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Promises Kept: A Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation
They married for her safety. Can he keep that promise?
When Fitzwilliam Darcy wedded his beloved wife in a spur-of-the-moment ceremony, he vowed to protect her from all danger.
While Elizabeth Darcy is delighted with her new husband and the felicity they feel for each other, she absolutely hates the fear that has invaded her soul since she was attacked by a former suitor.
Though the person who initially threatened her safety has been dealt with, there are others who would do her harm. Will she ever feel safe again and will Darcy be able to keep his promise? Or will the danger that surrounds Elizabeth consume them both?
Promises Kept is the second book in the Promises series by Zoe Burton. If you like brave heroines, protective heroes, and cruel but petty villains, this Pride & Prejudice novel variation is the one for you. Purchase your copy today!
When Fitzwilliam Darcy wedded his beloved wife in a spur-of-the-moment ceremony, he vowed to protect her from all danger.
While Elizabeth Darcy is delighted with her new husband and the felicity they feel for each other, she absolutely hates the fear that has invaded her soul since she was attacked by a former suitor.
Though the person who initially threatened her safety has been dealt with, there are others who would do her harm. Will she ever feel safe again and will Darcy be able to keep his promise? Or will the danger that surrounds Elizabeth consume them both?
Promises Kept is the second book in the Promises series by Zoe Burton. If you like brave heroines, protective heroes, and cruel but petty villains, this Pride & Prejudice novel variation is the one for you. Purchase your copy today!
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 17, 2016
3.5 stars
Remembering the bitter words from canon of Lady Catherine to Elizabeth when she was told that this Bennet sister would soon be united in Holy Matrimony with her nephew, Fitzwilliam “…You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us." this author literally beats this premise into the ground while allowing Elizabeth to be physically, emotionally and mentally assaulted. And it brings to the fore a practice in today’s society: that of driving some who are innocently prey to the barbs of social media to force them into depression, self-doubt and loathing and ultimately to suicide.
This is the second of two books concerning a very young (16) Elizabeth who marries Fitzwilliam Darcy who has only just returned from his Grand Tour as a marriage is arranged by his father, George Darcy, and her uncle, Edward Gardiner, to save Elizabeth from the threats of further plans and assaults, even compromise, set up between her mother (yes, her mother) and one, Lord Regis.
As Papa George and Fitzwilliam now introduce Elizabeth into society as the latter’s wife they are supported by Lord and Lady Matlock. Elizabeth is prepared for her presentation to the Queen and Lady Matlock has planned a ball in celebration. Imagine – at the end of a successful evening when in the “retiring room” Elizabeth suffers the verbal barbs and then two slaps to her face by two debutantes whose have been urged by the disappointed Lady Penelope Mays to make sure E. knows her unworthiness to be part of the ton. But in the first of several needs to let members of the London peerage and society know that Elizabeth is now a member of a connected and wealthy family, George and his son follow up the next morning and consequences are severe for Cecilia Smith and her cousin, Diana Smith.
The insults, rumors, and innuendos do not end there and we read of “incidents” in London and in Derbyshire. But the Darcy men stand firm and act immediately. There is also a need for Elizabeth to take a stand and deal with a servant who thinks it is below her station to respond a.s.a.p. to the orders of a mistress from the country and who brought no dowry to the marriage.
The saddest of confrontations is with Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth insists on stopping and visiting at Longbourn on their way from London to Pemberley and this sad-excuse-for-the-name-of-mother is not done with her vile accusations against Elizabeth’s refusal to bend to the plot between Lord Regis and Mrs. B. Fitzwilliam gives Mrs. Bennet a tongue lashing that all will applaud. Also to be admired, the four sisters take offense at Mrs. Bennet’s words and actions…yes, even Lydia!
While we read of many situations as Elizabeth seeks to find her place in not only society but as Mistress of Pemberley we also read of this very young couple finding moments and places to celebrate the love that they found in an arranged marriage.
There are number of new names: neighbors, acquaintances and members of the ton. Mr. Wickham and his son, George, play out their part portraying behaviors as in canon but in this tale the senior Darcy, George, is also alive and well and makes a discovery on his own about his godson. Bingley is part of the story but Caroline has not yet learned her place nor has she learned that “what goes on (behavior that is accepted) in a ladies’ school stays in the ladies’ school”! I liked how she learns her lessons.
This tale, which covers just over a year in time before it jumps to an epilogue, doesn’t really have a totally new plot but it does go into the possibilities of reactions to Fitzwilliam taking a bride who brings little but herself to their marriage. It is an interesting tale as we read of a young and vulnerable Elizabeth seeking equanimity in a world new to her.
Remembering the bitter words from canon of Lady Catherine to Elizabeth when she was told that this Bennet sister would soon be united in Holy Matrimony with her nephew, Fitzwilliam “…You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us." this author literally beats this premise into the ground while allowing Elizabeth to be physically, emotionally and mentally assaulted. And it brings to the fore a practice in today’s society: that of driving some who are innocently prey to the barbs of social media to force them into depression, self-doubt and loathing and ultimately to suicide.
This is the second of two books concerning a very young (16) Elizabeth who marries Fitzwilliam Darcy who has only just returned from his Grand Tour as a marriage is arranged by his father, George Darcy, and her uncle, Edward Gardiner, to save Elizabeth from the threats of further plans and assaults, even compromise, set up between her mother (yes, her mother) and one, Lord Regis.
As Papa George and Fitzwilliam now introduce Elizabeth into society as the latter’s wife they are supported by Lord and Lady Matlock. Elizabeth is prepared for her presentation to the Queen and Lady Matlock has planned a ball in celebration. Imagine – at the end of a successful evening when in the “retiring room” Elizabeth suffers the verbal barbs and then two slaps to her face by two debutantes whose have been urged by the disappointed Lady Penelope Mays to make sure E. knows her unworthiness to be part of the ton. But in the first of several needs to let members of the London peerage and society know that Elizabeth is now a member of a connected and wealthy family, George and his son follow up the next morning and consequences are severe for Cecilia Smith and her cousin, Diana Smith.
The insults, rumors, and innuendos do not end there and we read of “incidents” in London and in Derbyshire. But the Darcy men stand firm and act immediately. There is also a need for Elizabeth to take a stand and deal with a servant who thinks it is below her station to respond a.s.a.p. to the orders of a mistress from the country and who brought no dowry to the marriage.
The saddest of confrontations is with Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth insists on stopping and visiting at Longbourn on their way from London to Pemberley and this sad-excuse-for-the-name-of-mother is not done with her vile accusations against Elizabeth’s refusal to bend to the plot between Lord Regis and Mrs. B. Fitzwilliam gives Mrs. Bennet a tongue lashing that all will applaud. Also to be admired, the four sisters take offense at Mrs. Bennet’s words and actions…yes, even Lydia!
While we read of many situations as Elizabeth seeks to find her place in not only society but as Mistress of Pemberley we also read of this very young couple finding moments and places to celebrate the love that they found in an arranged marriage.
There are number of new names: neighbors, acquaintances and members of the ton. Mr. Wickham and his son, George, play out their part portraying behaviors as in canon but in this tale the senior Darcy, George, is also alive and well and makes a discovery on his own about his godson. Bingley is part of the story but Caroline has not yet learned her place nor has she learned that “what goes on (behavior that is accepted) in a ladies’ school stays in the ladies’ school”! I liked how she learns her lessons.
This tale, which covers just over a year in time before it jumps to an epilogue, doesn’t really have a totally new plot but it does go into the possibilities of reactions to Fitzwilliam taking a bride who brings little but herself to their marriage. It is an interesting tale as we read of a young and vulnerable Elizabeth seeking equanimity in a world new to her.
June 1, 2018
3.5 stars
This was a beautiful sequel to a very sweet, very short (in my opinion) novella.
Did I ever mention I love stories where Mr. Darcy senior is still alive? I probably did. Still. He is really one of the best characters of this duology! He was strong, loyal and very much the head of the family. His love for Fitwilliam, as well as Georgie and Elizabeth made me smile almost the entire book. Also, I loved how Miss Burton portraits the influence Mr. Darcy's being still alive has on Fitwilliam. He is not less responsible, but not having the weight of responsibility and expectations thrown at him at 22 left him with a kinder disposition, much like our post-huntsford Darcy from canon. Georgiana also was a more confident and happy child, having the reassurance of a parent that loved her and was a "full-formed" adult and parent-figure (something Fitwilliam couldn't've been when so young with an even younger sister).
Another development to be praise was Lizzy herself. We didn't have our self-assured, mature and witty Elizabeth from the beginning. Zoe Burton depicts her as what she is at that moment: a very young, very frightened girl that is still struggling to find her place in this new life, with a new family, in a totally new (and hostile) society. She is fragile, in need f reassurance and so afraid of making a mistake. It was very nice to see her growth over time and her wit and intelligence come back to the surface. Even though the ton couldn't've been less acceptant of her on the beginning, her second season, for me, rapped up not only the changes her family helped to bring about, but also the changes within herself.
Of course, this wasn't a perfect book. There where some passages that made me a bit annoyed (I had to remind me over and over again that she was 16 - and 16 year old people are not exactly the brightest people, as I remember from experience). The crying also made me uncomfortable at one point, as well as the sometimes plain description and actions of the characters
All in all, it was a very light and sweet read, one I'll probably revisit sooner rather tan later.
This was a beautiful sequel to a very sweet, very short (in my opinion) novella.
Did I ever mention I love stories where Mr. Darcy senior is still alive? I probably did. Still. He is really one of the best characters of this duology! He was strong, loyal and very much the head of the family. His love for Fitwilliam, as well as Georgie and Elizabeth made me smile almost the entire book. Also, I loved how Miss Burton portraits the influence Mr. Darcy's being still alive has on Fitwilliam. He is not less responsible, but not having the weight of responsibility and expectations thrown at him at 22 left him with a kinder disposition, much like our post-huntsford Darcy from canon. Georgiana also was a more confident and happy child, having the reassurance of a parent that loved her and was a "full-formed" adult and parent-figure (something Fitwilliam couldn't've been when so young with an even younger sister).
Another development to be praise was Lizzy herself. We didn't have our self-assured, mature and witty Elizabeth from the beginning. Zoe Burton depicts her as what she is at that moment: a very young, very frightened girl that is still struggling to find her place in this new life, with a new family, in a totally new (and hostile) society. She is fragile, in need f reassurance and so afraid of making a mistake. It was very nice to see her growth over time and her wit and intelligence come back to the surface. Even though the ton couldn't've been less acceptant of her on the beginning, her second season, for me, rapped up not only the changes her family helped to bring about, but also the changes within herself.
Of course, this wasn't a perfect book. There where some passages that made me a bit annoyed (I had to remind me over and over again that she was 16 - and 16 year old people are not exactly the brightest people, as I remember from experience). The crying also made me uncomfortable at one point, as well as the sometimes plain description and actions of the characters
All in all, it was a very light and sweet read, one I'll probably revisit sooner rather tan later.
September 2, 2015
Promises Kept: A Pride and Prejudice Novel Variation
This book is a continuation of her first book, I Promise To. Elizabeth and Darcy's love continue to grow throughout this story. Elizabeth is happy to have the support of her new family when her first season with members of the ton, especially the daughters of titled heritage that thought Fitzwilliam Darcy was theirs. George Darcy may not been titled, but had more clout than most of the titled group with more money and property. The fact that he kept friends that were in trade and allowed his son to marry a niece of a tradesman, unnerved some members of the first circle. After cutting families from their acquaintance, most parents started reining in their hateful daughters and their remarks. Miss. Bennet was as hateful as ever and even when Lydia and Jane supported Lizzy, she still was harping at her when Darcy and Papa Darcy overheard her. Joining forces again, the two defenders forbid her access to the Darcy properties while openly invited the rest of the family. Horrid mother in this story, more so than in Jane Austen's original. Happy ending for our loving couple and their family and friends.
This book is a continuation of her first book, I Promise To. Elizabeth and Darcy's love continue to grow throughout this story. Elizabeth is happy to have the support of her new family when her first season with members of the ton, especially the daughters of titled heritage that thought Fitzwilliam Darcy was theirs. George Darcy may not been titled, but had more clout than most of the titled group with more money and property. The fact that he kept friends that were in trade and allowed his son to marry a niece of a tradesman, unnerved some members of the first circle. After cutting families from their acquaintance, most parents started reining in their hateful daughters and their remarks. Miss. Bennet was as hateful as ever and even when Lydia and Jane supported Lizzy, she still was harping at her when Darcy and Papa Darcy overheard her. Joining forces again, the two defenders forbid her access to the Darcy properties while openly invited the rest of the family. Horrid mother in this story, more so than in Jane Austen's original. Happy ending for our loving couple and their family and friends.
June 19, 2016
Entitled… mean girls with a title, meet P&P, and PTSD
I never thought about labeling titled girls [that felt they were entitled] as mean girls, but that is exactly what they were. They were the equivalent of our modern mean girls with their smirking, snide comments, cutting people down to a size, and even going so far as to striking Elizabeth [a married woman] several times in order that she may know her place.
This second Promise book by Burton is really a juvenile story that relates the teenage years of Elizabeth Bennet-Darcy as she grows into her shoes as Mistress of Darcy House and Pemberley. In the first book we have her struggling with an unrelenting suitor encouraged by her mother. Both Mrs. Bennet and Lord EVIL [he who shall not be named] are a real piece of work and both are sociopathic to the core. This has to be the most misguided, unfeeling [mother for her child], woman I have ever read about in any JAFF. Mrs. Bennet was simply AWFUL; and she was unrepentant as to what she allowed to be done to her least favorite child. Elizabeth was severely injured and Mrs. Bennet blamed her [how dare Lizzy turn down a peer].
Some may question Elizabeth’s emotional state and why she acted the way she did in the second book. Let’s look at the facts; she was attacked and severely injured at her Longbourn home and then her mother blames and berates her constantly during her convalescence. Mr. Bennet, fearing for her safety and not trusting his wife, sends Lizzy [as soon as she is able to travel] to her London relatives in order to escape her mother’s tirade and future attempts on her person. Extra guards are posted at the Gardiner’s home, and yet the assailant continues in his attempts to kidnap and or compromise Elizabeth. He is determined to have [possess] her.
I think we can safely say that Elizabeth suffers from PTSD. You don’t survive verbal abuse from such a mother, physical assaults on your person, attacks to your emotional state, and deal with broken bones and bruises on more than one occasion, without side effects. No wonder she was uncomfortable around men, anxious in the presence of new people, distrusting in new situations, cautious and careful where she went and with whom, never wanting to be alone when around others, and constantly needing a guard or burly footman nearby. She has been through hell. There is no place that feels safe except in the presence of her husband or Mr. Darcy senior. I think we can cut her some slack. If I had suffered as she, I would be agoraphobic and never leave the house.
The story takes us through an evolutionary journey that started with a scared sixteen year old Lizzy, to a grown up Elizabeth that we know and love from canon. She couldn’t have done it without the support and love of her Darcy men. And, let’s face it, they were simply magnificent. Wow!!! Mess with a Darcy…and you have to deal with them all.
Now, let’s face reality…there were several situations that just did not seem realistic. Many of the confrontations didn’t ring true. I know we like those hero moments but let’s face facts. Take a Lord Father and have an Untitled Gentleman attempt to discuss the bad behavior of Lord Father’s spoiled Lady Princess…in truth…it could have gone terribly wrong. Not once did any of these Lord Fathers refuse to believe the accusations regarding the actions of their spoiled Lady Princess. Let’s face it, the peerage was not known for their understanding and self-control.
Several references were made to those spoiled debutantes learning their bad behavior at school. This made Burton’s book come across like a learning guide for juvenile readers, with lessons on proper comportment. Even Bingley chided Caroline regarding how she changed during her school days.
The tone of this second book was so different than the first. Elizabeth’s age put her at about a sophomore or junior in high school. It was hard seeing her being bullied and having her parent [Mr. Darcy] and husband come to her rescue. Their weapons of choice were power and clout and were welded as readily as a sword, and both Darcy men were masters. Just how powerful were the Darcy’s? While we were given our hero moments, were these situations realistic?
It seems the family was constantly doing damage control even with their servants. Here I had to question the stubborn and disrespect displayed by the servant. To even look the master of the house in the eye was enough to be considered a challenge. What was the point, especially if this servant’s family had served the Darcy’s for generations? To show disrespect to the Lady of the house and not show contrition or repentance was too much. I know the author wanted a scene where Elizabeth could demonstrate her skills as mistress of the house; however, it just didn’t feel right.
I know at some point in time Mr. Darcy and Fitzwilliam would no longer feel the need to lead Elizabeth around like a child fresh from the nursery, learning how to live in the real world for the first time. It just seemed to take a long time for her to get there.
The end chapters read like an epilogue. There were several threads left hanging and I wonder what happened? Errors have been mentioned in other reviews, no need for me to repeat them.
I never thought about labeling titled girls [that felt they were entitled] as mean girls, but that is exactly what they were. They were the equivalent of our modern mean girls with their smirking, snide comments, cutting people down to a size, and even going so far as to striking Elizabeth [a married woman] several times in order that she may know her place.
This second Promise book by Burton is really a juvenile story that relates the teenage years of Elizabeth Bennet-Darcy as she grows into her shoes as Mistress of Darcy House and Pemberley. In the first book we have her struggling with an unrelenting suitor encouraged by her mother. Both Mrs. Bennet and Lord EVIL [he who shall not be named] are a real piece of work and both are sociopathic to the core. This has to be the most misguided, unfeeling [mother for her child], woman I have ever read about in any JAFF. Mrs. Bennet was simply AWFUL; and she was unrepentant as to what she allowed to be done to her least favorite child. Elizabeth was severely injured and Mrs. Bennet blamed her [how dare Lizzy turn down a peer].
Some may question Elizabeth’s emotional state and why she acted the way she did in the second book. Let’s look at the facts; she was attacked and severely injured at her Longbourn home and then her mother blames and berates her constantly during her convalescence. Mr. Bennet, fearing for her safety and not trusting his wife, sends Lizzy [as soon as she is able to travel] to her London relatives in order to escape her mother’s tirade and future attempts on her person. Extra guards are posted at the Gardiner’s home, and yet the assailant continues in his attempts to kidnap and or compromise Elizabeth. He is determined to have [possess] her.
I think we can safely say that Elizabeth suffers from PTSD. You don’t survive verbal abuse from such a mother, physical assaults on your person, attacks to your emotional state, and deal with broken bones and bruises on more than one occasion, without side effects. No wonder she was uncomfortable around men, anxious in the presence of new people, distrusting in new situations, cautious and careful where she went and with whom, never wanting to be alone when around others, and constantly needing a guard or burly footman nearby. She has been through hell. There is no place that feels safe except in the presence of her husband or Mr. Darcy senior. I think we can cut her some slack. If I had suffered as she, I would be agoraphobic and never leave the house.
The story takes us through an evolutionary journey that started with a scared sixteen year old Lizzy, to a grown up Elizabeth that we know and love from canon. She couldn’t have done it without the support and love of her Darcy men. And, let’s face it, they were simply magnificent. Wow!!! Mess with a Darcy…and you have to deal with them all.
Now, let’s face reality…there were several situations that just did not seem realistic. Many of the confrontations didn’t ring true. I know we like those hero moments but let’s face facts. Take a Lord Father and have an Untitled Gentleman attempt to discuss the bad behavior of Lord Father’s spoiled Lady Princess…in truth…it could have gone terribly wrong. Not once did any of these Lord Fathers refuse to believe the accusations regarding the actions of their spoiled Lady Princess. Let’s face it, the peerage was not known for their understanding and self-control.
Several references were made to those spoiled debutantes learning their bad behavior at school. This made Burton’s book come across like a learning guide for juvenile readers, with lessons on proper comportment. Even Bingley chided Caroline regarding how she changed during her school days.
The tone of this second book was so different than the first. Elizabeth’s age put her at about a sophomore or junior in high school. It was hard seeing her being bullied and having her parent [Mr. Darcy] and husband come to her rescue. Their weapons of choice were power and clout and were welded as readily as a sword, and both Darcy men were masters. Just how powerful were the Darcy’s? While we were given our hero moments, were these situations realistic?
It seems the family was constantly doing damage control even with their servants. Here I had to question the stubborn and disrespect displayed by the servant. To even look the master of the house in the eye was enough to be considered a challenge. What was the point, especially if this servant’s family had served the Darcy’s for generations? To show disrespect to the Lady of the house and not show contrition or repentance was too much. I know the author wanted a scene where Elizabeth could demonstrate her skills as mistress of the house; however, it just didn’t feel right.
I know at some point in time Mr. Darcy and Fitzwilliam would no longer feel the need to lead Elizabeth around like a child fresh from the nursery, learning how to live in the real world for the first time. It just seemed to take a long time for her to get there.
The end chapters read like an epilogue. There were several threads left hanging and I wonder what happened? Errors have been mentioned in other reviews, no need for me to repeat them.
September 15, 2015
This is a wonderful continuation of I Promise To... Lizzy is having difficulty being accepted by some of the jealous women of the ton. Her confidence has been seriously effected, by events in the last book and now the harpies in this book. The very influential Darcy men and Lizzie's friends lend a helping hand. This was a wonderful continuation with some angst. I recommend this, but to get the full effect, read I Promise To... first.
April 6, 2017
In this P&P variation, Darcy and Elizabeth marry in an attempt to protect her from a rather persistent and dangerous suitor. They have known each other growing up and his father and her uncle make the arrangement. Luckily they find that they are perfectly suited for each other although they both resisted against not having a choice in the matter. This story is full of people trying to hurt them or break the up, but they must work together to find their peace and happiness.
January 3, 2024
Promises Kept
Delightful ending to a beautiful story. Jealousy is truly an evil as several young ladies found out throughout this story. It didn’t make a difference if that lady was the daughter of a peer in the first circles or the daughter of a country gentleman. What none of these women failed to realize that Elizabeth Darcy was the daughter of a gentleman and married a gentleman, rich and of the first circles certainly, but that this gentleman and the gentleman’s father, loved, adored, supported, and defended her with all of their might, and damn to those who dared to mistreat her. Several your women learned the hard way just how far that protection went and how little their families supported their behavior. The friendship of the Darcys was not worth losing and they were punished immediately for their behaviors. Elizabeth’s second season was so much better as much of her courage returned as the number of naysayers decreased. George Wickham finally pushed his godfather too far and his misdeeds gained him the choice of hanging or a life long trip to Canada. I hope he enjoys the wilderness of his new home. The family lived through George Darcy’s accident, and Elizabeth’s tiredness and sickness finally is explained much to the delight of both her husband and father-in-law. George Bennet Fitzwilliam Darcy was their first born and heir with six more siblings to follow. Charles Bingley married Jane Bennet and moved thirty miles from Pemberley. Caroline Bingley didn’t really learn anything important at her fancy seminary and was added to the list of jealous females who couldn’t keep her thoughts contained and was forced to marry by her brother. Georgiana eventually has her first season and eventually married a viscount at twenty. She never made up with the woman that birthed her nor visited Longbourn again, but the rest of her family visited her and were welcomed at Darcy House and Pemberley. Very much in love with her loving husband, Elizabeth Darcy becomes a formidable Mistress of Pemberley and regained the confidence and courage she had before her run in with Lord Regis.
Delightful ending to a beautiful story. Jealousy is truly an evil as several young ladies found out throughout this story. It didn’t make a difference if that lady was the daughter of a peer in the first circles or the daughter of a country gentleman. What none of these women failed to realize that Elizabeth Darcy was the daughter of a gentleman and married a gentleman, rich and of the first circles certainly, but that this gentleman and the gentleman’s father, loved, adored, supported, and defended her with all of their might, and damn to those who dared to mistreat her. Several your women learned the hard way just how far that protection went and how little their families supported their behavior. The friendship of the Darcys was not worth losing and they were punished immediately for their behaviors. Elizabeth’s second season was so much better as much of her courage returned as the number of naysayers decreased. George Wickham finally pushed his godfather too far and his misdeeds gained him the choice of hanging or a life long trip to Canada. I hope he enjoys the wilderness of his new home. The family lived through George Darcy’s accident, and Elizabeth’s tiredness and sickness finally is explained much to the delight of both her husband and father-in-law. George Bennet Fitzwilliam Darcy was their first born and heir with six more siblings to follow. Charles Bingley married Jane Bennet and moved thirty miles from Pemberley. Caroline Bingley didn’t really learn anything important at her fancy seminary and was added to the list of jealous females who couldn’t keep her thoughts contained and was forced to marry by her brother. Georgiana eventually has her first season and eventually married a viscount at twenty. She never made up with the woman that birthed her nor visited Longbourn again, but the rest of her family visited her and were welcomed at Darcy House and Pemberley. Very much in love with her loving husband, Elizabeth Darcy becomes a formidable Mistress of Pemberley and regained the confidence and courage she had before her run in with Lord Regis.
November 24, 2020
This was a continuation of I Promise To.... I was hoping this book would improve, but sadly, I was disappointed. It was difficult to get through this book. First off, this Elizabeth is timid and mousy and gets distressed when anything unpleasant happens. I understand she has had a traumatic experience in the previous book, but here she doesn’t even resemble Elizabeth Bennet. Secondly, both Elizabeth and Darcy are paragons of all that is good and perfect. Not a flaw between them unless you count the constant sickening sweet proclamations of love and endearments and loving gazes and passionate kisses against them. It’s kind of hard not to when they can’t keep their hands off each other on every single page and when there’s not much else happening. That brings me to my last complaint, the lack of a plot. In this story there’s an awful lot of people who seem to have nothing better to do than hate the new Mrs. Darcy with a determination to make her feel inferior and unworthy to the extent of even bitch slapping her in one instance. That’s pretty much the whole plot of this book. Woman trash talks and insults Elizabeth, both Darcy men (Mr. Darcy senior is alive) are filled with rage and defend Elizabeth and use their unending power to ruin the girl and possibly her family too, Darcy comforts the distraught Elizabeth by the above mentioned syrupy methods, repeat. It began to really annoy me. There’s not a couple I love more than Darcy and Elizabeth, but there has to be a balance between romance and plot. I’m just not a fan of “the whole world is out to get poor Lizzy for no reason” trope. It gets old really fast. A book needs something more substantive to be satisfying. Sadly, this one did not work for me.
October 25, 2023
Don't mess with the Darcys...3.5 stars
Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Darcy has darts flying her way from all directions when she, a country nobody, marries Fitzwilliam Darcy. The Darcy men defend their own, and the newly married Elizabeth begins to understand the power and protection she has as a Darcy.
I never read a story where the Darcys held great power and acted on it. I love that this power was shown and not told. There was no need to draw up a scheme to make the enemy retreat. Nope. The Darcy's are instantly in your face, ruining and cutting. They didn't mess around. They did this to members of their own society, made it even better. In general, bringing down the lowly Miss Bingley or Wickham doesn't have the same punch as targeting a peer.
* I rounded up to 4 stars because of this.
Why 3.5 stars?
Considering this book follows the other 'Promise' book, there were annoying inconsistencies.
- In the first book, Caroline was Bingley's younger sister, in school and approaching eighteen. In this story, she is Bingley's twin, and Bingley is the same age as Darcy. Bingley and Darcy was in the same class at Cambridge.
- In the first book Caroline meets Elizabeth Darcy at Netherfield when Bingley and Caroline's dad leased Netherfield shortly after the Darcy's marriage. In this story, Caroline meets Elizabeth Darcy at Pemberly for the first time. Apparently, the Bingley patriarch died some time ago because the Bingleys just came out of mourning.
- I was confused when I began reading this book because the tease from the last book said it was "one year later" That wasn't case.
Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Darcy has darts flying her way from all directions when she, a country nobody, marries Fitzwilliam Darcy. The Darcy men defend their own, and the newly married Elizabeth begins to understand the power and protection she has as a Darcy.
I never read a story where the Darcys held great power and acted on it. I love that this power was shown and not told. There was no need to draw up a scheme to make the enemy retreat. Nope. The Darcy's are instantly in your face, ruining and cutting. They didn't mess around. They did this to members of their own society, made it even better. In general, bringing down the lowly Miss Bingley or Wickham doesn't have the same punch as targeting a peer.
* I rounded up to 4 stars because of this.
Why 3.5 stars?
Considering this book follows the other 'Promise' book, there were annoying inconsistencies.
- In the first book, Caroline was Bingley's younger sister, in school and approaching eighteen. In this story, she is Bingley's twin, and Bingley is the same age as Darcy. Bingley and Darcy was in the same class at Cambridge.
- In the first book Caroline meets Elizabeth Darcy at Netherfield when Bingley and Caroline's dad leased Netherfield shortly after the Darcy's marriage. In this story, Caroline meets Elizabeth Darcy at Pemberly for the first time. Apparently, the Bingley patriarch died some time ago because the Bingleys just came out of mourning.
- I was confused when I began reading this book because the tease from the last book said it was "one year later" That wasn't case.
December 4, 2023
Repetitive
When I finished the book, I realized that I needed only to read the first third or so of the entire variation. After that, scenes, events and language repeated over and over with merely the slightest changes. Most egregious was the repeated idea of ‘misbehavior’ and the ‘consequences’ that follow. Beyond the repetition, I had great trouble with the misogynistic generalizations about how badly women as a whole group behave, especially toward each other. And I detest how blithely it is accepted that 16 year old children marry—even for Victorian times.
When I finished the book, I realized that I needed only to read the first third or so of the entire variation. After that, scenes, events and language repeated over and over with merely the slightest changes. Most egregious was the repeated idea of ‘misbehavior’ and the ‘consequences’ that follow. Beyond the repetition, I had great trouble with the misogynistic generalizations about how badly women as a whole group behave, especially toward each other. And I detest how blithely it is accepted that 16 year old children marry—even for Victorian times.
January 20, 2020
In this part, only a quick look at why Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth married. This goes into more depth of what happens during the first year of marriage. Please read I Promise To, because you'll understand more of who is who. I loved how Fitzwilliam stood up for Elizabeth against Regis, Mrs Bennet, and the ton!! Highly recommended
September 6, 2023
No plot
Sweet book, good enough that I finished it. Lots of repetition of the same scenario over and over -- other ladies are mean to Elizabeth in various social situations and her husband/ family stands up to them. There wasn't really any distinct plot to the story and several storylines that were tossed in very briefly could've been left out (lord Regis, George Wickham).
Sweet book, good enough that I finished it. Lots of repetition of the same scenario over and over -- other ladies are mean to Elizabeth in various social situations and her husband/ family stands up to them. There wasn't really any distinct plot to the story and several storylines that were tossed in very briefly could've been left out (lord Regis, George Wickham).
Want to Read
January 3, 20252nd in series
November 7, 2015
With this Pride and Prejudice variation (sequel to I Promise To...) Elizabeth Bennet aged 16 has an arranged marriage to Darcy.
This chronicles their first year of marriage.
This chronicles their first year of marriage.
February 18, 2017
This author and story had a lot of potential. I just wish she would have used more imagination.While the characters were nice (some, anyhow) and the side story of where Mrs. Bennet derived her hate for Lizzy from. I felt the acceptance of Lizzy in the eyes of the ton became stagnant. The same scenario kept occurring over and over and felt unnecessary to continue to convince the reader of how powerful the Darcy's were or how loyal. While I love that the author showed that I wanted to see D&E as parents or even know what the baby was or how many. I was disappointed but than I thought perhaps the author did this with the idea that she will continue with a third book in the series. This book is a standalone and a mild spoiler:
both books end almost at the same point. This is yet again giving evidence as to an additional book to the tale. When I finished book 1 I knew this one would enhance their tale but in the back of my mind I waited to hear Lizzy give young Darcy the news and at points throughout the book I realized they were only married 8 months so there was still another 4 to go and as I have mentioned the story we were given was a little repetitive. I kept glancing at my kindle to see how much book I had left and waiting for signs of pregnancy and became disappointed that it happened at 97%. I sort of felt the author had ample time to give the reader more events than just a young Lizzy regaining her confidence. Even the threats and attacks could have had more dimension and depth to grasp the audience better. When a threat occurred the Darcy men were quick to swoop in defending their kin and standing their ground. To be honest I fear the only thing that spared the author a lower rating was she had D&E the way I love to see them. Fighting side by side. I do like a more spirited Lizzy but understood why she wasn't. I could not fully give it as high a rating as I did with book 1. I got this in a boxed set so I got both books together which I think was clever on the authors behalf. Enjoy!
both books end almost at the same point. This is yet again giving evidence as to an additional book to the tale. When I finished book 1 I knew this one would enhance their tale but in the back of my mind I waited to hear Lizzy give young Darcy the news and at points throughout the book I realized they were only married 8 months so there was still another 4 to go and as I have mentioned the story we were given was a little repetitive. I kept glancing at my kindle to see how much book I had left and waiting for signs of pregnancy and became disappointed that it happened at 97%. I sort of felt the author had ample time to give the reader more events than just a young Lizzy regaining her confidence. Even the threats and attacks could have had more dimension and depth to grasp the audience better. When a threat occurred the Darcy men were quick to swoop in defending their kin and standing their ground. To be honest I fear the only thing that spared the author a lower rating was she had D&E the way I love to see them. Fighting side by side. I do like a more spirited Lizzy but understood why she wasn't. I could not fully give it as high a rating as I did with book 1. I got this in a boxed set so I got both books together which I think was clever on the authors behalf. Enjoy!
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