Why should a publicity-shy man fond of wearing unflattering (baggy) corduroy trousers, who seems genuinely embarrassed by being considered a sex symbol and does absolutely nothing to promote this image, and who didn't even seem to realise that Darcy is sexy. What he wears in private life has nothing to do with what the director tells him to wear and do in a film.From what we read Andrew Davies and Simon Langton wantedMr. Darcy to be portrayed as sexy. Re: being a sex symbol:candid comment in this month's Premiere Magazine by Ben Affleck: "I hate this whole reluctant sex-symbol thing. You see these dudes greased -up with baby oil, in their underwear, talking about how thy don't want to be a sex-symbol. That's a lot of bull-****" I have never seen CF greased however...but lots of nice positions....:-) Not complaining.

(Ben Affleck) "I hate this whole reluctant sex-symbol thing. You see these dudes greased -up with baby oil, in their underwear, talking about how thy don't want to be a sex-symbol. That's a lot of bull-****" Having just watched the A&E/BBC show on the real Full Monty guys that view meshes perfectly. Most of those guys said they loved being oogled and pawed by the women. It was most flattering and a guy's dream. Granted they are exhibitionists, but then again so are actors. ;-D (Evelyn) I have never seen CF greased however...but lots of nice positions....:-) Not complaining. Not complaining either, just hoping for a little greased Colin...one day???? ;-D

Acting is a kind of exhibitionism by proxy.

(Arami) Some even sprayed the thin material with water to make it more transparent. Tarts! ;-p Lady Nan, damped gown--Carolyn, busily scribbling notes My snappy request would be just after he finishes putting out the candle he walks over and stands with his back to a mirror. If you can catch it, you get a front and back view in one!

(Carolyn) Lady Nan, damped gown--Carolyn, busily scribbling notes Hee hee...you must have pages and pages on that Lady Nan tart ;-p I'm waiting, missy...;-p (Carolyn) My snappy request would be just after he finishes putting out the candle he walks over and stands with his back to a mirror. If you can catch it, you get a front and back view in one! I just love it when someone asks for something I've already got. I like that scene too, Carolyn (though there aren't many that I don't like ;-p) so I was trying to catch it a few days ago. He's moving quickly so it's not a really good one, but I got a great candle shot. That little fsssssst noise it makes when he squashes the wick gets me excited ;-D

My god - you lot! What's all this 'drool'? Riette - fancy not knowing Colin?! Shock horror! You're in desperate need of re-education, of which I'm sure you will get plenty of here! But I suppose knowing Mr. Calf is good enough ... he's a pretty close substitute! Nan - yep, read Chapter 2A of PA ... very nice, and I can't wait for the next .. hope she posts this weekend ...she's been pretty regular lately! But as she is approaching the wedding, I don't mind if she takes that little longer ... draw it out, mount that suspense, Ann2! So, anyone in the mood for fiction? I shouldn't really demand any, since I contribute none of my own! But I do support! I support!!:)

Oh, and JennieCam - I know you're out there! Reply to my e-mail, girl! Was that you in the 'Snilda's' P&P, or not?! I really wanna know! BTW, JC - your Darcy wasn't bad either, although not exactly CF ... still, you could probably post a 'snappy' of him here too!

Wrong Anthony, Nat... :-) It's Hopkins - and as a matter of interest, our DB actually appeared on stage with him, too.

Here...write this...;-.D

Okay, I'll take a sweaty Darcy anyday:) Perhaps, I think I will write about a sweaty Darcy and possibly a sweaty Elizabeth; and seeing that Heide isn't here, I will wait until she gets back!!! It will give me time to plot and plan, whether or not Pemberley has a nautilis:) Nat, I am so glad you enjoy Ann2's stories, have you never emailed her to tell her? I think she would appreciate it immensely. You can get her email off of the author's list on the BOI and DWG.

LOL...Nan is Snappy Happy! Not to mention keeping us all happy! :) I personally like him sweaty and out of breath. Oh to hear the line "I Shall!" over and over again! Perhaps they will put that one on the little icon over at the RoP where you pet Darcy?

(Nan) Here...write this...;-.D I think the sword is a phallic symbol. As was obviously the billiard cue !! And the walking stick in the 2nd proposal. I have news for you ,Mr. Darcy...You won't conquer this! :-.)

(Evelyn)I think the sword is a phallic symbol. I can buy this. As was obviously the billiard cue !! And this. And the walking stick in the 2nd proposal. But not that! A walking stick was an indispensable accessory of a gentleman's outfit in those times. Let's not go over the top... or else we could be endlessly looking for sexual symbolism in simple everyday gestures. ;-)

Re: walking stick: indispensable accessory of a gentleman's outfit in those times. Let's not go over the top... I'm not really looking for symbolism under every rock...... but I stand by the theory that this "indispensable accessory" was symbolic of "another accessory".

Hi all! Been lurking for months---but this latest string of hot pictures and equally hot topics requires acknowledgement! Wow!--you all take my innocent mind places it would never go on its own, and I'm loving every minute of it! Thanks for brightening my day! (and nights.....)

(Re: walking stick) I think if Evelyn wants his walking stick to symbolize his sexuality she has every right to do so. You go girl! How about his horse? Riding crop?

Hi all! Been lurking for months---but this latest string of hot pictures and equally hot topics requires acknowledgement! Wow!--you all take my innocent mind places it would never go on its own, and I'm loving every minute of it! Thanks for brightening my day! (and nights.....)

Welcome, Patti :-) (Sofie) How about his horse? Riding crop? OY!

Nat, I am so glad you enjoy Ann2's stories, have you never emailed her to tell her? I think she would appreciate it immensely. You can get her email off of the author's list on the BOI and DWG. Yep - I have ... but mostly I just leave a trail of saliva on the response board! Serves its purpose, I think! Riding crops? Fencing Sword? Walking Stick? Billiard Cue? Horse? LLOL! Ladies, ladies ... perhaps you should get a little list together. I'd like to contribute Pemberley itself (it's HUGE ... how gratifying is that to a male?) ... and those top hats?! They didn't make them that tall for no reason at all, I'm positive! JennieCam?!

Oh, all right, then. Who am I to deprive you of your little thrills... Let's go to it. Consider tea spoons (stirring in a cup?) and forks (stabbing food on a plate?) (As if it wasn't enough that men in those times quite purposefully wore nether garments leaving little to imagination... They didn't need any symbols, dear...)

(Re:Pemberley and top hats) That's more like it! Although Arami's tea spoon reminds me of Mr. Collins. If Pemerley is symbolic of penis extension, what pray tell is the pond symolic of?

Hey.....you guys are making me sound like a pervert or something!!! There is a lot of symbolism in P&P....not all sexual albeit. I don't remember about the Pond ,but certainly the constant mentioning of "eyes",.... when Lizzie gazes at the picture at Pemberley,..... esp. when the carriage crosses the bridge going into the Pemberley grounds. I refer you to a book of critical analysis of Jane Austen novels written by an Austen scholar. Jane Austen by Tony Tanner ISBN 0-674-47174-1 Andrew Davies, of course, capitalized on a lot of sexual undercurrents and made them visible. And oh, BTW Mr. Tanner is a Bonafide Brit....a Fellow of King's College, Cambridge. Didn't mean to start a confrontation. Hi Patti.... stay with us we have a lot of fun.

(Evelyn) Didn't mean to start a confrontation. No confrontation, honey--just having some fun speculating. Personally, I think that everything is related to sex, so you can't ask me ;-p Stef used to give us playful snippets of the teacup's thoughts...moist caressing and such. See? It's not only me ;-D

How about some fiction, everybody? A special thanks to SusanP, for some great ideas! ~Lou Seaside Rendezvous "Dearest!," Fitzwilliam Darcy called out as he climbed the stairs with a letter in his hand. Elizabeth was walking down the hallway, and she stopped upon hearing her husband call out her name with such uncharacteristic enthusiasm for just another lazy summer�s afternoon at Pemberley. "Elizabeth!," he grinned as he met up with her. "I have just had a letter from my uncle. He wishes for me to take care of some business for him, at Ramsgate!" Elizabeth�s eyes widened, and she teased her husband, "That is very exciting, my dear", and she patted him on the shoulder. Darcy drew his eyes into small slits, "That is not amusing at all." He chuckled, "But what I am ecstatic about is that we shall spend some time there, alone. My uncle has the most amazing house there, on a cliff, overlooking the sea. It is most times vacant, they only use it for holidays." Elizabeth�s enthusiasm began to match that of her husband�s. "It sounds very romantic, Fitzwilliam." "Yes, dearest, it is!," Darcy grinned. "My aunt and uncle always thought it the most romantic spot they had ever been. My uncle use to tease Colonel Fitzwilliam, telling him that he was conceived there, just to watch Fitzwilliam blush. There are times when my uncle has a mischievous streak in him." Elizabeth could not help but laugh at Darcy and his stories, and his eagerness to wish to be alone with her, in a romantic seaside hideaway. "When do we leave?" "Tomorrow," Darcy lifted her into the air, and spun her around playfully, then placed her back down quickly, before any of the servants caught him in his jubilation. "Go and pack, my love." She nodded her head, and turned to go back to their bedchambers to do as he asked. She turned around, and watched him go back down the stairs with an distinct skip in his step, as he said the words, "Tomorrow, tomorrow," to himself. ************** The Darcys arrived at Ramsgate a few days later. The trip had been long, hot, and exhausting, but the weather at Ramsgate was agreeably cool, and the sea air felt wonderful to Elizabeth�s skin and senses. Their carriage pulled up to the cliff house around mid-day and when Elizabeth stepped out and looked at the house and its grounds, she was completely enraptured. She walked a little ways along the drive, until she could get a glimpse of the sea, and look down at the beach area below. It was rocky, with a small sandy patch, and the swell crashed upon the land and the craggy rocks which jetted up by the cliff, spraying salty foam high into the air. The cliff side was laden with mossy groundcover and wildflowers, which bloomed unendingly this time of year. Surrounding the house were old knotted trees, whose branches swept to the windward side of the cliff. Lupines spiraled up from around the house�s footings, giving the landscape a blue-hued color, in compliment to the sea beyond. The house itself was built of natural stone, and sand mortar. Its windows looked marbleized and pitted from the constant pounding of wind and sand. The entire place was completely gothic, completely romantic, and almost imaginary. The house was staffed by a rather sparse compliment of servants. The less persons about the better, as far as Darcy was concerned. He took Elizabeth by the arm and led her into the house. The inside of the place was fanciful, with its parquet floors, whimsical wallpaper and eclectic furnishings. Elizabeth could not seem to control the amused smile on her face. "This place is wonderful!" she exclaimed. "I knew you would like it, Elizabeth." Darcy greeted the housekeeper, and left Elizabeth momentarily to give his instructions to the staff for their stay there. He was explicit in his wishes to be left quite definitely alone, for the most part. The housekeeper smiled and nodded politely, for that was the usual instruction, when anyone came to stay there. When Darcy returned, he found Elizabeth gazing about, slowing turning round, to glimpse at everything within the room. "What is the place called, Fitzwilliam?" "Leonhaus, which is actually the name of the site upon which it was built. It was Saxon by claim," he replied. "Come with me, Elizabeth. There is more to be seen." Elizabeth took Darcy�s outstretched hand, and followed him down a narrow hallway to the back part of the house. He opened a large wooden door, and they stepped into a room of fantastical proportions. "This is the master chambers," Darcy announced, as Elizabeth gasped in wonder. It was spacious and serene, with a huge natural stone hearth on the inside wall. The outer perimeter was completely covered by the opalescent windows, affording a view of the sea. No one could see into the room from them, and all you could see out of them was ocean horizon. There was an inviting bed, with pillows mounded everywhere. Next to the windows was a chaise, and cushions all around on the floor in front of the hearth. Elizabeth could only describe the room in her mind as if it had the ability of calling out for her to make herself comfortable.

Once their trunks were delivered and unpacked, the housekeeper told them that anytime they wished for supper, they should just ring down, otherwise they would not see her again. As soon as Darcy closed the door behind her, he let out a sigh. He shimmied out of his dress coat and kicked off his shoes, then laid back on the bed to stretch. "Glorious!" he moaned as he closed his eyes and relaxed in his new found freedom. He unfastened his neck cloth, balled it up and threw it in the direction of nowhere. Elizabeth came out of the dressing room, to see him flat on his back on the bed, his legs dangling over the edge, and his eyes closed. She walked over to the windows and unfastened the latch on one of them then pushed the lever, so the window opened. The sound of the swell came flooding into the room, and she breathed in the salty, misty air. She assumed by the way Darcy had discarded portions of his clothing, that they would be spending the rest of the day in the room. Perfectly content to go along with the plan, she reached up and began to discard the pins from her hair. When it was free, she ran her fingers through her hair and tossed it about. She sat down on the chaise by the windows and proceeded to take off her slippers and roll off her stockings. She was satisfied with her own freedom from accessories and stood up again to gaze out the window. She reached her arms high above her head and stretched out her body, while again deeply breathing the aromatic sea ai . She felt Darcy slip his arms around her waist from behind her and when she lowered her arms back down to her sides, he clasped his hands together. "Do not stop there, my wife," he whispered as he kissed the side of her neck. "I think a woman should never wear to much clothing, when she is by the sea." Elizabeth smiled as she allowed him to nibble her neck and run his hands through her hair. His hands wandered to her back and he fumbled with the buttons of her white frock. He had relaxed enough not to become too frustrated with the uncooperative buttons, and he was finally successful in unfastening every last one. Elizabeth heard herself speaking, but she had no idea why. "I thought you had some business to take care of for your uncle?" "Shhh," he said as he helped her pull off the frock. "Business, what business? I do not remember anything about any sort of business." "You remember, dearest," she smiled, as he let his hands roam freely over her body. "Shhh," he said again and she turned her around to face him. "You are interfering with the sounds of the sea." "Oh," she whispered, and said not a word more. It was not long until Darcy had discarded most of his own clothing and was only outfitted in his white cotton shirt. Elizabeth leaned back onto the chaise and grasped Darcy�s shirt and tugged him closer to her. They made love on the chaise, in front of the windows, while listening to the surf crashing onto the rocks below. In the middle of their late afternoon frolic, Darcy leaned back, pulled off his white shirt, and pitched it into the center of the room. Elizabeth turned her head and watched it float down to the floor like a sea bird, until her husband moved back over her, demanding her undivided attention once more. Words were not necessary from that point on, and when Darcy was quite expended, he grasped Elizabeth�s hand and helped her from the chaise. He led her to the bed and the lovers crawled underneath the covers. Darcy wrapped his arm around Elizabeth as she lay against him, and he fell into a contented repose. Elizabeth smiled and whispered, "Leonhaus", then she also drifted off to sleep, for the rest of that afternoon.

AAhhhh.... Thanks Lou! Nothing like a romantic getaway by the sea. Who needs walking sticks and tea spoons when you have the surf pounding against the shore.

Mmmmmmmmm---enjoyable and relaxing. I'll bet we could think of lots of imaginative ways to use this setting. Actually, the pillows surrounding the hearth bring brings to mind fantasies of a northwoods weekend with my husband... Thanks Lou!

(Arami) They didn't need any symbols, dear...) Well, I need the symbols to get my cheap thrills ;-) Did someone mention a top hat? Mercy! That's a big one! ;-D Lou, so good to see you back, honey ;-) I particularly like this line: "Elizabeth turned her head and watched it float down to the floor like a sea bird"...gave me one of my visions ;-)

OOoooo Nan, I can see the tip of his walking stick as well!

Nat - Bother bother bother. I just read your post from 15&16/8... Oh, and JennieCam - I know you're out there! Reply to my e-mail, girl! ...and that tells me you haven't got my reply. The problem was I tried to send it to the Curtin address the day I got your email, and got a response saying delivery had failed - something about quota being exceeded I think. I tried again today (evil computer has been down this week)and it still failed. I have sent a copy to the address you sent it from (G&Assoc etc) but you obviously haven't got that one. So I shall have to give you a very brief reply here, and hope you get the other one. If not, I shall ost more here or somewhere else later... Was that you in the 'Snilda's' P&P, or not?! I really wanna know! Yes, that was me! Perth is too darn small! I hope you enjoyed it, I'm dying to hear what you thought of it! BTW, JC - your Darcy wasn't bad either, although not exactly CF ... still, you could probably post a 'snappy' of him here too! Yeah, he wasn't bad was he? He was 20 (now 21), an ex-Swanbourner studying English at Curtin. He now does Arts at UWA (same as me) so I see him most days. He's a lovely guy, the entire school, including the principal who's ~65, was jealous of me. So that was exciting! Oh, and just another thing, please use the pseudonym JenC rather than JennieCam, the reason being I received a rather unnerving email concerning that name, I think perhaps from someone looking for a website that a woman has set up with live camera shots from her room (does anyone know what that is? I don't), so my name at Pemberley has been changed and I'm hoping I won't get anymore. Thanks. --- Sorry everyone else for using this board for this, but it couldn't be helped. Classic conversation here, Nan I think you're right, everything can be related to sex, so much is phallic in this world if you look at it like that. Very funny stuff, I love this board so much . Oh, and great story Lou - very gentle and very sweet. Anyone else got one up their sleeve? I want more..Pretty please!

Lou, Fabulous story- it I could hear the surf and feel the wind- Had a few other sensations as well-but we all know what they were... Bobby

(JenC) ... something about quota being exceeded I think Yes, yes, yes ... I couldn't send e-mail for 4 weeks ... my account is screwed up! But hopefully I've rectified all that ... we'll see ... I'm dying to hear what you thought of it! The production was brilliant ... I only wish I had a program! I was very surprised at how well the text was adapted into play ... but what was the purpose of the players (the play in the streets of Meryton)? Was it just a diversion? You really made good use of the single stage at the Octagon theatre ... to have to use it for Longbourn, Netherfield, Rosings and outdoor scenes ... I was very impressed by the crew's ability to adapt the stage to each required setting. I thought it would have been a little freaky if there were two school productions of 'P&P' in Perth last year ... too much of a coincidence, I'm afraid! My friend's brother was a soldier, and Steph, knowing how much I loved P&P, offered me tickets! How truly bizarre that it should have been you in the lead! (not pointing out any theatrical deficiencies, or anything, merely alluding to the fact that the only other Pemberlian from W.A. has been 'Lizzy'!) And who was Mary?! I don't think I've ever heard 'Caro Mio Ben' (sp.) sung quite like that! I can't recall what you sang, but I presume you did voice at school ... as I recall, you were excellent! Are you in the Chorale at UWA? BTW, there's a repeat of Jane Austen's 'Presumption' docu on the ABC this week ... 1.30 pm on Sunday, I think ... thought you'd be interested! Well, I need the symbols to get my cheap thrills ;-) Did someone mention a top hat? Did indeed, Nan ... LOL! Trust you and your faithful camera! And how appropriate that that particular shot should be from the scenes at Ramsgate ... perhaps you and Lou should have collaborated, then she could have had accompanying snappys ...

(sofie) OOoooo Nan, I can see the tip of his walking stick as well! LOL! I just caught that. Don't know how I missed it. I was so busy looking for lengthy things that I forgot things with knobs ;-D (Nat) perhaps you and Lou should have collaborated, then she could have had accompanying snappys Now, there's an idea! I just love coming up with a little illustration to go along with a story. Lou, next time you need some visuals, you let me know, honey ;-)

Lou might not need visuals, but I do. Illustrated fanfiction. Author and illustrator must colaborate.

Or how about character (single -- Male) must collaborate with author:) then Lou wouldn't be writing many stories;-)

OH MY! I'm all for a little collaboration (that's enough to turn anyone into an author!) Nan...I like the illustrated story idea! Get that snappy ready! :-D BTW, did you change the collage on the main board? I like all those men in those little bubbles and dear CF gets three! But he deserves them! I was definitely ready for that change. Maybe we should work that walking stick into a story? Everyone seems to be fascinated with it. I have to admit I am too, its not every man that carries around something so long!

(Lou) I like the illustrated story idea! Get that snappy ready! Oh good! I've collaborated with authors in the past, usually Carolyn. Haven't done anything with sticks, though...oooh, a challenge! :-) BTW, did you change the collage on the main board? I like all those men in those little bubbles and dear CF gets three! Yes, I changed it today. It was time. I was getting bored with the old one. Colin certainly deserves three as he is clearly the most popular topic here, bless his little cotton socks ;-) its not every man that carries around something so long! Nor something so handsomely designed ;-)

Oh I hope you guys are at least half serious about this. The combination of Lou's fabulous writing and nan's happy snappies. I am all anticipation! One so handsomely designed deserves the very best.

Re: new pic collage (: Nan) Colin certainly deserves three as he is clearly the most popular topic here, bless his little cotton socks ;-) ........and walking stick.....:-)

Lou, love you Ramsgate story, perhaps this visit will dispence with the ghost of Wickham and Georgiana's fiasco, though it played a large part in bringin Lizzie and Darcy together, didn't it. Is this to be continued?

Ladies, the following is the latest from Lou. She asked me to add some pretty things and post it for her ;-) My dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, I sit here in my bedchambers on this the eve before our wedding day. My heart is full of love for you, and my anticipations for our union, are keenly felt.While we strolled around Longbourne today, you asked me about my past, and whether I have shared my life with many other women, before our meeting. I neglected to answer you, not because of the fear of hurting you, for I am a man of eight and twenty you know, but out of respect for all the ladies I have loved before. I make this confession to you now, for I am sure that Wickham will be only too happy to supply you with inaccurate details. I can only refute his testimony, by laying before you each and every liaison that I have ever been fortunate enough to entertain. It all began with a woman with the initial M. We met while I was attending the University and we were hopelessly in love. She was really the one to give me my ideas on what constitutes good regulation, and she gave me my start at being the most admired man at this conference. She was kind enough to let me go, for she knew one day I would meet you, and then there would be no other. She contented herself by writing the most wonderfully romantic stories about our courtship and the walks we took, so that no one else would have to wonder how we managed. I shall hold a special place in my heart for her always, and I am sure you would not deny me that. In the beginning there were others, too numerous to mention. They admired me, relished in the figure I cut on screen, and even posted numerous threads concerning my clothing, most specifically my trousers, which appears to be a reoccurring theme. Then there was Nan. Nan, oh Nan. How I shall never forget the night she and I spent sitting in the back of that phaeton. How I shall never forget all the time she devoted to managing this excellent conference, deleting overzealous posts, and adding photos of me with my various gentleman's accessories. There shall always be a place reserved in my heart also, for that little snappy thing she is so fond of. Then others came into my life, it seemed like a sort of commune of ladies, all wondering what I would be like in bed. When word of our engagement became public, these lovely ladies began to speculate about the glories of our wedding night. Some think that perhaps you shall not be comfortable in the presence of others the next day, and others think that I shall be gentlemanly and kind, and take pity on your innocence. Indeed I shall, my love, and if you wish it we shall take a little bit of every wedding night post in this conference and combine them into one glorious night of bliss. What can I say, but that I am all anticipation. Yes, my love, on further remembrances there have been many ladies of my acquaintance. Most of them enjoy seeing me sitting in the bath, but there are a few who think I look fine in clothing as well. Dearest, we have been honored by so many of them, placing us in various delightful situations which capture the imagination. They have the liveliest names for my accessories, ticklers and danglers I believe they fondly refer to them. One such lady has developed the most enchanting game for us to play one evening. I cannot wait to explain it to you, and you must promise to bone up on your Netherfield Ball scene dialog. My dearest Elizabeth, I hope you can forgive me all my dalliances. It simply could not be helped. Now in closing, I shall say how much I look forward to our times together. I shall stop dictating this missive to one of the aforementioned women, so that she may go back to penning something about us at the seaside. Elizabeth my love, so many breathless scenarios, so little time. I thank you for your understanding concerning my lady friends. Without them, I should have been just another BBC mini-series dandy. Yours faithfully, F. Darcy

Nan and Lou....You ladies are THE BEST!! Without them, I should have been just another BBC mini-series dandy. ROTFLOL...You got that right sweet cakes! So let's get back to dallying with ticklers and danglers in bathtubs by the sea. Here's to all you wonderfully creative ladies who love tight britches on long lean thighs and smoldering looks on a handsome dimpled face. Now let's get back to the long and hard of it shall we?

LOL! LOL! Nan, I am ROTFLMAO! I probably shouldn't have taken that sinus pill before I saw this! I'm absolutely giddy! I think the BBC should have you do film editing for all their costume dramas! This was way too much fun! Thanks for doing such a bang up job! :-D

"I cannot wait to explain it to you, and you must promise to bone up on your Netherfield Ball scene dialog." Dear oh dear, tell me you meant to say "hone"! Stunning typo sweety, just perfect! Great story ladies, very very funny! Thanks :)

Very, very funny! Kudos to both of you! Loved the pics you chose, Nan, especially that *last* one. Signed, Lady with the initial K

I'm still trying to catch up on everything I've missed but this was too good to let slip by. Oh Lou, oh Nan, I thought I outgrew picture books but this was the best. They admired me, relished in the figure I cut on screen, and even posted numerous threads concerning my clothing, most specifically my trousers, which appears to be a reoccurring theme. Lizzy's expression here is priceless. Thanks.

What a hoot! Pray, continue!!! And never mind, erm, "bone up" - what about "tickler"? Tickler??? Whatever must you be thinking of - it's "ticker", madams, as in "tic-toc", meaning, erm, a watch, of course...

(Arami) Tickler??? Oh, you're such a stickler.

(Sofie) Oh, you're such a stickler. Oh, you would be too if it was your keepsake ;-) I know that I get very upset when anyone slanders the humpy hat. However, in this instance, I think "tickler" was a typo. So sorry, Arami dear...though, "tickler" is appropriate ;-D

(nan) Oh, you would be too if it was your keepsake) I had no idea. Arami, what can I say? Please forgive me for misunderstanding the nature of your relationship with Darcy's ticker. I just thought you were nit picking. I truly understand the depth of your emotions regarding said item.

Exactly. It's simply unfathomable... But I will forgive you if you do penance by reciting the Ticker And Dangler Mini Essay word for word fifty five times from memory, without stumbling and sniggering. ;-)

snigger, snigger...ooops. Sorry again. Has anyone ever claimed that rakish curl on his forhead?

(sofie) Has anyone ever claimed that rakish curl on his forhead? Sorry, honey :-( I'm afraid body parts are off limits (for obvious reasons)...just inanimate objects. Go to the Keepsake board to see who's got what and what's available. It's topic #53 ;-)

Heidi, Felicia and Lou what a treat! I am very happy to see that the summer heat pays off, WOW! Great picture book story Lou and Nan--this just gets better and better! Looking forward to much much more, I remain a faithful fan. Nan has anyone ever claimed his cap and gown? Swoosh, swoosh, how he walks!

(sofie) Has anyone ever claimed that rakish curl on his forhead? (Nan) Sorry, honey :-( I'm afraid body parts are off limits (for obvious reasons) Sad, but true. But, from the posted pics from SiL, it looks like he's using that curl again! (slurp, slurp) ;-) Aren't all items up for repossession, Nan, if the previous Keeper has not resurfaced?

I have recently discussed MY keepsake . . .and how I feel as his lips touch the edge of me . . .the little teacup!!

Oh my gosh, I DID call it a tickLer! Thank god they're not french! My humblest apologies Arami! Gee, I never applied for a keepsake. Let's see, I wonder if his money clip is taken? Perhaps the ink well? I'm rushing to #34 to find out now! ;-)

As the Keeper of his Academic Notebooks I am pleased to tell you he consults them frequently asloving memories of his University days. He keeps the leather bidings soft and supple using fine leather waxes and rubbing with gentle hands. They are never allowed to become dampened by rain. He clutches them to his chest beneath his robe and protects them there. They are most devotedly being cared for by me when he is not using them. BTW, several months ago I suggested that since it seemed that most of the keepsakes had been abandoned, I had reclaimed them and locked them in my closet for safekeeping. Only the watch fob, tea cup, and mirror Keeptresses came forward to report on the state of preservation of their most precious items.

As the Keeper of his Academic Notebooks I am pleased to tell you he consults them frequently as loving memories of his University days. He keeps the leather bidings soft and supple using fine leather waxes and rubbing with gentle hands. They are never allowed to become dampened by rain. He clutches them to his chest beneath his robe and protects them there. They are most devotedly being cared for by me when he is not using them. BTW, several months ago I suggested that since it seemed that most of the keepsakes had been abandoned, I had reclaimed them and locked them in my closet for safekeeping. Only the watch fob, tea cup, and mirror Keeptresses came forward to report on the state of preservation of their most precious items.

A brand new 6.4 GB 266 MHz computer and it posts twice?! I have much to learn!!! Sorry.

......all wondering what I would be like in bed The accompanying picture of Lizzy with the candle is hilarious. She looks a little dubious about that wedding night.....:-) BTW if all the keepsake items have been spoken for....how about Lizzy's long gloves . May I have those? The one he tenderly takes at the Netherfield Ball. I'm on the way to #53.....

Dearest Nan and Lou - I am LMAO! Your joint story was too funny for words. But Nan, when are you going to tell us what happened in the back of that phaeton?

Two stories from Lou ( the one aided by Nan's Snappy is priceless)...I am a fan for life. A way with words is the quickest way to get to me....ladies, you have it!!! Thank you!!!!

What did I tell you about picture books?! What was that about '..tells a thousand words ...'? Do we have no new creations from Storyland?! Here's big news for all Aussies, if you haven't read the P&P adaptation board at RoP ... P&P2 is back on the ABC (FINALLY! After two loooooooooooonnnnnnnnng years of anxious waiting ... sure, the videos suffice, but nothing is more pleasurable than knowing it's happening then and there, and that people around the country are tuned in). When? Fridays, 9.30 pm, starting Sept 4th ... this Friday! Cancel all dates! Relinguish your social life! (I know I am!)

Oh, you lucky people...:-) UK only had a repeat of FF on TV recently...

I still lay claim to the decanter that he held in his hand while pouring wine for himself and Bingley after the Gardiners and Lizzie had left Pemberley that wonderful evening when she realized she loved him.

To vote for Colin as one of the favorite classical British actors send your vote to, http://welcometo/Harlequinaid/ they have to have 50 votes to get him on the list so please send in your votes

I'm sorry I missed a dot in the above address it should be http://welcome.to/Harlequinaid/

Not part of the story: Hello everyone, I have been reading all your stories and comments on Darcy and Lizzy for a while (enjoying them a lot!), and thought I should give it a go as well. I was inspired by your discussions on "do you think Darcy and Lizzy slept together before they married?" I especially liked the comment ( I�m not sure who wrote it) that Lizzy may feel she is as bad as Lydia (though in this timeframe, nothing has happened to Lydia (yet)). I am not sure I am any good at writing stories (never really done this before, but I had o much fun writing this!) so I welcome your constructive comments. Lin PS Naturally, I know nothing of quotation marks, etc. I'll learn! The sleep of reason The fatigued sunbeams of the late afternoon persistently tried to find their way through the small openings of the heavy velvet curtains, in order to make a last attempt to lighten the dark bedroom. The sunbeams moved across the beautifully woven carpet, onto the wooden furniture and finally found their way to the large bed that was placed in the centre of the room. The bed was covered with a pile of creased sheets. Between the sheets, the sunbeams found Elizabeth�s sleeping body and teasingly made her st r. Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes, trying to adjust to the yellowish light that suddenly seemed to fill the room. She saw the creased sheets and the unfamiliar colour of the wallpaper in the room. Her mind was not quite awake yet. The bed felt soft and warm and was, in a strange way, saturated by Darcy�s scent. Though the bedlinen only covered parts of her body, she felt a comforting source of warmth around her. Suddenly she felt something move around her body and nuzzle against her back and neck. Startled she turned her head, only to find Fitzwilliam Darcy, fast asleep, curled up against and wrapped around her as close as he could possibly get. Now she was fully awake. The day before, she had excused herself from another tedious evening with Lady Catharine De Bourgh and her toady cousin, feigning a headache after her walk with Colonel Fitzwilliam. When her cousin, his wife Charlotte and Maria were gone, Elizabeth decided to reread the letters Jane had written to her since her being in Kent. Her peace, however, did not last. Suddenly, she was roused by the sound of the door-bell. Hoping the visitor was Colonel Fitzwilliam himself, she was utterly amazed and slightly di appointed when Darcy hurriedly entered the room. Agitatedly, he began inquiring after her health. He appeared very nervous. "Miss Bennet, you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you" She had been astonished. In a way, she was flattered, knowing what great honor he bestowed upon her. However, never before he had indicated he felt this way about her. Then she remembered him asking her to dance at the Netherfield ball, but also the improper way he slighted her at the Meryton Assembly. She felt confused. She heard him say something about relieving his suffering and consenting to be his wife. His wife? Her confusion increased. He started talking about her family. Did he really say he was d grading himself by marrying her? She could not believe her ears. How dare he! Her confusion turned into anger. How could he even think she would be tempted to agree marrying him, when at the same time he told her in an unmistakable way she was not good enough for him? She had rejected him, casting all her anger at him. How could he have been so rude towards Wickham? How could he judge the depths of Jane�s feelings for Bingley? Taking in her accusations, anger had risen inside him as well. The proposal ended in a fierce argument. Finally, he composed himself again. "You have said quite enough, Madam." After he left, she allowed herself to fall down on the sofa, overcome by fatigue. The morning after, she went out for a morning walk, in order to calm her mind after a night dominated by a turmoil of thoughts. The trees rustled softly while she remembered the proposal and, moreover, their argument. Maybe she had been very rude to him. After all, she was the one who had allowed herself to be charmed by Wickham. She was the one who started the fight when Darcy proposed to her. She took a small path leading through dense shrubbery, that ended in a field covered by thousands of flowers. Th it perfume would soothe her thoughts. Suddenly, Darcy appeared in front of her. He handed her a letter. "Would you do me the honor of reading this letter?" And he was gone again. Elizabeth felt nothing but surprise. Why, after their argument, would he take the trouble of writing a letter? By now, she had reached the field. She sat down and admired the Darcy seal before she broke it. Slowly, she unfolded the letter and started reading. With every page she read, she felt more guilty. The letter started in a rather cold manner, but had a nice ending. Reading the letter, she came to understand his feelings. She read it again and made up her mind. She was going to apologize to him. She got up and followed the path to Rosings. The massive door was opened by a solemn servant. The hallway seemed darker than the last night she had had diner at Rosings and was only brightened by large vases filled with fresh flowers. The servant looked massive. She almost lost courage. "Good morning Sir, I would like to speak to Mr Darcy. Would you be so kind as to take me to him?" "I am sorry madam, but Mr Darcy is currently making arrangements to leave Rosings tonight" "Sir, it is a matter of great importance. Please take me to him" "Very well, madam" Elizabeth followed the man into a dark hallway. The servant halted in front of a large door, knocked, and entered the room to announce Elizabeth, expecting Darcy to ask him to take her to the parlour. "Mr. Darcy, there is someone here to see you" Darcy, still shocked by Elizabeth�s reproof after he had proposed, was not paying attention. "Very well. Just show him in" The servant did not show his feelings about this obvious display of lack of propriety and let Elizabeth pass the doorway. Elizabeth could only stare at him. He looked surprised by her coming to see him. "I am truly sorry for misjudging you" she heard herself say to him. "I am sorry for offending you the way I did." he replied. "I believe I got so nervous when I had decided I was going to propose, I said exactly the things I should not have said. I should have told you that I love you more than anything. Your family has nothing to do with that. Speaking about family, I am sorry about the way Lady Catharine keeps offending you." Elizabeth felt relieved when he reacted in this gentlemanlike manner. She had made the right choice by coming over here to apologize to him. Inwardly, she smiled. She even started to notice the beautiful room she was in. The walls were covered by heavy woven wallpaper, and the same colours and patterns returned in the bedcovers. The furniture, though a bit pompous, was beautifully made. The large windows allowed the sun to reach the farthest corner in the room. She admired the furnishings. "Miss Bennet, there is something I would like you to have..." Darcy walked over to his writing desk, his back turned to Elizabeth. Elizabeth, not sure what to do, followed him. Darcy, picking up a book from his desk, turned around, finding Elizabeth standing right in front of him. She looked at him. He looked back at her. "Elizabeth...Miss Bennet.." His palm gently caressed her face. Elizabeth was amazed by the feelings his caresses evoked. She thoroughly enjoyed feeling his warm skin against hers. She moved her face to kiss his palm, then looked into his eyes. She could read amazement in them, but his amazement was definitely dominated by something else. She was not sure what it was. Desire? Love? All she knew was that the look in his eyes aroused anxiety within her. She knew he must read it in her eyes. He moved his head towards her and started kissing her. His lips felt soft on hers. Slowly, his arms moved around her. Elizabeth, boldly moved her hand over to his back, while her other hand was searching for the dark curls in his neck. His mouth moved from her mouth to her neck, to her collarbone. Elizabeth knew they were crossing the line of propriety, that they had to stop this immediately. But when his mouth moved to the tender spot just below her ear, she knew she was lost. All she could do was to kiss him as passionately as he kissed her. Darcy�s hands m ved to the row of buttons on her back and started undoing them. She was shocked, but not able to stop him. She did not want to stop him. Her hands moved under his waistcoat, pulling his shirt out of his breeches. She felt the warm skin of his chest and back against her hands. ************ Darcy stirred, slowly waking up from a deep sleep. The bed somehow seemed smaller than he was used to, but he felt strangely comfortable. Something soft brushed his face and his body lay against something warm and comfortable. He opened his eyes. He was bewilderd, shocked even, to find himself staring at Elizabeth Bennet�s beautiful dark curls, scattered over her creamy shoulders. Still not believing his eyes, he touched her hair. It was real. He buried his face in it, while his hand moved over her should r. Her skin was as soft as he imagined it to be. He caressed her, moving from her shoulder to her upper arm. He started kissing the back of her neck. He felt her move. She tried to turn her head and smiled. "Good morning William. Did you sleep well?" "Very well. Did you?" He continued kissing her spine. Elizabeth sighed. "Mmm...now I know why I married you" Elizabeth turned around and moved over him. Her long curls fel on his shoulder. Her beautiful eyes looked into his and he knew he just could not resist her. His hand slowly caressed her cheek. She moved her lips onto his. She felt so good, so real. After her refusal to marry him, that unfateful day in Hunsford, he would never have thought she ever would agree to become his wife. He was overwhelmed by feelings of love and desire, directed solely at her. His hands moved over her body. He wanted to protect her, against Wickham, his aunt, even against the offending words of her mother. He wanted her to be safe, he wanted to cherish her. His passion increased with every kiss. He moved her next to him and turned with her, his kisses deep and ardent. She moaned softly. He pulled the sheets away from her body and started kissing and caressing every inch of her. Her hands caressed his back, while she tried to kiss his chest. "Hold still, William! I can�t kiss you like this!" She giggled and her mouth touched his nipple. Darcy�s breathing became unsteady. He was pleasantly surprised by her forwardness. Her mouth moved over his chest, while her hand slowly moved down his body. He knew he could not take this any longer. ************ Darcy managed to unbutton her dress and pulled it from her body. She was standing in front of him, only wearing her chemise. He looked into her eyes, looking for her answer to the question she could read in his. She was overwhelmed and in awe with the love she could read in his eyes. How could she have been so blind and not see it before? She wanted him to make love to her. She wrapped her arms around him. He lifted her into his arms and moved towards the bed. He gently put her down. She felt the soft fab