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A Quest for Mr Darcy – Chapter Forty Nine
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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 
Oh no! An interruption of a potential kiss!!! LOL
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LOL!
The moment will come, Jessica, but not until it’s the ‘right’ moment! 😉
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You made me cry last week and now another wonderful chapter… I was expecting a kiss though… shall we have to wait for this as well? At least naughty Mr Bennet is back and unaware (hi hi hi hi hi) of all that occured during his absence. Looking forward to Thursday for the long-awaited explanation, or shall it be postponed as that long-awaited kiss. Oh how do I love Mr Bennet in deep trouble and unaware his fate is sealed and he is doomed to a complete explanation. I can understand his decision to hide away Lydia, as she could not return to Longbourn, but to let her sisters believe she was dead!
And now what of Jane, she has turned down Wentworth, but will she accept Bingley if he asks? And what of the dear Colonel? I heard rumors of his finding a match… Jane or Miss Latimer? Miss Latimer maybe, although I like the idea of Jane and the Colonel…. I am not sure Bingley deserves her… Mmmmmm….
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Sorry to have made you cry, Nathalie! 😉
I know, everyone wants them to have a good old snog, but I’m afraid I’ve already written that scene and I’m not changing it as I really love it! ❤
Ah, naughty Mr B! Tee hee! No, there will be no delay to his explanation. We need to get this out of the way to get to that long awaited D/E kiss!!!! 😉
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Well, I didn’t know what ‘snog’ was, I figured it was a kiss (I’m brazilian) , but then I found this definition: “lusty wild kiss” LOL Don’t disappoint us!! LOL
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It was good tears Cass, the reunion of the sisters was so beautiful 🙂
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That’s okay, then, Nathalie!
LOL, Jessica! I’ll see what I can do!!!!
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In a break in my teaching today, I managed to read the chapter. It was glorious and, just because I have to rush to the next lecture, I cannot write further for the time being.
I cannot wait for their first kiss either 😉
Thank you!
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Feeling the first kiss pressure here, Cristina, but I genuinely think it will be worth the wait. 😉
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I felt a tear when Lydia expressed her wish for Darcy as a brother! Perhaps she has grown up during her ordeal.
I’m glad that Papa Bennet is back and hopefully we will get some more answers. Very curious of how you will tie up all these loose threads, DA.
Thanks for another great chapter!
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Happy you enjoyed, Carol!
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Always a cliff hangar, you are!!!
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Tee hee! 😉
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Wow
Poor Lydia. It’s sad to see such a lively light dimmed so much.
So, Jane declined wentworth. Darcy is making moves
Elizabeth is fearing loss .
And then comes Bennett.
Can’t wait to read this conversation!
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Yes, it’s about time we heard from Mr Bennet, isn’t it, Carol?
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I hope Lizzie isn’t foolish enough to reject Darcy again because of the expectation of scandal?
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I think she has a little too much sense, Fran. She’s just frightened right now that he will feel obliged to give her up. She’s had a lot to take in and it’s all stressing her out a bit! 😉
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I agree with Hollis: you are an expert at leaving us hanging and as you acknowledged this will be a page turner of a novel when it is published. As for “snog” – it is not an American word either but with so many films coming our way from Great Britain we have heard (or read of it in many stories) the word used more than occasionally.
Great Chapter – like that Darcy is reassuring Elizabeth that he is not going to “disappear” again or separate himself and his sister from their company. And Lydia/Sarah: seems to have gained just a bit of wisdom in her exile…recognizing the value of a good man. Now to get Latimer out the door and to make sure the twins know to keep quiet.
So looking forward to that first kiss…more that a kiss on the cheek.
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I am, of course, exaggerating with the word ‘snog’. I think Darcy might be a bit more restrained the first time… roll on the second! 😉
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So the Rat-Fink Papa has returned. Right now it’s hard to follow Darcy’s advice and not give him the benefit of the doubt. I was hoping the girls could see Lydia again, but who knows with Bennet. Then I’m feeling a bit sorry for the Colonel, didn’t he seem to like Latimer’s daughter, or was that someone else’s story? Hmmm. I can see that this story is going to need a few more chapters so keep writing, dear author! Love it. Jen Red ♫
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LOL, Jen, re Rat-Fink Papa!
I think the Colonel is keeping things close to his chest on what he really thinks of Eleanor Latimer.
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Now to learn the story from the viewpoint of the inestimable Mr. Bennet…although his dramatic entrance did hinder a bit of Darcy romancing his Elizabeth. 😉
Poor Lydia! It isn’t often that I feel sympathy for her character, but this time I definitely do. She has suffered and, as a result, has changed as we can see in her kind words to Darcy about him being the best of brothers. Lydia’s words at the end of that section choked me up.
Now to the truth of the matter, and also to the romances of Darcy & Elizabeth and Bungley & Jane! (And would it be too neat a fit if Lydia were to eventually marry Wentworth?)
Thank you for another wonderful (yet cliffhanger-ish) chapter, m’dear!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
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I have been surprised by Lydia, Susanne. I’ve never liked her in canon at all, really, and I wasn’t sure I make her likeable in this story either, but she’s turned out better than I expected! 😉
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Yes, Lydia has certainly learned what a good man is…Darcy. That was definitely a very touching moment. I do like how you ‘softened’ Darcy’s answer to Elizabeth about an explanation from her father. Yes, he did have 4 other daughters to think of but did he have to say she died! Though to many families back then, that was how they dealt with it! I’m really really looking forward to Mr. Bennet’s explanations…flawed though they may be. Thank you and looking forward to Thursday!
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I think Lizzy can sometimes have a tendency to speak first and think later, and I liked that too, Carole, because it shows that Darcy knows this too.
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Well, (with a little nod to the song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”) a kiss on the cheek may be quite continental, but snogging is a girl’s best friend. Despite any serious lip locking, this Darcy is totally swoon-worthy! Even his gentle reprimand to Elizabeth to caution her to give her father the benefit of the doubt until she heard his explanation made me swoon a little (good thing I was sitting down). Now, Mr. Bennet is back (let the ‘splainin’ begin) and the hunt for Wickham can commence (bring out the rack and the thumbscrews from the medieval cellars if he resists confessing all). Oh, and please let Mr. Latimer fall and hit his head thus causing him to have a total personality change into a nice person. Also, if you would, please let the Colonel have a happy marriage with an incredibly nice person. And, if it is not too much trouble, could you please make Thursday get here more quickly? (Am I coming across as too needy or demanding?)
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Loving the song reference, Jan! 😀
I’m so happy you find Darcy swoon-worthy! Loving your suggestions for Wickham and Latimer. I’ll do my best for the Colonel, as I do love him!
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You are quite the story teller, Miss Cass! And you must have fly fishing somewhere in your personal past — Cast your line and reel it back, oh so slowly. Okay, I’ve nibbled! So at least give me a kiss, please!
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LOL, Katherine! Hmm, fly fishing, yes? 😉
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I would do anything for you. Though I am prepared to sacrifice my own happiness for others, I will not sacrifice yours if it is in my power to do so.’
Never been Darcy was wonderfully described.Love it.
Thanks,
Revam
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Thank you, Revam!!!
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Well Mr. Bennet, it’s about time! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear this explanation GEZ! So touching the last chapter was with our dear sisters, now they know the truth, what is to become of Lid, I mean Mrs. Hawes, and poor Jane, who will comfort her? And what of Wickham? Thursday can’t come soon enough 🙂
Julie R
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It’ll be here before you know it, Julia! 😉
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What a wonderful chapter, Cass!! I was angry though, at all those people and things interrupting ODC!!! LOL. But their moments together were beautiful and special and I was happy Darcy could be tender to her and reassure her a little. His kissing her on the cheek was so lovely! And I completely understand Elizabeth’s fears there, but she just needs to trust his love for her more, and I think he managed to tell her a bit of that in that last sentence.
Now Mr Bennet! Argh, I have no lost feelings for the man, that’s for sure. Let’s see how he can explain himself to his daughters.
And please, can you just take those Latimers away?? I have nothing again Mrs and Miss Latimer but they are so in the way at the moment! Maybe Darcy could actually ask them to leave!
Oh, now it just hit me: Elizabeth will leave Pemberley because Mr Bennet has arrived! Awww….I really wanted her to stay more. Maybe never leave it again? lol.
Can’t wait for Thursday!!
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Happy you enjoyed it, Daniela!
LOL re the interruptions – real life in a nutshell! Yes, sadly this means it’s time for Elizabeth and Jane to leave Pemberley…
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This was another excellent chapter. I, too, appreciated Lydia’s sweet remark about Darcy being the protecting brother they always wanted. Wentworth is a stand-up guy, so kind to host Lydia temporarily. And Darcy is being so supportive and helpful to Elizabeth, trying to put her mind more at ease, telling her he’d do anything for her. I appreciated when he told Lizzy to hear her father’s explanation before judging him too harshly.
Looking forward to hearing from Mr. Bennet on Thursday!
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Yes, Darcy is truly showing he has Elizabeth’s interests at heart, Maureen!
So pleased you enjoyed the chapter!
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I loved this chapter. Darcy’s gentle touches – so reassuring. Lydia wishing Darcy as a brother. I think she’s learned a lot from her travails. And we shortly get to hear from Mr. Bennett, should be interesting!
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So happy you enjoyed it, Suzanne!
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Cass you have done it again?!!! Argh! 😤 So close to getting Darcy to kiss Elizabeth right there but nooooo Mr Bennet and his arrival had to ruin it!! Now what will Mr. Bennett story be?! Why did he sell the locket? And what is the deep dark secret Wickham is blackmailing him for? Now on with the story Cass, I’m curious as to the next chapter!
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I’ve got my fingers in my ears now, Sophia! LOL Sorry, but kisses will happen when the time is right, not just because they have a moment alone when anyone could (and does) interrupt them!
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But Caaaas it was so obvious that they could have kissed right there!!
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In a public hallway in a massive house full of guests and servants who could appear at any moment? No chance!
Besides, Mr Darcy is a principled gentleman and he has taken Elizabeth into his house under his protection. No matter what he might wish, he is not going to overstep any mark whilst that is the case. Hmm, perhaps that means things are more likely to end in a kiss after Elizabeth leaves?!?!?!? 😉
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Wow, what a cliffhanger. Normally Lydia is not a likable character except in the stories where she shows growth, as here. It is sad she was cut off by him so that she has hidden in the woods to watch Jane and Lizzy, whom she loves. Does Wickham know where Lydia is? Waiting for Lizzy’s romance with Darcy to grow. I hope Mr Bennet does not try to leave the area. It seems like Col. Fitzwilliam would fit for Miss Latimer. I am very much enjoying this.
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Thank you, Donna. The romance will move on very soon, I promise. It’s only just 16 days since that bucket of water incident, after all, and they’ve done a good job of making their feelings clear to each other outside of a full declaration. But it’s coming, I promise!!! ❤
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It is a truth universally acknowledged that when Darcy is acting with chivalry and valor we all swoon in succession.
I have to wonder if poor Mrs. Bennet knew her Lydia was alive and that is why she succumbed to her peril so quickly. I mean really, to know your favorite is out there and not be able to do anything to help her. Or mayhap Mr. Bennett told his wife that she died in the fire and ultimately Mrs. Bennett blamed herself.
This was another great chapter with some more wonderful interaction between ODC.
And Mr. Wentworth, his heart must not be too attached if his mind was on other things during the vocal exchange with Jane. And there’s the rub. Mayhap he will end up with Mrs. Hawes after she’s been there for a while and gets her health back. Well, that would be ironic, wouldn’t it? 😛😀😛
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By the by, I am patiently waiting for some person to put Mr. Latimer in his place.
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Hahahaha! I’ll get the twins on it…. 😉
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No harm with a bit of irony now and again, Trez! 😉
Happy you are one of the swoon-team! ❤
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An excellent chapter. I hope that all can be worked out to the satisfaction of everyone in the family. I am glad Darcy is making know his feelings and pray Elizabeth will hear what he is saying and not try to put him off “for his own good.” Will Wickham play a part in Thursday’s episode or will we have to wait still further? I am anxious to learn what will happen.
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Personally, Lizzybel, I think Elizabeth is too attached to Darcy to give him up lightly! 😉
Ah, Wickham. He may get a mention… he may not! But he definitely doesn’t have a role in today’s chapter!
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Why am I always playing catch–up? It’s not cos of any lack of interest in the story Cass, truly. Work and life and stuff and things keep getting in the way! I loved what Lydia/Sarah said to Darcy as he was leaving the rectory: ‘All our lives, Mr Darcy, we had longed for a brother to protect us. I have come to realise Wickham would have been the worst sort. I suspect you, sir, will be the best.’ Maybe her experience will have worked some permanent change for the good on her.
Now when it comes to Jane, I’m not sure what she’s thinking. She’s turned down a Wentworth (can’t believe I just typed that – “turned down a Wentworth”!) and it sounds as thouh she’s still not over-enamoured with Bungley either. He’s got some way to go to change her mind by the looks of things. Who’s the unlucky man, living ten miles distant, who Latimer’s got his hooks into? Could the Colonel be practicing some disguise of his own? But then, he didn’t go on the shoot, did he? Hmmmm.
And now Mr. Bennet arrives, just in time to delay that long-awaited kiss. Grrrr! A little cheek caressing from time to time is all he can get in. Ahh, but those words: ‘Elizabeth,’ he whispered, stepping closer to her before wiping a thumb gently across her cheek as a tear fell. ‘I would do anything for you. Though I am prepared to sacrifice my own happiness for others, I will not sacrifice yours if it is in my power to do so.’ Definitely made me go all gooey inside!
Off now to see what revelations are forthcoming in the next chapter.
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LOL Anji, re ‘turned down a Wentworth’! I know!!
Always good to hear from you!
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