Promises, Promises

By Lou

Part I

"It is settled between us already, that we are to be the happiest couple in the world." - J. Austen

It had been almost a year since the marriage of Mr. And Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire and the prophecy had been true, that they were to be the happiest of couples. The marriage had been the delight of both in his and her own way. He had found not only a loving and desirable woman, but also a friend and partner in all aspects of daily life. She had found a man, who although indulgent of her wit and teasing ways, respected her and admired her for her ideas and opinions and treated her with as much love as a man was ever capable of. They both fit well together and embarked on a future that was to be idyllic.

They had made promises to the other on the night of their wedding. Of course they had promised to be faithful in love, and of course they had promised to have and to hold, but there was the problem of the "obey" part of things, which a relatively modern marriage for its time must conquer. Fitzwilliam had asked his wife to promise that they would never keep secrets from the other. That their happiness before the revelations of each other's love had been drawn out and misunderstood by secrets and mislaid prejudices and gossip. He could bear no more of it and could foresee no reason to keep any actions between them hidden. Elizabeth dreamily agreed as she lay next to him, her head tucked under his chin. But the best laid plans have sometimes gone awry.

Now it was, that the happy couple had been married for some time, and in that time saw very little conflict in their relationship. Elizabeth's family had been to Derbyshire on holiday once, and the Darcy's had visited Hertfordshire once since their marriage. Darcy had tolerated the visits quite well, and was even lively and jovial during them. This done to please his wife and to convey his never ending mission to prove to her that his former pride had been conquered. On this day, Elizabeth received a post from the Gardiners. She looked at the return address and ran into the study with the letter, to open it and read it to her husband. She knocked lightly on the door and heard him tell her to enter. He looked up from the large desk and saw her smiling eyes and happy countenance and smiled broadly.

"What is it, my love?" he asked.

"I don't wish to impose upon you...if you are too busy with your figures?"

"Not at all, it is always a pleasure to be bothered by you!" he said laughing. "Come here."

Elizabeth walked to the other side of the desk. He wrapped his arm around her waist as she stood next to him looking down at the ledger on the desk. She bent down and kissed his lips and looked at him teasingly.

"Yes, yes, I have always been such a bothersome creature. I fear I have never come to know my place, but I had such an unfortunate disadvantage in my upbringing!" she retorted, laughing in turn. "We have received a post from our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. I do hope it is announcing a visit from them soon!" She tore into the letter without haste and read aloud...

Dearest Niece,
We have sent this communication to you for two reasons. The first to announce our intentions for a visit to Pemberley in two weeks time.

"This is wonderful news, is it not, Fitzwilliam?"

"Yes, yes...read on my dear." He chuckled as he continued his work.

The other to disclose to you that your Sister Lydia intends to accompany us on our visit, since her husband is on holiday in Bath with his Military acquaintances, and as she has been staying at Gracechurch Street these last few days and has expressed a great desire to see you and your dear husband again.

"Oh good god!" gasped Elizabeth. "Lydia, here? For a visit?"

Had Elizabeth been able to meet her husbands gaze at that moment, she would have seen how practically all the color drained from his face. He started fidgeting with the ring on his right hand, the way he always did when he was discomforted. He poured himself a brandy from the tray at his side and downed it immediately.

"Pray, continue Elizabeth." Was all he was able to choke out.

With wide eyes, she continued...

If these arrangements are not to your satisfaction, pray write and inform us soon. Our love to you and Fitzwilliam."
M. Gardiner.

"Oh my dear...I...I had no idea that Lydia...er...Mrs. Wickham, were ever to come to Pemberl..." her voice trailed off into a whisper. "What are we to do?"

"Well, may I suggest you sit down and write your reply to your aunt." He said calmly.

This time, Elizabeth looked her husband straight in the eye. She knew what his reply must be. He could never be imposed upon in such a way. To play host to the wife of the man that had caused such misery and grief in the Darcy household. Never!

"You must confirm their plans as soon as may be, and tell them we look forward to their visit. Tell Mr. Gardiner that I should like to do some fishing whilst he is here. And...and tell your sister she is most...welcome."

"What?" Elizabeth looked at Darcy in disbelief..."I am all astonishment!" she thought to herself as she watched him continue work on his bookkeeping. "Will this man never cease to amaze me!"

"I shall go and write our reply this very moment. Will you be much longer my love. I should like to go to bed shortly." She replied, waiting for an answer.

"I shall be a while at these books. Go ahead and retire, and I will be there when this work is finished." This he said, never looking up from his work, his countenance being quite somber.

Elizabeth reluctantly left the study, shutting the door behind her. In all the months of their marriage Darcy had never told her to retire without him. How could the much awaited news of a visit from the Gardiners turn out to be so dreaded? She walked, letter in hand, upstairs to the bedchamber.

In the study, Darcy sat back in his chair and sighed loudly. Never had he dreaded something so much as a visit from the abominable Mrs. Wickham, except perhaps the return of George Wickham himself. How was he to bear it? For Elizabeth's sake he would do it. He had assisted Wickham further in his Military career to please Elizabeth. More than that he could not, would not do. How was he to shield Georgiana from this? Should she be expected to sit and listen to the spewing forth of empty headed compliments toward the man whom had tried to seduce her? Darcy felt a bit sick at the thought. He had a fortnight to think of what to do. He held his aching head in this right hand as he leaned against the desk and closed his eyes, going over every possible solution to a most complicated situation.

Part II

"As for Wickham and Lydia, their characters suffered no revolution from the marriage of her sisters." - J. Austen

A fortnight had gone by and the arrival of the Gardiners was much anticipated by the Darcy household. However, the arrival of Mrs. Wickham dampened the spirits some, but it had been resigned that they were all to endure it with the most civility they could all muster. Darcy and Elizabeth had spoken with Georgiana and received every assurance that this visit would not have any effect upon her. All had been forgotten, concerning the Wickham affair on her part. Perhaps Darcy was making more of this than was to be, and perhaps not. He would tolerate the inconvenience of the presence of Mrs. Wickham for the joy that the Gardiners presence would bring to Pemberley.

The Gardiner's carriage rolled onto the grounds at the precise time. Elizabeth and Darcy walked outside to meet it. Elizabeth was nervous and bit her lower lip, glancing sideways at Darcy to determine his countenance. He was calm and smiling. This was a good sign. Perhaps she was making more out of this than she should. She looked to the heavens and said a little prayer, then reached for Darcy's arm. The coachman assisted Mr. And Mrs. Gardiner from the carriage. Elizabeth greeted them with hugs and kisses and Darcy gave Mr. Gardiner a warm, firm handshake and kissed Mrs. Gardiner's hand and welcomed them to Pemberley.

"So this is the famous Pemberley, so fondly spoken of by my husband." Came a reply from inside the carriage. "It is very...big!"

"Lydia, it is very good to see you after all this time." Elizabeth choked out. "How are you?"

"I am quite splendid, thank you Lizzy!" Lydia always had a flare for the dramatic. Elizabeth rolled her eyes slightly and looked at Mrs. Gardiner. Elizabeth thought she noticed the hint of a strain in Mrs. Gardiner's smile.

"And Mr. Darcy, how well you look, and so handsome in black, I dare say." Was Lydia flirting with Elizabeth's husband? The little tart! Elizabeth was not sure how much of this she could afford Lydia, before she broke her promise to be civil.

"Shall we all go inside?" Darcy said looking a bit like a new shorn sheep.

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed in Lydia's direction. She took Lydia's arm and escorted her inside the foyer. Lydia looked about the huge house in awe. Lizzy certainly had come into a vast fortune, as Wickham had put it upon hearing of Elizabeth's betrothal to Darcy. No wonder she had married him! His countenance was nothing to Wickham's, but his fortune, now that was incentive enough to accept him. Lydia looked at Lizzy and snorted a short laugh. Lizzy felt dreadful!

It was Lydia's curse to be ignorant of life. She could not see the love, affection, and admiration that Elizabeth and her husband held for each other. Perhaps, that was because those things were a void in Lydia's marriage. Or perhaps, it was because Lydia was well, Lydia, completely uninformed in the ways of the world that lay outside her own. Elizabeth began to pity her. It must be a crime to be connected to a man who would willingly take a holiday in the opposite direction of his wife. Elizabeth looked to the heaven's again to thank God for her husband, and his determination to have her, despite all of the Bennet pollution.

The guests were taken to their rooms by the servants and it was decided upon to meet in the dining room at six o'clock for supper. Elizabeth and Darcy stayed downstairs watching their guests depart for their rooms.

"I suppose that was not so bad." Elizabeth said without being convinced of it.

"Not at all. Your sister seems very well indeed. Perhaps Wickham takes better care of her than we give him credit for?" Darcy replied. He did not seem all that convinced either.

"Fitzwilliam! You know that you may spend as little time with Lydia as is polite. It would be entirely more than she deserves anyhow. I shall attempt to keep her entertained all the while she is here. That way you shall not have to endure it more than is necessary!"

"Elizabeth! I am surprised at you!" Darcy said, looking confused and concerned for his wife's viciousness. "You should show your guests more respect than this. Lydia has done nothing so far to deserve your bad sentiments."

Elizabeth looked at the ground, her eyes narrowed into little slits. "We shall see!" she thought to herself. Sometimes Darcy's righteousness vexed her greatly. He had never had the advantage of having a younger brother to annoy and try his patience. She looked to her side away from him, just to make a little scrunched face in disapprobation. It made her feel better, no matter how childish the action was. Here she was, lowering herself to the level of Lydia's maturity! How disgusting! She began to feel sorry for herself. She even entertained thoughts of slapping Darcy on the arm! She had to control this emotional tirade before it got out of hand. She mustered up all the false dignity she could and turned toward her husband.

"You are very right, my dear. I was reacting to something that just isn't there. Will you forgive me?" she retorted.

"Elizabeth, do not concern yourself over what may or may not be. This visit will turn out well enough, I know it." Darcy heard himself say what he himself was not convinced of. "I am going to stables for a while, then I shall come in and dress for supper. I will see you then, my love." He kissed her forehead and departed.

Elizabeth stared in his direction until he was out of sight. She began to feel a nervousness she had not felt since way before her marriage. The same kind of nervousness she had felt during her acquaintance with Darcy before they had been betrothed. Before she had made promises to her husband, promises to never keep secrets.

Part III

"Such relief, however, as it was in her power to afford, by the practice of what might be called economy in her own private expenses, she frequently sent them." - J. Austen

The appointed hour for supper had made its arrival. Darcy and Elizabeth awaited their guests in the dining room. Darcy thought Elizabeth to be uncommonly silent this evening. He gazed at her and said, "You look very beautiful this evening, have I told you lately how much I love you?"

"I should dearly love to hear it, especially on an evening as this." She said. He reached for her hand and kissed it gently. She turned her head from him as he kissed her hand and made another face. This one however, was one of shear guilt. "My love, I have something I must speak to you about." Courage began to fail her.

"What is it?" he said quietly.

"Do you...do you promise you will not be quick to judge before I have made my case, sir?" she gulped.

Darcy did not like the sound of this. He looked at her with that stern look that she did not like at all. That...I know you've been up to something, Elizabeth...look. He noticed how she began to squirm in her slippers as a little girl with her hand caught in a cookie jar might look.

"Pray, do let me in on your little secret." He frowned.

She thought she may faint, but that would be entirely too dramatic. "I, well...they, ah." She squawked just as the Gardiners and Lydia were announced by the butler. She looked toward the door of the dining room, then back at Darcy.

"We shall continue this later." He said sternly.

Georgiana joined the party and everyone took their seats for supper. Darcy at the table head with Elizabeth to his right side. Elizabeth took a deep breath and began to speak with Mrs. Gardiner about the goings on in town. She inquired after the Gardiner children, who were all reported to be well and happy. Jane and Bingley were residing at Gracechurch Street to watch over them while the Gardiner's went on holiday. Bingley was fond of town and had very little time there since his marriage to Jane. Georgiana felt disposed to ask questions of Lydia since it appeared to her that Lydia was being left out of the conversation.

"Mrs. Wickham, where is it that you reside?" Georgiana inquired innocently.

"Dear Wickham and I reside in the North of England. Lydia replied," still awed by the grandeur of Pemberley house. "Of course, we have nothing compared to Pemberley there. We live very modestly, you know."

Now it was Darcy's turn to squirm a little. He looked at his plate and pushed his food around it. Elizabeth caught sight of this out of the corner of her eye. Elizabeth tried to change the subject and asked about Wickham's regiment. Success was hers as Lydia went on a five minute dissertation on the advantages of being a Soldier's wife.

Elizabeth was relieved to see Darcy begin to eat his meal calmly. He began a conversation with Mr. Gardiner about plans for tomorrow's fishing escapades. She also began to calm down and enjoy her meal. She smiled at Georgiana and turned to Lydia.

"Elizabeth has been most kind toward me as her new sister." Began Georgiana. "She has taken me under her wing, it would seem."

"Yes, Lizzy has always possessed a great kindness towards others. If it were not for the kindness she shows to dear Wickham and I every month, in the form of some money, we would surely not live quite so well! Oh! Dear me, but that was supposed to be a secret!" Lydia blushed.

There it was, out on the table along with the Beef and potatoes. Elizabeth gasped and looked at Lydia in disbelief. Darcy also looked at Lydia, his knife and fork suspended in mid air over his plate.

"What? I am sorry Mrs. Wickham, I did not quite make that out. Do you mean to tell me that my wife sends you...and your husband, money every month, regularly?" Darcy said glaring at Elizabeth. He nodded his head slightly a few times and lowered his knife and fork. "If you will excuse me." Was all that he said as he got up from the table and threw down his napkin. He made for the door and was gone.

Elizabeth was now sure she would cry. She was enraged at Lydia for her betrayal. She was angry at herself for never having divulged it to her husband. Mostly she was sure that Fitzwilliam would never speak to her again for breaking their promise to never keep things from one another. She got up from the table and excused herself also. The rest of the party sat at the table in disbelief and shock. "I don't know what all the fuss is about?" said Lydia with a mouth full. Mrs. Gardiner gave her a stern look as Lydia was the only one still eating supper.

Elizabeth followed Darcy down the hall. He had reached his study, entered it and slammed the door behind him. Elizabeth upon reaching the study door, opened it without the courtesy of a knock and closed it behind her.

"Fitzwilliam! Fitzwilliam, I was going to tell you about this!" she began.

"Do not speak it, Elizabeth! I am of no humor to hear it at this very moment!" he yelled. He had his back toward her with his arms folded across his chest. His anger was greater than even she had ever seen. He began again. "Now I know what a promise means to you!" he whirled around to face her, more severe looking than she could have imagined. "You have been sending Wickham part of your pocket allowance all these months, and never bothered to mention it?"

"Yes." She whispered. "I did not send it until I was sure that all my expenses were satisfied."

"It is not the money, Elizabeth! It is the fact that you concealed it from me." His voice cracked with anger.

"But I was sure you would not approve. I did not want to see my sister suffer, because of poor choices. I have made the poorest choice of all. I am sorry, Fitzwilliam." tears welling up in her eyes.

He was so angry still that he wheeled around and knocked over a small candelabra sitting near the edge of the desk. "Do not wait up for me!" he said as he left the study, headed down the hallway, and out the front doors.

Elizabeth watched him go. Her house guests having overheard some of the Darcy's yelling and the slamming of the front doors, came out into the hallway. Elizabeth looked at her aunt and uncle, then at Lydia. "Lydia, I should have you thrown out of this house for good!" she exclaimed as she ran up the stairs to her bedchamber.

Part IV

"With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them." - J. Austen.

Darcy almost ran to the stables. He ordered a groom to saddle him a horse immediately. The horse was brought around, Darcy mounted it without an attendant, and galloped away in a direction toward Lambton. The stable hands watched him go as if they had seen a ghost.

Darcy could feel his heart pound to the beat of the horses hooves. How could she have kept this from him? How could she have disregarded his wishes? He slowed the pace of the horse to a trot, then a walk. Never had their marriage been in such turmoil. At that moment he began to feel sorry for it. He rounded the bend and descended into the town of Lambton. There were people still bustling in the street, preparing to settle in for the night. They all stopped and stared at him as he rode past. They were unaccustomed to seeing the master of Pemberley in town at that time of the evening. Darcy did his best to ignore the stares and brought his horse to a stop in front of the local Pub. This was as good a place as any to take refuge for a while, and he thought he could use a drink.

He walked into the pub and looked around. He had rarely ever been there, and the inhabitants all looked back at him in disbelief. The master of Pemberley, in a pub? A group of local men were sitting in a corner playing chess. They watched Darcy as he ordered the barkeep to bring him a beer. One of the men looked at another and said, "Do you suppose there is some trouble on the home front, Jake?" Both men laughed and went back to their game. Darcy took a seat at a table close to the door and began to drink his beer all the while feeling a little silly and very out of place. None the less, he finished his pint and ordered the barkeep to bring another.

He started to think about what had happened between he and Elizabeth that evening. Naturally she had been concerned about her sister's welfare. He had watched her many times with the tenants of Pemberley. Showing them all kindness and bringing them things they perhaps needed. Her kindness especially towards the women and children on the farms. Bringing them new clothes and blankets and special treats for the children. Showing compassion toward the infirmed. He had been very proud of her behavior at those times. So why was this so very different? He started to regret his anger toward her and he felt cowardly for having bolted out of the house.

At that moment he looked up and saw the familiar face of Mr. Gardiner entering the pub. He motioned to him and Mr. Gardiner took a seat across the table from Darcy. He looked into his beer and said, "I suppose Elizabeth is upset?"

"She wonders where you have gone off to? I told her I would make sure of your safety. She has gone to her room and Mrs. Gardiner has gone to comfort her, if she can."

"Oh." Darcy said somewhat under his breath.

"Mr. Darcy, I did not come after you to interfere in your affairs. But, you had been of assistance to me at a difficult time when I needed to locate my niece. I thought I could return a favor." Mr. Gardiner replied, looking at Darcy who was again fidgeting with his ring.

"Mr. Gardiner, you do not owe me anything, but I could perhaps use some advice at the present. You and Mrs. Gardiner appear to have an exceptional marriage."

"Yes, we have discovered how to love and respect each other and live in harmony." Mr. Gardiner said with a chuckle. "However, not all of our days have been spent in bliss."

"I did not assume that all the days of a marriage are happy ones." Replied Darcy.

"Most certainly not! But a couple must always try to remember the reasons for embarking upon such a union. First of all there must be mutual respect, and a lot of tolerance at times." Mr. Gardiner chuckled again. "A wise man once told me his secret to a successful marriage."

"And that was?" Darcy looked up in curiosity.

"He told me that he never let a night pass in anger with his wife. They always settled their differences before dawn. And they spent many contented years together. I have tried to live by that rule and have found it to be a very good one."

Darcy looked at the beer again, then pushed it away. "That seems to be very sound advice, thank you, sir. Shall we ride back to Pemberley together?"

"It would be a pleasure, sir." Mr. Gardiner breathed a sigh of relief and both men left the pub for home. Darcy was very quiet on the ride back, all the while thinking of what he was to say to Elizabeth.

They reached the estate and Darcy excused himself to go to Elizabeth. He strode through the great hall to their bedchamber and opened the main door. Mrs. Gardiner was sitting on the side of the bed next to Elizabeth. She saw Darcy enter and stood and excused herself.

"Mr. Gardiner accompanied me back to Pemberley. He is waiting downstairs." Darcy said to her. She nodded and quietly left the room shutting the door behind her.

Elizabeth watched Darcy as he stood next to the bed, examining his boots. When he looked up at her he saw the remains of tears in her eyes and he began to feel miserable. Elizabeth sighed deeply and looked into his eyes as well.

"I must apologize for my broken promises. I will never again hurt you in that way. I love you, Fitzwilliam" her voice trailing off into a sob.

"Do not make yourself uneasy, my love. Once again, I have been too quick to judge you and have let my pride get in the way of our happiness. It will be my curse." He said as he sat on the bed next to her. "You must keep doing what you feel is right as far as your sister is concerned."

"My sister deserves no..." Elizabeth did not have a chance to continue for Darcy stopped her with a passionate kiss. He was in no mood for further discussion and decided wisely to end their differences before dawn. He reached over to the candle and snuffed it out.

Such it was that the Darcy's spent that night and all those that came after it. In comfortable and loving closeness, and a firm understanding of tolerance. The Gardiners were overjoyed to witness the repair of the marriage of their most favorite niece and much admired nephew, and even Lydia tried to have a sense of decorum for the remainder of the visit.

Darcy and Elizabeth stood on the grounds and said their good-byes to their relations. As Lydia ascended into the carriage she turned around to say good-bye to Elizabeth. "I have had a wonderful time at Pemberley, Lizzy." She whispered in her ear. "On my next visit, I promise to bring my dear Wickham!"

The End

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