Newcomer! I would like to be Lizzy in the scene at Lambton. As soon as Darcy would stop me from leaving, I would fall into his arms... weak-knees and all. Changing the whole scene. Just to have him hold me!

Congratulations Gi. Such happy news. (Winter) an on-line wedding shower for you! This could be interesting....hmmmm.... And... we can bring on a male dancer/stripper for you too... perhaps in the form of a certain... Mr Darcy?! Tut, tut, tut, ladies, some decorum. He is a fictional character...but Wickham would be more likely to oblige.... Nice to see you joining us here, Danielle. Welcome!! :-)

Welcome Danielle...we love newcomers.They always give us a fresh perspective. However, I think I already picked that scene at the Inn at Lambton ...the Hand Fondling scene. But if you really insist, I'll take the one where she's walking up the stairs and through the woods at Pemberley when he asks permission to introduce his sister....(sigh) .A male stripper in the form of Darcy WOOOOOO!!! That would be too much. And I know just the picture we could use....I bet Nan could fix it up!!

A male stripper in the form of Darcy WOOOOOO!!! That would be too much. And I know just the picture we could use....I bet Nan could fix it up!! And do we get to see the Fully Monty?! ;-D

Let me add my welcome, Danielle. Have you been around long? Or was it the recent P&P airing on A&E (US) that finally threw you over the edge? Good question, Winter. And good answers but since no one has mentioned this one, I'll have to grab it...being Elizabeth (of course) and standing next to him in church during the wedding ceremony. Sure, he doesn't look at her but that's because he's taking the solemnity of the ceremony so seriously. This is the most important thing that's ever happened to him in his life and it shows!! Elizabeth sneaks a peek at him to get that pulse racing again but he's staring straight ahead absorbing every word. T en again, he could be planning his evening. Either way, I'd want to be Elizabeth in that scene. And it looks like Gi will be reenacting that scene herself but with her very own Mr. Darcy. ;-) Best wishes, dear.

One of my favorite scenes is the wedding. Lizzy and Darcy standing side-by-side looking like they want to take a peak at each other but don't, Darcy all serious and Lizzy so radiant-it just turns my heart to mush. Also like the tap she gives him in the carriage-so proprietal,so wifely.

Ooooh!!! I had no idea my comments would elicit such happy news, indeed. Gi, Dear, most sincere best wishes to you and the lucky gentleman. There was never a wedding not to cry for. A Happy New Year is assured for us all. But, I fear we might have to share Gi with him for some of the time!!!

I also would have liked to be Elizabeth when she just finished playing the Piano at Pemberely. Of course, just to vex Caroline I would have went and sttod next to Darcy immediately.

Ladies, thank you all for your best wishes. You warm my heart :-) and his, because I let him see the posts. I promise not to desert you because of my marriage - the marriage to me means giving form to the commitment, nothing else. Oh, of course I want to have a party too!;-) Anyway, I told him about our group (not in all the lurid details) and he thinks we're crazy, but it's OK with him. So, I'd love that shower you suggested, Winter! Evelyn, would you get in touch with Nan about that photograph you have in mind? This would be fun. And since we now have a special chat channel, we could use it too.

Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hauoli Makahiki Hou to all. Please go to 113 and claim your Keepsake, or I get them all for Christmas!!!!

Gi, by the way, My husband think we are all certifiably mad with the time we spend here - but he knows nothing of which we really speak. That is between us!

Oops. Sorry. Just lurking. :-)

How disappointing, Arami. I have been talking to myself on 113. I have requesitioned all of the Keepsakes which have no essays, and NO one said a word. No protests, no pleas for more time. Nothing. I think everyone is partying and no one is writing.

I have since explained why I had been silent. Apparently.

You lept to the challenge and claim your ticker and dangler. That is more than anyone else has done, and it makes me wonder if the rest of the world had some great disaster befall it. We are the last to get stuff out here - including the day. The international date line is out there between us and the next large land mass! I do not know why no one is writing these days unless it is because they have a life somewhere else!

The holidays have claimed most of us, I daresay. First it was the shopping, now it's the visiting. I'm looking forward to four days of doing NOTHING starting on Thursday. I'll write my whistle essay then. I think I did my duty with Mr. Darcy's pen. (I did whip it out to write a story for #34.) We will not forget our duty to our keepsakes here. But keep reminding us anyway!

Newcomer - not really - I've lurked for almost a year. Since most of the good 'scenes' have already been referenced, Here's mine. I would like to be the 'person' who pours the water over Mr. Darcy for his bath at Netherfield. It should provide some interesting viewing... Also Marcia - I am deep in thought about my 'keepsake'. Hopefully some of the good ones will remain unclaimed... Or I will come up with a new one.

Welcome, Shelly! Excellent choice of scene, I must say ;--)

(Shelly) Here's mine. I would like to be the 'person' who pours the water over Mr. Darcy for his bath at Netherfield. It should provide some interesting viewing... LOL!! Welcome, Shelly. What a very interesting POV new participants to Drool bring!! On the Keepsake thing, if a previous Keeptress hasn't checked in, you may put in your claim on any item.

(Shelly) Here's mine. I would like to be the 'person' who pours the water over Mr. Darcy for his bath at Netherfield. It should provide some interesting viewing... LOL!! That is the same 'person' who hold up the bathrobe! Welcome, Shelly. What a very interesting POV new participants to Drool bring!! On the Keepsake thing, if a previous Keeptress hasn't checked in, you may put in your claim on any item.

Hi Shelly.....We love newcomers....Welcome to Drool. Love your scene choice.( Hey...this girl has a Big Future on Drool:-)) Stick around; we want to hear from you.

And I'll add my welcome, Shelly. Since you've been around for awhile, you probably know us very well. I hope we get to know you too. Karen's got a point about the "holder of the bathrobe". Someday you'll have to tell us what you "see". This girl here doesn't have a date for New Year's Eve so guess who she's inviting over. Why, Mr. Darcy, of course. I figure if I watch the whole thing in one sitting, I'll be able to stay up til midnight. I have a theory why Darcy wants to wear his green coat to see Lizzy at the Inn at Lambton but I have to view again to see if I'm right.

Welcome, Shelly... how on Firth did you manage to remain silent for a whole year? you'll have to tell us what you "see". I see an enormous....

...possibility here... oops! ;-D

Welcome, Shelly... how on Firth did you manage to remain silent for a whole year? you'll have to tell us what you "see". I see an enormous....

Oh, sh**, I see an enormous ghost of Count All Mushy again!

(Arami) Oh, sh**, I see an enormous ghost of Count All Mushy again! Has no sense of humor, that guy ;-p

Nan!! Welcome home for the holidays :-). Been missing you...

Please tell us your theory on Why Darcy wants to wear the Green Coat. I have always wondered that myself but, I don't have any theories. I would also like a theory on why he goes to the Parsonage that day to see Elizabeth than talks a short bit then leaves. His nervousness is so adorable. Hi Shelly. Welcome. I am pretty new at this and lurked for a really long time. Like Darcy I dont' perform well for strangers but everyone here is so nice. Happy New Year

I'm afraid my theory doesn't really hold up too well, Rita, on the green coat. I had been wondering if Darcy is wearing his green coat whenever he has a a "civil" encounter with Lizzy. He's wearing it on his solo visit to Hunsford when they talk about the distance between Hunsford and Meryton. He's wearing it when he changes from the wet shirt to intercept Lizzy before she leaves Netherfield. He's wearing it again when he brings Georgiana to the Inn. So I'm thinking...is this his "lucky" coat? But of course he wears it other times when their exchange is less than civil. "On foot?" though he's quite at ease in that scene. And he certainly does pretty well when he's wearing what I think of as his evening clothes - that black suit he wears at the piano at Rosings. Hose me down when I watch that scene. It was just a theory - maybe I'll do further study without the bottle of wine I drank while watching it.

Here is my theory on the green coat. He simply wears it because he looks so damn fine in it, especially paired with the nubuck breeches. Definitely a Lizzy catching outfit.

Oh Yes!!! Most definitely!!! He caught more than just Lizzie in that outfit. Green always compliments people with his reddish coloring (still had it even through the darkening dye they put on him.) He *knew* he looked good in it.

(Marcia) He *knew* he looked good in it. And so did we ;-)

OK, it's about time I got to posting at 112; after all, it was Darcy that got me interested in Colin in 1997 (second US showing of P&P2). It is quite addicting, isn't it? Darcy is my favorite Colin role so far but I also enjoyed him as Valmont. Ditto to all favorite scenes mentioned above (liked the part about videotape thinning in certain places!). My faves: Pemberley piano scene (I know, I know, but I do turn to mush every time) followed by Rosings piano scene. I like how, just when he's getting into i with Lizzy, Lady Catherine pipes up and Darcy rolls his eyes. Also liked the bath scene and Lambton crying ("May I get you something? A glass of wine, perhaps?"--YES, I'll take the whole bottle!) scene. Question: just why was Darcy in such a rush to see her that morning? The night before in the music room (after everyone has gone to bed and he's rejoicing in his memory of 'the look') it looks as though an idea, or resolve of some sort, has come over him. What do you think? As I mentioned at 115, I saw "You've got Mail" yesterday strictly for P&P references. The lady next to me looked at me funny when I gasped and laughed during the close up on the P&P book cover, featuring our favorite actor and actress! If you've not seen the movie yet, as hard core P&P fans you'll recognize the basic plotline beyond the blunt references to our fave. I think the sisters Ephron are P&P2 fans. I SURELY would have enjoyed our DB as the lead instead of Tom Hanks. Sigh.

(Eileen) Question: just why was Darcy in such a rush to see her that morning? Wearing the green coat....for good luck? JA doesn't give us a clue in the book. It's all conjecture. I think he went to court her...it was Sunday.... a drive around Derbyshire? We know she was due to have dinner that night at Pemberley. Heide has been to Pemberley...what do you think Heide?

I've always thought he was going to propose to her again. Why else would he be in such dither?

(Karen)I've always thought he was going to propose to her again. Why else would he be in such dither? He does come in to the Inn with the same determined look as at the first proposal.Hmmmmmm.But the gods at RoP don't seem to think so.

Maybe it was a teeny weeny bit too early to propose again. But he was keen to be with her and to see if she really enjoyed his company. And to show her his best attention. To court her in all earnest.

Since JA doesn't write scenes describing the actions of the gentlemen except when they are in the company of the ladies, I think we can leave Darcy's motives up to our own interpretation. This romantic here (there are quite a few others, I believe?) prefers to think Darcy was going to renew his proposal. Realistically though, I think Darcy would have gone about it a little slower this time and probably wouldn't have proposed just then. Just my opinion.

Would it be out of the question for him to state his objective, i.e., that he wanted to show her that he had taken her words to heart and that his feelings for her were "unchanged"?

Much too early for the second proposal, remember this is a man of pride even if he trying to change some aspects of his character. I conject the reason for his rush was a high state of anticipation of seeing his lovely lady again. I like the idea of perhaps making plans for a drive around the park or a picnic at Pemberley. Regardless, of the reason I am sure he would want to spend every minute he possibly could to show her the new and improved Darcy.

He might have wished to propose again but I also tend to think that he would have to court her and really woo her. Not enough had happened betwen them at Pemberley for him to be so sure of himself. The last thing he would want is to give her a chance to turn him down again.

He went to see her that morning to spend some time with her. Maybe even go on one of her walks with him.

Actually, that's a good chat-up topic when we meet The Man Himself: "And pray tell us, Mr. Firth, what were your intentions on going to the Lambton Inn wearing your green coat" Hmmmmmmm? The other query I have is: "And pray tell us, Mr. Firth,is that really your picture on the video cover of "The Advocate"? (Sure looks like his hands)

"And pray tell us, Mr. Firth,is that really your picture on the video cover of "The Advocate"? (Sure looks like his hands) Can you have it scanned and posted here?

Re: The Advocate Picture Can you have it scanned and posted here? Sure. I'll send it to Karen sometime.

(Evelyn) He does come in to the Inn with the same determined look as at the first proposal. Hmmmmmm. But the gods at RoP don't seem to think so. Now, now...is it really necessary to make those kinds of comments about Pemberley because some of the people there have a different opinion? Many Pemberleans visit Drool and it hurts their feelings. Remember what we talked about on the FICLIST? If I can refrain from commenting (particuliarly at present!) then anyone can ;-) And, btw...I think it was too soon to propose again. Now, despise me if you dare ;-)

I must must must introduce myself to this fantastic board. I am Gabriella, a true P&P, CF devotee who has been searching for somewhere to drool for at least three months since my last totally orgasmic (hoping I can say that word?) experience watching P & P for the nine millionth time. I can no longer justify my CF obsession to my husband and have become someone I never thought I could - secretive, cunning and tormented, reduced to joining fourteen different video shops to avoid the belittling stares of he video attendant as I try to rent P & P for the third time in a month and running out of credible excuses. I am English but am unfortunately stuck on an island (New Zealand) which does not have a huge enough number of tv channels to offer reruns of P & P at a rate to enable me to get my much-needed fix of CF. I have never been entranced by someone so much in all my life and I can tell I am in very good company on this board. Thank goodness I have found you. I see that everyone has offered their views on "favourite scenes" so I feel I must do likewise. I think my absolute two favourites are "after the bath" (the long and loving look down to Lizzie) and "Darcy being caring" scene where he fondles her hand. I just love that. But, really, any scene which involves Breeches Hugging Thighs, Wet Shirts or Fine Ey s Close-ups are just magnificent and I cannot get enough. And the happiest thing - I adore the womens' costumes also and have long tried to emulate Lizzie's figure (if you catch my drift) and last week, after a trawl through every lingerie shop in the country, I have been able to find just the garment to do this. I now point skywards in true P& P style - what a happy thought!!!!!!! Gabriella

(Evelyn) "And pray tell us, Mr. Firth,is that really your picture on the video cover of "The Advocate"? (Sure looks like his hands) (Arami) Can you have it scanned and posted here? Hasn't this already been done? Nan didn't you post all the video covers once before? ********* Now, a big welcome to Gabriella. This is definitely the place to drool over everything Firthish. No need to be tortured and tormented; we love to hear about CF's acting, facial expressions, the turn of his ankle, the trimness of his thigh... Oh you get the picture. Sounds like you need to get your own copy of P&P not to mention other Firth classics that you might be embarassed to rent at the video store (for Nan's sake I won't name names ;-)). But your last revelation is truly a unique! Emulating Lizzie's figure. What a devotee! I hope your husband appreciates your efforts. Maybe you get him to put on a wet shirt and breeches. What a fantasy.

Great discussion! I also think he went to further court her and show her he took her criticism to heart. Gives way to some interesting fantasies on just how he would do that, doesn't it? Perhaps he would have ventured so far as to validate that her feelings had taken a turn for the better. Good pickup about the green coat; I missed it entirely. Welcome, Gabriella. I also have a husband who long ago abandoned understanding of why I'm so stuck on this series ("who's that actor you like? Colin Frith?"). Do tell, are those undergarments as uncomfortable as they look? BTW, I thought Lizzy was never pointing quite so skyward (if I can borrow your term) as she was in the Pemberley piano scene. On purpose?

Welcome Gabriella, I agree with Karen, you must purchase the P&P tapes. They are available at a very reasonable price now. BTW, your emulating Lizzy hit a chord. I even did my hair like her. In fact this past summer visiting JA s house in Chawton, I wore my lovely regency-style dress. (fantasies if you can live them are healthy and lots of fun)

(evelyn)But the gods at RoP don't seem to think so.... (Nan)Now, now...is it really necessary to make those kinds of comments about Pemberley because some of the people there have a different opinion? Sorry...apologies all around. Did not mean this in a pjorative sense.Would not want to hurt their feelings.Should have put:-) after it. Your term " Pemberleans" is far more appropriate. Will use it firthforth. ******** Welcome Gabriella. I like the Lizzy look-a-like part.Whe I visited Chawton there were some tourists attired in Lizzy-dresses. Maybe one of them was you , Moon.

Thankyou, everyone,for your warm welcome. I feel so at home here and have read just about all the posts on our beloved...and chuckled away to myself thinking how hilarious you guys are - just like me!! Re: the uplifting garment. It is made by Gossard and no, Eileen, it is not that uncomfortable to wear, though one's boobs sort of go "phew" when one takes it off at the end of the day. I read on one of the many P & P sites that Jennifer Ehle said the costumes/corsets weren't as bad as she thought they were going to be and the wardrobe people let her pick a lot of the dresses for each shoot. By the way, I totally agree with you about her figure during the Pemberley scene - there's a side-on shot and I r member thinking the first time I saw it that they positively defied gravity!!! No, Moon, it wasn't me at Chawton, unfortunately though how I wish it was. I just adore those Regency dresses but can't get any here. Have taken all your advice and am seeking my own copy of P & P. Now, could I ask a wee favour of you guys - would you kindly tell me which Firth videos you would recommend to gratify my needs. I.e which star him in a substantial enough role to enable satisfaction. SIL isn't being released here till March. Of the others he's starred in, which do you guys like best? Thankyou everyone. Gabriella.

(Karen)Hasn't this already been done? Nan didn't you post all the video covers once before? Yes. Check in my file--I think they're still in there. (Karen) (for Nan's sake I won't name names ;-)). Bless you, dear ;-) (Evelyn) Should have put:-) after it. No problem, dear...it happens. But I agree; when in doubt, use an emoticon ;-D

Welcome, Gabriella! I just can't believe it - yet another newbie! We're growing like mushrooms here, and I bet there is still a host of lurkers waiting to pounce. Firthers of the world - come forth! BTW, general Firth discussion is on board 116, I hope you have discovered it already. It may be advantageous to repost your last question there. :-) (And whilst I'm at it, can someone tell me please what is topic 111 for? Thanks.)

Welcome Gabrielle! So glad you found this safe haven. Darcy Drool needs all new droolers to perk things up every now and then. Aren't those eyelashes just to die for after the bath? And during too. (Eileen) BTW, I thought Lizzy was never pointing quite so skyward (if I can borrow your term) as she was in the Pemberley piano scene. On purpose? You mean while she was taking those deep breaths whilst singing? Her undergarments definitely were a model for uplifting construction. I was also surprised how she managed to keep from falling out of her dress when she rose from the sofa to greet her unexpected visitor at Hunsford after everyone else ran off to Rosings. Other than making me wildly jealous, the only other thing Lizzy's cleavage does for me is make me speculate as to what kind of jokes were made on the set about this fashion. Think the same kind of contest was going on between Jennifer and Julia Sawalha as I've heard reported went on between Colin and Crispin?

Darcy Drool needs all new droolers This was a mistake, I swear. I hope not a Freudian slip. :-o

(Nan) But I agree; when in doubt, use an emoticon ;-D Oh...I thought that was a diahrea medicine:-D (Heide)contest was going on between Jennifer and Julia Sawalha.. I don't know about on the set...but there were comments in the press after the series about the "Wonder Bras" worn...which BBC denied. Saying they used the uplift garment of the era...whatever that was. BTW in real life, JE dresses v. conservatively. Check out the dress at the 96 BAFTA. At the 98 BAFTA her dress looked like a nun's....only close-up in slo-mo it had a slit up to here!! She is quite voluptuous. But she stays away from low necklines consistently.

Correction: diarrhea.....you know what I mean't.

(Arami) ...topic 111... My first attempt months ago at creating a topic and I thought I had immediately killed it. Guess it's dying a slow death somewhere though I haven't found it. Ignore it if you can.

(Nan) But I agree; when in doubt, use an emoticon ;-D (Evelyn) Oh...I thought that was a diahrea medicine:-D ROTFLMAO!! I think we need to start a permanent archive (is that redundant?) for funniest Drool comments. This would have to go in. Oh Evelyn, you are a riot! h o-|-\ [that's me falling off my chair]

Hi Gabriella, I'm another newbie who just unlurked on #116. I love this conference as well. It's reassuring to know there are other married firthaholics -- sometimes I feel like an adulteress! Re: my fav Darcy moment, I love all the "usual suspects" (the Look, bath, wet shirt, etc.) but one of my favorites occurs during the Rosings piano scene -- just after Lizzy's line "...because I would not take the trouble of practicing" he looks at her with this sort of flicker or sparkle in his eye before he says the line "You're perfectly right..." I don't know why, but that really sets me off. I also love that "stuttering" thing he does with his eyelashes when he runs into Lizzy at Pemberley and says "E cuse me...your family is in good health?" and again when he says goodbye to her and her carriage pulls away. It's so rare to see such great chemistry between an actor and actress. It wasn't until long after I'd first seen P&P2 that I heard they were romantically involved during the filming. I also heard somewhere it was she who initiated the breakup -- Evelyn, can this be true? I would tend to think so -- I can't imagine JE thanking him in her BAFTA speech or her mum Rosemary Harris agreeing to work with him in MLSF if he had treated her so badly. Nevertheless, it's hard to comprehend any woman voluntarily leavi g our DB...

Oooh! How marvellous to see such a flurry of new activity and enthusiasm here! I must admit that although I've moved on to enthuse about all things Firth, nothing has ever stirred me quite as much as P&P. The whole series cast a spell on me, and I really did "fall" for CF/Darcy, which I've never done before (if you discount a couple of teenage crushes!), and I'm sure I'll never do again!!

(Susan)it�s hard to comprehend any woman voluntarily leaving our DB... I must say that when I first read all those stories about JE and CF falling in love during the filming of P&P I immediately thought it�s just a classical pr trick, you know, promoting a romantic film by building up a gossip about a love affair between the stars! And the trick really has worked, hasn�t it.....but maybe it wasn�t a trick after all, probably wasn�t. Sorry for being such a heretic (this certainly is a crime gainst the official Firtheology!) but who says they fell in love? The film crew? Th press??? I�d just like to know.

Yes, Bethan....believe me, I know what you mean. It was P&P for me that started my crazy Colinism. Funny thing is, when I first saw it I didn�t pay so much attention to him, I liked Jennifer! I really admired her as an actress and watched the video over and over again. Soon my appreciation moved to Colin and...something just happened. Haven�t been the same since then, if you know what I mean.... I�ve really had all the symptoms of falling madly in love. It�s a wonderful but such an insane phenomenon as the object of your desire is someone you�ll probably never meet. But I�ve decided to let this happen to me and enjoy it. By the way, it was my husband who first introduced Colin to me! Knowing how much I like good British drama he bought the P&P video to me, and when I liked it, he gave me The Making of PP book as well. It does make me feel a bit guilty that since then I�ve been thinking about another man.

(Susan)....but one of my favorites occurs during the Rosings piano scene -- just after Lizzy's line "...because I would not take the trouble of practicing" he looks at her with this sort of flicker or sparkle in his eye before he says the line "You're perfectly right..." Yes!! I agree with you about that scene - I love it too. Aside from the obvious fact that it involves a close-up of his gorgeous face, he is actually being very vulnerable in that scene with admitting he is shy, and it comes across so beautifully. It is as if they are the only two in the whole world at that moment. (Oh I've gone all weak-kneed....) -- sometimes I feel like an adulteress! Now Susan (and any other "guilty" marrieds) cast those feelings asunder as I have done. Oh yes, I still have pangs of guilt that I am spending time thinking/fantasising/etc about CF, searching sites, posting comments, seeking pictures of him for instant gratification.....but ultimately we are doing nothing wrong by engaging in harmless day-dreaming activity. Well, that's what I've convinced myself of anyway.... I have just watched The English Patient (my first attempt at watching something other that P & P with CF in it) and I was not displeased, albeit he had only a smallish role. I thought the straight, shortish hair was nice and he looked just as edible as ever. Like you, Lizbeth, it will take a lot to knock Darcy from the number 1 spot.

(SusanMC)I heard they were romantically involved during the filming. I also heard somewhere it was she who initiated the breakup -- Evelyn, can this be true? I would tend to think so -- I can't imagine JE thanking him in her BAFTA speech or her mum Rosemary Harris agreeing to work with him in MLSF if he had treated her so badly. Nevertheless, it's hard to comprehend any woman voluntarily leaving our DB... Sorry Susan...I know as much as you do. I do know that she has never mentioned the relationship in an interview ...that is never personalized it.Colin has...said that it was notan affair... they had known each other for a few years before and the relationship grew..."we were together for almost a year". But she has never uttered a word. And never will. She is a v. private person, by her own admission, shy. Anyway, that was a long time ago...they are good friends...we rejoice that he has found a lovely wife. Hope she finds someone too someday. And we all hope they co-star in another production sometime..You're right...they had amazing chemistry that really made the film such a success.

Elena, Susan and Gabriella, There are a lot of "guilty marrieds" out there. But it really is a harmless diversion, almost like a secret, pleasurable "hobby"! And by all accounts, the object of our affections is an unassuming, modest, warm and likeable man. I can be VERY critical, and there are lots of things about "celebrities" that I really dislike. But I've never found anything to be critical of in CF (apart from the fact that he doesn't take enough leading roles, oh, and the smoking...not good for the health!) There's never anyth ng about him in the tabloid press and he seems to be a very private man. So, don't feel guilty...just enjoy! Who says they fell in love? (Elena) Well, they did. CF said in an interview that the relationship lasted a year and seemed annoyed to hear it described as a "location romance"...said it was more than that. Jennifer also made some brief comments in an interview. The only reference I saw as to how it ended was a brief snippet in the Telegraph diary, that JE had broken off with CF, and that he had flown back from filming in South America to plead with her, but to no avail. Makes a lovely story, but the truth of it may be extremely dubious!! Ac ording to a tablod paper, CF's mum said that they remained good friends, and Colin, Livia and Jennifer were all seen chatting amicably at the BAFTA ceremony. So there y'are! I must say that I think JE is also very nice, and very charming, and I'm sure the relationship must have ended amicably.

I seem to recall JE was once reported as saying that she felt he would let her into his life "only so far", and for that reson apparently the relationship was emotionally unsatisfactory for her... or something to that effect. There's never anything about him in the tabloid press Well, before he was married, the stories about his relationships were being blown out of proportion, especially when he hit the headlines as Darcy; if he just said that he liked someone, that person would be described as his secret passion; the tabloids implied that he was in a habit of seducing practically all his screen partners. He was branded a womanizer, but but the bottom line is that they could name only two women with whom he had longer relationships (there must have been other girlfriends, of cou se, but no one knows their identity - that's how private and discreet he and his ex-ladies are), and his comment on the subject was, that he had never left one woman for another. The most "scandalous" gossip that the tabloids were able to concoct after days of stalking him was that when Livia visited him in London before they were married, they were spotted (and photographed) buying a vacuum cleaner together, and on another occasion, shock-horror, a pack of chocolate flavoured condoms...

I seem to recall JE was once reported as saying that she felt he would let her into his life "only so far", and for that reason apparently the relationship was emotionally unsatisfactory for her... or something to that effect. That was never her direct quote; I have all of her interviews...even the ones that have not been posted on her website. That comment was supposedly said by a friend of hers. But never confirmed by either side. They are v. discreet ...as it should be.

(Arami) shock-horror, a pack of chocolate flavoured condoms Oh god, did you really have to endanger our innocency by telling us a horrible thing like that? Ruins my romantic idea about him. It must�ve been a joke....;-) (((...but the idea sounds good)))

did you really have to endanger our innocency by telling us a horrible thing like that? LOL! Sorry, children - the evil Arami is at it again... ;-) Seriously, I thought everybody knew about it! And anyway, what's so horrible about the facts of life?

(Arami) buying a vacuum cleaner together, and on another occasion, shock-horror, a pack of chocolate flavoured condoms... (Elena) Oh god, did you really have to endanger our innocency by telling us a horrible thing like that...It must�ve been a joke....;-) It was in the British tabloids--so we can assume someone just got carried away. It was an interesting bit of gossip at the time though. As I recall, it caused a bit of an uproar ;-)

Hey Livia is human and a woman, of course she likes chocolate!

God. I happened to be milling around, and thought I'd idly pull back the curtain on Topic 175. What do I hear? Colin's chocolate-coloured condoms. Knowing this to be the "Dacry Drool", I am racking my brains to remember the chapter in which Darcy reaches into his saddle bag, retrieves the CCCs and offers them to Lizzie: "Madam, would you do me the honour?", but for some reason it escapes me.

Seems that my knowledge of the facts of life (or at least His life) is seriously inadequate. I think we really should�ve asked him if it�s true in the question list....:-):-) This revelation made me realize that there must be a ton of ****important**** things that I don�t know about him because I haven�t read the British tabloids. Anything else, Arami?? BTW, when did this tasteless (!) fact come out and what do you mean with an uproar, Nan?

(Elena)BTW, when did this tasteless (!) fact come out and what do you mean with an uproar, Nan? Actually, I don't think it was a "fact". It was more of a rumor. At the time, all of us being freshly infected with Colin-lust, you can imagine how well we took such a rumor.

(Ben), I am racking my brains to remember the chapter in which Darcy reaches into his saddle bag, retrieves the CCCs and offers them to Lizzie: "Madam, would you do me the honour?", but for some reason it escapes me. ROTFLOL! Most of us (married or not), seem to have fallen for CF with Darcy. To think that Livia had not seen P&P when she met him! Maybe that was a prerequisite of his after P&P, to find a girl who had not seen him as Darcy. I must say it worked for him v. well.

At the time, all of us being freshly infected with Colin-lust, you can imagine how well we took such a rumor. (Nan) Like manna from heaven, really! We're much more serious these days, fretting all the time why he's not playing King Lear or taking the lead in Titanic 3 or being awarded the OBE. (Robert Carlyle?!!!!!) Time to re-focus, and remember why we really, really like him. :-) This revelation made me realize that there must be a ton of ****important**** things that I don�t know about him because I haven�t read the British tabloids. Anything else, Arami?? (Elena) I'm sure Arami will oblige! All I can come up with is a reported preference for older women (until JE) and having a bruised face as a drama student after being slapped by person unknown (probably a lamp post or revolving door). Pretty tame stuff....no hot, steamy "my torrid night with Darcy" kiss-and-tells! Arami?

(Arami) there must have been other girlfriends, of course, but no one knows their identity (Bethan)....no hot, steamy "my torrid night with Darcy" kiss-and-tells! Surprising really that the biggest Darcy mania didn�t produce a heap stories like that; one could have easily made a lot of money with them. It can only mean that he isn�t such a womanizer after all or at least that he hasn�t had too many sloppy one night stands with women he doesn�t know better.

I'm sorry if my earlier comment sounded like I was anti-JE. Actually I'm a huge fan of Jennifer's -- we all drool over CF, but her performance is the one that really carries P&P2. And if she wants to break up with (if that was indeed the case) the man most of us would have killed to have dated, well, I'm sure she had her reasons -- regardless, the situation seems to have worked out to everyone's satisfaction, so who am I to judge? Nevertheless, sometimes I worry/wonder about CF. We've all questioned some of his career decisions, but in a sense that is somewhat out of his control. But in his personal life he seems to get into situations in which he's guaranteed to be stretched too thin. I mean, take the thing with Meg Tilly -- as anyone who's ever gone to a different college than their sweetheart knows, out-of-state romances are hard enough, let alone transcontinental ones. (Digression: If you had been MT, wouldn't you have moved yo r ass to London rather than making him have to fly all over the world to and from the backwoods of Canada? I mean, it's not like her career -- such as it is -- was red-hot at that time. Or if not London, wouldn't you have moved to N.Y., which is still a reasonable "commute" to London and would allow him to see his son without having to make 24-hr., multiple-time-zone expeditions? end digression) And if he and Livia start a family, as they no doubt will, my guess is that she will want to be near her family in Rome -- I know I would if I had a husband who travels a lot. So then you have the bulk of his film work in London (most likely), home base primarily in Rome, and constant jaunts to son #1 in L.A. -- God, talk about being stretched like a rubber band. And it's one thing to be jetting around the world at 30 -- it's another at 40 or 45, with multiple family obligations... Sorry -- must be the mother in me that makes me worry about him like this. Colin, if you're reading this, yes I actually do have a real life of my own that entails things other than speculating about famous people's personal lives.

No, I can't come up with anything else. The CFCFC (rather than CFCCC, Ben) story, reported naughtily as a one-line aside within some other, totally unconnected story, was indeed an unconfirmed rumour of a sighting (by whom exactly? someone must have practically stuck their nose right in his fist!) and had absolutely no effect whatsoever, it went completely unnoticed and without one word of further comment in the media, as far as I'm aware. The British are fortunately very laid-back about that sort of thin . So the guy buys shampoo, shaving cream, some plasters and other bits and pieces for his bathroom cabinet - so what? Completely normal, no? What a blow for gossip mongers ;-) (BTW, Ben is right - this scientific discussion doesn't belong on Darcy board. Who started it, anyway? ;-))

Sorry. CFCs. Shows how exciting my love life is. Livia must have seen that 70s flake ad. ("Only the crumbliest, flakiest chocolate...." Remember, those in England?)

Sorry. CFCs. Shows how exciting my love life is. Livia must have seen that 70s flake ad. ("Only the crumbliest, flakiest chocolate...." Remember, those in England?) ] Oh dear Lord! I like Flake;)

(Susan)If you had been MT, wouldn't you have moved your ass to London rather than making him have to fly all over the world to and from the backwoods of Canada? MT was someone notable in Hollywood and obviously pulled rank on him. Later she whined in an interview about him having left her, but I too think she asked for it.

(Laura) Oh dear Lord! I like Flake;) There's your chance, Ben ;-D

Sorry. CFCs. Aren't those the things that have been outlawed as piercing the ozone layer? ;-)

No, no - CFCFCs. Perfectly legal, but don't stand piercing. ;-) (This discussion seems on a slippery slope now...)

Who needs chololate flavoring when you have *him*?????? I eat Chocolate when there is nothing "better" to be had at the moment =P

Slippery slope Yep. Downhill, all the way! Sorry. CFCs. Shows how exciting my love life is (Ben) LOL! Must be the mother in me that makes me worry about him like this. (Susan) If I had been Colin's mum (now there's a weird thought!) and my son, after an extremely promising start to his career, had jettisoned everything for love, I'd have restrained myself for about two weeks and then rushed off into those Canadian backwoods to drag him back home by his curly locks! Seriously, his emotional life does seem transcontinental, but a Rome-London axis isn't too difficult, and how old is his son now...nearly 10? He'll soon be a confident young teenager, well able to travel to join his dad! I am racking my brains to remember the chapter in which Darcy reaches into his saddle bag, retrieves the CCCs and offers them to Lizzie: "Madam, would you do me the honour?", but for some reason it escapes me. (Ben) Sounds like an anachronism from "Darcy in lurve". Or maybe it's not so anachronistic. Has anyone read "The French Lieutenant's Woman" by John Fowles. Fowles includes notes on the history of the condom...first available in the late 1780's, made of sausage skin. The first "sex manual" published, denounced sheaths as likely to cause impotence and states that "any preventative means, to be satisfactory, must be used by the woman, as it spoils the passion and impulsiveness of the venereal act, if the man has t think of them".!!! :-) Okay, back to Mr Darcy and romance!

sausage skin Sheep's gut, to be precise. Yummy for carnivores ;-p (Chocolate in solid form was not yet commonly used then).

Ah, so it was like dipping select morsels into the warm chocolate, then licking it off??? I like the idea, but do not understand the science of preventing conception behind it. Is there more to chocolate than I know, or was this done instead? Just asking!!!

Ooooh, Sorry. Must be the paint fumes from those bleacher seats we were finishing. This is *Darcy Drool* and the fine points of the gentleman are our interests here. With everything so perfect about him (and his interpreter), little wonder JA stayed unmarried. A Darcy would be difficult to find in the best of times. Many of us are still looking...

(Bethan) The first "sex manual" published, denounced sheaths as likely to cause impotence and states that "any preventative means, to be satisfactory, must be used by the woman, as it spoils the passion and impulsiveness of the venereal act, if the man has t think of them".!!! Hmmm, must have been written by a man! I have belly laughed through this entire discussion, but must admit it has me wondering. What is the purpose of a flavored condom? I didn't think they were supposed to be taken orally ;-)

Oh my word. I thought I had strayed by some terrible accident into an x-rated site discussing the virtues of flavoured condoms and the people that use them. I must say, I am feeling rather unsettled reading about the possibility of CF buying these items. I just can't get my head around it. No pun intended, of course. I have to say that I have never tried them myself, although I have experienced the glow-in-the-dark variety. At the risk of turning discussions to a more wholesome bent, I must share with you all the most profoundly happy experience I have had today whilst grocery-shopping. The mundance turned into sheer glee when I happened to glance up from my shopping to the rows of magazines and spied the latest TV guide with CF and JE emblazoned across the front. Well, the next few minutes were a frenzied blur as I abandoned my cart, pushed old ladies out the way and shoved through the crowds to get my hands on a copy. It transpires that P&P is returning to our screens (happy news for me, as I've not got a copy yet; yes,yes, shame on me, I know) and the accompanying article was predominantly about the series and how it has (favourably) affected the actors who starred in it. Everything you will all know, so I certainly won't bore everyone with a repetition, but I ID think the following was a delightful extract : "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of skin-tight breeches must set countless female hearts aflutter....Darcy's cooling dip, along with moments of throbbing sexual tension...helped make the BBC's Pride and Prejudice a television triumph." Andrew Davies is quoted as saying "Suddenly all these women were writing to the papers saying what they'd like to do with Colin Firth." So, everyone, I have my tapes poised and my remote control at the ready. Yippee! Can anyone tell me how to get on to CF chat? Is this still going? Gabriella

Hallo Gabriella, I hope everything goes well and you finally tape P&P for yourself. To go to Chat, just go to www.colinfirth.com and then click on Colin chat (I think). You'll be asked for your username and a password, and you can dive right in! (JanaH)What is the purpose of a flavored condom? I didn't think they were supposed to be taken orally ;-) You must be joking!

(JanaH)What is the purpose of a flavored condom? I didn't think they were supposed to be taken orally ;-) You must be joking! Hmmmmm....Monica can tell us

(evelyn) Hmmmmm....Monica can tell us I thought hers were cherry flavored;) Talk about a double whammy w/ CFC's. I mean if chocolate produces the same feeling as sex (according the brain), then eating chocolate while having aforementioned activity should be pretty amazing! Sorry, Bridgetesque reply!

(Susan) If you had been MT, wouldn't you have moved your ass to London Digression again (but if we can discuss condoms in Darcy Drool we can discuss Meg as well): I used to adore Meg in that beautiful, serious, quite non-hollywoodish movie....what was it called now. Ave Maria or something? Her acting was unbelievably good. I also think she�s gorgeous, no wonder Colin left �everything� for her for a while. AND I just don�t get it why she should�ve moved to London or anywhere from where she wanted to live with her three kids. This couldn�t be a reason for the breakup, it�s ju t an official explanation for something else we do not know anything about. To blame her admirably strong will for the breakup is terrible. (Susan) Colin, if you're reading this Yes, could he be? Imagine him having read this topic these days and found a blooming renaissance of his CFCs...:-)