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Arrogance and Inheritance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
If a different Mr. Collins was the heir to Longbourn, what would have happened?
Gregory Collins inherited a flourishing wine importing business in London from his father and is now a prosperous tradesman. Upon discovering he is the heir presumptive to a relative's estate, he realises he must make the journey to meet the family, as he has no knowledge of landowning or agriculture. He is determined to amass as much knowledge as he can so that when he comes into possession, he can tend to the land and its tenants properly. Rather than hoping to evict the Bennets from the estate when their father dies, he desires to re-establish the familial bond, so there will be no difficulty living together when that time arrives, although he expects Mr. Bennet will live for many years more.
Mr. Collins may not be physically attractive, yet he is not repulsive or unintelligent. He is precisely the sort of man the two elder Bennet daughters had always assumed their meagre dowries would enable them to marry. While becoming the wife of someone active in trade would be a lowering of status temporarily, the security of their family would be ensured. When Mr. Collins comes to understand the value of the eldest two Bennet daughters and considers if it would be advantageous to everyone if he married one, how will Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy react in the face of competition?
Gregory Collins inherited a flourishing wine importing business in London from his father and is now a prosperous tradesman. Upon discovering he is the heir presumptive to a relative's estate, he realises he must make the journey to meet the family, as he has no knowledge of landowning or agriculture. He is determined to amass as much knowledge as he can so that when he comes into possession, he can tend to the land and its tenants properly. Rather than hoping to evict the Bennets from the estate when their father dies, he desires to re-establish the familial bond, so there will be no difficulty living together when that time arrives, although he expects Mr. Bennet will live for many years more.
Mr. Collins may not be physically attractive, yet he is not repulsive or unintelligent. He is precisely the sort of man the two elder Bennet daughters had always assumed their meagre dowries would enable them to marry. While becoming the wife of someone active in trade would be a lowering of status temporarily, the security of their family would be ensured. When Mr. Collins comes to understand the value of the eldest two Bennet daughters and considers if it would be advantageous to everyone if he married one, how will Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy react in the face of competition?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 3, 2023
Enjoyed it.
A very rare variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Clarissa Joy Thomas. What if Mr. Collins wasn’t a smelly sycophant? A most entertaining story indeed.
A very rare variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Clarissa Joy Thomas. What if Mr. Collins wasn’t a smelly sycophant? A most entertaining story indeed.
July 3, 2023
Bland
A rather bland and unemotional story. The major variation is that Mr Collins is a decent guy, a successful wine merchant in London, who comes to Longbourn eager to learn estate management and get to know his Bennett relations. He marries Jane, and he has parents and a young sister who live in Derbyshire. Darcy, staying at Netherfield with the Bingleys, is attracted to Elizabeth but seems to have little trouble resisting his feelings. After Jane marries, Elizabeth accompanies her to Derbyshire to visit Mr Collins' family, and while there Elizabeth is reunited with Darcy, who she doesn't much like.
I just wasn't feeling the chemistry developing between Elizabeth and Darcy. Darcy has to be convinced by his cousins that it would be okay for him to pursue Elizabeth. Once he's convinced, it's like a switch is thrown and he's suddenly hot to win her. I didn't like that he had to be talked into it. Elizabeth, also, gets talked into believing that her extreme dislike must be a sign that she secretly loves Darcy. Not very romantic.
I love JAFF variations that give us an alternate outlook on our beloved characters, but I object when an author uses so much of Jane Austen's text verbatim. I'd say about one quarter of the content of this story is written by Jane Austen, and for me that indicates laziness. I much prefer to read an author's own creations, in his or her own words. I've already read P&P, I thought I was buying an original work.
It's an interesting premise, and written well enough, but I can't really recommend it without these reservations.
A rather bland and unemotional story. The major variation is that Mr Collins is a decent guy, a successful wine merchant in London, who comes to Longbourn eager to learn estate management and get to know his Bennett relations. He marries Jane, and he has parents and a young sister who live in Derbyshire. Darcy, staying at Netherfield with the Bingleys, is attracted to Elizabeth but seems to have little trouble resisting his feelings. After Jane marries, Elizabeth accompanies her to Derbyshire to visit Mr Collins' family, and while there Elizabeth is reunited with Darcy, who she doesn't much like.
I just wasn't feeling the chemistry developing between Elizabeth and Darcy. Darcy has to be convinced by his cousins that it would be okay for him to pursue Elizabeth. Once he's convinced, it's like a switch is thrown and he's suddenly hot to win her. I didn't like that he had to be talked into it. Elizabeth, also, gets talked into believing that her extreme dislike must be a sign that she secretly loves Darcy. Not very romantic.
I love JAFF variations that give us an alternate outlook on our beloved characters, but I object when an author uses so much of Jane Austen's text verbatim. I'd say about one quarter of the content of this story is written by Jane Austen, and for me that indicates laziness. I much prefer to read an author's own creations, in his or her own words. I've already read P&P, I thought I was buying an original work.
It's an interesting premise, and written well enough, but I can't really recommend it without these reservations.
July 2, 2023
2.5 Stars
A different Mr. Collins was an interesting idea, but after his marriage early in the story, he was no longer a factor.
I stopped reading when I got to chapter twenty. From the chapters read, I believe it to be a light tale but on the dull side.
A different Mr. Collins was an interesting idea, but after his marriage early in the story, he was no longer a factor.
I stopped reading when I got to chapter twenty. From the chapters read, I believe it to be a light tale but on the dull side.
August 4, 2025
I pushed my luck, listening and reading too many variations
This was yet another one where I left feeling like Darcy and Elizabeth were better off as amicable acquaintances and nothing else.
Justice for Mr. whatever his name was that showed an interest in Lizzy. Darcy sees it and goes ”meh, I’m not even sure I want to pursue her at all” and then after his relations literally compromise himself and Lizzy five pages later, he is like ”I can’t live without her. I love her” and as a reader you’re like… whaaat? It is not well developed.
Most of the book is other characters telling Darcy and Lizzy what they should feel and do. Many original lines from him, as he admits to his faults, are now TOLD to him by others. Which is vastly different.
When Elizabeth at times seems to like him, you’re like, girl, why?!? Yeah he is handsome and rich, but the only interactions you have is him apologizing for insulting you and your family.
It made me realize why Jane Austen was such a good writer, bringing these people convincingly together.
Because in this format the last half hour of sudden reconciliation and bethrothal just feels forced and strange. Like literally they should have been better off with other partners.
So… second book in a row that made me go, ”no thanks” to the supposed romance of the principal characters.
It was interesting to have a different Mr. Collins though and to have him marry Jane. I wish that had been a larger part of the story though. But at the two hour mark, Jane and Collins are married and that is only after the briefest discussion and comments about whether she likes him or Bingley best.
All in all, if I can’t be convinced the main characters should be together - other than the reason that it is canon and they must end up together- and if the narrative makes me actively wish for them NOT to be together, well then I can only say it wasn’t for me.
This was yet another one where I left feeling like Darcy and Elizabeth were better off as amicable acquaintances and nothing else.
Justice for Mr. whatever his name was that showed an interest in Lizzy. Darcy sees it and goes ”meh, I’m not even sure I want to pursue her at all” and then after his relations literally compromise himself and Lizzy five pages later, he is like ”I can’t live without her. I love her” and as a reader you’re like… whaaat? It is not well developed.
Most of the book is other characters telling Darcy and Lizzy what they should feel and do. Many original lines from him, as he admits to his faults, are now TOLD to him by others. Which is vastly different.
When Elizabeth at times seems to like him, you’re like, girl, why?!? Yeah he is handsome and rich, but the only interactions you have is him apologizing for insulting you and your family.
It made me realize why Jane Austen was such a good writer, bringing these people convincingly together.
Because in this format the last half hour of sudden reconciliation and bethrothal just feels forced and strange. Like literally they should have been better off with other partners.
So… second book in a row that made me go, ”no thanks” to the supposed romance of the principal characters.
It was interesting to have a different Mr. Collins though and to have him marry Jane. I wish that had been a larger part of the story though. But at the two hour mark, Jane and Collins are married and that is only after the briefest discussion and comments about whether she likes him or Bingley best.
All in all, if I can’t be convinced the main characters should be together - other than the reason that it is canon and they must end up together- and if the narrative makes me actively wish for them NOT to be together, well then I can only say it wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
I loved it! It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. If a different Mr. Collins was the heir to Longbourn, what would have happened? Gregory Collins inherited a flourishing wine importing business in London from his father and is now a prosperous tradesman. Upon discovering he is the heir presumptive to a relative's estate, he realises he must make the journey to meet the family, as he has no knowledge of landowning or agriculture. He is determined to amass as much knowledge as he can so that when he comes into possession, he can tend to the land and its tenants properly. Rather than hoping to evict the Bennets from the estate when their father dies, he desires to re-establish the familial bond, so there will be no difficulty living together when that time arrives, although he expects Mr. Bennet will live for many years more. Mr. Collins may not be physically attractive, yet he is not repulsive or unintelligent. He is precisely the sort of man the two elder Bennet daughters had always assumed their meagre dowries would enable them to marry. While becoming the wife of someone active in trade would be a lowering of status temporarily, the security of their family would be ensured. When Mr. Collins comes to understand the value of the eldest two Bennet daughters and considers if it would be advantageous to everyone if he married one, how will Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy react in the face of competition? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
July 24, 2025
A Different Mr. Collins
I loved the narration of this audiobook by Stevie Zimmerman—she’s always excellent. That said, I did detect some soft audio clicks at the end of certain sentences.
The variation began well, featuring a version of Mr. Collins quite unlike the one readers might expect. I enjoyed the personality the writer gave to this successful and sensible man in trade. He has to compete with Mr. Bingley, but this is where my enjoyment faded a little. If Jane is to choose someone other than Bingley, it still has to be for love. In this case, it felt as though Jane accepted Mr. Collins mainly because he asked first, and for the sake of her family, thus breaking the sisters’ shared vow to only marry for love. She does, at least, get her happy ending.
Turning to Elizabeth and Darcy, I never truly felt the love between them. It takes until the end of the book for them to reach an agreement (intentional word). In the meantime, there’s lots of matchmaking on the part of Darcy’s and Mr. Collins’s adoptive family to get them together. Eventually, Darcy decides it would be acceptable to marry her, but not until his family convinces him. And, after further delay, she basically says okay—not in so many words, of course..
I thought the writing was good, but the plot and emotions did not meet my expectations.
Five stars for the narration; three for the story.
I loved the narration of this audiobook by Stevie Zimmerman—she’s always excellent. That said, I did detect some soft audio clicks at the end of certain sentences.
The variation began well, featuring a version of Mr. Collins quite unlike the one readers might expect. I enjoyed the personality the writer gave to this successful and sensible man in trade. He has to compete with Mr. Bingley, but this is where my enjoyment faded a little. If Jane is to choose someone other than Bingley, it still has to be for love. In this case, it felt as though Jane accepted Mr. Collins mainly because he asked first, and for the sake of her family, thus breaking the sisters’ shared vow to only marry for love. She does, at least, get her happy ending.
Turning to Elizabeth and Darcy, I never truly felt the love between them. It takes until the end of the book for them to reach an agreement (intentional word). In the meantime, there’s lots of matchmaking on the part of Darcy’s and Mr. Collins’s adoptive family to get them together. Eventually, Darcy decides it would be acceptable to marry her, but not until his family convinces him. And, after further delay, she basically says okay—not in so many words, of course..
I thought the writing was good, but the plot and emotions did not meet my expectations.
Five stars for the narration; three for the story.
September 19, 2023
Hoped for more
This reader discovered many things after reading this variation:
1) Jane Bingley must end up with Charles Bingley. As much as this reader wishes a happier ending for many of the secondary characters of P&P Canon, she cannot stress enough that the pairing between Jane and Charles cannot and must not be interfered with. It’s somewhat disturbing that Jane Bennet finds happiness elsewhere other than Charles Bingley’s arms and protections. It’s unnerving to be sure!
2) Variation that merely touches lightly and/or shallowly the love affair between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy makes a poor romance indeed. Quite disappointing to see so little love and affection in so many words utilized.
3) Pragmatism is good, but only for Charlotte Lucas. The practicality that the characters force themselves to face here is daunting to read. First with Jane Bennet, then with Charles Bingley and even Elizabeth and Bennet, if not for relations trying to urge them on. One can’t be convinced of a happy and successful marriage if they themselves cannot see the wisdom of their feelings for each other. It’s almost heart wrenching to read.
Not so happy with this one due to the reasons mentions and with some typos at the end. But if readers want something different, one can give this a try, at least for the author’s efforts.
This reader discovered many things after reading this variation:
1) Jane Bingley must end up with Charles Bingley. As much as this reader wishes a happier ending for many of the secondary characters of P&P Canon, she cannot stress enough that the pairing between Jane and Charles cannot and must not be interfered with. It’s somewhat disturbing that Jane Bennet finds happiness elsewhere other than Charles Bingley’s arms and protections. It’s unnerving to be sure!
2) Variation that merely touches lightly and/or shallowly the love affair between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy makes a poor romance indeed. Quite disappointing to see so little love and affection in so many words utilized.
3) Pragmatism is good, but only for Charlotte Lucas. The practicality that the characters force themselves to face here is daunting to read. First with Jane Bennet, then with Charles Bingley and even Elizabeth and Bennet, if not for relations trying to urge them on. One can’t be convinced of a happy and successful marriage if they themselves cannot see the wisdom of their feelings for each other. It’s almost heart wrenching to read.
Not so happy with this one due to the reasons mentions and with some typos at the end. But if readers want something different, one can give this a try, at least for the author’s efforts.
June 17, 2025
A totally different Mr Collins
3 1/2 stars rounded up
In this variation, we have a completely different Mr. Collins show up as the canon Mr. Collins passed away. This tradesman Mr. Collins was not a sycophant and was one who wanted to learn. He also saw the value in the oldest two Bennet girls. If you are one that Jane and Bingley must end up together then this is not a story for you. Here Jane is appreciated and not left with a broken heart.
Col F’s family has some serious matchmakers who make a mess of things for Darcy and Elizabeth.
I also got the audiobook when it was released as it was narrated by the fantastic Stevie Zimmerman. She completely made this story even better!
3 1/2 stars rounded up
In this variation, we have a completely different Mr. Collins show up as the canon Mr. Collins passed away. This tradesman Mr. Collins was not a sycophant and was one who wanted to learn. He also saw the value in the oldest two Bennet girls. If you are one that Jane and Bingley must end up together then this is not a story for you. Here Jane is appreciated and not left with a broken heart.
Col F’s family has some serious matchmakers who make a mess of things for Darcy and Elizabeth.
I also got the audiobook when it was released as it was narrated by the fantastic Stevie Zimmerman. She completely made this story even better!
June 23, 2024
3 stories in one
This was a story of Jane, Elizabeth, Bingley, Collins, and Darcy. Jane had to choose and I think she chose wisely. Elizabeth had to tame herself, Darcy, and his relatives.
Elizabeth appears to be 2 different characters. Strong and opinionated and then transform to weak and weeping.
I enjoyed the updated Mr Collins.
My reason for subtracting a star was Darcy insults were horrible and Elizabeth let him off - not easily but I think if he really felt that way he would not have pursued her.
I do like a HEA.
I have not suggestions on correcting it since I am a story reader not writer.
I do recommend this variation for all ages to enjoy.
This was a story of Jane, Elizabeth, Bingley, Collins, and Darcy. Jane had to choose and I think she chose wisely. Elizabeth had to tame herself, Darcy, and his relatives.
Elizabeth appears to be 2 different characters. Strong and opinionated and then transform to weak and weeping.
I enjoyed the updated Mr Collins.
My reason for subtracting a star was Darcy insults were horrible and Elizabeth let him off - not easily but I think if he really felt that way he would not have pursued her.
I do like a HEA.
I have not suggestions on correcting it since I am a story reader not writer.
I do recommend this variation for all ages to enjoy.
December 12, 2023
Fabulous
"Arrogance and Inheritance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation" Bingley appreciates Collins' sincerity, while Darcy's initial reservations evolve into respect for Gregory's character. The tale cleverly juxtaposes societal expectations with genuine intentions, offering a fresh perspective.
"Collins Reimagined" delivers a compelling narrative that questions societal norms, presenting a thought-provoking take on familial ties, character, and societal values.
"Arrogance and Inheritance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation" Bingley appreciates Collins' sincerity, while Darcy's initial reservations evolve into respect for Gregory's character. The tale cleverly juxtaposes societal expectations with genuine intentions, offering a fresh perspective.
"Collins Reimagined" delivers a compelling narrative that questions societal norms, presenting a thought-provoking take on familial ties, character, and societal values.
July 29, 2023
Entertaining read
Interesting variation with a decidedly different take for the secondary characters with leaving the Bingley's to themselves and moving on when Jane realizes she has a choice of who to marry. Darcy and Elizabeth find their HEA in the 'rush to the end' writing. There were some minor typos, but nothing you cannot get past. Enjoy!
Interesting variation with a decidedly different take for the secondary characters with leaving the Bingley's to themselves and moving on when Jane realizes she has a choice of who to marry. Darcy and Elizabeth find their HEA in the 'rush to the end' writing. There were some minor typos, but nothing you cannot get past. Enjoy!
September 30, 2023
Meh
Wording was odd in some places. I really like the sensible Collins cousin and would have been happy with him marrying any of the 4 eldest. But Elizabeth's doubts about being able to trust Darcy: could she really get past them? I like his marriage contract clause, though I hope it was never used.
Wording was odd in some places. I really like the sensible Collins cousin and would have been happy with him marrying any of the 4 eldest. But Elizabeth's doubts about being able to trust Darcy: could she really get past them? I like his marriage contract clause, though I hope it was never used.
July 3, 2023
Very Delightful!
I enjoy a good story where Jane happily marries someone other than Bingley, and Darcy really does need to change himself, without Lizzy needing to be the only one to take him to task about it.
I enjoy a good story where Jane happily marries someone other than Bingley, and Darcy really does need to change himself, without Lizzy needing to be the only one to take him to task about it.
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August 12, 2023Very Vanilla
There just didn't seem to be much conflict. It was mentioned that Mrs. Bennet had some nefarious plan one Missy was out of the house but nothing more was mentioned. That may have made the story more interesting.
There just didn't seem to be much conflict. It was mentioned that Mrs. Bennet had some nefarious plan one Missy was out of the house but nothing more was mentioned. That may have made the story more interesting.
July 27, 2023
This was a fine variation, but the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy was too fraught-- we see Darcy continually be an asshole, and apologize, but the actual change feels limited.
September 30, 2023
Kind of dull, although I think the concept started out promising.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews