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A Quest for Mr Darcy – Chapter Thirty Three
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Hello!
I'm Cass, and I write the sort of stories I love to read - heart-warming, character driven and strong on location. I lean heavily towards the upbeat in both my reading and my writing.
As one of my favourite authors, Jane Austen, once wrote, ‘let other pens dwell on guilt and misery’.
Cass Grafton - Writer 
Ohhhh Cass this was quite close to a cliffy! Evil of you 😉😄 But oh I’m glad that Elizabeth and Darcy have spoken a little honestly with each other! I do wonder what it will lead to! Uh the colonel is always amusing and a little coercion is duly needed to get Darcy to dance and especially the first dance with Elizabeth 😍❤🎉… my my I do wonder what the Latimers will think of that!? I do think you will leave us in suspense until the very last moment, am I right?
And the mystery of Mr. Bennet – where is he going? Curiouser and curiouser! Can’t wait for more!
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LOL? Cliffie? Really? 😉
Yes, they are starting to both do as they have been told!!
Latimers on the horizon… cue ominous drum roll! Tee hee!
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Ohh you are truly evil Cass 😉🙄😝 can’t wait!
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I got what I wanted, yay! Darcy and Elizabeth’s time to talk. All the times Darcy scrutinised Lizzy and she blushed must be telling Darcy something. Of course, he could not be more open when she -saucily?- asked him what he would want from her for having arranged to have flowers in her mother’s and sister’s graves because he has not been able to speak to Mr Latimer yet. I think their feelings for each other are becoming clearer. And Georgiana chose to settle them in the family wing! whereas the Bingleys are in the guest wing. That says a great deal too.
I feel, however, that there might still be a few obstacles to their HEA because of all the threads in the story that still need untangling.
I must say that Tuesdays and Thursdays, when I get to read these post, have lately become some of the highlights of my week.
Looking forward to next chapter.
Cristina
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Yes, sorry you had to wait a chapter, Cristina, to get some conversation between them.
Yes, a few tangled threads indeed. I’m having sleepless nights trying to ensure I don’t miss any of my plot strands, but it’s complicated, lol! 😉
So happy you continue to enjoy!
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How I love the Colonel! Coercion must be his specialty! I wonder if poor Miss Latimer knows how much trouble she has caused, even before she sets one foot in Pemberley! Ha! I find that I’m feeling the tiniest bit sorry for her now when before I hoped she would just disappear. She must have expectations — maybe you have another match for her up your sleeve! 🙂 Very happy that the air is clearing between D&E. How fortunate for Bingley that he just happened to be in the family wing when Jane was leaving her room! 😉 I’m looking forward to the library tour – I have a feeling that Darcy wants that honor for himself.
Thanks for another great update!
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I ❤ the Colonel too!! 😀
Glad you enjoyed this chapter, Carol! It turned into rather a long one!
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Darcy will always have my undying love, but I find myself falling a bit more for Colonel Fitzwilliam every time you bring him to life in your stories! If I inserted myself into this one, I would be happy to leave Darcy for Elizabeth and set my cap at his cousin.
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I’m really touched with what you’ve said, Beth! I love writing the Colonel, so I’m always happy to hear he is connecting with people.
Now you’re giving me ideas… inserting readers into the story at a certain point…
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I am enjoying every bit of this story! Keep it coming. I have a feeling that the twins are not done with their mischief making yet…poor Latimers. I can’t wait to see how E shows Darcy how she truly feels. Her courage always rises…It is going to be a long weekend;)
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Yes, Elizabeth’s courage rising, Darcy doing as the Colonel told him (more than once!) and who knows what else on the horizon. 😉
Thank you for commenting! Much appreciated!
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Come on Cass!! It’s getting so good! I certainly hope both Darcy and Elizabeth have opened their eyes and see what’s in from my of them!
And then there’s Jane and bingley!!!!
Poor mr wentworth! And where is that skunk wickham???
So much to conjecture!
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Loving ‘skunk’ Wickham! Hahahaha!
All sorts of mayhem on its way, Carol! 😉
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Thanks Cass for this, something to cheer a cold, wet afternoon. Things are definitely hotting up between Darcy and Elizabeth now, also Bingley and Jane. I feel some happy endings are on the horizon now!
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It’s cold and wet here too, Ruth, so a bit of warmth between Darcy and Elizabeth is just the thing, isn’t it?
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Perhaps we can get Mr Wentworth together with Miss Latimer and what about the Colonial, surely he deserves a good partner!
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Perhaps the twins need to extend their match making plans!
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Now that was what we were all waiting for…at least I was. Some clearing of the misunderstandings between them! I like how Elizabeth is the one to say ‘ I found myself in the middle before I knew I had begun.’ to Jane. Even with Jane and Bingley, they too have addressed the disappointments of the year 11.
I also love the scenes where Darcy is playing the piano…you bring it so visually to mind when you write it! Then with Elizabeth thanking Mrs. Reynolds, how she must think well of her already. But the Colonel is such a rascal! I wonder what his reaction will be to Miss Latimer! Speaking of which, I envision Mr. Latimer being quite disturbed with how things are playing out! I wonder if he has already boasted to friends of his ‘connections’ with Mr. Darcy! Then again, I wonder how much Miss Latimer really cares about being ‘connected’ to Mr. Darcy! Maybe she feels she has no choice in the matter. Then there is Wentworth…will he be at the ball? Oh yes, many threads to be untangled yet and maybe a few knots that might get tighter before they do!
Now that the dance card has been located, there is still no mention of the locket…
Thank you for such a nice long chapter! This will sustain me through the weekend!
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I’m pleased you liked me using Darcy’s words from the book for Lizzy! It just seemed to fit the situation, somehow! ❤
I've enjoyed tangling the threads, Carole. Now I have to keep my focus to ensure I get them Untangled in the right way!
I'm glad you liked the long chapter. It wasn't planned that way, but the first scene became longer than anticipated, and the end scene doesn't really fit in the next one, so there it stayed!
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So Lizzy found her dance card – but no locket! I wonder if Mrs. B’s locket is with Mr. Bennet…
There is so much to love in this chapter. Georgiana placing the Bennet sisters in the family wing; a wonderful moment between sisters once more (the familiar feeling of warmth I get when reading through a Jane and Lizzy section) wherein they discuss, albeit slightly, how they feel about their respective (potential) partners. I am liking this new Bingley as well – as straightforward as he can be, and almost as honest as Jane! I like how he luckily stumbled upon Jane.
Now, about Lizzy and Darcy, thank you for giving us that moment in the music room and then in the hallway, where she finally manages to try and communicate to him that she likes him. That line of hers asking what he would want instead of her gratitude – oh my heart was in my throat! I could imagine Darcy’s was as well!
I’m a sucker for “second chance” stories and there are two in yours! ♥ enjoying every second of this ride. Thank you, Cass 🙂
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Ah, the mystery of the locket 😉 You are all becoming very good sleuths now, picking up on little things!
So happy you continue to enjoy, Mel!!!
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Well, those two are definitely getting closer to revealing their true feelings for one another, but I’m still worried about what will happen when the Latimers come around. As for Jane and Bingley, ah well Mr. Wentworth, it’s not looking too good for you. Oh … I would really like it if Darcy gave Lizzy a private tour of the Library, or how about the garden, yes very romantic. Make it moonlight. And then she might just happen to trip over a fold on the rug or a branch on the path and he romantically catches her and they … (He He … I guess I’ve been reading too many stories with angst lately and I’m just in need of some D&L TLC. Ignore my pleas. I know we have to wait till Darcy settles things with Latimer, at least that’s what he tells himself. Hmmm. ) Looking forward to more. Thanks for such a beautiful story. Jen Red ♫
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LOL, Jen! That’s a few of you now all pinning hopes on a personalised library tour, though tripping over the rug is a first! 😉
So appreciate your reading along!
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PS Did I say that I LOVE the colonel? I like how he managed the first dance for Darcy and I hope he will step up to the plate if the Latimers are in attendance. I’m counting on him to run interference. Hopefully Bennet will be okay while the gang is having fun.
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I love the Colonel too, Jen! I think you are wise to count on him to interfere. He and the twins could be quite a formidable team! 😉
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I am enjoying this story a lot ( except for the times i have to wait for the next posting…)!
Elizabeth fiund her dance card but has Jane found Mrs Bennets locket?
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Haha! Sorry, Roxey, about the wait between chapters. I’m writing as I go; I promise I’m not withholding them for any special reason! They just don’t exist until each week comes along. 😉
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I love it when our favorite couple starts to take baby steps toward each other! Those baby steps soon lead to long loping strides and I dearly love those also.
So… the Latimers are due next. (Yippee! The Latimers are coming. Hurrah! Hurrah!) I wonder if Miss Latimer has already started shopping for her trousseau. And has Mr. Latimer had new business cards made up that announce he is the father-in-law of Mr. Darcy? Has Miss Latimer’s wedding ball already been planned, the musicians hired, the white soup preparation started? Darcy might have a Gordian knot to untangle with that family, but it would be much worse if he had proceeded with his plans to marry where there was no affection.
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Loping strides! Love it, Jan!
I’m laughing at your speculation on the Latimers! I agree; better whatever Darcy has to do to break free than to marry anyone other than we-know-who!!
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I am delighted to see Elizabeth taking her happiness into her own hands–with a little help from her friends and family. However, I am afraid the ever placid Miss Lattimer may not be willing to withdraw so easily. I cannot wait to see how things play out. Looking forward to Tuesday.
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Thank you for continuing to comment, Lizzybel!
Yes, we are all anticipation now for the Latimers… 😉
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As has been said…Bingley just happened to being passing by when Jane is coming to dinner…in the family wing?…laughing. But so happy to read that their conversations have addressed why he didn’t come back to Netherfield and why others did not detect her feelings.
LOVE that Darcy plays the piano! That is so romantic from my POV. I had to laugh when she fed him the line ‘Then if not gratitude, sir, what would you have?’ (Jump on it, Darcy.) And I so expected him to immediately offer to show her his library, but knowing his judgments about the family’s lack of proprieties previously I can understand why he would act with caution.
And the Colonel – military action of charging straight ahead…but aren’t we glad he did so and secured dances for both Darcy and himself? Standing up with Elizabeth for the first set of dances has to tell Mr. Latimer something very loud and clear.
I have to tell you, dear author, that on the mornings I know you have posted a chapter I am opening my mail box and looking for that before anything else gets attended to and then I prepare my breakfast and sit in front of my computer and read the chapter over my oatmeal and coffee. Loving this story.
So the dance card was found but, as noted, where is the necklace? Are we making too much about it?
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It makes my heart smile, Sheila, to think of you anticipating the chapter over your breakfast! I hope you continue to enjoy. I value and enjoy your comments very much.
Ah, that necklace… is it a red herring… or isn’t it? 😉
Here’s hoping I never give you indigestion! ❤
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I am breathing a sigh of relief that Darcy has the first set with her. I am glad she is trying to make her feelings known. Fortunately, Darcy isn’t one to be easily intimidated as far as the lat timers are concerned. Thanks for writing.
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My pleasure, Fran. Thank YOU for reading and then commenting! I’ve enjoyed these interactions with everyone reading along so much!
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Such a lovely chapter. As always with your writings, it ended too soon. 😉
I’m glad that Elizabeth picked up Jane’s gentle challenge and opened herself more to Darcy. I’m sure that his heart is flying with joy with the results of the Colonel’s “coercion”; he is now set to open the ball with Elizabeth. The Latimers will not be pleased with that turn of events, nor of the Bennet ladies being housed in the family wing! That’s nearly a declaration right there!
God bless the dear Colonel!! 😀
Thank you once again, Cassandra, for another delightful chapter; I am positively hooked on this story!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
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It makes me so happy you are enjoying the story so much, Susanne! ❤
Yes, there's a lot for the Latimers to be hit with when they arrive. I wonder how they will each react individually… 😉
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What a lovely chapter! Elizabeth is being more forward (as much as she can be!) and Darcy too. I am so happy he asked her for the first set. It is big, even though he was coerced by the Colonel! lol. By the way, I looove the Colonel! He might still be very helpful once the dreadful Latimers arrive! I dont know how you will present Miss Latimer but I have this idea she will be a Miss Bingley and no one will stand her and Darcy will be so so regretful of having ever considered her as a wife. I can’t wait for the next chapter and more ODC’s interactions! Oh, and I am joining the “Make Darcy give Elizabeth the library tour” team!! 😀
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I think the Colonel is a handy person to have on one’s side, Daniela 😉
Tee hee re the Library tour team! Love it!
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Absolutely loved this chapter! I don’t really have much to add that hasn’t already been commented upon, but I just loved the various interactions…Lizzy with Georgiana, Lizzy with Mrs. Reynolds, Lizzy with Jane, and of course Lizzy with Darcy. Yay for the Colonel and his scheming! I am wondering what Miss Latimer will be like and am looking forward to the next chapter! Will it take place in the library? 🙂
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LOL re the library, Maureen! It looks like the readers want a library scene, so it looks like I’ll be writing one! 😉
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I was wondering if the Misses Bennet’s would make it into the family wing, I’m so glad they did. Next stop one book filled library – a great place for a first kiss by the way. 😉
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LOL Trez. Er, that may be a bit premature! I think Darcy is a bit too much the gentleman to do that in the circumstances (nice thought, though – perhaps an outtake that he imagines!) 😉
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I personally think that Mr Latimer will be harder to deal with than his daughter. I do not see Miss Latimer similar to Miss Bingley. I seem to remember that she was a bit uninterested in Darcy and they did not have much to talk about. Miss Bingley was much more proactive in her pursuit of Darcy. I believe Miss Latimer will be enchanted with the Colonel because he will be there interfering so that Darcy and Lizzy get more time together. And the Colonel needs to marry well! There, I am giving away how I see the story progressing… I am so enthralled by it that I spend a fair amount of time thinking about how it will develop.😊
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Miss Latimer certainly seems as though she won’t be another Miss Bingley! Let’s hope so!
I’m loving your thoughts, Cristina, so do please keep sharing whenever you feel like it!
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In general I dislike the activity of reading stories in serial form — I’m usually reading two or three books at any one time (not all JAFF of course) and find it hard to keep the story line of a serial straight in my mind. But I cannot stop reading this one, altho’ admittedly I have to go back and re-read the previous chapter before moving on to the next one.
Dying to know what’s going on with Mr Bennet, whether Jane will ultimately choose Bingley or Wentworth (are we going canon or non-canon?), how exactly Darcy will divest himself of the Latimers and what the repercussions will be, whether Mr Bennet will remarry and whom, and how soon Darcy and Elizabeth will find their HEA.
And please continue giving the Colonel as much face time as possible!
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Don’t worry, Janis! The Colonel will stay in the thick of it as usual! 😉
I understand re reading serial posting/reading. I wouldn’t normally have gone back to this way of doing things, but it was such a long time since I had shared any JAFF writing online, I wasn’t even sure there was anyone who’d read my story. I had visions of tumbleweed rolling slowly across the screen!
It’s been a big adventure, a lot of fun, and I love the comments and the interaction with those reading along, especially when they are in effect getting the first draft, along with my lovely typos! 😉
Canon or non-canon? I’m not sure! I try hard to keep the canon characters acting ‘in character’, within the parameters of the new situations they are in or experiences they have had earlier in the story line? Other than Darcy and Elizabeth getting together in the end (whoops, is that a spoiler? lol), I don’t feel tied to canon for any other outcomes. 😀
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Late to the party again, sorry. So much to love about this chapter.
‘It has been coming along so gradually, I found myself in the middle before I knew I had begun.’ I love that you have Elizabeth saying those words here. Then you follow it with these delicious words of your own from Jane: ‘he wished me to understand that if it was his choice, he would pay me undue attention for the rest of my life!’ And then Elizabeth telling Darcy that she didn’t have an aversion to ANY of the occupants of Pemberley. Finally the Colonel’s “coercion” – may he “coerce away” as much as he wishes!
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I’m so pleased you enjoyed this chapter, Anji!
I’ve always loved those words of Darcy’s from the book, and somehow, they fitted Elizabeth’s story in this one, so it felt fitting to use them. I hope Jane Austen will take it as a compliment! 😉
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