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Mr. Collins' Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Jane Austen tells us that Mr. Collins was originally a man of 'great humility of manner,' but suppose that wasn't true. What if Mr. Collins was a very different person than he appeared to be? His false portrayal of himself is all part of "Mr. Collins' Deception."
This short story is also included in the compilation Pride & Prejudice Villains Revisited - Redeemed - Reimagined: A Collection of Six Short Stories.
This short story is about 16,000 words.
This short story is also included in the compilation Pride & Prejudice Villains Revisited - Redeemed - Reimagined: A Collection of Six Short Stories.
This short story is about 16,000 words.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2015
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58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 11, 2024
Short but special. I loved this portrayal of Mr Collins. His sermon at the end of the book was terrific as was Lady C's reaction.
Reread: love!
Reread: love!
June 19, 2016
This is a wonderfully creative spin on the character of Mr. Collins.
It turns out that he's a total phony! The author actually makes this seem plausible. The writing itself is quite good and kept my interest throughout, though it isn't a very long read. Loved the scene where he finally reveals his true personality, much to Lady Catherine's horror. Lucky Charlotte to find herself married to this guy!
It turns out that he's a total phony! The author actually makes this seem plausible. The writing itself is quite good and kept my interest throughout, though it isn't a very long read. Loved the scene where he finally reveals his true personality, much to Lady Catherine's horror. Lucky Charlotte to find herself married to this guy!
February 5, 2017
What would Lois Lane think when she learned she was married to a Superman?
Clean, short story, at about 50 pages, this was a quick read, about an hour without distractions.
I’m sorry, I found this simply too cute. A variation is just that, it varies from canon and we have to understand that as we go into the story. I posed the question… ‘What would Lois Lane think when she learned she was married to a Superman?’ I’ll explain why.
In this story, Mr. Collins needed a job. He had applied for the living as rector at Hunsford under the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Two of his friends had already applied for the position and had failed to secure it. He was meeting with them in order to get an insight into what he could expect. They gave him a copy of her contract and showed him her exit clause… a year probation.
Each man had been dismissed exactly six-weeks prior to the end of their probational period. They also told him the type of man Lady Catherine expected from her rector. He was also informed that nothing would be kept secret as she had spies constantly informing her of their actions… every action.
Mr. Collins needed a job and so he hid the man he was and, to his disgust, became the man Lady Catherine wanted as her rector. He only had to endure the one year probational period and he felt he could survive that. This so reminded me of Superman hiding in plain sight as the bumbling Clark Kent. Beneath the soft spoken, sycophant was a man of steel.
We had the POV of Mr. Collins and we spent a lot of time in his head. We saw why he acted the way he did and how he manipulated every situation away from who he really was and gave the appearance of the toady character that has been so prevalent throughout JAFF. I have noticed more and more variations where Collins has been depicted different than canon. I really liked this character and I continued to read it in order to reach that point where Collins would reveal himself to Charlotte. Oh, that was delicious.
We, in modern times, might think this is a bit ridiculous; however, how many of us have had to work under conditions that forced us to act or react according to what was expected of us? That is what training sessions are all about, teaching us to conform to what is required and to learn a company's mode of operation… whether we agree with their principles or not.
On a personal note: I moved to a different state and when applying for a job… had to endure an interviewer who ranted and railed at the manner in which business was conducted in the state I had just moved from. I was horrified that this person was taking their view point out on me. I finally told them, “Look, you tell me how you want things done and that is what I’ll do.” I didn’t understand their extreme vitriol. In our line of business, procedures came and went and were in a constant state of flux. I considered myself a blank slate and was willing to learn their way of doing things. Needless to say, I didn’t get the job. I don’t think they would have hired me on a dare. I had come from “that state” and the interviewer was incensed at their method of operation. Whew!
Clean, short story, at about 50 pages, this was a quick read, about an hour without distractions.
I’m sorry, I found this simply too cute. A variation is just that, it varies from canon and we have to understand that as we go into the story. I posed the question… ‘What would Lois Lane think when she learned she was married to a Superman?’ I’ll explain why.
In this story, Mr. Collins needed a job. He had applied for the living as rector at Hunsford under the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Two of his friends had already applied for the position and had failed to secure it. He was meeting with them in order to get an insight into what he could expect. They gave him a copy of her contract and showed him her exit clause… a year probation.
Each man had been dismissed exactly six-weeks prior to the end of their probational period. They also told him the type of man Lady Catherine expected from her rector. He was also informed that nothing would be kept secret as she had spies constantly informing her of their actions… every action.
Mr. Collins needed a job and so he hid the man he was and, to his disgust, became the man Lady Catherine wanted as her rector. He only had to endure the one year probational period and he felt he could survive that. This so reminded me of Superman hiding in plain sight as the bumbling Clark Kent. Beneath the soft spoken, sycophant was a man of steel.
We had the POV of Mr. Collins and we spent a lot of time in his head. We saw why he acted the way he did and how he manipulated every situation away from who he really was and gave the appearance of the toady character that has been so prevalent throughout JAFF. I have noticed more and more variations where Collins has been depicted different than canon. I really liked this character and I continued to read it in order to reach that point where Collins would reveal himself to Charlotte. Oh, that was delicious.
We, in modern times, might think this is a bit ridiculous; however, how many of us have had to work under conditions that forced us to act or react according to what was expected of us? That is what training sessions are all about, teaching us to conform to what is required and to learn a company's mode of operation… whether we agree with their principles or not.
On a personal note: I moved to a different state and when applying for a job… had to endure an interviewer who ranted and railed at the manner in which business was conducted in the state I had just moved from. I was horrified that this person was taking their view point out on me. I finally told them, “Look, you tell me how you want things done and that is what I’ll do.” I didn’t understand their extreme vitriol. In our line of business, procedures came and went and were in a constant state of flux. I considered myself a blank slate and was willing to learn their way of doing things. Needless to say, I didn’t get the job. I don’t think they would have hired me on a dare. I had come from “that state” and the interviewer was incensed at their method of operation. Whew!
May 7, 2019
Every time I start to dislike Mr Collins, I think of this story and understand that things are not always what they seem.
December 29, 2022
I waffled on this. The writing is enjoyable the premise is interesting. However, I still found Collins creepy and manipulative. No matter his reasonings.
March 21, 2017
I began reading this and then put it down and picked it up again. It is very short and from Mr. Collins' POV.
In seems that in applying for the position at Hunsford Mr. Collins meets with the two men who previously held that post and learns that the Lady who has that to offer keeps the men on probation for a year and just before the year is out, terminates them.
So they give Mr. Collins, who is actually rather well educated and in good shape as he has been working in the fields helping with harvest, advice on securing and holding onto the position. Thus he pads his body to appear overweight, stoops and learns to nod and smile obsequiously. And he practices a pattern of speech in which he repeats one inane compliment after another as such actions will keep him in good stead.
BUT he is also warned that there is a spy at the parsonage, unnamed but definitely in existence, as things are learned by Lady Catherine which can only point to there being such. So he can't let down his guard even in his home...if he gains the position.
So we read this story and learn how he judges each person and decides how to act to further his attempt to convince Lady Catherine that he is the man...er...the toady she wants to offer the permanent post. And so it begins.
Imagine how he might judge Elizabeth and how she would help further that deception.
This short piece was a variation I have never even imagined someone might write. It was creative and well developed, amusing and certainly tongue-in-cheek. (Even how to act in the bedroom is considered.)
In seems that in applying for the position at Hunsford Mr. Collins meets with the two men who previously held that post and learns that the Lady who has that to offer keeps the men on probation for a year and just before the year is out, terminates them.
So they give Mr. Collins, who is actually rather well educated and in good shape as he has been working in the fields helping with harvest, advice on securing and holding onto the position. Thus he pads his body to appear overweight, stoops and learns to nod and smile obsequiously. And he practices a pattern of speech in which he repeats one inane compliment after another as such actions will keep him in good stead.
BUT he is also warned that there is a spy at the parsonage, unnamed but definitely in existence, as things are learned by Lady Catherine which can only point to there being such. So he can't let down his guard even in his home...if he gains the position.
So we read this story and learn how he judges each person and decides how to act to further his attempt to convince Lady Catherine that he is the man...er...the toady she wants to offer the permanent post. And so it begins.
Imagine how he might judge Elizabeth and how she would help further that deception.
This short piece was a variation I have never even imagined someone might write. It was creative and well developed, amusing and certainly tongue-in-cheek. (Even how to act in the bedroom is considered.)
April 4, 2020
This P&P variation is the story of Mr. Collins just before his start of employment at the Hunsford Parsonage and beyond. So why did Mr. Collins act as he did, and is it his real persona.
An entertaining and well-written novella. A very enjoyable read
An entertaining and well-written novella. A very enjoyable read
June 24, 2015
Not horrid but I really don't like the idea that Collins is just pretending to be a sycophantic imbecile.
August 9, 2025
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. This is a part of the A Pride and Prejudice Variation series. This short story is also included in the compilation Pride and Prejudice Villains: Revisited – Redeemed – Reimagined, A Collection of Six Short Stories. Jane Austen tells us that Mr. Collins was originally a man of 'great humility of manner,' but suppose that wasn't true. What if Mr. Collins was a very different person than he appeared to be? His false portrayal of himself is all part of Mr. Collins' Deception. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
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. This is a part of the A Pride and Prejudice Variation series. This short story is also included in the compilation Pride and Prejudice Villains: Revisited – Redeemed – Reimagined, A Collection of Six Short Stories. Jane Austen tells us that Mr. Collins was originally a man of 'great humility of manner,' but suppose that wasn't true. What if Mr. Collins was a very different person than he appeared to be? His false portrayal of himself is all part of Mr. Collins' Deception. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
September 20, 2022
I always enjoy an intelligent Mr Collins
I initially read this in a book of short stories. However it was so delightful I was glad I was able to read it as a standalone novella. It was so fun! I would love enjoy the idea of Mr. Collins being strong and intelligent and kind. I loved the fact that he falls in love with Charlotte. It was just a very sweet story. I always feel bad for Mr. Collins because I feel like hes always gotten the short end of the stick. Though I know he’s written that way and that’s his character but it’s sometimes nice to see the opposite. I highly recommend
I initially read this in a book of short stories. However it was so delightful I was glad I was able to read it as a standalone novella. It was so fun! I would love enjoy the idea of Mr. Collins being strong and intelligent and kind. I loved the fact that he falls in love with Charlotte. It was just a very sweet story. I always feel bad for Mr. Collins because I feel like hes always gotten the short end of the stick. Though I know he’s written that way and that’s his character but it’s sometimes nice to see the opposite. I highly recommend
April 11, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4. This was a short, fun read about a much more intelligent Mr. Collins participating in a deceitful ruse for a year to gain Lady Catherine's approval and thus receive a permanent living at Hunsford. If he can convince Lady C that he is the toady, simpering, easily led sycophant that she requires, he will have the financial security he needs and desires. The problem is, Lady C is so controlling that he not only has to convince her, but has to hold up his false persona to everyone lest one of her "spies" exposes his true character he loses his place.
July 18, 2020
Gag!
I had hoped for this. I was glad to see Mr. Collins true nature. But, the constant "my perfect wife" stuff made me sick. Instead of being the pompous note he was in the original, he turned into a nauseating character of himself. I was glad Charlotte found love, but, this was so sweet, I was annoying. No one is perfect & this turned into one of those stories where every thing is too good to be true.
One one be reading it again. I don't recommend,unless you want a story with little substance.
I had hoped for this. I was glad to see Mr. Collins true nature. But, the constant "my perfect wife" stuff made me sick. Instead of being the pompous note he was in the original, he turned into a nauseating character of himself. I was glad Charlotte found love, but, this was so sweet, I was annoying. No one is perfect & this turned into one of those stories where every thing is too good to be true.
One one be reading it again. I don't recommend,unless you want a story with little substance.
September 12, 2020
I love when this writing team put a real spin on the story, and this one is the best! It is such a cute, sweet story of Mr. Collins and the persona he adapts in order to get and keep his position! It was truly an adorable tale, and one where we could like Mr. Collins, at least, in the end! Thoroughly enjoyed!
January 29, 2024
A Pleasure
There aren’t many books written from the point of view of Mr. Collins. Anyone can see where he could possibly improve, bathing being one. This books begins before he arrives at Rosings. I don’t want any spoilers, but he is not cruel and it’s low angst. My only complaint is that it could have been longer with richer detail. Maybe more shelving in closets as well.
There aren’t many books written from the point of view of Mr. Collins. Anyone can see where he could possibly improve, bathing being one. This books begins before he arrives at Rosings. I don’t want any spoilers, but he is not cruel and it’s low angst. My only complaint is that it could have been longer with richer detail. Maybe more shelving in closets as well.
July 17, 2018
Short but fun. Mr. Collins is reimagined as I never thought he could be. The writing style is fairly close to the era and the story is engaging, using familiar places and people.
Another fun summer read.
*** Spoiler alert ***
I enjoyed a happy ending for Charlotte!
Another fun summer read.
*** Spoiler alert ***
I enjoyed a happy ending for Charlotte!
March 8, 2020
Cute, short, sweet
In here not all you believe is real. Oh my!! Mr Collins is actually like this, way to go through with the plan. Charlotte is very forgiven and quite the lucky one. Cute story and recommended to read.
In here not all you believe is real. Oh my!! Mr Collins is actually like this, way to go through with the plan. Charlotte is very forgiven and quite the lucky one. Cute story and recommended to read.
June 14, 2024
intriguing beginning
This could easily have been fleshed out as a full-length story; the current version seems rushed. I also don’t understand why a man of God would have such a rakish past. It doesn’t fit.
This could easily have been fleshed out as a full-length story; the current version seems rushed. I also don’t understand why a man of God would have such a rakish past. It doesn’t fit.
September 14, 2018
Mr Collins as a nice guy. Hmmm.
February 20, 2019
Quite funny
June 21, 2020
Short but sweet, lovely and comical in every way. I'm not sure I'll be able to see Mr. Collins in an ill light ever again.
January 31, 2022
Wonderful
An absolutely amusing twist to this variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Renata McMann and Summer Hanford.
An absolutely amusing twist to this variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Renata McMann and Summer Hanford.
April 12, 2022
An excellent short story about what would happen if Mr Collins wasn't actually the idiotic sycophant he seemed to be.
July 16, 2022
Interesting
Very interesting variation. I enjoyed it. I am planning to read every single one of the stories in this series.
Very interesting variation. I enjoyed it. I am planning to read every single one of the stories in this series.
August 26, 2022
An interesting retelling from Mr. Collins' point of view. He is not the simmering fool we all know, but an intelligent man acting a part to guarantee a good living until he gains his inheritance.
May 6, 2024
A sweet, little, short story of a very smart Mr Collins.
April 8, 2020
Free Kindle book
January 23, 2016
Mr Collins' Deception is that he is not the man we have learned to loath in Pride and Prejudice and tons of JAFF variations. At the beginning of the story, Mr. Collins learns that Lady Catherine gives every clergyman a 1 year probationary period. So far, all of Mr. Collins' acquaintance and friends have been let go by Lady Catherine 6 weeks prior to the end of their probation. William Collins has determined he will be everything Lady Catherine desires for the 1 year period, and then will revert back to being himself. So, who is Mr. Collins really? Mr. Collins' Deception is a silly, entertaining story about the true Mr. Collins and how he attempts to fool everyone for 1 year. I found the story a bit far-fetched, but I am confident that is the intention of the authors, as it added to the humor. The story is totally told from Mr. Collins' perspective. A light novella - quickly read. None of the charm or romance of P&P, but a satiric novelty with an interesting premise.
May 6, 2015
This is a wonderful, short, P&P What If. In this case what if Mr. Collins was actually a clever man who was outsmarting Lady Catherine. In this P&P Alternate universe two of Mr. Collins' friends have tried to be Lady Catherine's parson only to lose the position due to lack of obeisance from either themselves or their wives. So a healthy, sane and normal man transforms into a bulbous, toady to woo a permanent position.
Told from his perspective this covers his first year at Rosings and includes most of the scenes with Mr. Collins you love to hate in Pride and Prejudice with a new twist.
Told from his perspective this covers his first year at Rosings and includes most of the scenes with Mr. Collins you love to hate in Pride and Prejudice with a new twist.
February 26, 2022
This was another great book by Renata McMann and Summer Hanford that explored the possibility that a less liked character from Pride and Prejudice may not have been as they appeared. This depiction of Mr. Collins was really well written and felt believable to me. I enjoyed seeing things from this Mr. Collins' perspective and am happy for him and Charlotte and that they are so well suited. I look forward to reading more by these authors in the future.
June 9, 2015
Short story that portrays Mr Collins as a different man. He is so determined to get the living at Kent that he is willi to suppress who he is and fawn over Lady Catherine for a year until the living becomes permanently his! He even loves his wife Charlotte but does not show his true character to her either. She will learn his true nature at the end and finally find appreciation for her husband.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews