Very sweet chapter. Im loving this story so much!

Author's Response: I'm glad. Thank you for reviewing. :)

I've been away also, and have some time to read a little catchup. Oh poor William, he must see her genuine feelings for him truly and really not believe the lies. Must move on the next chapt. thanx luv.

Another richly detailed, emotional chapter. I love the image of Buffy just leaping up to get icicles for William's face. His outrage and anger at her being insulted was lovely, and I really liked this line: “What kind of love could I claim, if I were not willing to defend you?” Your William is so chivalrous and charming, I wish Buffy could just be truthful with him. His story about rescuing her makes it appear they were destined to be together.

Author's Response: I always felt there was a connection between Buffy and Spike that went beyond the realm of attraction or even love. Way back in season three when they hated each other, Buffy even said she could never fool Spike. He has always been so good at reading her, and so protective of her once he admitted his true feelings. I think William is no different in that respect. Thanks so much for the feedback. I really appreciate it. :)

I'm so sorry to hear that you are having a tough time right now. My thoughts and best wishes are with you. I look forward to seeing your next chapter and not for selfish reasons. That way, I'll know, things are better for you.


Author's Response: What a very nice thing for you to say, thank you. :) I am feeling better today, and my muse woke up to prod me into finising Chapter 22. Hopefully, this means things are back on track.

Thank you for this latest chapter. I'm glad Buffy and William got to talk about what happened, even if it's really not settled yet. You really expose the depth of victorian moral values in William's character. The story seems very faithfull to the historical era.

Author's Response: Thank you so much for taking the time to review, ella; I really appreciate it. :) I'm glad you think that I am being true to the era. I did do a lot of research beforehand, and I'm glad you appreciate that.

Love love love this. I hope all works out ok for you and your back soon.
((((((HUGS))))))

Author's Response: Thank you so much, mselfie. (((hugs back))) Everyone has been so lovely and supportive; must be why I love this site so. :)

This is an excellent story. i gather at some point she is going back to the future and i cannot wait!

Author's Response: Mums the word on that. :P Thanks for the review!

This should be interesting cause Williams servants will know he was in a fight and that will spread to the house rumors about Elizabeth and William. Tons of great points in this update I enjoyed it from start to end.

Author's Response: I am so glad you enjoyed it, tattoedsiren. Thank you for taking the time to tell me so. :) Living so closely to the Hartleys, I am sure the servants know everything and discuss everything. Even before Buffy arrived in the house, there were rumors about the reason for her coming. Once they see William's battered face, I am sure the rumor mill will go into overdrive. And there is no way he is going to hide it from Anne.

Poor William rushing home on no sleep and then a fight poor gguy in knackered. An then he will probably have a sleepless night with Buffy thoughts.
I love how you have Buffy trying to talk to him but he won't comment on things or trys to get out of talking about what happened it is sort of like role reveral with them.

Author's Response: It is definitely a change for Buffy. Usually, she is the one avoiding talking about feelings--particularly with poor Riley, whom I disliked but still felt a little sorry for. But her affection for William, and his own innate shyness, is forcing her to drop some of her reserve. I think, in the long run, it will be good for her. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)

LOL "Talking Smack"

I think it is wonderful he is willing to defend her honor. The looks between them sort of remind me of La Femme Nikita the series where you weren't able to say what you meant so a lot had to be said between a look. And if you pay attention to William his heart is always on his sleeve and everything he wants to say is in a look.


Author's Response: Bel Cantro, thank you so much for taking the time to review. :) One of the things that always impressed me about JM was his ability to convery emotion without saying a word. It's one of the reasons "Fool for Love" is my favorite episode. His raw emotion in the parlor scene as William...the pain on his face in the alley when Buffy tells him he is beneath her...and that moment with Buffy on the porch showed just how talented he truly is. I wanted to do him justice in the story. I'm glad to know I am succeeding.

I am sorry about your RL problems and hope they are resolved real soon. I have been reading this elsewhere and was so glad you posted at SR. This is a beautiful and original story and do hope that you will be able to get chap 22 re-drafted very soon.

Author's Response: Thank you, mag-rose. I appreciate your support. :) I did do a bit of writing last night, but considering how much I revise, I'm not sure if the final draft will even resemble it. lol. But at least I was at the computer, which is definitely a good sign.

So Chapter 22 on Fanfiction.net is different than ours. Maybe those chapters aren't as long. Never noticed.
Love it, more please.

Author's Response: It isn't really different, smlcspike. The reason ff.net says there are twenty-two chapters is because I split up the Prologue from the first chapter, and ff.net counts the Prologue as the first chapter for some reason. On here, I combined the Prologue and Chapter One into the same page so it would show up correctly. Although, I will admit, the story on ff.net is not as well edited as the story here; there are some typos. I will eventually go back and fix this when I have time.