Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept by Brenda J. Webb
My rating: 4 of 5 starsI very much enjoy Brenda Webb's writing and "Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept" was no exception. It was an interesting switch on the usual variation, taking place several years after Elizabeth refused Darcy's proposal in Kent. There were just a couple of things that took the story down from 5 to 4 stars for me, and I will elaborate further down in the review.
Due to Jane's belief Elizabeth still does not like Mr. Darcy and would be uncomfortable in his presence, Charles Bingley breaks off his friendship with Darcy just after his marriage to Jane. Darcy accepts this gracefully, but promises to be there for Bingley should he ever need his help. It is now five years later and Bingley calls on Darcy for his assistance. Charles must leave for Spain without taking his family and needs Darcy to watch over his business interests and family while he is gone. This was very well done and believable. I could see Darcy doing this.
During the prior five years, Darcy has never married, but believes he has reached a point where he can move on. Just as Bingley asks for his help, Darcy finally determines he must marry, and if it cannot be Elizabeth, the next best would be to marry one of his best friends from childhood, Lady Melinda Markham. Mellie, as she is called, is a widow with two young children. She believes Darcy suffers from unrequited love and has asked him to give their relationship time to bloom before announcing an engagement. She believes herself in love with him, however, and hopes a one year postponement will give him time to realize his love for her.
Elizabeth is now known as Mrs. Gardiner and has a young child with her, Emily, who she refers to as her daughter. However, this is a ruse to protect herself and the child from the child's evil father Lord Van Lynden. When the safety of Elizabeth and Emily is threatened, Darcy brings them to Pemberley. Coincidentally, this is as Lady Markham and her family are arriving for an extended stay, with the idea of Darcy and Mellie working on their romantic relationship.
The story proceeds along several lines with multiple plots under way. Bingley's cousin has been robbing him and worse, and may escape to America. Van Lynden is involved in a plot to assassinate a high ranking foreign secretary, Lord Castlereagh. Colonel Fitzwilliam is involved in the attempt to stop the assassination and capture the perpetrators. Jane Bingley is expecting a baby and all are attempting to keep her subdued, so are trying to keep much from her. Darcy and Elizabeth, of course, are still in love but not sure how the other feels. Lady Markham is not sure what is happening, but is starting to get an inkling. Meanwhile, Colonel Fitzwilliam is hiding his own feelings.
I so enjoyed the development of each of the various plots, stories and romances. Brenda J. Webb has a way to keep you involved and questioning what will happen next. The dialogue is well done and the relationships are very interesting.
However, there were a few holes here and there that could have resolved things sooner, or just seemed unlikely. There were some minor ones, like a name mixup that I found highly unlikely. And, the romantic resolution was just a little too convenient. I also found a couple of the other characters a little unnecessary - Mr Smith and Carney, specifically.
The main hole, however, for me was - why was Darcy pursuing Lord Van Lynden and not the government authorities who had evidence of his involvement in the assassination plot? This just didn't make sense to me, and some of the threat to all parties being resolved as it was could have been simpler if Van Lynden was simply pursued and captured as the criminal he was. Darcy could have accompanied the soldiers, etc., but working independently seemed a little odd.
However, this was a very enjoyable and intriguing set of escapades with our usual happy ever afters and wonderful romance. I do recommend this complex variation for lovers of JAFF. And, I look forward to Brenda J. Webb's next story!
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I loved this story - read it twice.
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