Yippee! I was right on the poll this time, Darcy drew!

I'm very disappointed in Mrs. Tournier, she seems to lack the finer feminine sensabilities...as a woman it bothers me that she is so insensitive to another woman's feelings and opinions. She seems only to value her own, it strikes me that she is in some ways a very unkind person. I'm feeling a little protective of poor Lizzy here.

As annoying as I find Vian, I couldn't help but pity him to be so lowered by becoming drunk and allowing the attentions of a barmaid. That was sad and, irritating or not, I don't wish heartache on the man, I just want him to go away.

I liked Elizabeth's insight into Holly's fears. Elizabeth is becoming a woman and learning to embrace that change while Holly resists it. She also seems to have picked up her mother's man hating tendancies a bit, although she is justified on many levels in light of her past experience with them. How will she learn to trust again and realize that not all men are evil? I know you've mentioned that you don't intend pairing her up with Brougham, but if he could slip past her icy veneer, they might make a fun couple.

Thanks for posting after your exhausting battle with the computer, ladies!