I like that Spike and Buffy are getting closer, even though she's still thinking of Angel I'm feeling hopeful that things will work out. Loved the Spike/Hank scene, it was especially nice to see Spike use the crop against Hank. Gotta say I'm worried about Hank's future retaliation though, that man is definitely dangerous. Can't wait for Joyce's upcoming talk with Spike. Great chapter! :D

Author's Response: Hank might be dangerous, but no worries, Spike is more dangerous and powerful than he imagines. I'm glad that you liked the Spike/Hank scene and that Spike and Buffy are getting closer, even if she keeps stubbornly thinking she loves Angel. Silly, silly girl. ;) Thank you for reviewing, sweetie!

WOO HOO for Spike getting Hank to leave - bastard. I don't care what Hank thinks he has up his sleeve, I have faith in your SPike he'll take care of him again. - love the cane snapping, mmmmm, delicious manly, angry Spike. ANd what's this? Buffy is seeing him differently now but still declares her love for Angel? Me thinks the lady is crazy, LOL. Loved the shopping excursion and especially Joyce's character in all this. SHe's a smart woman, and her plan to be honest with the duke is really brilliant. I especially loved this chapter hon, you did such a wonderful, wonderful job of it. Love you to peices mi hermana... smoochies.

Author's Response: *lmao* Yeah, Hank's truly a bastard, not too fun to write either. So, good riddance... for now. ;) Poor Hank, I think between Joyce and Spike he has no chance of ever gaining the upper hand. *giggles* Hee, Buffy is more stubborn than crazy me thinks, we'll just have to make her see reason. ;) I'm glad you liked Joyce, she is fun to write. Thank you miles for everything sweetie. Love you too!

I think Willow's thoughts were right on the money... getting away from Hank as soon as possible is the best thing for Buffy. Loved the tenderness Spike lavished on Buffy. :D Great chapter!
~ Sorry to hear you've been sick, I hope you're feeling better now, Mari. *hugs*

Author's Response: Awww, thank you, cariño! I feel a lot better now, thank God. ;) I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! *hugs*

I wonder what Fred has in mind... And Hank is just too much, makes me angry. I hope there's a way to get rid of him later.... ;) / Ariadne

Author's Response: Oh no worries about getting rid of Hank, at least for a bit, you'll see why in the next chapter. And I hope you like what Fred planned. ;) Thank you so much for reviewing, sweetie! *smooches*

Love love love love love it!!! So exactly what I was hoping to see, and though I of course love reading stories where things happen differently to what I'm expecting, I do love it when sometimes things happen exactly how I hope they will!!! Spike of course can be so tender and loving... hopefully Buffy will realize that he can be that round the clock for those he loves and will come to love him back!! Of course you're making the journey to that point amazing as usual, I just love all your stories, and I can not wait for another update!!! Brilliant!!

Author's Response: Yay, I'm glad I wrote what you wanted to read. :D And while, yes, Buffy is seeing a different side of him, she's a stubborn one, so it make take her some time to realize her feelings run deeper than she thinks. ;) Thank you so much for reviewing! I do hope you enjoy the next chapter as well!

Lovely chapter. I can't wait to read what happens next.

Author's Response: Hee, you'll find out what happens next very soon, I promise. ;) Thank you for reviewing!

Honey my eyelids are drifting shut, so this will be brief:

Take a leave of absence from work and don't get off your desk before you've written at least five more chapters!!! I'm loving this and want more ASAP! Now, missy!!! Can't wait to see Spike chewing Hank's head off for what he did!

*hugs you tight*

PS. “Because I take care of those who are mine.”---*dies*


Author's Response: Hee, you're too funny and believe me, I wish I could do just that. Especially in days like today when muse was so cooperative.

I do hope you enjoy the way the confrontation resulted. ;) Thank you so much for your lovely review, darling! *hugs*

Loved how sweet William was to Elizabeth. Can't wait to read more!

Author's Response: Yay! Thank you so much for letting me know, sweetie! More coming soon. ;)

*sighs dreamily*

The Duke can tend to my boo-boos anytime. :D He was so cute when he looked bashful as he asked her to lower the upper part of her shift. Spike = bashful? That's just a big awwwww!

Excellent chapter! You're doing great, dusty! :D

Author's Response: *lol* Isn't he cute? I just couldn't resist showing another facet of him. :D Thank you so much for reviewing, darling!

Ah, good.......progress between thw two blonds. :D

Poor Buffy...she must be a mess of scars, if she's whipped that deeply all the time.

Author's Response: Oh yes, progress. A little bit at least. ;)

I think she must be, this is not the first time he's done this to her, but it is the worst. Thank you for reviewing!

Really enjoyed this chapter. Was good to get everyone's perspective on the dinner and the marriage.
Love the way you've written Spike - stubborn and single-minded but not cruel. Unlike Hank who appears to be a very nasty piece of work. Poor Buffy!

Looking forward to more.

Author's Response: Thank you, sweetie! I'm delighted you enjoyed. I loved writing all the different perspectives, thought it added up to the story. :D

Yep, Spike is not cruel,Iactually I think the next chapter will show you all a different side of him. Hope to have more soon. :D

Yikes, poor Buffy! Fred was right about Hank, he truly is despicable... I hope he gets what he deserves someday soon. Can't wait to find out what Fred has up her sleeve. Great chapter!

Have a great week too, Mari! :D

Author's Response: Yep, Hank is despicable. And no worries, he'll get what he deserves soon, very soon. ;) You'll find out what Fred is planning very soon. :D Thank you for reviwing! *hugs*

THis is just such a wonderfully done chapter mi hermana, and I was very hapy to have helped you out of your slump. As soon as we chat and ideas form, your muse was struck with lightening and writing like crazy and what wonderful things you came up with. I adore this story and of course can't wait to help out in anyway I can with the next, filled with anticipation over the plans we discussed - squeeeeeeee. Luv u boo and another well done chapter.

Author's Response: Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, sweetie! Truly if it hadn't been for your this chapter never would've been finished. And that chat certainly helped since muse seems to be very focused for the moment, doesn't she? At least for the time being. ;) Thanks for being so supportive and encouraging.¨*hugs* Love you, boo!