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Mistaking Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
As Master of Pemberley, Fitzwilliam Darcy has shouldered the weight of responsibility while his twin brother Horatio has lived a more carefree life. Elizabeth Bennet meets both men and has to decide if one will win her heart.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2016
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42 people want to read
About the author
Jane Grix
43 books31 followersI've been half in love with Mr. Darcy since I was twelve, although I'll admit, the first time I read Pride and Prejudice, I was totally taken in by Wickham. I was stunned when Mr. Darcy proposed (I guess I was reading too quickly to catch all the hints), and even more stunned when Wickham turned out to be a jerk. But by the end of the book I was completely smitten by Darcy. I am still smitten.
The best part about writing Jane Austen Variations is that I can relive those moments of discovery and watch Elizabeth fall in love with Darcy one more time.
All my books and short stories are standalone stories, each with a slightly different Darcy and Elizabeth.
The best part about writing Jane Austen Variations is that I can relive those moments of discovery and watch Elizabeth fall in love with Darcy one more time.
All my books and short stories are standalone stories, each with a slightly different Darcy and Elizabeth.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 28, 2017
“The success of marriage comes not in finding the right person, but in the ability of both partners to adjust to the real person they inevitably realize they married.” John Fisher
The above quote becomes apparent much later in this story. At first, it doesn’t seem relevant. However, when the couples are revealed, you will understand.
Our story runs along the canon outline with the exception of an additional character. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy has a younger brother. Younger by about twenty minutes; he is a twin. Horatio Darcy is a scoundrel and gambler but not of the same caliber as Wickham. Our story progresses along the same lines, Darcy has to bail his brother out of debt on more than one occasion. We also have Horatio observing his older brother in the presence of Elizabeth Bennet and is very aware his brother is in love.
After Bingley and Jane marry, our timeline is back on track. We have Elizabeth in Kent, the Hunsford proposal, the rejection, and then the letter. Months later Elizabeth is traveling through Derbyshire with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. This time the meeting at Pemberley goes very differently. When the Bingley’s arrive, Miss Bingley is beside herself that Elizabeth is in attendance at Pemberley.
The author pulled a good one and I was so upset, I nearly threw my NOOK. OMG!!! Caroline, you bottom-feeding, conniving, b-witch what have you done? I was so upset with her. Why she isn’t banned for life from the Darcy properties I will never know. OMG! The author really pulled one and I fell for it, hook-line-and-sinker. I can hear her snickering and giggling as readers hit this part of the book. OMG!
Darcy, at the first part of the book, was a prig and I had a very hard time liking him. I also didn’t like how Horatio kept taking up for Wickham. That just grated me as wrong. There didn’t seem to be an explanation sufficient enough to make him aware of Wickham’s true character [or lack thereof].
This was a cute, clean, story with minimal angst… well there was that one scene. Overall, I enjoyed it. I can’t describe the parings without spoiling the reveal. So, you will have to read it for yourself.
The above quote becomes apparent much later in this story. At first, it doesn’t seem relevant. However, when the couples are revealed, you will understand.
Our story runs along the canon outline with the exception of an additional character. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy has a younger brother. Younger by about twenty minutes; he is a twin. Horatio Darcy is a scoundrel and gambler but not of the same caliber as Wickham. Our story progresses along the same lines, Darcy has to bail his brother out of debt on more than one occasion. We also have Horatio observing his older brother in the presence of Elizabeth Bennet and is very aware his brother is in love.
After Bingley and Jane marry, our timeline is back on track. We have Elizabeth in Kent, the Hunsford proposal, the rejection, and then the letter. Months later Elizabeth is traveling through Derbyshire with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. This time the meeting at Pemberley goes very differently. When the Bingley’s arrive, Miss Bingley is beside herself that Elizabeth is in attendance at Pemberley.
The author pulled a good one and I was so upset, I nearly threw my NOOK. OMG!!! Caroline, you bottom-feeding, conniving, b-witch what have you done? I was so upset with her. Why she isn’t banned for life from the Darcy properties I will never know. OMG! The author really pulled one and I fell for it, hook-line-and-sinker. I can hear her snickering and giggling as readers hit this part of the book. OMG!
Darcy, at the first part of the book, was a prig and I had a very hard time liking him. I also didn’t like how Horatio kept taking up for Wickham. That just grated me as wrong. There didn’t seem to be an explanation sufficient enough to make him aware of Wickham’s true character [or lack thereof].
This was a cute, clean, story with minimal angst… well there was that one scene. Overall, I enjoyed it. I can’t describe the parings without spoiling the reveal. So, you will have to read it for yourself.
December 12, 2019
This was a 3.5 rounded up to four. It is short, only 133 pages and toward the end it seemed that the author had more plot than room to use it.
A fascinating concept that Fitzwilliam Darcy has an identical twin brother who has turned out a bit wild. I was hoping the author would take the risk and eliminate Wickham but she did not. Once we are introduced to Horatio (poor thing) the plot proceeds much like in canon. Just really fast, and Lizzy meets the other Darcy while Jane is ill at Netherfield. I really wish the author had made the book about Horatio with P&P as a the background instead Horatio pops in and out.
“How long are you planning to stay?” “I don’t know. As long as it is amusing, I suppose.” this quote put me in mind of Who Framed Roger Rabbit and that stuck so it often felt a bit forced.
As I said this is a short book so we seem to careen from one bit of P&P 'important plot piece' to another. With some added scenes to include Horatio. The part where Darcy confesses about his bollocked up proposal at Rosings, which the author does change up a bit, it didn't feel believable.
And the last 20% of the book felt chaotic with one thing leading to another and another and another until your head is spinning. And of course there is an epilogue (grrr) So really closer to a 3 than a 4
A fascinating concept that Fitzwilliam Darcy has an identical twin brother who has turned out a bit wild. I was hoping the author would take the risk and eliminate Wickham but she did not. Once we are introduced to Horatio (poor thing) the plot proceeds much like in canon. Just really fast, and Lizzy meets the other Darcy while Jane is ill at Netherfield. I really wish the author had made the book about Horatio with P&P as a the background instead Horatio pops in and out.
“How long are you planning to stay?” “I don’t know. As long as it is amusing, I suppose.” this quote put me in mind of Who Framed Roger Rabbit and that stuck so it often felt a bit forced.
As I said this is a short book so we seem to careen from one bit of P&P 'important plot piece' to another. With some added scenes to include Horatio. The part where Darcy confesses about his bollocked up proposal at Rosings, which the author does change up a bit, it didn't feel believable.
And the last 20% of the book felt chaotic with one thing leading to another and another and another until your head is spinning. And of course there is an epilogue (grrr) So really closer to a 3 than a 4
June 19, 2016
This is very interesting! Horatio Darcy is an identical twin to Fitzwilliam Darcy with the charm (and some of the bad habits) of George Wickham. In fact, Horatio and Wickham continue to be friendly since, unlike Fitzwilliam, Horatio still believes Wickham was sincerely in love with Georgiana. Naturally, when Horatio meets Elizabeth he can't keep himself from flirting even though he's engaged to marry a well-dowered lady in London.
I thought the plot was well constructed, and it kept my interest to the end. The writing is without any significant grammar or spelling errors, though sometimes it doesn't seem to flow smoothly. My biggest criticism is that it failed to touch this reader's emotions. I was actually surprised when Elizabeth accepted Fitzwilliam's second proposal, because it didn't appear that her opinion of him had completely turned around yet.
Despite that, the story is unique and entertaining, and I enjoyed it.
I thought the plot was well constructed, and it kept my interest to the end. The writing is without any significant grammar or spelling errors, though sometimes it doesn't seem to flow smoothly. My biggest criticism is that it failed to touch this reader's emotions. I was actually surprised when Elizabeth accepted Fitzwilliam's second proposal, because it didn't appear that her opinion of him had completely turned around yet.
Despite that, the story is unique and entertaining, and I enjoyed it.
December 15, 2019
Darcy and his twin
Pretty fun story but not very logical in places. Story read like the last quarter was had to be sped up because a particular length of story was needed or there was a time allotted for writing and the time was almost gone. Lizzie spends much of the book hating Darcy but when the story went into zoom mode only took one short chapter to love him.
Mary’s reason for marrying was pretty funny, but it happened during zoom mode so we didn’t get to enjoy it.
Darcy brother is a little bit Darcy, a little bit his father and a little bit Wickham. Nice guy, somewhat proud, can’t win at gambling and like his father believes all of Wickham’s lies.
Ok story and only gave it 4 stars because the premise was original and fun to read.
Pretty fun story but not very logical in places. Story read like the last quarter was had to be sped up because a particular length of story was needed or there was a time allotted for writing and the time was almost gone. Lizzie spends much of the book hating Darcy but when the story went into zoom mode only took one short chapter to love him.
Mary’s reason for marrying was pretty funny, but it happened during zoom mode so we didn’t get to enjoy it.
Darcy brother is a little bit Darcy, a little bit his father and a little bit Wickham. Nice guy, somewhat proud, can’t win at gambling and like his father believes all of Wickham’s lies.
Ok story and only gave it 4 stars because the premise was original and fun to read.
April 26, 2016
Mistaking Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Wow! A double dose of Darcy. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy the oldest and heir to Pemberley, was stiff, uptight, and circumspect ; whereas, Mr. Horatio Darcy was flirty and engaging, but
his personality was similar to Colonel Fitzwilliam, but drinking and gambling habits similar to Wickham. Both brothers were tall, dark, handsome, and difficult to tell apart until they spoke. They loved each other and their younger sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy still had the misunderstandings between them, but both enjoy their "debates." Bingley and Jane marry several weeks after he returns to Netherfield. When Elizabeth finds out Darcy was against the marriage, Elizabeth is even more angry with the conceded man. Horatio was ill when he was born and as he grew his mother heaped her love upon him, while Fitzwilliam was being trained by his father to run Pemberley. Caroline Bingley was still her obnoxious self, but was even more so in this story. Double Darcys caused her double trouble. After Hunsford, Fitzwilliam tells Horatio about his failed proposal to Elizabeth. His brother tells him to not give her up, but work to be the man worth her love. When the Gardiners take Mary and her to Derbyshire, while touring Pemberley, Horatio is at home and gives them a personal tour. Darcy arrives and Elizabeth is mortified by his early return. She is pleasantly surprised to see the change in him, and their party are invited to stay at Pemberley to join the house party. The Bingleys and Georgiana are arriving the next day. Taking Elizabeth for a walk in the maze garden, Darcy and Elizabeth both apologize for their behavior at Hunsford and Darcy tells her that his love for her has not changed. Proposes the second time with a much improved proposal, and is gladly accepted by Elizabeth. An accidental compromise causes Caroline to go hysterical, two Darcy brothers and two Bennet sisters to travel quickly to Longbourn. After reluctantly granting permission to marry, Bennet receives the letter from Colonel Forster. Darcy and Horatio travel to London to force wicked Wickham to marry foolish Lydia. It is decided that a triple wedding will be held at Hertfordshire: Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth, Horatio and Mary, Wickham and Lydia. HEA for Darcy and Elizabeth, Horatio and Mary, but Wickham is killed at Newcastle leaving Lydia a widow with child. It was interesting to have two Darcy brothers. Imagine, two Colin Firths! Smile:-)
Wow! A double dose of Darcy. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy the oldest and heir to Pemberley, was stiff, uptight, and circumspect ; whereas, Mr. Horatio Darcy was flirty and engaging, but
his personality was similar to Colonel Fitzwilliam, but drinking and gambling habits similar to Wickham. Both brothers were tall, dark, handsome, and difficult to tell apart until they spoke. They loved each other and their younger sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy still had the misunderstandings between them, but both enjoy their "debates." Bingley and Jane marry several weeks after he returns to Netherfield. When Elizabeth finds out Darcy was against the marriage, Elizabeth is even more angry with the conceded man. Horatio was ill when he was born and as he grew his mother heaped her love upon him, while Fitzwilliam was being trained by his father to run Pemberley. Caroline Bingley was still her obnoxious self, but was even more so in this story. Double Darcys caused her double trouble. After Hunsford, Fitzwilliam tells Horatio about his failed proposal to Elizabeth. His brother tells him to not give her up, but work to be the man worth her love. When the Gardiners take Mary and her to Derbyshire, while touring Pemberley, Horatio is at home and gives them a personal tour. Darcy arrives and Elizabeth is mortified by his early return. She is pleasantly surprised to see the change in him, and their party are invited to stay at Pemberley to join the house party. The Bingleys and Georgiana are arriving the next day. Taking Elizabeth for a walk in the maze garden, Darcy and Elizabeth both apologize for their behavior at Hunsford and Darcy tells her that his love for her has not changed. Proposes the second time with a much improved proposal, and is gladly accepted by Elizabeth. An accidental compromise causes Caroline to go hysterical, two Darcy brothers and two Bennet sisters to travel quickly to Longbourn. After reluctantly granting permission to marry, Bennet receives the letter from Colonel Forster. Darcy and Horatio travel to London to force wicked Wickham to marry foolish Lydia. It is decided that a triple wedding will be held at Hertfordshire: Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth, Horatio and Mary, Wickham and Lydia. HEA for Darcy and Elizabeth, Horatio and Mary, but Wickham is killed at Newcastle leaving Lydia a widow with child. It was interesting to have two Darcy brothers. Imagine, two Colin Firths! Smile:-)
January 22, 2020
What if the Mr Darcy that we know and love was twin? One is as we know and the other better resembles a cross between Bingley and Wickham. Most of the rest of the story follows cannon but with the extra perspective/comparison. It was a good story but didn't tug the heartstrings.
August 13, 2016
Mr Darcy is a twin, and we meet both Fitzwilliam and his twin brother Horatio. Horatio is Fitzwilliam's opposite in temperament, although the two are identical in appearance.
The advantage of having a gregarious twin brother is there is someone around to explain you to those who may misunderstand you. Although Horatio is engaged to be married, he is flirtatious and a bit of a gossip. Thus, several misunderstandings normally appearing in P&P variations are resolved with Horatio's involvement. For example, Horatio steps in to tell Bingley he thinks his brother is wrong about Jane Bennet and encourages Bingley's suit. In this story, Bingley returns from London as originally intended to propose to Jane, thus changing that aspect of the story.
At the Bingley's wedding Elizabeth and Darcy meet again, and Elizabeth becomes a correspondent with Georgiana. This part of the story is not exactly fleshed out, and the meeting at Pemberley seems a bit more awkward given that I would expect Georgiana and Elizabeth to be fully aware of each other's travel plans. Mary accompanies Elizabeth and the Gardiners on their travels, and a surprise awaits her at Pemberley as well.
This was an interesting story with a very interesting premise, but it just felt a little haphazard. I would liked to have seen some of the pieces fleshed out a little more.
But, still, an enjoyable story and I can recommend it to JAFF lovers.
The advantage of having a gregarious twin brother is there is someone around to explain you to those who may misunderstand you. Although Horatio is engaged to be married, he is flirtatious and a bit of a gossip. Thus, several misunderstandings normally appearing in P&P variations are resolved with Horatio's involvement. For example, Horatio steps in to tell Bingley he thinks his brother is wrong about Jane Bennet and encourages Bingley's suit. In this story, Bingley returns from London as originally intended to propose to Jane, thus changing that aspect of the story.
At the Bingley's wedding Elizabeth and Darcy meet again, and Elizabeth becomes a correspondent with Georgiana. This part of the story is not exactly fleshed out, and the meeting at Pemberley seems a bit more awkward given that I would expect Georgiana and Elizabeth to be fully aware of each other's travel plans. Mary accompanies Elizabeth and the Gardiners on their travels, and a surprise awaits her at Pemberley as well.
This was an interesting story with a very interesting premise, but it just felt a little haphazard. I would liked to have seen some of the pieces fleshed out a little more.
But, still, an enjoyable story and I can recommend it to JAFF lovers.
August 4, 2018
Fun, Lighthearted Variation
This short novel is a fun version of P&P, with a twist. Otherwise, it is extremely faithful to canon. It has a few typos and a grammatical error or two, but they’re not very distracting. A good read.
This short novel is a fun version of P&P, with a twist. Otherwise, it is extremely faithful to canon. It has a few typos and a grammatical error or two, but they’re not very distracting. A good read.
September 15, 2023
The blurb sounds Iike Darcy's brother is a love rival but not really. But it's pretty hard to decide whether he is a good guy or a second Wickham
October 29, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
The author did a good job of staying within the world of Pride and Prejudice world while giving it a few interesting twists. This time there are two Mr. Darcys. I was unsure as to how well that would work, but it did. The second Mr. Darcy even came in handy a few times.
The story flowed well for the most part, though somewhere around the 30% and 50% marks I did occasionally get thrown out of the rhythm of the book. There were also a few missing/extra/incorrect words, but not more than about a dozen within the whole book.
This version of Elizabeth seemed to make her judgements on the basis on flimsier information than in the original, and Darcy was quite a bit nicer throughout. There were some interesting ideas touched upon, such as why Elizabeth and Jane were different from their sisters, and why Lady Catherine's daughter might have been chronically ill. I found the descriptions of games interesting, as well as certain aspects of everyday life that were touched upon.
Overall I enjoyed the story. There were a few parts that made me laugh and a few that made me think about the characters in a slightly different way.
The author did a good job of staying within the world of Pride and Prejudice world while giving it a few interesting twists. This time there are two Mr. Darcys. I was unsure as to how well that would work, but it did. The second Mr. Darcy even came in handy a few times.
The story flowed well for the most part, though somewhere around the 30% and 50% marks I did occasionally get thrown out of the rhythm of the book. There were also a few missing/extra/incorrect words, but not more than about a dozen within the whole book.
This version of Elizabeth seemed to make her judgements on the basis on flimsier information than in the original, and Darcy was quite a bit nicer throughout. There were some interesting ideas touched upon, such as why Elizabeth and Jane were different from their sisters, and why Lady Catherine's daughter might have been chronically ill. I found the descriptions of games interesting, as well as certain aspects of everyday life that were touched upon.
Overall I enjoyed the story. There were a few parts that made me laugh and a few that made me think about the characters in a slightly different way.
March 14, 2020
This book took me a while to complete. The premise of the story was good. Mr. Darcy has a twin! There were some mixups on top of misundertandings. Darcy was a snob, as usual, but here he seemed mean about it. And Elizabeth even more set to believe the worst of him. It wasn't romantic at all.
April 18, 2016
A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but these identical twins could not be more dissimilar, except that neither make a stellar first impression with Elizabeth. Darcy starts off as typical, but his brother proves to be a bit of a rogue and rake. Not surprisingly, he's friends with Wickham, even believing he truly loves Georgiana. Poor Elizabeth cannot seem to turn around without hearing something terrible about Darcy. But events come to a major head at Pemberley, where the story takes more than one surprising turn. Worth the read, though it is shorter.
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