Darcy Reflects on his Parents’ Marriage by Mary Simonsen

Behind the scene palladian bridge for bannerNetherfield Park, Hertfordshire – November 15, 1812


Tomorrow I am to be married
, Darcy thought, as he enjoyed a glass of port in his bedchamber. Although delighted by the prospect of sharing his life with the woman he loved, his thoughts turned to another couple—that of his parents, David Darcy and Lady Anne Fitzwilliam.

As a child, it seemed as if his mother was always going somewhere—a card party, a reception, a ball, the theater, each requiring that she be swathed in layers of clothing. Before each event, the young Darcy visited her suite and watched as her lady’s maid powdered her hair. That exercise was followed by the insertion of elaborate hair accoutrements, such as feathers and strands of tiny pearls and, on least one occasion, a songbird. Only when everything was just so would Lady Anne descend the stairs, and in his impressionable, young mind, she appeared to float above them. At the bottom of the stairway, his father waited for his bride in a sky blue jacket, matching satin breeches, and shoes with jeweled buckles. In addition to his finest clothes, he wore his best wig—the queue tied with a satin ribbon to match the color of Mama’s gown. All this Fitzwilliam observed whilst holding tightly to the hand of his nurse or governess. Once his parents had left Pemberley or Darcy House, depending upon the season, he would be whisked back to the nursery for lessons or a bedtime story.

Georgian Era CoupleDarcy had been at Cambridge when he was called into the headmaster’s room. It was there that he learned that his mother had died after a brief illness and that his father was sending a carriage for him. Although his dear Papa’s grief was real and sustained, so much of his parents’ lives had been spent apart. Whilst Mama preferred London or visiting with her brother, the Earl of _______, and her sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, his father was happiest when working on improvements at Pemberley—his mother frequently teasing her husband that every time she returned to Derbyshire, it was necessary for her to have a tour of the house and gardens as nothing would be the same as when she had left it. An exaggeration, of course, but it was evidence of their lengthy separations.

With his mother’s death, all improvements at Pemberley had ceased, and the elder Darcy turned his attention to making the estate as profitable as possible. To that end, he leased land to pottery and timber concerns and doubled the size of the grist mill. In Lambton, he subsidized the building of a new assembly hall and the expansion of the town hall, a place where, as Lord of the Manor, he served as magistrate in connection with minor disputes. Observing the flurry of activity, Fitzwilliam understood that with his mother gone, his father had lost the only admirer who mattered for the vast improvements he had made at Pemberley.

Darcy shook his head at the memory. Although he loved and admired his parents, that was not what he wanted for his marriage with Elizabeth.

After walking to the window, his eyes followed the tree-line that would eventually lead to Longbourn where his bride would spend her last day as Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Tomorrow night, they would share the same bed—something his parents rarely did—or at least something he was unaware of. In the morning, when the children were sent for, Lady Anne could be found propped up on pillows in her own chamber—alone. After gently tapping the satin covers, Fitzwilliam and little Georgiana ran towards the bed and climbed in beside their mother who regaled them with stories of her time in London.

Thinking of the children Elizabeth and he would have, he smiled, but swore that when his children came into their mother’s suite, they would find their father there as well.

“I want the first person I see every morning to be Elizabeth and that she will be a part of every day of my life, and I want to be part of hers,” he said aloud. “Of course, that does not mean I shall meddle with the menus or discuss household purchases nor will she accompany me when I meet with my steward. But in all other matters, I want Elizabeth by my side. Ours will be a very different marriage from that of my parents. Tomorrow, when the parson declares that two have become one, it will be a statement of fact not some lofty ideal. And why should it not be,” Darcy continued. “I have found the perfect wife. I am determined to be the best husband I can be.”

Your comments are always appreciated.

58 comments

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    • Glynis on January 8, 2016 at 1:01 am
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    I can just imagine Darcy thinking all this. I enjoy reading about his deep love for Elizabeth and your little story shows that really well. Thank you 😊

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 12:54 pm
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      Hi Glynis. Thank you for your comment. All the best. 🙂

    • Barbara on January 8, 2016 at 1:08 am
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    Thanks Mary for this wonderful story. Do you believe that soon it would be possible to buy this book behind the scenes??? Kiss. Barbara

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 12:56 pm
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      Hi Barbara. About the book for Behind the Scenes, it’s going to be awhile b/c our members are still adding chapters. When that comes to an end, it will be a HUGE commitment to pull that all together. I know b/c I worked with Abigail on the first incarnation. But believe me, you will know as soon as it’s ready. Thanks for asking.

        • Anne on April 24, 2024 at 8:31 am
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        I love the posts, but any updates on if/when a compilation of these wonderful short stories will be available in book form?

    • Carol hoyt on January 8, 2016 at 3:22 am
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    I, too, can see this scene.
    Such love and hope is a wonderful thing to behold.

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 12:57 pm
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      Thanks, Carol. I appreciate your comment.

    • Michelle Hall on January 8, 2016 at 4:45 am
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    What a lovely story and great start to a Friday morning. Found it very romantic. I love your stories so thank you X

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 1:12 pm
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      Thanks, Michelle. Have a good weekend.

    • Carol on January 8, 2016 at 6:03 am
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    Reading about Darcy’s thoughts on marriage to Elizabeth is always enjoyable. The fact that they both are willing to forgo Recency strict structures says a lot about their love and devotion. Excellent Behind-the-scenes story. 💕

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 1:13 pm
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      Thanks, Carol. I always appreciate hearing from you.

    • Deborah on January 8, 2016 at 6:28 am
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    I can see Darcy thinking these things. Thank you for sharing this missing scene.

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 1:13 pm
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      Thank YOU. Have a good weekend.

    • Eva E on January 8, 2016 at 7:29 am
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    Wonderful! I know that Darcy feels this way, but it will be interesting to witness how he proposes it to Elizabeth, who is quite clueless about this. They will be forging their own relationship according to their own desires.

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 1:14 pm
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      Marriage is an interesting journey, esp. for 2 people from such different backgrounds. Thank you for your comment. 🙂

    • Theresa M on January 8, 2016 at 8:36 am
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    Thanks for a the lovely start to my Friday!

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 1:14 pm
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      I hope you have an equally lovely weekend. Thanks for commenting.

  1. Mary!! I LOVE IT!!! You always write such a great DARCY!!!

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 1:15 pm
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      Thanks, Margie. So glad you enjoyed it.

  2. Beautiful!!!! 🙂

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 1:15 pm
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      Thanks, Susanne. I can always count on you for a comment, and it is appreciated. 🙂

    • Nicole B on January 8, 2016 at 12:30 pm
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    This was a wonderful way to start my day! Thank you for sharing your talent with us, happy new year!

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 1:16 pm
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      Thank you, Nicole, and a Happy New Year to you as well.

    • RMorrel on January 8, 2016 at 2:08 pm
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    I certainly hope Darcy is different from his father. I cannot imagine him in a sky blue jacket, matching satin breeches, and shoes with jeweled buckles. Too funny!

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 4:49 pm
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      I’m not a fan of late 18th-century men’s clothes, but that’s what a rich man would have worn. To me, Darcy is always dressed in the fashion of Beau Brummel. Thanks for commenting.

    • Billie Barrett on January 8, 2016 at 2:19 pm
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    I love stories from a Darcy point of view. Jane Austen was a great writer because she only wrote from prospective she knew so she wrote very little of the male point of view. It makes sense that Darcy would be thinking about his parent’s wedding before his own. I think Darcy might want to rethink the idea that Elizabeth will not be accompanying him when he meets with his steward. 🙂 Mary has written a very nice story taking us into the mind of Mr. Darcy on the day before his wedding to his love, Elizabeth. Many things have changed in society in just the nearly 30 years since Darcy’s parent were married. So, Darcy wants to show Elizabeth how much he loves her even if it goes against societal norms. Good job Mary!!!!!

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 6:02 pm
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      Thanks, Billie. I appreciate it. 🙂 🙂

    • Carole in Canada on January 8, 2016 at 2:48 pm
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    You have expressed Darcy’s deep love and commitment to Elizabeth beautifully. He wants so much more than what ‘Society’ deems a good marriage. Thank you!

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 4:49 pm
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      Thank you! My pleasure.

    • sharon on January 8, 2016 at 2:53 pm
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    a great scene mary i always enjoy your added scenes it is hard to imagine it wasnt jane austen writing it herself,you hae such lovely insights about darcy my very character spot on sharon

      • Mary Simonsen on January 8, 2016 at 4:50 pm
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      Thanks, Sharon, for your kind words. So glad you enjoyed it.

    • Helen on January 8, 2016 at 7:10 pm
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    Thanks Mary, a lovely story. Love your writing and look forward to more. Thanks for the story, Helen.

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on January 8, 2016 at 8:07 pm
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    Loved the final chapter. To learn from the past and look forward to the future. I think Lizzy would approve.

      • Mary Simonsen on January 9, 2016 at 1:39 pm
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      Thank you, Jen. Hope you have a great 2016.

  3. Sweet story. I enjoy reading about Darcy’s thoughts. And I’ve enjoyed your books as well especially ‘Answered Prayers.’ Look forward to your next book.

      • Mary Simonsen on January 9, 2016 at 1:40 pm
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      Thank you, Gianna. I have to admit that of all my short stories, Answered Prayers is my favorite. So glad you enjoyed it, too.

    • Lisa Heiserman on January 8, 2016 at 10:19 pm
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    I really enjoyed this scene and another facet to Mr. Darcy. Thank you.

      • Mary Simonsen on January 9, 2016 at 1:40 pm
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      Thank YOU, Lisa. 🙂

    • Sheila L. M. on January 9, 2016 at 9:23 am
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    Aw, this is the Darcy we know and love, wanting to be by Elizabeth’s side in all things. I didn’t get to read this yesterday as I have several appointments but lovely way to start my Saturday. It brought tears to my eyes. Thinking of children running to jump on their parents’ bed reminds me of times with my own who would also tunnel under the covers. Thanks for this excerpt behind the scenes.

      • Mary Simonsen on January 9, 2016 at 1:44 pm
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      Thanks, Sheila. I agree. I loved when my kids came into our room on a Saturday morning and burrowed under the covers. At the time, we lived in MD, and in the winter, it made for a really cozy scene.

    • Roxey on January 9, 2016 at 4:08 pm
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    Very nice! Good to hear Darcy’s thoughts about his non-society wife and his non-society marriage!
    I can’t help but think of what Es mother is telling her what marriage is like!
    Thank you!

    1. Thanks, Roxey. I don’t think it was all smooth sailing for our D&E in London society, but they had each other. That’s what counts.

    • EvelynTost on January 9, 2016 at 10:32 pm
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    Lovely story! I always love hearing more of D’s point of view, and you do it so well. I am sure D is glad he doesn’t have to dress as his father did!! Thank you and Happy New Year, too!!

      • Mary Simonsen on January 12, 2016 at 1:09 pm
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      I think part of P&P’s charm is that we can picture our beloved characters in their beautiful Regency-era clothes! I can’t see Darcy wearing shoes with jeweled buckles! Thanks for commenting.

    • Kathy on January 11, 2016 at 12:03 am
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    Sorry I’m late to add my praise – really enjoyed reading this! I think we all imagine that both Darcy and Elizabeth have greater expectations for their marriage than what they saw in their own parents’ relationships, which is really more clear from Elizabeth’s perspective, and everything we see in P&P about the Bennets. It’s so touching that Darcy is not only willing to change himself for her, but that he recognizes that his and Elizabeth’s marriage could be so much more fulfilling than what he saw from his parents. Thank you!

      • Mary Simonsen on January 12, 2016 at 1:11 pm
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      At the time, there were so many “sad” arranged marriages. Money is not the cure-all for everything (although I would rather have it than not). 🙂 Thanks for commenting. Happy New Year, Kathy.

    • Michelle H on January 11, 2016 at 10:53 am
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    So heartwarming and romantic. Is there a corresponding behind the scenes of Elizabeth’s thoughts on the same day?

      • Mary Simonsen on January 12, 2016 at 1:18 pm
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      Is there a corresponding behind the scenes…? I looked at the schedule, and I see that in one scene, Charlotte talks to Elizabeth, but, honestly, I’m not sure. If you mean, is there one written by ME, no, but it is an interesting thought.

    • Sabine on January 11, 2016 at 2:49 pm
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    I like this story very much, in particular because it is true to history. Such is good fanfiction!

    David and Anne Darcy are still members of the “ancient regime” when the nobles had first to take their place in society, correspondending to the status they had. Lady Anne did so and she and Mr David Darcy went their own ways even it seems they loved each other. The upbringing of the children was mainly the task of nurses and governesses.
    After the French Revolution values more burgeois arose. Elizabeth shares this new values (marrying only a men she could love). Darcy himself has more problems in overcoming the old attitudes and therefore he was struggeling so hard to make his proposal.
    Your little story with his rememberance of his parents makes this more understandable. On the eve of his wedding we see that Darcy has overcome the old opinions and will become a modern husband we all would like to have.
    (Excuse my mistakes, I am no native speaker but I trying hard to improve my english by reading AustenFF 🙂 )
    Sabine (Germany)

      • Mary Simonsen on January 12, 2016 at 1:24 pm
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      Hi Sabine. First, your English is excellent! Your comment perfectly captures the transition I was trying to highlight between the early Georgian-era arranged marriages and what we hope for Darcy and Elizabeth. If you read “The Duchess”–about the Duchess of Devonshire and her loveless marriage to the Duke–it will break your heart to learn about a woman who had everything and nothing b/c her husband didn’t love her.

    • Opisica on January 12, 2016 at 12:15 pm
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    Of all the names I’ve seen in these pastiches for the elder Mr. Darcy, I think David would be one of my last choices. I’ve always imagined him as William, with Fitzwilliam of course meaning “son of William.” Fitzwilliam as a family name is, if I understand correctly , from his wife’s family. How did you happen to choose David?

    I greatly enjoy these stories from Darcy’s perspective, As much as I love JA, she did not always flesh out her male characters, therefore leaving it to the reader’s — and the writers’ — imagination . This pastiche is particularly charming, altho’ I’ve long thought that Darcy was way too good for Elizabeth. Re-reading the book, watching the film versions, and reading pastiches from various authors has only solidified that opinion. (I am definitely not a fan of Elizabeth Bennet!)

    1. Hi Opisica. Writers often call Darcy’s father “George,” a name I don’t like. I don’t want William, b/c I often abbreviate Fitzwilliam to William. I happen to like the name David.

      I think JA didn’t want us to like Darcy in the beginning. As he changes, our opinion of him changes.

      Thanks for commenting.

      • Ann G on January 15, 2016 at 5:31 pm
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      I really like Elizabeth Bennet, especially when she DOES realize when she has misjudged someone (for bad OR good). I would love if she could see through Wickham from the first.

        • Mary Simonsen on January 16, 2016 at 12:42 pm
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        At least Elizabeth recognizes her error, and all’s well that ends well. Thank you for commenting.

    • Sarah on January 15, 2016 at 9:29 pm
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    Sweet memories and quite believeable 🙂

      • Mary Simonsen on January 16, 2016 at 12:41 pm
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      Thanks, Sarah. Happy New Year!

    • Forget me not on January 27, 2016 at 6:56 am
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    Happy New Year Marie, Thank for this fine story. I imagine Darcy ….. j’adore.

    1. Merci! 🙂

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