Seems that Hank always needed money... because I guess that's the reason he married pregnant Joyce.
Joyce was married, seems that didn't count for her father. *wonders if Giles is really dead; she never saw his corpse.*
Ah Spike is suspicious too. Wesley will love the challenge :) With a bit of bribery to the jailor (if they work this long there...)
*thinks* If Buffy gets to know that Hank isn't her father I'm sure she'll be relieved about that fact.
Hank should feel as Buffy's biological father. Sad to see that isn't the way.
More to Giles? Maybe an illegitimate offspring of an grand duke or the king (prince)... Some princes has been know to be notorious.... ;-)
Looking forward to more.

Author's Response: Oh yes, no amount of money is ever enough for Hank. And Giles isn't dead. ;) And bribery to the jailor would go a loooooong way on him cooperating showing the registry, me thinks.
I think Buffy will be more than happy to know that, but it would be a scandal of massive proportions, so it has to be handled with care.
And yes, some princes had been notorious for that, but not in this case, or maybe... we'll see. ;) thank you so much for reviewing!

I enjoyed learning Joyce's tragic backstory. Should be interesting to see if Spike can find Giles and what the consequences will be if he does. Will be eagerly looking forward to the upcoming wooing. ;) Loved the update!
And congrats on the noms!!! :D

Author's Response: Thank you, Amelia, for everything, and no worries, Giles will be found, or rather he'll find them. ;) And the wooing is not going too badly I think ;) *hugs*

That went well! :) I was thinking, does Hank know that Buffy ain't his daughter? Is that why he treated both her and Joyce so badly? What if Giles is still alive? I know you probably won't answer :p And I know I'll have to wait ;) But I'm so curious... *hugs* / Ariadne

Author's Response: Oh yes, Hank knows and it's one of the reasons he treats them like that. The other reason is that he's a bastard. ;) And Giles is alive, but that's all I'm saying on that matter. ;) *hugs* thank you for your lovely review, cariño!

I was so happy to read two updates in a week. This was a great chapter and it explains a lot. I am sure that Rupert Giles is still alive and in prison or he has been told that Lady Joyce did not want him. Whatever the reason I am sure he is alive. I can't wait to read the wooing of Buffy but will she be receptive and I am sure that Angel will rear his big head soon.

Author's Response: Hee, yes, Giles is alive, now regarding where, you'll find out soon, I promise. ;) And I guess you'll have to wait and see how receptive Buffy will be to the duke's advances. About Angel, well, he'll rear his ugly big head on the wedding day and that's all I'm saying. ;) thank you so very much for reviewing!

wonderful, loved the way it flowed and am looking forward to more

Author's Response: Awww, thank you, sweetie! I'm glad you think so.

You know I adored this chapter as so many things come to light and has given everyone involved a lot to think about. And a big WOO HOO for William being such a good man. Hope Buffy will see more and more of that as he begins to woo her in your next chapter. Rubs hands together eagerly - can't wait for it. Fabulous chapter carino, and I just know the next is going to be even better. Luv ya lots.

Author's Response: Awww, you know I couldn't do this without you, darling. A million thanks is simply not enough for all you do for me. *smooches* Love you tons.

I think I know what Joyce's secret is...but I'll wait for the next chapter to confirm!

I love Spike getting rid of Hank, but it could lead to trouble. I don't think there will be an easy path to this wedding, on anyone's part.

Author's Response: *lol* I think it wasn't that difficult to discover Joyce's secret. ;) And you're right up to a certain point, although I think what will prove to be more difficult will be the path to Buffy's heart. Thank you for reviewing, sweetie!

ohhhh a cliffhanger....post again, post again!

Author's Response: *lol* You know I hadn't noticed it was a cliffhanger until some of you started to say it was. Hope to post the next one very soon. Thanks for reviewing!

Ughhh... now you have me all bitey-naily! Wonder what secret is that? So looking forward to the next chappie now! It's so sweet what William did but I can't help but feel that he seemed so presumptuous. Like nothing can touch him. :

*scowls at Hank* Good riddance! For now. :P

Author's Response: Hee, you'll find out soon about the secret, I promise. About William, well, he might be a tad presumptuous, but not without the right to be so. He has enough power and money to get away with anything he wants, really. And yep, you're right for now, since Hank will be coming back eventually. Thank you for reviewing, cariño!

Ah, so Buffy was an illegitimate child? Joyce, you bad girl, you! But I'm sure she was in love, unless tragically taken advantage of.

Spike is proving himself more and more....and hee hee, Buffy still thinks she's going to marry Angel. Angel, whom she hasn't had word from or knows exactly where he is. Where would she run *to* if Angel isn't even back before the wedding?

I'm glad Joyce got to enjoy herself so much.

Author's Response: Hee, you'll find out for sure what happened to Joyce on the next chapter. ;)

Poor Buffy is in denial, me thinks, add to that that she's stubborn as a mule and that's a recipe for disaster. ;) Thank you so much for your lovely review!

Absolutely adored this!!!

Spike in protector mode seriously kicked ass and taought Hank a lesson. Though I may be scared of what way that horrid man is thinking of seeking revenge in, I think it'll be by revealing Buffy is not his daughter, which I hope will turn out to be more of a blessing as far as Spike is concerned than a reason to break off the marriage!

Can't wait for more. No, seriously, can't wait! *bounces* moooore noooooow!!!!

*huggles*

Author's Response: I'm so beyond happy you liked the way Hank dealed with Spike. *bounces* And you might be right regarding Joyce's secret and Spike's reaction to it. ;) But you'll find out for sure tomorrow, I promise.

*hugs and kisses* Thank you for reviewing, sweetie!

Loved it. I don't see Hank ever getting the better of Spike but it seems he could cause havoc by trying and I assume he is not Buffy's biological father - is that someone we know? The lady does protest too much about not marrying Spike and is Buffy mad, the man likes to shop. She should snap him up quick!! Cannot wait for more - please.

Author's Response: I agree with you, there's no way Hank can win against Spike, but he doesn't know that. Your assumption is quite right and you'll find out who it is on the next chapter. ;) *giggles* You're right Buffy doth protests quite a bit, I think she's trying to convince herself. Thank you so much for reviewing!