YOUNG FITZWILLIAM DARCY -- PART 5 A few days later Fitzwilliam, returning from his morning walk, overheard a conversation between the two mothers; they were standing one on each side of Anne's cradle. "Anne would make a perfect wife for Fitzwilliam" Lady Catherine announced. "Perhaps -- but they are as yet very young. Perhaps, in time, if they have any feelings for each other. . ." Lady Anne said doubtfully. "Nonsense! What have feelings to do with it. They are made for each other; indeed their families and fortunes demand such a union. If we arrange it now, it shall be so!" Lady Catherine would brook no opposition. "I would not wish Fitzwilliam to marry without love," Lady Anne responded; she had never been able to argue her sister out of a scheme once she had put her mind to it. "But if, when they are both old enough, he does care for her, then I would have no objection and I am sure Thomas would have none." "Good. That is settled then. Of course Fitzwilliam will love Anne if we tell him he does!" was Lady Catherine's last word on the subject only adding "you have always been far too lenient with him Anne. His rudeness today quite shocked me!" "I have already talked to him about that, Catherine." "Good. You can not be too firm with him. He must learn to respect his nearest relations; he is altogether too free with his questions and comments. You must curb his spirit, Anne!" Fitzwilliam hurried down the corridor amazed at what he had overheard. "Marry that sickly little baby" he thought. "My aunt Catherine must be out of her wits. She will not make me do anything I do not want to do, especially when I am of age!" He straightened his shoulders in a very determined manner and marched off in search of Miss Field and some more childlike amusement. The three weeks in Kent were not happy ones for Fitzwilliam. There was no pony for him to ride, no lake or stream to fish, just walks and those in an artificial garden where play was impossible. His parents had not wished him to walk beyond the bounds of the home park, fearful for his safety in a strange area. And when in the house, if he was ever near his hostess, he had remained firmly silent; he had been determined to please his mother and father but had not wanted to lie and had not found anything complimentary to say about the house or grounds. He rarely saw his host, and he also avoided his cousin as much as possible; she cried a great deal too much, was rarely allowed outside and only for a few minutes at a time, and not allowed to play when indoors. "She might as well be a doll to be put on a shelf," he thought and wondered whether she would ever be allowed any freedom once she could walk and talk. Finally the happy day arrived when the Darcys said farewell to Lady Caroline, Sir Lewis, and Anne. Fitzwilliam gave a big sigh of relief as their carriage rolled out of the gates on the way back to London and then home to Pemberley.

Carolyn- thank you so much. Nice-legs-shame-about-the-brain doesn't get the attention he deserves,usually. Neither does Jane. I would like to submit a scene entitled "To Kitty, however, it did not seem so much of a surprise". When Inko has finished. Little Fitz is just too delightful to interrupt!

Caroline, please don't hesitate to interrupt. I won't be posting any more today because I'm still working on page 6. Heavens knows how long this will be, but I'm having so much fun writing it. Sometimes I find the characters take over and say things I'd never have dreamed up - particularly Lady Catherine!;-)

BRAVO, Inko.

Inko, I love it. Little Fitz thinking "My aunt Catherine must be out of her wits." - great!!

Thanks Katy and everyone who likes little Fitz. I must say I'm very fond of him myself! CORRECTIONS - Already found two mistakes after posting!! Part 1: Last paragraph: Edward Darcy should read Thomas Darcy. Part 5: Last paragraph: Lady Caroline should read Lady Catherine What could I have been thinking??

I've always assumed Darcy's father's name was George--as in his god-son George Wickham, and his daughter Georgiana. If it was tradition to give the son his mother's maiden name, then perhaps they named the daughter after the father.

Inko: Here's a suggestion to help when posting your stories. You said, (Response 170) I don't know why this posted twice, unless it was the message I got after the first post saying DATA MISSING and to try and reload. I did, and voila - two posts. When it says DATA MISSING, do NOT hit Reload button. Instead, hit Back button once (or twice) to see what your first post looks like. Otherwise, the Reload button reposts your story a second time. Like everyone's efforts on this topic; it's like coming home to fresh fun every evening, as Lisa said. :-)

Aahh, what a deligthful little boy, you have let us meet, Inko. I find him so loveable, but then we have always heard that they who are goodnatured when they are young, are attractive when they grow up ;-) She will not make me do anything I do not want to do, especially when I am of age!" He straightened his shoulders in a very determined manner and marched off... I like that picture very well. And am eagerly awaiting what he is to experience next. Carolyn I'm so happy for Jane, that there is such a man for her. When is that Kitty scene to appear...please don't tease Caroline!

But, Inko - how are you going to turn this delightful little boy into the stand-offish snob who comes to netherfield?

Sorry Katy, you'll just have to wait and see!! I have several ideas, the main one being is he really a stand-offish snob? He comes across as that to us, but there's more to him than meets the eye, IMHO. In the meantime, however, he still has several stages to go through and I haven't yet finished the next part. Sorry - got busy with other things today.

The gif was meant to be:

Inko, are you going to give Darcy a romantic adventure during his years before Lizzie? Are you finally going to solve the mystery of whether or not Darcy was experienced before his wedding night?

Lisa, I really think that a man of 27 (age when he met Lizzie) would have had some experience!! Yes, he'll definitely have some adventure, but I'm not sure how romantic it will be; probably more like a pleasant interlude for learning the ways of the world with an older woman!! Does that whet your appetite? I'm a bit slow right now because I found I had to go back and do a lot of research on education, etc., which is different to Victorian times. Hope to post again by the weekend.

Katy--where oh where is Aunt Bertie? I'm missing her! :-(

Dear Mr. Darcy: The indignation solicited by your missive knows no bounds. That a man heretofore well known to all as honourable, de riguer, and of great intelligence should allow a momentary infatuation to render him so lost to the use his good judgement, as to inflict such degradation upon himself and his family - it is insupportable. Such an alliance shall not be borne! I implore you to come to your senses. If you will only consider that that woman has but enticed you with her arts and allurements - it is nothing less than wiles on her part. She can have no true regard for you to so impose herself on a society far above her own inferiority, against all sense of decorem and to all that is an abomination! She is in truth but an obstinate, headstrong upstart of no importance in the world who wilfully wishes to ruin you utterly. It is my Duty, as such a near relation, to recall you to your obligations to your position and to that which you owe to yourself and to your family. By honour should you be adhered to the tacit expectations of those near to you. Better to renounce such offers as would so pollute the lineage of your dear mother and father than to excite the disdain and vexation of everyone. I am Most grievously disappointed in you, Lady Catherine de Bourgh

Inko, that sounds interesting. I wait for your next installment with great anticipation.

Thanks, Sharon and now you'll have to give us the details from Darcy's meeting with his aunt after she saw Lizzy ;-). We are never content you know!

Can hardly wait for it, Ann.

Editorial Comment Something said on another topic thread set me thinking recently, so I wish to comment on it here, as it might pertain to some of our scene writers. This topic #43 was started in the belief that 1) it would provide entertainment (which it has); 2) Austen's P&P, being 200+ - years old, is fair game to extend or reinterpret as each new writer (amateur or professional) sees fit (again, which we have here). I suppose my only concern is that, despite the advent of a book like Janet Aylmer's, we maintain ur own right to create names, prequels, "during-quels," and sequels as WE choose, and not feel we must follow another's lead in the matter. Basically, KEEP GOING FOR YOUR OWN INTERPRETIVE GENIUS, EVERYBODY! The variety here is exciting! :-)

'. I suppose my only concern is that, despite the advent of a book like Janet Aylmer's, we maintain our own right to create names, prequels, "during-quels," and sequels as WE choose, and not feel we must follow another's lead in the matter. Basically, KEEP GOING FOR YOUR OWN INTERPRETIVE GENIUS,' Huh?

I think I see your meaning, Cecily. I have been a bit reluctant to order the Darcy book, thinking that once I've read it it would all be over.Sort of finally telling the one and only truth about the inner Darcy. But of course that can not be so. We need not care if we chose not to. Am just a tiny bit scared that Janet Aylmer(?) has done it too darned well. One endearing thing about Jane Austen's novels is the space she allows for her reader to use her/his own creative mind, not necessarily in print but contemplating the characters on a train; while you're washing or going to sleep. Of course we can have as many different scene's - on each particular moment in this story - as we wish. And I hope there are a lot more to come.

I completely agree with Ann2 (and by extension, Cecily). Each of our invenions alla P&P has its "place in the sun" and voice to be heard.

sorry: inventions, not invenions!

So Wendy, how is your effort coming along?

Let me put it this way: Ever been in heavy surf that keeps pushing you back two steps for every step forward?! ;-)

Well, Hang in there!

re 226; try the rip...

Wendy, I know what you mean. I've just had a week like that too. Nothing would come together. But I think I'm through that blockage now and am on my way. Hopefully another page or two in a couple of days.;-)

Anna, you are too funny! LOL at "try the rip"[tide]... yep, there's been a lot of that lately too, in many ways. I rip up scenes of my own I dislike; I "rip" through dinner dishes; and unfortunately, this morning I ripped a hole in my new dress for a friend's wedding today! Such is life... %-}

]I ripped a hole in my new dress for a friend's wedding today! commiserations :-(

To those of you who have been kind enough to ask about Auntie Bertie - and when she will reappear on this page: We lost a very dear grandmother on Friday. She was nearly 99 years old. She was alert and kind and sweet to the end, but her body was completely worn out. It was an honor to be in her family, and we will all miss her. Meantime, the Aunt Bertie chronocles will have to wait for the next weekend.

Sorry, Katy. You were lucky to have her so long. Still hurts, though. Maybe you can put a little grandma in Aunt Bertie and keep her spirit with us?

We are sorry to hear of your loss, Katy.

Requiem of Heartfelt sympathy for our loved ones that have gone before us.

Katy, so sorry for your loss. "Sorrow is not forever, love is."

Sorry to hear of your loss, Katy, but it's nice to remember she had a very long life and only her body gave out. Do put a little of her into Aunt Bertie, as Amy said, it's a good way to remember her.

I feel for you and your family, Katy.Know what it's like.

Ditto all the above. I hope you find Katharsis in writing, Katy. Cecily, any news on Darcy as Captain Kirk?

Our loved one live in us forever, think of you in this trial time.

Katy, my sympathies also. I lost my grandmothers many years ago, but I still remember special things about them. France, I have used your Darcy/Gypsy dream as part of a story, which, with your permission I will post here. However, I have been trying to post the following since Saturday, I hope it goes through this time. An Engagement Announcement When Darcy had left Netherfield the day after the ball, he had hoped to put his fancy for Miss Bennett behind him. After all, the rumor amongst the guest the previous evening was that soon Miss Elizabeth Bennett would be engaged to her cousin, Mr. Collins. Even if he had not heard Mrs. Bennett boasting about it to her neighbors at dinner (along with her expectations of a match between Bingley and Miss Jane Bennett), Caroline Bingley was thoughtful enough to inform Darcy of the coming nuptials--three t mes. Upon his return from Hertfordshire the servants had found their master to be somewhat dejected, though Darcy would have denied this vigorously. This depression of spirits (so obvious to those around him) lasted until the following week. He had come down to breakfast, as usual when he was home alone, in shirt sleeves. While sipping a cup of coffee, he read the newspaper. He turned to the announcements section. As he scanned the notices, he came across the one he had been unconsciously searching for, only the announcement read of the engagement between Mr. Collins and Miss Charlotte Lucas. He finished his breakfast (much to the relief of his chef, who been sending tempting morsels up to the dining room, only to have them returned cold and uneaten) and went to his room to finish dressing. His demeanor had so remarkedly improved that it prompted his valet to say "I am glad you are more yourself this morning, sir, for you have been most blue-deviled since returning from Hertfordshire, I had began to fear you were taken ill." "I am perfectly fine, nor have I been out of spirits," he had replied. His valet would have begged to differ but wisely kept his mouth shut. It was not until the following morning when he was again reading the newspaper, that it dawned on him that for the past week he had been reading the engagement columns, something he had never done before. But why? he asked himself, as he sat back in the chair. Surely, it was no concerns of mine if Miss Bennett was (or was not) to marry her fool of a cousin, he told himself. This will not do, he thought himself. I have to put her out of my mind. He began to mentally list all the reasons he should extinguish this infatuation. Her mother, her lack of connections, her mother, her uncles in trade, her mother, her wayward sisters--her wayward younger sisters, he corrected, for he gave Jane credit for being above the rest, her mother, etc. Yet it did not seem to help at all. Even though he kept repeating this list whenever he thought of Elizabeth (which was far more often than he like) he found that all her good qualities far outweighed his objections. Darcy began to fear that he truly lost his heart--could he really be in love with Elizabeth Bennett?

Calolyn; Capital, capital, I like it very much, indeed. Pray, continue.

Oh, Carolyn, that was great! I never even thought of how he may have reacted to a possible engagement between Lizzy and that Goof. In my mind, there was never even the most remote chance of that happening, so I sis not credit the possibility that ANYONE would believe it!

Carolyn, it's great! I love the entire scene and very believable. I always wondered what his reaction was to Mrs. B's remarks re: Collins and Lizzie making him a good wife!!

Great stuff, Carolyn!

]France, I have used your Darcy/Gypsy dream as part of a story, which, with your permission I will post here. ... permission granted. I should like to see what you did with it. I like Darcy reading the paper: he sounds so normal a man ;-)

Brava, Carolyn! Brava! I've been thinking about other scenes, and for some reason, Darcy finding out that Lizzie was NOT to marry Mr. Collins completely escaped me. It's nice to have read such a good scene after a long day...

Wonderful, wonderful! Please post more of it!

France, thank you for allowing me to post this, I hope you like it. The following is based on France's Darcy/Gypsy dream. I wanted to add it to my P&P addendum notebook (copies of stories from here and the FofF page), so I made Lizzy the dreamer. I was only going change things to make it fit into the Regency time frame--but I got inspired, so added on to it. The Gypsy Baron Based upon A Dream Sequence by France "We are such stuff as dreams are made of"- HAMLET November, 1816 Lizzy was dreaming that she was in Europe. The journey was full of more twists and turns than the real tour she took last fall: the landscape was overgrown with wild creepers; inns had a spectral look to them, despite the crowds; and everything was seen in dim moonlight hues, since the dream indeed was one long strange night journey. Only with the entrance of a shadowy person who curiously resembled the owner of Pemberley did the mood lighten. Lizzy found herself in the middle of a coach ride through the Black Forest, feeling out of sorts due to travel fatigue and loneliness, when a man entered the carriage took a seat across from her. She thought him finely dressed, while she was in a simple cape and dress. He reminds me of someone, though at the time she could not recall whom. But this face was that of a gypsy, and his clothes and manner freer than those of the other travellers. A maroon cape, white shirt, black pants in black boots, pistol thrust in belt, and gold earring under the black curls, along with a pair of fine dark eyes, focused many a woman's attention on him, she was sure. Lizzie struggled to keep her own eyes on the evergreen scenery out the window, as a matter of principle. An hour later, a number of passengers got off at a small village and headed for the one inn. A genial chubby host, Herr Herzen (!) provided a simple but tasty meal of peasant bread, cheese, and pilsner beer for all at one long table. The gypsy taciturnly ate amid the chatter of two frumpy women nearby, then stalked to the fireplace. The stuffy atmosphere of the room soon drew her from the table to walk outside until her room was ready. She was stargazing under some pines when she heard a step behind her; trying to appear calm, she halfturned towards the inevitable maroon cloak. "Good evening. You are, I believe, unaware of the fact that there have been robbers near here lately, and that it is unwise to be out alone." She admitted her ignorance but was grateful for his information, though privately doubted its being the only purpose for his approach. Indeed, his eyes kept scanning the woods nearby, then coming back to her. Not thinking it suitable to remain there with a man she had not been introduced to, Lizzy decided to return to the inn when a thunderous sound of hoofbeats came out of the darkness. "Quickly, come with me!" the gypsy muttered as he dragged her by the hand deeper under the pines shelter. A troupe of ruffians arrived, leapt from their horses, and stormed into the doorway, shouting and shooting. Panicked, Lizzy couldn't move, but her new friend did: he ran up to two of the horses, pulled them mightily by the reins back to the pines, and helped her mount up before whirling his horse deeper into the forest ahead of her. Afraid of what was happening back at the inn, she found herself unab e to question the idea of traipsing after this fellow into she knew not what. Besides, a little adventure seemed enticing. And where had she seen someone like him before?? Some minutes later, he slowed his horse to a walk, and hers mercifully followed suit. "I believe we can talk quietly here as we go," he murmured as his eyes swept her bedraggled appearance and shaking hands clutching the reins. Lizzy admitted to being exhausted and unnerved by the incident and asked their destination. He told me of his gypsy camp at a spring not many miles hence. Of course, she thought, his gypsy camp; he's a real gypsy baron out of legend! She felt her cynical humor rise, and then she felt the worst was over if humor was returning. In fact, she had an inexplicable urge to verbally trounce this man, despite his just having saved her life. "I wonder at your knowing the robbers would be returning to raid tonight," Lizzy said lightly, probing the man of mystery with what she hoped was subtlety. It wasn't. "Are you concerned for your safety with me?" he mocked, brows arching quizzically. When Lizzy squirmed he went on more kindly, "Have you never heard of a gypsy's 'second sight' ability to foretell the future?" "I'd supposed to be mere fiction," she retorted, puzzled by other images starting to flash in her mind's eye of a home and a husband. "And have you never found someone in a dream of a d�ja-vue nature?" he continued, leaning over and resting his hand for a moment on her horse's bridle. Shocked into silence, Lizzy stared in the trees ahead at a nearing campfire. Was the man a mindreader after all? And what odd fancies and pictures were dancing in her head? It was a relief when they arrived at the gypsy camp. Her companion was greeted like royalty by his people, and the little old lady whose wagon she was to rest in assured her of his kindliness (rather like the Pemberley housekeeper, she later realized). During a tea and sweetcakes taken by the fire, Lizzy noted how the men spoke respectfully to him of their plans, and women and children rested peacefully nearby. She felt ashamed of her earlier mistrust. At the spring later, however, Lizzy was again startled while washing her face when she looked across and saw him standing on the far side. "Familiar?" he simply said, as he dove in fully clothed and swam to her side. "Vaguely," she gasped, as he hauled himself out of the moonlit pool and strode up, shirt billowing in the wind and tousled locks in his eyes. As the pine trees began to swirl around them and her knees seemed to buckle, he eyed her gravely but with a sweet look. "I know!" her mind shouted as her memory of Darcy at that moment came flying back. The gypsy bowed low, gently trying to grasp her hand as she felt herself slipping, slipping, back to morning.......... "Elizabeth, wake up, my dear," Darcy gently shook her shoulder. He was already dressed for a morning ride. Lizzy opened her eyes. "Pleasant dreams?" he asked. "What?" she mumbled, still lost in her dreams. "I asked if you had pleasant dreams. You were smiling in your sleep." "Very pleasant indeed," she replied. Lizzie looked at Darcy, searching for traces of her Gypsy baron, but much preferring the man before her. "Tell me about your dreams," Darcy coaxed. "Not right now, for I can see you are about to set off on a ride with Charles." She kissed him goodbye. As he left the room she thought, I now have the perfect costume for us to wear to Jane's masquerade ball. **************************************************************************** Two weeks later, Lizzy was dressed in her own gypsy costume. She was wearing a maroon colored skirt, a white peasant blouse (worn low and off the shoulder), a gold chain around her neck, gold bracelets, and large hoop earrings completed the picture. She let her hair flow down her back. The door to the room opened. She caught her breath Darcy came striding across their room. He was dressed exactly as in her dream, a maroon cape, white shirt, black pants in black boots, pistol thrust in belt, and a gold earring . . . "William, where is the earring?" she asked. "Elizabeth, you know I would do practically anything in the world for you, but wearing an earring is not one of them." Lizzy decided the earring was not necessary, he was still the gypsy baron she dreamed about. "So you are dreaming of gypsy barons are you," Darcy said with mock jealousy. Lizzy blushed, for she had not realized she had spoken aloud. "No, I dream of you as a gypsy baron," she smiled and walked over to him, "and I must say you make a very handsome gypsy. Far too handsome, I think, and I shan't be able to dance with you at all, you will be surrounded by admirers." "I think not, my dear, though you may suffer that fate. Could you not make this a little higher?" he asked as he traced the neckline with his finger. "You do not like it?" Lizzy inquired. "I like it only too well," was his reply. Lizzy looked at Darcy and said "I do not think Jane will mind if we show up late." "How late?" he ask, as his lips started to retrace the route his finger had took. "Very late," was Lizzy's last coherent thought. They arrived at Jane's masquerade ball very late, indeed.

Hmmmm, I do like that maroon cape! Bet it was wide enough for two...Thanks Carolyn for romance and fun in enjoyable mix.

Ooh Carolyn! I'm all a-flutter...Where are my smelling salts....?

How very bold of Lizzy! Go on girl, wit your gypsy bad-ass self! :)

Winter: Go on girl, wit your gypsy bad-ass self! :) hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee ;-)

Oh, Carolyn.......dreamy!

Carolyn, I like it, I like it very well indeed!! Let's hope Lizzie has many more romantic dreams!;-)

]"Vaguely," she gasped, as he hauled himself out of the moonlit pool and strode up, shirt billowing in the wind and tousled locks in his eyes. As the pine trees began to swirl around them and her knees seemed to buckle, he eyed her gravely but with a sweet look. "I know!" her mind shouted as her memory of Darcy at that moment came flying back. The gypsy bowed low, gently trying to grasp her hand as she felt herself slipping, slipping, back to morning.......... Carolyn: I did wonder where you'd take my story once you came to the end of it here. I like your subsequent add-on scene with the real Darcy and "Lizzy" waking up, etc., very much. My only chagrin is that, after my initial posting of the dream-scene way back on the drooling thread months ago, I misquoted which Shakespearean play in the subtitle. It's Prospero speaking in Act 4 of THE TEMPEST, not Hamlet!

Cannot say that your lack of accuracy in Shakespeare caused me any sleepless nights, France.

This should be on the drooling thread : Add the pleasure to watch Valmont very very late last night and well, with all this talk of dreaming, black boots (ever his above the one in this movie while watching Madame in her bath?) and adventure, guess what my dreams where like... hhhuuummmmmmmm (anybody ever noticed how many scene in Valmont are so similar as in P&P2, like his bath scene...) Topic 4 we boldly go ;)

From France: I did wonder where you'd take my story once you came to the end of it here. I like your subsequent add-on scene with the real Darcy and "Lizzy" waking up, etc., very much. My only chagrin is that, after my initial posting of the dream-scene way back on the drooling thread months ago, I misquoted which Shakespearean play in the subtitle. It's Prospero speaking in Act 4 of THE TEMPEST, not Hamlet! France, I am glad you like it. "We are such stuff as dreams are made of"- THE TEMPEST or if you want to stay with HAMLET "To sleep, perchance to dream" The following is part 2 of Bingley's proposal. Bingley's proposal--Part 2 Jane's reply In another part of the house Elizabeth begged, "Please let me go down to Jane. I promised her I would not leave her." "Stay where you are," Mrs. Bennet commanded, "another five minutes will do the trick." So Elizabeth fretted about Jane, Mrs. Bennet dreamed of bridals, Mary wondered what she would sing at the reception, and Kitty hoped to be a bridesmaid. Meanwhile, back in the drawing room....... Jane got up from her seat, and moved toward the fireplace, she turned to face him, unsure of what she was going to say. "Jane, what is the matter?" he asked with concern, looking confused, for this was not the respose he expected. Unfortunately for Bingley, just as Jane had been about to say yes, the thought of his sisters invaded her head like a poisonous serpent. They would not look kindly on the match, hopeful as they were for a more prominent connection. This thought so distressed her that she blurted out her thoughts, "I had scarely hoped that you would offer for me for Caroline said you were to marry Miss Darcy. . . " "Georgiana!" Bingley interrupted with astonishment. "But she is just a child. I have never given my sister any reason to suppose that I felt anything more for Miss Darcy than the affection for a friend's sister." He stood up and moved to stand next to her. "Come, perhaps it is best if you tell me everything that took place my sister and yourself, so there can be no more misunderstandings." "When you left Netherfield, Caroline wrote to say she thought you would be staying in London, especially as Miss Darcy was there. Lizzy thought you be back by the following week." And so I should have been, Bingley berated himself. "She later wrote that you would not be returning at all." "After Christmas" Jane continued, "I went to stay with my aunt in London. I wrote to Caroline--twice--to tell her I would be in London and hoped to call upon her." She noticed Bingley frowning, but she did not know that he had asked Caroline if she ever heard from Jane, and been told "No". "I did visit her once, but I now see that she was unhappy to see me, and when she made her return visit, it was clear that she had no real affection for me." As Jane said this, Bingley realized that Caroline's behavior had deeply hurt Jane--who never pretended friendship for his sister, but had actually meant it. "She said," Jane caught her breath, "she said you knew I was in London but were to busy with Miss Darcy to see me." Bingley felt his anger rise at Caroline's manipulations. If she had been in the room, she would have seen a storm of fury quite out of the ordinary for her easy going brother. However, he let go his anger (for the moment) for the need to know Jane's response to his proposal was more important. "Jane, despite all lies that my sister told you, you are the only woman I have ever considered marrying. And you will marry me, won't you?" Jane had barely whispered "yes" before Bingley kissed her, somewhat chastely at first, but with increasing ardor when she returned his kiss. Both were startled by the intensity of their emotions. When the kiss was finally over, there were no longer any doubts on either side. Bingley brushed back a wayward curl that had fallen upon her cheek. "I love you, very much, and nothing anybody does or says will ever make me change my mind." It was a promise from his heart. "I shan't let you get away from me now," he said in a lighter, teasing manner. Jane smiled shyly at him, "I have no desire to get away, for I love you." "Jane, I believe you have made me the happiest man alive," Bingley positively beamed at Jane. Jane return his smiled, and when he begin to lower his head to kiss her again, she was waiting with much anticipation, when the door was thrust open and Lizzy came into the room.

Carolyn - I like Bingley's proposal very well indeed! Finally, I've got parts 6 and 7 of Young Fitz: YOUNG FITZWILLIAM DARCY--PART 6 Fitzwilliam, accompanied by Miss Field, had returned directly to Pemberley while his parents remained in town for a few weeks, arriving at Pemberley just in time to prepare for the Christmas festivities. Thomas Darcy, although he did not like to be too long away from Pemberley, was forced by business affairs to spend some time in town two or three times each year. However, he had the comfort of knowing that his estate was being very capably managed by his steward, Mr. Wickham. Shortly after he had inherited Pemberley, when his father's steward retired, Thomas Darcy had retained Mr. Wickham in his place. The latter had been an attorney in Matlock but sought the change for the sake of his family. He had married his senior attorney's pretty daughter, then not yet twenty, but had very soon discovered that her good looks had hidden a silly mind and a frivolous manner whose tastes had always been more extravagant than his income allowed. Mr. Wickham had hoped that a remove from he market town onto a country estate would curb her spending habits. When they had arrived at the steward's cottage on the Pemberley grounds they brought along their two young daughters. One year later, in January 1784, they had added a son to their family and Thomas Darcy had consented to be godfather to young George Wickham; he had attended his baptism, had always enquired after his well-being, but otherwise took little notice of his godson whilst George was an infant. Christmas was a jolly season with family and friends entertained by dinner parties, a ball, carol singing, impromptu dancing, or games every day between Christmas Eve and Twelfth Night. And the second day of Christmas had traditionally been given to Pemberley's servants and tenants; they were invited to the main house with their families for a special dinner in the servants' hall, usually followed by carol singing and a dance. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy had always visited this assembly to drink a toast to the eason and to wish all their staff and tenants a merry Christmas. This year they brought Fitzwilliam with them to the servants' hall; the latter was amazed to see so many children among the group and begged his parents to allow him to stay and play with some of them. But Lady Anne did not like the idea of her son being exposed to disease, perhaps unknowingly carried by any of these children, and she quickly silenced her son's requests. Instead, he joined his parents while they circulated throughout the oom, quietly talking to each family individually. Fitzwilliam knew some of the adults from his rides with his father, and, of course he knew Mr. Wickham and had sometimes seen his son, George. They were nearly the same age, but where George Wickham was outgoing and talkative, Fitzwilliam was quiet and unsure of himself. Mr. Darcy also noticed the difference between his son and godson and decided, in his own mind, that Fitzwilliam needed more exposure to children his own age; he had been too much surrounded by adults and needed the leavening of youthful companions. He determined that a friendship between these two boys might be a very good thing for both of them, especially as Edward Fitzwilliam would soon join his brother at Eton. Lady Anne was not so sure whether this idea was really wise. She had always been hesitant to let her son play with the village or tenant children; she feared they would instil bad habits and wrong ideas which might be difficult to overcome. In the end, though, she accepted the idea provided that the company was limited to George Wickham.

YOUNG FITZWILLIAM DARCY--PART 7 Thereafter Fitzwilliam and George played together once or twice a week when the weather was fine. They enjoyed each other's company; Fitzwilliam was happy to have someone to play with and George was glad to spend a few hours away from his older sisters who were not interested in outdoor activity. Within months the boys also met on inclement days; George would come to the main house after Fitzwilliam's lessons and the boys would occupy themselves with toy soldiers, card games, or draughts. Fitzwilliam as learning to play chess and backgammon with his father, but was not skilled enough to teach George who knew nothing of those games. In the winter they played in the snow, sliding down hills, building snowmen, or having snowball fights. In the spring Mr. Wickham fashioned kites for the boys and they spent many happy hours trying to fly them; they had some success but more failures because of the many trees on the Pemberley grounds. George, who could barely sit a horse, had to be taught by his father before the boys were able to ride together in the fields and park, always accompanied by a groom. George did not care for this pastim as much as Fitzwilliam. "Riding is all right if you have to get somewhere," George confessed to Fitzwilliam, "but I do not find any pleasure in just galloping over the fields where no one can see how well we look." Both boys enjoyed fishing in the summer; they would run to the stream to see who could get there first until, one day, Fitzwilliam ran too fast and tumbled into the stream before he could stop. He was sent back to the house to change where his father saw him on the staircase. "Whatever happened, Fitz?" he asked. When Fitz explained, Thomas Darcy considered for a moment and declared "I think it is time you and George learnt how to swim. I would not wish you to be in deep water by accident and unable to save yourself." Mr. Darcy conferred with Mr. Wickham and the latter asked an under-gardener, who had once been a sailor, to teach the boys to swim in the pond. Phil, the young gardener, took the boys to the pond on sunny, warm days; he stood in the shallow water, near the edge, and the boys took turns being held prone on top of the water whilst Phil taught them how to move their arms and legs. Fitzwilliam quickly adapted to this method of movement; Phil had then let go of his charge and Fitzwilliam found he was moving through the water by himself, calling to George "I am a fish! Catch me if you can." George had not cared for the water; he learnt to swim, but he disliked the weeds in the pond and never wished to swim just for fun. From that time, Fitzwilliam after riding in the fields on a warm day, would find Phil to watch him while he cooled off with a swim in the pond; George preferred to walk home from the stables. Fitzwilliam reported all his adventures and achievements to his parents, relating his own and George's accomplishments. Lady Anne had listened patiently, smiling at his evident excitement. But she had also reminded him never to forget the disparity in the boys' circumstances, their different family and social status. Thomas Darcy had been equally delighted at his son's new skills but had also thought to himself, "I wish Fitz could obtain some of George's easy manners and pleasing smiles; and George could well use some of Fitz's love of books and pursuit of knowledge." But these were idle thoughts and had not detracted from his love and pride in his son and godson.

Inko - that's wonderful! I love the way you remembered the information about Wickham's mother from Darcy's letter to Elizabeth :)

Carolyn and Inko - wonderful stories. Yes, I wanted Caroline Bingley exposed!! And young Darcy and Wickham are shaping up nicely.

thanks, carolyn, for putting a little more "ummmff" into bingley and jane's romance! i hate to see them treated so indifferently... they DO seem like a romantic type of couple if you give them a chance; they've had their share of obstacles too. inko-- possible story idea: how about a brief encounter between young darcy and young elizabeth, without them knowing one another, but somehow feeling a CONNECTION.... like passing one another on the streets in london?

Inko, this is superb!Fitz is beautifully delineated!Youreally have got to finish it!!!

Inko, this is beautiful! Little Fitz is such a sweetie! And I like his habit of cooling off in the pond after a long ride. Good habits start early! ;-) MORE, please?!

Carolyn, thank you for the story! It was fun to see Caroline get hers! And Inko-- DARCY SWIMS!! I can see many pleasurable hours aheaad of him in the pond...for him, and for us! ;-)

I teased some of you with a snippit of a story last night. I finally finished it off. If the background looks familiar, it is because I stole it from Kathleen (I hope you don't mind, Kaff). It is a bit long (about 11 pages), so be warned. I call it: What Did Georgiana Know? And When Did She Know it? Or It's Been Three Months, Get Over It Already! The Story

Ann, An excellent story! Inko, I also eagerly await the further adventures of Little Fitz.

Ann! This is brilliant! I'm giddy with delight.. my neighbors next door must've thought i was going crazy as i was screaming while reading this. Great stuff!

Winter has come to the Spring!

thanks for the welcome, ann... i've been visitng the conference regularly, but have been "posting-shy" for quite a while. TO ALL: I'm so impressed and very much indebted to your creativity. after long days on campus (i'm a graduate student), you've all had me running to my terminal when i get home to check on the latest 'fanfic'. hope to contribute, if my creative juices ever start flowing... otherwise, KEEP 'EM COMIN'! win

Ann, I loved your story. Darcy really was in agony wasn't he! Loved the bit where Georgiana was playing the same music as Lizzie - a nice touch! Welcome Winter! That's a strange thing for me to say - I'd rather welcome summer, but it can't be helped! Thanks for the idea, though I don't think I'll use it - too much age difference. A 21-year old Darcy wouldn't look twice at a 14 year-old Lizzie! And thanks everyone for your kind words about Little Fitz. He's coming along now, but I fear his getting to be a teenager! Should he be a hippie? Just kidding!!

Inko - I think Darcy at 12 or 14 might be taken with the fun and laughter of two very pretty little girls playing in one of the lovely London parks - he had known so little of fun and laughter himself. He could watch with a mixture of admiration and envy before being called back to the more grown-up fun of field hockey or whatever school boys played in the park. now I must read Ann's story!

Ann - your story is lovely. Fitzie learning to be open ad well as humble. I love it.

yes, it would be a bit awkward for an adult Darcy to find himself attracted to such a young Lizzy. I keep forgetting about that darn thing called 'age difference.' I'm so used to picturing those two as somewhat the same age because their communication seemed so easy and compatible. But I guess that comes with maturity.

Inko, How about a "geeky freak". Just kidding.[grin]

I go with Katy on this Inko Darcy at 12 or 14 might be taken with the fun and laughter of two very pretty little girls playing in one of the lovely London parks and certainly Lizzy could make a remark to Jane on the tall, dark and handsome boy who looked so severe and suggest they tried a trick to make him forget his wellmannered behaviour and maybe even laugh himself helpless.

Ahem. sorry to be wet blanket, but the Bennetts never went to London in the book-Mr Bennet hated it and refused to take his daughters, so they never got the benefit of art or music masters,or of London Parks. Maybe its important, maybe JA needs correcting.

Caroline - the older girls spent time with their aunt and uncle in London. We do not actually know when the Gardiners married, but then the book doesn't say that they were not married and available to entertain their nieces when they were 5 or 6.

Ann - loved the story!

] We do not actually know when the Gardiners married, but then the book doesn't say that they were not married and available to entertain their nieces when they were 5 or 6. I'm relying on memory, so may well be wrong, but was not Mrs Gardiner only about 10 years older than Jane? 16 year old marriages were not unknown but were uncommon, and Mrs Gardiner's not the Lydia type. Maybe Lizzy and Jane could be 10 or 11?

The book only says Mrs. Gardiner is several years younger than Mrs. Bennet. Actually the fact that she had so many children (no lack of fertility here) all so much younger than the Bennet girls would probably indicate that she did not marry until the older girls were close to 10. So, ok, at 10 and 12 they could still play and giggle and have splendid fun that might attract passing admiration from a new Oxford man on holiday in the city, couldn't they?

BORE ON HER HOBBYHORSE ALERT Ladies, I will not go on too much, I hope, but I want to say three things 1.Lydia didn't know where the best warehouses were and you can bet your buttons that she would if she had been there! 2.Inko, I know, is trying to keep this as true to Austen as possible,(and doing very well, IMHO) Austen would never let this kind of co-incidence happen unless it was crucial to the continuation of the story.Think what responsibity you are loading onto poor Inko here! 3.London Then,was nothing like London Now, in size, in "class" of district,and in many other things.I lived and worked in London for ten years, and did an undergraduate degree in Geography, specialising in Historical Geography. I walkeed the streets looking for Austen, Dickens and many others.I won't bother you with hitorical quotes and references(if you really want them, E-mail me).I'll just say here that the famous London Parks were not, at the time, actually within the boundaries of London, That there ere, and are, NO PARKS AT ALL in the City Proper,so a trip to the Park for the Bennet Girls would be a major outing for a specific reason, and as Georgette Heyer is fond of pointing out, The aristocracy made a point of not going at the same time as ordinary people. The only way Darcy and Lizzie could have been in the same Park at the same time is for a specific public event, like a Ballon Ascension(not an original idea of mine!)And then, I think there would be such a press of people that the two gi ls would have had very little opportunity to play at all, let alone catch the eye of a self-centred teenager or a flash on vacation from university. Sorry. I'll stop now, and go back into my hole.Inko knows, because I have told her, that I fully appreciate that it's her story, and I'll accept whatever she does with it!

Great info., Caroline! Inko, we humbly await you next segment.

Caroline--thanks for the great information and the support. My feelings are the same as yours in this, per my e-mail to you. When you think of parks like Regents Park today (I know it well since my family lives very near there), it didn't even exist in 1800--nor did the Regency for that matter which, technically was from 1811-1820. And Mayfair, where Darcy had his town house and where the Hursts lived in Grosvenor Street, was as far from Cheapside as (if anyone knows the Washington, D.C. area) Potomac( ne of the ritziest suburbs) is from Anacostia (probably the poorest section of the city). Sorry, Katy, et al, who wanted an earlier encounter than the one in Meryton.

Caroline, I am sorry that I carried this pretty little absurdity to the point that you needed to bring out the big guns to protect Inko's story perogatives. Inko - I am looking forward to your next chapters - and I am really - honest - not trying to write them for you. I just got caught up with the park idea - we are having an 'unseasonably' warm Saturday - 68 degrees - sunshine - the entire state was probably out playing in the park today. Perhaps he could be walking with his mother pushing little Geo. in a stroller while El and Jane tag along behind Lydia's stroller..... sorry ... there I go again ...

sorry inko, sorry katy. didn't mean to get us into meaningless discussions. please forgive me... now.... where were we?

Actually, they probably could have met at a seasonable place like Bath, the Gardiner bringing their nieces and we know the gentry and nobles were visiting there. Just a thought think it's your 68 degrees Katy that got me dreaming of pleasenter weather :)

Perhaps we could leave Inko alone to work on her lovely story without our interference and start a new thread - a 'meeting on the cobb at Lyme scene' contest for Elizabeth and Darcy? points for originality, points for absurdity, points for entertainment value, points for the number of JA characters who might accidently pass by the same place at the same time??

Nice idea, Katy. Bernie has been thinking about such a contest too -- with book prizes, even.

Katy, I love you!

BTW, my fanaticism over historical accuracy extends only to Inko's story, and that only because of the parameters she has set herself.The other flights of fancy on this topic are fine by me.I did not intend my big guns to blow anyone out of the water, and I really do not want to discourage anyone from putting finger to submit button! I really enjoy this topic!

Katy, I think your idea is great, love the thought of a contest. I will have to give it more thought though - would like to get all Austen's books in or at least the characters from all her books. Separate post will be Part 8 of young Fitz.

YOUNG FITZWILLIAM DARCY--Part 8 In the early summer after Fitzwilliam's eighth birthday Lady Anne lost yet another child; her spirits were very low as she despaired of ever producing a brother or sister for their son, and it made her more determined than before to keep William near her at Pemberley. Thomas Darcy was equally despondent and decided that Fitzwilliam would not join his cousins at Eton any time soon; instead they would retain a tutor who would live with them and prepare Fitzwilliam for either Eton or directly for Cambridge "Perhaps George could join Fitz for these lessons" Mr. Darcy suggested, "it would be to his advantage to learn more than he does at present with the village curate, and Fitz would likely enjoy his studies more if he were not always alone." "You may be right," Lady Anne replied, "but I think you should ask Mr. Wickham to caution his son; George seems to think he is your son and has all the same rights as William, or perhaps even more since he is three months older. I believe he is apt to forget that he is the son of your very worthy steward; that he is only your godson and will have to make his own way in the world when he is a man." "Your understanding of the situation is very sound, Anne, and I will talk to Mr. Wickham. But George's manners are very pleasing; he has great charm and I am sure that, after a good education, he will have no trouble making his way in the world. I rather hope he will make the church his profession and perhaps we can guide him along that path." The new tutor, Edmund Stone, arrived at Pemberley in August 1792, whilst Lady Anne was still recuperating from her latest loss. He was not yet four and twenty with a degree and fellowship from Cambridge where he had been a tutor at King's College. He was a pleasant looking man with gentlemanlike manners and demeanor, an excellent understanding, and a mind that was equally adept at receiving and imparting information. Fitzwilliam was delighted to have Mr. Stone for a tutor; he had nearly exhausted Miss Field's knowledge of mathematics, geography and science. She stayed on in the schoolroom, however, as an assistant to Mr. Stone and her help proved invaluable because George had not attained Fitzwilliam's standard of education. George did not have the same interest in mastering the elementary subjects and rarely paid attention to the entire lesson. Indeed, the previous year when Fitzwilliam had talked about the French revolution, George had known nothing of either France or what was happening there. "I am not interested in other countries," he had explained, "I do not like history, geography or reading and my mother does not make me do anything I do not wish to do." Fitzwilliam had been much amazed by this information but had taken it upon himself to teach George everything he knew of what was going on in the outside world. He had not realized that George rarely listened to more than a word or two of his explanations. Now Mr. Stone and Miss Field also discovered that George was inattentive, did as little work as possible, and preferred to use his smile and graceful manners to charm Miss Field into giving him easy work and only during the morning school hours; he n ver took work home and spent his evenings in idle gossip with his mother and sisters.

YOUNG FITZWILLIAM DARCY--PART 9 That autumn marked another new experience for Fitzwilliam; he was allowed to go out with a shooting party, not to shoot but just to watch. He usually stayed with the guns, but occasionally he was allowed to go with the beaters or with the dogs who retrieved the birds. "You will have to wait another year or two, Fitz, before you learn how to handle a gun," his father had told him, "but I think you may enjoy watching the line of guns and how the beaters get the birds into flight." "Will you teach me to shoot next year, Father?" Fitz had asked. "Perhaps, Fitz. You know your mother does not care for guns. She knows that the grouse and pheasants must be brought down to supply the kitchen, but I believe she would prefer that you do not participate in the sport until you are much older." "Maybe you can teach me without telling Mother," Fitz had suggested with a mischievous grin. "Fitz! That would be dishonest. Have I not always reminded you to tell the absolute truth, that disguise of any sort is abhorrent?" "Yes, Father, I remember. I'm sorry, but it is difficult to wait just because Mother does not like guns." "I know it is, Fitz, but in two years you will probably be big enough to use a full-sized gun which you could not do this year. Just be patient, son." Fitz always enjoyed these moments alone with his father, as he also enjoyed the evenings when there was no company and he joined his father for a game of backgammon, chess, or talking about the stories from Greek and Roman mythology and the histories of these civilizations. On such evenings Lady Anne would sit quietly with her needlework, happily listening to the two people who were dearest to her. Fitzwilliam had been delighted when Mr. Stone introduced him to the classics. He had made a good start in learning Greek and Latin and was always eager to demonstrate his new knowledge to his father. During the Christmas holidays the entire Fitzwilliam family stayed at Pemberley for a week. Fitz was glad to be with Edward again and listened eagerly to his comments about Eton; he learnt about Edward's friends and how he lived, the food, the classes and teachers, and the games they played. Fitz was eager for the day when he could join his cousin at Eton. Fitz was also happy to see his godfather, Colonel John Fitzwilliam again; the latter had been with his regiment in Canada for nearly two years and was amazed at Fitz' growth and maturity during that time. When John complimented Thomas Darcy on his son's development, Mr. Darcy smiled and commented "Oh, yes, he is outgoing and talktative in this family circle; but I am afraid he is quite shy and uncomfortable with all others."

Inko - very nice. they are all coming along very nicely.

Sounds great, Inko.

Katy's response #290 Wonderful idea Katy, and for those like who don't have the verve to wright, can we flip the 9.8 and 9.9 card ?

Katy's response #290 Wonderful idea Katy, and for those like me who don't have the verve to wright, can we flip the 9.8 and 9.9 card ?