady’s attention. The path traversed the fields exposing nuggets of Derbyshire limestone, rippling along the edge of the woods like a ribbon snapping in the breeze. It felt good to stride out, the silver sun brightening the landscape with shafts of light filtering through the clouds in fans of pearl and oyster, even if it failed to dry the tears on her cheeks which ran against her every attempt to stem their flow. If only Fitzwilliam were here, she knew she would feel better and the thought of his handsome face with those dark eyes twinkling as they had this morning, gave her a new strength. The walk was getting tougher as the hillside inclined, but with each step she took in a lungful of the soft air. On reaching the top, she had to stop, halted by the sheer loveliness of the scene, which unfurled like an exquisite Turkey rug in shades of emerald and viridian, umber and ochre. It took her breath away and for a moment she felt all loss, fear and anxiety, ebb away. It was very hard to understand why life happened as it did sometimes, but the sense of something greater at its heart, a world where such beauty existed, was illuminated in the picture at her feet and gave her hope. And then she saw him. As if summoned by her thoughts alone, her beloved Mr Darcy grew from a tiny speck in the distance to a vision of all she held dear, seemingly sent from above.

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‘Kitty, don’t cough so, have some consideration for my poor nerves,’ said Mrs Bennet, as the coach lurched along. ‘My bones have been rattled enough in this old bone-shaker without you adding to my distress.’

Kitty heaved a sigh and swallowed a rising cough as best she could. At least they were on the last leg of their journey and she hoped she would soon be separated from her moaning mother, snoring father and whining sister, to be ensconced in her own palatial chamber. There was no limit to Kitty’s imagination and her mind was filled with silk sheets, Persian cushions and golden chandeliers.

‘Too many card parties, that will account for her coughing,’ said Mary, with a disapproving nod towards her sister. ‘I do not think it wise to give Kitty such freedom, Mama. Fordyce says it’s the ruin of many a girl’s health!’

Kitty gave into another fit of coughing and watched Mary turn to a page of her favourite book. She knew Fordyce’s Sermons so well, Kitty imagined it would not be too long before Mary had it off by heart.

‘Here we are,’ continued Mary, tapping the page with her finger, ‘Cards …what numbers sacrifice their health and spirits … pursuing it in the country with the same unabating ardour as in the town … preferring the suffocating atmosphere of perhaps a small apartment where they regularly, every day if possible, crowd round the card table for hours together!’

‘Oh, Mary, a few cards never hurt anybody,’ Mrs Bennet interrupted loudly, ‘though perhaps Mrs Lucas ought to use more caution with her offspring. It’s all very well to play for a few ivory fish as Kitty and her friends do, but those Lucas boys have all the makings of fine gamesters, if you ask me. Not to mention their fondness for a tipple – drinks a bottle of wine a day, that young Tom does.’

‘Mama, that’s not quite what he said,’ Kitty rejoined, who was very fond of young Thomas. ‘He was talking about what he’d do if he was as rich as Mr Darcy, if I remember correctly, and said he’d keep a pack of foxhounds too. He was just showing off as all boys do.’

‘Well, that’s how it starts,’ declared her mother, wagging her finger. ‘You mark my words.’

Mr Bennet opened one eye at this last exclamation, swiftly shutting it again in realisation that his pleasant dream world had descended into nightmare reality.

Mrs Bennet lapsed into a kind of silence, as quiet as she could ever be, whilst she tapped her finger against the glass. It was plain for all to see she was replaying the conversation in her mind, convincing herself that she was right all along. With her lips pursed one moment, and her eyes rolling in the next, the simultaneous quivering of feathers on her bonnet and the shaking of her carefully coiffured curls was a comic sight, and one which had Kitty biting her lip with mirth, until a shriek from her mother made them all turn in alarm.

‘Stop the coach! Stop the coach!’ Mrs Bennet rapped her knuckles hard on the roof.

‘For pity’s sake, Mrs Bennet, what on earth is the matter?’ Mr Bennet was wide-awake now.

‘It’s the Darcy crest – on that coach over there – looking somewhat abandoned! Oh, my dear, they must have been attacked by highwaymen!’

Mr Bennet peered forward in his seat. ‘Drive on,’ he called out after a second or two, ‘there’s no need to stop. ‘Girls, come now, occupy your minds with something other than foolishly gawping out of the window.’

‘Good heavens, what an exhibition!’ cried his wife. ‘Who can that be, Mr Bennet? Did you ever see …’

Kitty, who was not even staring, was now forced to look. Following her mother’s astonished gaze, she looked across the fields to where two people could just be seen sheltering under a tree. And, just before the blinds were brought down with a snap, she glimpsed exactly what she ought not to see. It was a man and woman, oblivious to the world, in each other’s arms and kissing passionately.

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Mr and Mrs Darcy did not notice the coach that passed by on the road. They had far more important matters on their mind. Enveloped in his cloak, Fitzwilliam pulled his wife closer until he had her right where he wanted her – or almost so, as close as was possible, given that he was backed up against the broad grey trunk. Seeing her in tears was tearing him in two. She’d hardly been able to speak at all, at first, and then as the day’s events had tripped from her tongue like water lapping stones in a brook, they’d quietly gathered momentum until a vast waterfall flowed from within, a torrent of frustration with his aunt, her deep sadness at the loss of Neddy, and the feeling that her entire world was spinning out of control. Love, and the primitive need to protect her took hold of him as he murmured reassurances, and gently brushed away her tears, swiftly followed by the usual intense desire, the thrill of seeking her soft lips with his own, relishing their fullness, drinking in her own special scent with every breath. His hands cradling her waist, he felt her respond, kissing him back, pressing into him until he could feel the bark of the old oak, hard against his back. The moment for words was gone – they were lost in love.

Fitzwilliam’s tender kisses and kind words worked their magic. Elizabeth could hardly bear for him to stop but at last she pulled away to look searchingly into his eyes. ‘Oh, my darling, I am so sorry.’

‘Whatever for, Lizzy? You would not be the girl I adore if you were immune to such happenings – I know how much you loved little Ned Fretwell – no one could have offered more compassionate care or comfort to the family. You are learning that to be my wife is a difficult task. Not only have you taken on the most irascible man in Derbyshire, but you’ve sole charge of all his tenants too. It’s no easy mission.’

Elizabeth laughed. ‘But, I want to make you proud of me, even if you are the most difficult man in the North country!’

It was Mr Darcy’s turn to laugh at her teasing ways. He pulled her closer, lowering his lips on hers once more. When he reluctantly pulled away, Lizzy could see he was still concerned, and a frown, such as she’d been used to seeing when he first came to Longbourn all that time ago, wrinkled his forehead. His mood had changed in a heartbeat; Fitzwilliam’s eyes looked darker than ever beneath the full black brows, glittering with anger. ‘And, as for my aunt, you have absolutely nothing to reproach yourself, Mrs Darcy. How dare she make you feel like a stranger in your own home – as for the ring – dear God in heaven – it’s the last straw!’

‘Fitzwilliam, please do not be angry, my intention was not to set you against your aunt. I should not have relieved my feelings quite so ardently.’

‘No, do not fret, Lizzy,’ Mr Darcy said, peppering her face with kisses again before he drew back to gaze once more into her beautiful eyes. ‘This has been coming for a long time. I feel no ill-will towards my aunt, but she has to realise that I am the sole master of Pemberley, and you are its sole mistress!’

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I hope you enjoyed this week’s episode – I’d love to know what you think, and please include any suggestions you have. I think fireworks are in store for Part Four, which will be published in a fortnight’s time – Friday, March 21st!

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    • Carol hoyt on March 7, 2014 at 12:26 am
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    Jane, wonderfully enjoyable! I can hardly wait to see ( read.) the fireworks!!!

    • Kathy on March 7, 2014 at 12:56 am
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    Go Darcy! He’s going to have his work cut out for him, with the coming invasion of the Bennets as well as dealing with Lady C. I’m intrigued to hear more about how Georgiana has developed, and what happens with those interesting new cousins. Really looking forward to reading more of this story! Thank you!

      • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 2:40 am
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      I am beginning to feel rather sorry for Darcy-he’s got a lot on his plate, hasn’t he, Kathy? Thank you -I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it!

    • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 2:37 am
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    Thank you, Carol, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it-plenty of fireworks next time!

    • Deborah on March 7, 2014 at 6:06 am
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    I absolutely adored this chapter. Mr. Darcy riding towards Elizabeth like a knight in shining armor at the exact moment he was needed. He certainly had impeccable timing.

    I’m looking forward to the fireworks in 2 weeks. I wonder what and when Mrs. Bennet is going to blurt out about the couple kissing and if she will realize who they are and if she will blurt that out too. It would certainly add fuel to Lady Catherine’s ire.

      • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 7:45 am
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      Deborah-thank you-you’ve made my day! Ooh, yes, I think Mrs Bennet will have something to say, but will she put two and two together? I’m not sure… : )

        • Deborah on March 9, 2014 at 8:16 am
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        I mist’ve reread this chapter a dozen times; it’s so touching and hits at such an emotional level. Kudos on having written such an exceptional chapter.

          • Jane Odiwe on March 11, 2014 at 6:09 am
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          Thank you, Deborah-that’s so lovely of you-I’m thrilled you’re enjoying it!

  1. This is great, Jane. I love how this story is developing. Elizabeth and Darcy is passionately in love as ever, Georgiana may have found her true love and the Bennets’ carriage ride to Pemberley. Things are certainly getting interesting and I can’t wait to read your next instalment.

    • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 9:32 am
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    Thank you for your kind words, Luthien84 – I felt we needed a bit of romance this week!

  2. Another great chapter. I can’t wait to hear the “discussion” Darcy will have with his aunt. And what fun there will be with Mrs. Bennet taking on Lady C. Fireworks?

      • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 11:39 am
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      Thank you, Sheila! I’m going to have a lot of fun with the next part, I think!!

    • Carol Settlage on March 7, 2014 at 10:42 am
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    Thank you for a wonderful chapter, Jane! I enjoyed seeing Georgiana gaining more confidence, and kind Mrs. Reynolds always gives pleasure, and the hint of romance with the dashing French cousin, as well! 🙂
    Though sad, the interaction of Elizabeth with the family of the dying son was lovely, and her kindness and reaction couldn’t help but affect one, but I loved the way you ended it with your lovely depiction of the beauty of nature and the uplifting sentence: “It was very hard to understand why life happened as it did sometimes, but the sense of something greater at its heart, a world where such beauty existed, was illuminated in the picture at her feet and gave her hope.” Followed by Darcy coming at exactly the right moment! And as others have said, I wonder how their discovery will play out later, and how Darcy will deal with his Aunt… AND the cousins! Wonderful things to look forward to!

      • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 11:43 am
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      Thank you, Carol-I’m sure most people will identify to some extent with life’s sadness as well as its joys-but in my experience even in the toughest times there is always beauty and hope in the world. Also, this is Jane Austen’s world-she didn’t dwell on unhappiness and I was keen to move it on to something lovely! Thank you for your very lovely comments!

    • Cindy on March 7, 2014 at 11:13 am
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    I always love a man who knows just when he is needed. 😉 I look forward to the fireworks!

      • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 11:43 am
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      Oh, Cindy-so do I! Thank you so much for stopping by.

    • Lynn F on March 7, 2014 at 11:13 am
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    Looking forward to the action in the house when Darcy and Elizabeth return. The loving care and romance between them, awww! Thank you 🙂

      • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 11:44 am
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      Thank you so much, Lynn-I felt in a romantic mood this week and just had to get our lovely couple together!

    • Eileen on March 7, 2014 at 11:43 am
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    Oh, so good. 🙂 I especially loved the part when the Bennet coach slows and Mr. Bennet seems to figure it all out immediately while his wife is oblivious! It made me chuckle. Looking forward to the confrontation, learning more of the French cousins, and witnessing the ever babbling Mrs. Bennet say something about what she has seen.

    • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 11:46 am
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    Eileen, thank you for your lovely comments-yes, I’ve got to have Mrs B putting her foot in it at the most unsuitable moment-perhaps at dinner in full company-what do you think?

      • Eileen on March 7, 2014 at 12:32 pm
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      That could be quite delicious, especially if everyone catches on save her.

        • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 3:01 pm
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        Yes-I think she should definitely be last to catch on!

    • Anji on March 7, 2014 at 12:42 pm
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    Hi Jane. Thanks for another lovely instalment. It spans the spectrum from extremely happy to extremely sad and everything in between.

    I’m still not sure abouth the French cousins, especially Antoine. Hope he’s not going to be another Wickham for Georgiana (please not, Jane?). It’d be good to see her find someone to love for herself, especially now that she sees how happy her brother is with Elizabeth. His compassion for Elizabeth after little Neddy’s death was beautifully written and I wouldn’t want to be in Lady C.’s shoes when he has a go at her.

    Mr Bennet obviously saw what was going on with the couple in the distance and may even recognised them as his daughter and Darcy. I guess he may have been trying to snap the blind down to stop anyone else seeing and gossiping. Mrs B. is bound to let the cat out of the bag in front of Lady C. and if mention is made of the empty Darcy carriage, I can see where some of the fireworks may come from!!

    Can’t wait for the next chapter.

      • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 3:04 pm
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      Thank you, Anji for your lovely comments! Rest assured, I shan’t let anything awful happen to Georgiana-I think she’s had quite enough to contend with in the past. I don’t think much escapes Mr B-perhaps Mrs B might suddenly realise who the couple were and blurt it out loud before she can stop herself.

        • Deborah on March 7, 2014 at 9:39 pm
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        I can only imagine the spark if Mrs B realizes who she saw when Darcy & Elizabeth walk into the parlor & blurts it out then.

          • Jane Odiwe on March 8, 2014 at 9:31 am
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          Yes, Deborah-that could be a very funny moment!

    • Sophia Rose on March 7, 2014 at 1:02 pm
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    Put on the boxing gloves for the family fight in the next segment. LOL Or maybe just batten down the hatches for when Mrs. B and Lady C meet.

    I loved the tender moment with Darcy and Lizzy.

      • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 3:05 pm
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      Sophia-I’m looking forward to a little ‘boxing’! Thank you-I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

  3. Uh-oh, look out, Lady Catherine!

    Poor little Neddy 🙁 “It was very hard to understand why life happened as it did sometimes, but the sense of something greater at its heart, a world where such beauty existed, was illuminated in the picture at her feet and gave her hope. And then she saw him.” I really loved that.

    Still not sure about these De Valois cousins. I keep having visions of Henry and Mary Crawford dancing in my head. lol

    • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 3:08 pm
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    Monica, thank you-I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I’m keeping my cards close to my chest about what will happen, but I can see why you might think of the Crawford siblings. Which way will they go?

  4. Jane,
    Wonderful, wonderful part 3!! I look forward to MORE 🙂 .
    And I laughed aloud when I read Monica P’s comment above about having visions of Henry & Mary Crawford when reflecting on the cousins because I got a similar vibe!! Excited to read what you have in store for us next…

      • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 5:06 pm
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      Thank you, Marilyn- so kind of you! As for the cousins, my lips are sealed…

  5. I’m starting to wonder if these all too charming cousins might be imposters, with or without Lady Catherine’s knowledge. They’re a little too much like the Crawfords for my comfort. You did an incredible job with all the different emotions in this section – what a roller-coaster!

    • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 5:08 pm
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    Thank you, Abigail- I love a bit of emotion now and again!

  6. What a lovely story, Jane! It has everything! Heartache, joy, mischief, irony, the good, the bad and the ugly 🙂
    Looking forward to more! Thanks for sharing it with us.

    • Jane Odiwe on March 7, 2014 at 7:00 pm
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    Thank you, Joana-I’m so pleased you’v enjoyed it!

    • junewilliams7 on March 7, 2014 at 7:08 pm
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    Count me with the number who are very suspicious of these French cousins. Anyone who comes on Lady Catherine’s bidding is trouble! Perhaps they are fortune hunters… turn them loose on Anne instead!

    Am very glad that Darcy was there for Lizzy; she needed his comfort after losing Ned.

    Thanks for the update!

      • Jane Odiwe on March 8, 2014 at 7:35 am
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      Thank you, June- yes, I had to have Darcy coming to the rescue-poor Lizzy-she’s having a tough time!

    • TLeighF on March 7, 2014 at 11:23 pm
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    Wonderful chapter, Jane! It was a roller coaster for sure, but I have a feeling there will be a lot more ups and downs throughout. Thanks for leaving us with that sweet scene between D and E to hold us through the next 2 weeks. I am glad to hear D will step up to his aunt…I am still mad for the way she treated E in her own home and poor Georgie is obviously scared of her. I hope she gets seated next to Mrs. B at dinner so they can drive each other crazy. I am trying to withhold judgement on the cousins and hope for the best. Thanks for taking pity on Georgie!

    • Jane Odiwe on March 8, 2014 at 7:37 am
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    TLeighF, thank you for your lovely comments-you’re right, there’ll be many more ups and downs to come! Don’t worry about Georgie-she’ll be well looked after, I promise!

    • Carole in Canada on March 8, 2014 at 10:34 am
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    Yeah, Mrs. Reynolds to the rescue for Georgiana and Darcy to Elizabeth! Great chapter! We are all so protective of Georgiana after Wickham that we all worry about these new cousins! Yes, Henry and Mary came to mind for me too! Then to add more fuel to fire is Mrs. Bennet who will put not only food into her mouth at dinner when she blurts out what she saw along the side of the road! Shall Mary bring up a quote from Fordyce Sermons? Will this all be before Darcy has a ‘spoken’ with Lady C? Let the fireworks begin!

      • Jane Odiwe on March 9, 2014 at 7:14 am
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      Carole-your comments made me chuckle-I’m looking forward to writing the next part and trying to include all those ideas!

    • Sheila L. M. on March 8, 2014 at 1:27 pm
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    I keep remembering this from part 2, “We have heard so much about you from our mother who corresponds regularly with your aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Our mother and your aunt grew up together … they are cousins on their mother’s side.”…so these French cousins do not sound good to me. I, also, thought of the Crawfords. As much as I would like to see Georgina find true love, as did her brother, I am not thinking it is going to be Antoine. I could be wrong.

    Elizabeth went through so much in this chapter. Tears came to my eyes as she was at Neddy’s bedside. Gratified that Darcy was there for her as she took a walk to relieve her intense feeling of mourning. He is her rock. Yes, Mrs. B. will say something. Laughing in anticipation of Lady C.’s reaction. But Darcy will not allow her to insult Lizzy. And Georgina will observe Lizzy’s wonderful “handling” of Lady C. at dinner, which, in turn will allow her to learn something about social interaction with ogres!

    What a mixture in the household. There is going to be more than one display of fireworks, I am sure.

    Thank you for this chapter.

    • Jane Odiwe on March 9, 2014 at 7:20 am
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    Thank you, Sheila, for visiting and for your insightful comments! Yes, that paragraph gave a little hint that we may learn more of Lady Catherine’s past-I shan’t say any more but there may be surprises on their way. I’m really looking forward to writing the next episode!

  1. […] Fireworks and a few home truths from Mr Darcy this week! What will Lady Catherine have to say in her defence?!! I hope you enjoy this week’s episode – any feedback gratefully received. If you’d like to catch up, here are parts One, Two and Three. […]

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