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A Fine Joke
What would you do, knowing you had only weeks to live?
Such is the question Fitzwilliam Darcy faces shortly after his visit to Kent in 1812. A gentleman of honour, he decides he will go to his end having done his best to discharge the duty of providing an heir for Pemberley. A gentleman of passion, he decides it will be with a bride who suits his own fancy. Going immediately to Hertfordshire, he meets with Miss Elizabeth Bennet and asks her, a second time, to marry him, with the knowledge that the marriage will be short and that she will be soon left a wealthy widow.
Elizabeth agrees to be Darcy's bride feeling all the compassion of a woman granting a man's dying wish. However, soon she suspects the truth, that Darcy is not, in fact, dying. She begins to question what exactly happened between the time that Darcy proposed to her the first time and when he was given his dreadful diagnosis--and if, in fact, any of it is indeed true.
This Pride & Prejudice variation is a darkly humorous novella based on the characters of Jane Austen.
Such is the question Fitzwilliam Darcy faces shortly after his visit to Kent in 1812. A gentleman of honour, he decides he will go to his end having done his best to discharge the duty of providing an heir for Pemberley. A gentleman of passion, he decides it will be with a bride who suits his own fancy. Going immediately to Hertfordshire, he meets with Miss Elizabeth Bennet and asks her, a second time, to marry him, with the knowledge that the marriage will be short and that she will be soon left a wealthy widow.
Elizabeth agrees to be Darcy's bride feeling all the compassion of a woman granting a man's dying wish. However, soon she suspects the truth, that Darcy is not, in fact, dying. She begins to question what exactly happened between the time that Darcy proposed to her the first time and when he was given his dreadful diagnosis--and if, in fact, any of it is indeed true.
This Pride & Prejudice variation is a darkly humorous novella based on the characters of Jane Austen.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2020
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November 21, 2025
Humor is reason gone mad. ~ Groucho Marx
“A Fine Joke” is the story of a fine joke; that is if you can overlook the rather cruel underside of the joke.
Our tale begins after the Disastrous Hunsford Proposal. Darcy leaves Kent and inexplicably finds himself in his London bedroom. By all accounts, he had been taken ill at an inn on the journey to London. He is attended by a doctor who has been recommended as a specialist by his regular doctor. The new doctor makes a catastrophic diagnosis: Darcy has only a few months to live.
As Darcy works to get his affairs in order, he acknowledges that his need for an heir is foremost. His child (if there is one) will need a Mother who is strong enough and smart enough to manage his homes as well as raise the child as he would want. Again, he reaches the only possible conclusion: Elizabeth Bennet. But, did his letter begin to change her mind? Will she reconsider?
There are some mortals who are never happy save when they have some hurt feelings to enjoy. ~ Author unknown
While it is soon obvious to the reader that the diagnosis is a hoax, Darcy and Elizabeth don’t learn of it until near the end. But who could possibly be the jokester? Mr. Collins has an unusual part to play, as does Mr. Wickham.
And in the middle of the chaos, Mrs. Bennet arrives with her salts! Like Lady Catherine, Mrs. Bennet loves to be of use.
I received an ARC of this book with no promise of a review, good or bad.
Oftentimes, when people are miserable, they will want to make other people miserable, too. But it never helps. ~ Lemony Snicket
“A Fine Joke” is the story of a fine joke; that is if you can overlook the rather cruel underside of the joke.
Our tale begins after the Disastrous Hunsford Proposal. Darcy leaves Kent and inexplicably finds himself in his London bedroom. By all accounts, he had been taken ill at an inn on the journey to London. He is attended by a doctor who has been recommended as a specialist by his regular doctor. The new doctor makes a catastrophic diagnosis: Darcy has only a few months to live.
As Darcy works to get his affairs in order, he acknowledges that his need for an heir is foremost. His child (if there is one) will need a Mother who is strong enough and smart enough to manage his homes as well as raise the child as he would want. Again, he reaches the only possible conclusion: Elizabeth Bennet. But, did his letter begin to change her mind? Will she reconsider?
There are some mortals who are never happy save when they have some hurt feelings to enjoy. ~ Author unknown
While it is soon obvious to the reader that the diagnosis is a hoax, Darcy and Elizabeth don’t learn of it until near the end. But who could possibly be the jokester? Mr. Collins has an unusual part to play, as does Mr. Wickham.
And in the middle of the chaos, Mrs. Bennet arrives with her salts! Like Lady Catherine, Mrs. Bennet loves to be of use.
I received an ARC of this book with no promise of a review, good or bad.
Oftentimes, when people are miserable, they will want to make other people miserable, too. But it never helps. ~ Lemony Snicket
June 20, 2020
“I don’t mind making jokes, but I don’t want to look like one.” –Marilyn Monroe
This is part of the Quills & Quartos Publishing Summer Short reads. I volunteered to read an ARC with no expectations of a review positive or otherwise. The views and opinions expressed are my own. I first read this back in 2018 as an unpublished work on the fan-fiction forums. I was so happy to see that this author had reworked it for publication. I love her writing and have been pleased to see her stories leave the forums and become published works.
Note: Caveat: mild-medium angst triggers: Rating: PG-13: contains ‘a bit of ribald humour’: you have to watch Lord Matlock… he has a wicked tongue. There are certain precautions necessary prior to reading this work. The reader should be in a seated position [falling from shock is dangerous], have a fan nearby, and your salts if you indulge. The hardcore Darcy fans need to be especially vigilant. Fainting may occur but be calm, all is not lost. The shock and horror of the first reveal of Darcy’s dilemma may be more than the sensitive reader can handle. Have someone you trust nearby to render aid if necessary. No drinking or eating [especially near the end] as laughing can be hazardous to your health. Once all precautions are in place, you may now enjoy a most delightful story. I’ve done my duty toward your safety.
“People confuse the subject of the joke with the target of the joke, and they’re very rarely the same.” –Ricky Gervais
The beginning of the story was like getting slapped in the face and then handed an ice bag to cool the sting. Thankfully, after receiving the horrid news in the beginning chapters, we slowly began to put the pieces together that this was in fact a ruse [no spoiler as this was stated in the book description] but we were not given the identity of the villain behind it. What low-life-scum-bag would do such a thing to our Darcy? That was the mystery to be solved. As I continued to read, I was so mad and upset that I was fit to be tied. I wanted blood drawn. I wanted a damage report of someone paying for this egregious act against our boy. I’d spit nails but a lady isn’t supposed to spit. GRRR!
Watch those clues: OMG! They were dropping like flies. The author threw them about with abandon and I was even slower than Darcy in catching them. However, he was beginning to question things and was putting the pieces together as to just what happened to him at Bromley. The mystery was like a big puzzle with pieces handed out indiscriminately but without forming a complete picture. Something was slowly coming into view but there were so many gaps in the picture as well as Darcy’s memory. There was a definite plan afoot for our boy and he had no clue as to what it was or who was behind it.
Be prepared for the onslaught of surprise upon surprise. Oh-My-Gosh! It was like wave after wave of ‘WTH’ [what-the-heck] just happened only to be hit with something else. The beauty and the curse of a short-story/novella are that actions move and move quickly. You barely catch your breath when something new happens. This was amazing. I loved it. ICNPID [I-could-not-put-it-down].
The side-story with cousin Anne was full of shock and awe for sure. You don’t usually see this with Anne. She was wicked when her ire was up and Anne with a parasol is particularly dangerous. That was a scream. Her story? We were only given bits and pieces as Darcy’s story progressed. Then we had Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy’s other cousin. Usually, we don’t see him so vague as we did in this story. What was with him? Questions, questions, questions…
Wickham: Was he the SBRB we are used to or had he changed? I couldn’t tell. He flowed hot and cold throughout the story. His encounter with Darcy on the streets of Meryton nearly made me cry. Dang!! However, his encounter with Elizabeth made me want to stand up and cheer. It was hilarious. I think she meant business. And, I think Wickham believed she did too. His end story was very different from what we normally see. I think I liked it.
Tissues: have them handy as I teared up several times as a man who thinks he is dying makes his declarations of love to the woman who holds his heart. LA!! Salts… where are my salts? I’d already broken my fan. Whew! Thank goodness, our author tempered those angsty moments with humor that made me smile and sometimes laugh out loud.
Mr. Collins: say no more… snicker… bless his heart… poor man… such a scheme. He was caught between a rock and a hard place and in the middle of more than he could handle. He was completely out of his element.
I have a new respect for Mrs. Bennet. LA! I have read so many stories where she was absolutely horrid that it was rather fun to see her like this. She was amazing. I will never think of salts again without thinking of her. LA!! That was hilarious. I had as much fun watching her as Mr. Bennet did. I highly recommend this story. It is completely different but a fun quick read.
This is part of the Quills & Quartos Publishing Summer Short reads. I volunteered to read an ARC with no expectations of a review positive or otherwise. The views and opinions expressed are my own. I first read this back in 2018 as an unpublished work on the fan-fiction forums. I was so happy to see that this author had reworked it for publication. I love her writing and have been pleased to see her stories leave the forums and become published works.
Note: Caveat: mild-medium angst triggers: Rating: PG-13: contains ‘a bit of ribald humour’: you have to watch Lord Matlock… he has a wicked tongue. There are certain precautions necessary prior to reading this work. The reader should be in a seated position [falling from shock is dangerous], have a fan nearby, and your salts if you indulge. The hardcore Darcy fans need to be especially vigilant. Fainting may occur but be calm, all is not lost. The shock and horror of the first reveal of Darcy’s dilemma may be more than the sensitive reader can handle. Have someone you trust nearby to render aid if necessary. No drinking or eating [especially near the end] as laughing can be hazardous to your health. Once all precautions are in place, you may now enjoy a most delightful story. I’ve done my duty toward your safety.
“People confuse the subject of the joke with the target of the joke, and they’re very rarely the same.” –Ricky Gervais
The beginning of the story was like getting slapped in the face and then handed an ice bag to cool the sting. Thankfully, after receiving the horrid news in the beginning chapters, we slowly began to put the pieces together that this was in fact a ruse [no spoiler as this was stated in the book description] but we were not given the identity of the villain behind it. What low-life-scum-bag would do such a thing to our Darcy? That was the mystery to be solved. As I continued to read, I was so mad and upset that I was fit to be tied. I wanted blood drawn. I wanted a damage report of someone paying for this egregious act against our boy. I’d spit nails but a lady isn’t supposed to spit. GRRR!
Watch those clues: OMG! They were dropping like flies. The author threw them about with abandon and I was even slower than Darcy in catching them. However, he was beginning to question things and was putting the pieces together as to just what happened to him at Bromley. The mystery was like a big puzzle with pieces handed out indiscriminately but without forming a complete picture. Something was slowly coming into view but there were so many gaps in the picture as well as Darcy’s memory. There was a definite plan afoot for our boy and he had no clue as to what it was or who was behind it.
Be prepared for the onslaught of surprise upon surprise. Oh-My-Gosh! It was like wave after wave of ‘WTH’ [what-the-heck] just happened only to be hit with something else. The beauty and the curse of a short-story/novella are that actions move and move quickly. You barely catch your breath when something new happens. This was amazing. I loved it. ICNPID [I-could-not-put-it-down].
The side-story with cousin Anne was full of shock and awe for sure. You don’t usually see this with Anne. She was wicked when her ire was up and Anne with a parasol is particularly dangerous. That was a scream. Her story? We were only given bits and pieces as Darcy’s story progressed. Then we had Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy’s other cousin. Usually, we don’t see him so vague as we did in this story. What was with him? Questions, questions, questions…
Wickham: Was he the SBRB we are used to or had he changed? I couldn’t tell. He flowed hot and cold throughout the story. His encounter with Darcy on the streets of Meryton nearly made me cry. Dang!! However, his encounter with Elizabeth made me want to stand up and cheer. It was hilarious. I think she meant business. And, I think Wickham believed she did too. His end story was very different from what we normally see. I think I liked it.
Tissues: have them handy as I teared up several times as a man who thinks he is dying makes his declarations of love to the woman who holds his heart. LA!! Salts… where are my salts? I’d already broken my fan. Whew! Thank goodness, our author tempered those angsty moments with humor that made me smile and sometimes laugh out loud.
Mr. Collins: say no more… snicker… bless his heart… poor man… such a scheme. He was caught between a rock and a hard place and in the middle of more than he could handle. He was completely out of his element.
I have a new respect for Mrs. Bennet. LA! I have read so many stories where she was absolutely horrid that it was rather fun to see her like this. She was amazing. I will never think of salts again without thinking of her. LA!! That was hilarious. I had as much fun watching her as Mr. Bennet did. I highly recommend this story. It is completely different but a fun quick read.
July 2, 2020
Mr. Darcy will be dead in just a few months. That's what his doctor tells him, anyway. The reader learns very early in the book that it's all a hoax. Not exactly a funny joke. But who's behind this scheme? Why? That's not revealed until much later.
Darcy had been missing from Rosings the day after Elizabeth Bennet refused him, having already delivered his letter to her. He was found by Colonel Fitzwilliam at Bromley, apparently drunk, and his cousin got him to his London town home, where the supposed "physician" is currently examining him as this story begins.
Mr. Darcy's understandably shaken by the shocking prognosis. However, he accepts it with the stoicism expected of a Darcy and goes about setting his worldly affairs in order. Having been assured that his medical condition will not affect his ability to procreate until near the end, he decides he must at least attempt to convince Elizabeth to marry him for two reasons: Pemberley needs an heir, and he wishes with all his heart that he might have Elizabeth by his side for the short time he has left.
Elizabeth attitude has been profoundly affected by Darcy's letter. She feels unworthy to become his wife, recognizing the heavy responsibilities to his sister and his estate that he's asking her to take on. Now that her prejudice against him is gone, she's increasingly attracted to him. When an unlikely source suggests that perhaps Darcy's illness is a scam, she presses to learn the truth.
Such an intriguing premise! Love reading how Darcy faces death, with a sense of duty but grabbing whatever joy he can. His romance with Elizabeth is necessarily accelerated and very, very sweet.
I especially enjoy how the strange mystery surrounding this prank is unraveled. Ms. D'Orazio sprinkles clues in small drips, keeping the reader guessing. The explanation is clever and logical, leaving nothing unexplained.
It's a short, clean, satisfying read. Highly recommend!
I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
Darcy had been missing from Rosings the day after Elizabeth Bennet refused him, having already delivered his letter to her. He was found by Colonel Fitzwilliam at Bromley, apparently drunk, and his cousin got him to his London town home, where the supposed "physician" is currently examining him as this story begins.
Mr. Darcy's understandably shaken by the shocking prognosis. However, he accepts it with the stoicism expected of a Darcy and goes about setting his worldly affairs in order. Having been assured that his medical condition will not affect his ability to procreate until near the end, he decides he must at least attempt to convince Elizabeth to marry him for two reasons: Pemberley needs an heir, and he wishes with all his heart that he might have Elizabeth by his side for the short time he has left.
Elizabeth attitude has been profoundly affected by Darcy's letter. She feels unworthy to become his wife, recognizing the heavy responsibilities to his sister and his estate that he's asking her to take on. Now that her prejudice against him is gone, she's increasingly attracted to him. When an unlikely source suggests that perhaps Darcy's illness is a scam, she presses to learn the truth.
Such an intriguing premise! Love reading how Darcy faces death, with a sense of duty but grabbing whatever joy he can. His romance with Elizabeth is necessarily accelerated and very, very sweet.
I especially enjoy how the strange mystery surrounding this prank is unraveled. Ms. D'Orazio sprinkles clues in small drips, keeping the reader guessing. The explanation is clever and logical, leaving nothing unexplained.
It's a short, clean, satisfying read. Highly recommend!
I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
December 10, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
I read this as an unpublished story A Fine Joke several years ago and left a review there. I have now received an ARC with no strings attached. This story ends at 96% on Kindle.
It is a mystery as Darcy is told he is dying and he wishes to leave an heir in the days following his Hunsford proposal. But part of the mystery involves the fact that he cannot remember what happened in those days and we learn of the involvement of both Richard and Wickham and different renditions of the facts from their viewpoints. The doctor who treated him and prescribed a medication is not his regular doctor but comes with a letter from that man recommending him as an expert in his field.
As Darcy faces death and attends to his affairs he determines that no lady will do as the mother of any offspring and as the widow who must then rear his child and manage his estates other than Elizabeth Bennet. So he offers his hand to her again pointing out that his pending death will leave her with the finances and connections to do as she pleases for the rest of her life.
Collins, Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine, Wickham and this man named Simmons all are involved but their roles are not clear as we read from different viewpoints. Elizabeth has read Darcy's letter about Wickham, etc. but as the story progresses we find her offering him money to search out some information. What is that all about and does she really trust him? Anne de Bourgh has some secrets and her part...well, I recommend you read this story. You may read my review of the unpublished story for more about this tale.
I read this as an unpublished story A Fine Joke several years ago and left a review there. I have now received an ARC with no strings attached. This story ends at 96% on Kindle.
It is a mystery as Darcy is told he is dying and he wishes to leave an heir in the days following his Hunsford proposal. But part of the mystery involves the fact that he cannot remember what happened in those days and we learn of the involvement of both Richard and Wickham and different renditions of the facts from their viewpoints. The doctor who treated him and prescribed a medication is not his regular doctor but comes with a letter from that man recommending him as an expert in his field.
As Darcy faces death and attends to his affairs he determines that no lady will do as the mother of any offspring and as the widow who must then rear his child and manage his estates other than Elizabeth Bennet. So he offers his hand to her again pointing out that his pending death will leave her with the finances and connections to do as she pleases for the rest of her life.
Collins, Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine, Wickham and this man named Simmons all are involved but their roles are not clear as we read from different viewpoints. Elizabeth has read Darcy's letter about Wickham, etc. but as the story progresses we find her offering him money to search out some information. What is that all about and does she really trust him? Anne de Bourgh has some secrets and her part...well, I recommend you read this story. You may read my review of the unpublished story for more about this tale.
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August 8, 2020Review to follow
March 20, 2022
Ok, the persin it was in the end wouldnot have been my first, or even second choice. Writer kept this going really well till nearly the end.i like that E and D got an (abbreviated) courtship. We don't always get to see that.
June 27, 2020
"I fear that you do not have very long to live." (quote from the book)
La! What fine joke! You cannot be serious...Mr. Darcy has only months to live?
Waking to find himself in his bed in London, with no idea how he arrived, Mr. Darcy is in pain and cannot remember what has happened. He only knows that his proposal was refused quite vehemently. Bits and pieces are revealed to him, however, none of it makes sense! A specialist his own doctor recommended, says he only has months to live. He is told to get his affairs in order.
Always being diligent about his duty, Mr. Darcy decides he must marry and try to beget an heir! There is only one woman that truly suits him, Miss Elizabeth Bennet! Family are advising he should finally marry his cousin, Anne de Bourgh. Darcy has already made his decision. He sets off for Longbourn and what a to do he causes! An ardent Darcy, wooing very quickly, his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth Bennet.
Oh yes, methinks there is a plot afoot! Who is behind this cruel joke. Several suspects come to mind as we follow the clues sprinkled throughout. I must say, Mrs. Bennet certainly proves herself useful!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book with no expectation of a review.
La! What fine joke! You cannot be serious...Mr. Darcy has only months to live?
Waking to find himself in his bed in London, with no idea how he arrived, Mr. Darcy is in pain and cannot remember what has happened. He only knows that his proposal was refused quite vehemently. Bits and pieces are revealed to him, however, none of it makes sense! A specialist his own doctor recommended, says he only has months to live. He is told to get his affairs in order.
Always being diligent about his duty, Mr. Darcy decides he must marry and try to beget an heir! There is only one woman that truly suits him, Miss Elizabeth Bennet! Family are advising he should finally marry his cousin, Anne de Bourgh. Darcy has already made his decision. He sets off for Longbourn and what a to do he causes! An ardent Darcy, wooing very quickly, his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth Bennet.
Oh yes, methinks there is a plot afoot! Who is behind this cruel joke. Several suspects come to mind as we follow the clues sprinkled throughout. I must say, Mrs. Bennet certainly proves herself useful!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book with no expectation of a review.
November 2, 2020
A fun short tead
This story is short and sweet. I always enjoy Amy D'Orazio's style of writing , and this book is no different. I did suspect a hoax from the beginning, but was a little surprised by the villain of the piece. I will be reading this one again.
This story is short and sweet. I always enjoy Amy D'Orazio's style of writing , and this book is no different. I did suspect a hoax from the beginning, but was a little surprised by the villain of the piece. I will be reading this one again.
July 4, 2020
Many fingers in the pie
Darcy is terribly sad after The Proposal. From that point, P&P takes a turn to the odd and humorous. I don’t think I found the story as funny as other reviewers did but the originality and writing made for a fun, quick story.
Darcy is terribly sad after The Proposal. From that point, P&P takes a turn to the odd and humorous. I don’t think I found the story as funny as other reviewers did but the originality and writing made for a fun, quick story.
April 1, 2021
A Fine Joke by Amy D’Orazio is a novella length Pride and Prejudice variation where Darcy learns he is terminally ill and has only months to live. The news comes just days after the disastrous Hunsford proposal and he is determined to make amends with Elizabeth and provide an heir for Pemberley. Darcy decides to ask for Elizabeth’s hand again, telling her the truth about his illness. Elizabeth’s feelings have undergone such an alteration that after some consideration she agrees to the marriage, but she soon suspects that all is not as it seems. When certain things don’t add up, more than one person becomes suspicious of the story Darcy’s been told and help comes from a most surprising quarter. This was a fun story with an unexpected villain and a happy ending for D&E.
September 3, 2021
A lovely read. Darcy learns that he's terminally ill and wants to sire a heir before he dies. The only woman he can think of spending his last days was none other than Elizabeth. Elizabeth is not only kind hearted to accept his proposal but also smart enough to find the truth behind it. Be warned you might need to be seated well before you begin this book, in the beginning for the shock and in the end so that you dont fall on the floor laughing.
November 8, 2023
Overall a good read with surprising bits of humor. Great interaction between Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine. A surprising Wickham.
July 12, 2020
The Best Story for Every Reason
Darcy in despair! Not only has he been denied his heart's desire, informed of all his deficits by the woman he adores, but on top of it all, he's dying ... soon. What to do? What to do? Well, he is said to be a man of action, right? To hell with the impediments, just go for it! And he does. Funny, sad (in an amusing way), romantic, cathartic, and surprising. A great novella that will lift your spirits with its unique plot and great writing. Thank you Amy, I'm proud to have been a small part of your tremendous creativity.
Darcy in despair! Not only has he been denied his heart's desire, informed of all his deficits by the woman he adores, but on top of it all, he's dying ... soon. What to do? What to do? Well, he is said to be a man of action, right? To hell with the impediments, just go for it! And he does. Funny, sad (in an amusing way), romantic, cathartic, and surprising. A great novella that will lift your spirits with its unique plot and great writing. Thank you Amy, I'm proud to have been a small part of your tremendous creativity.
June 24, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. Novella-length variation on Pride and Prejudice
Poor Mr. Darcy wakens in his London house, and is not well. His last memories are of his disastrous proposal to Miss Elizabeth Bennet and meeting her in a grove to deliver his letter. Now he's told he has a strange, fatal illness. He can get no clear story from anyone about what has taken place in the past few days. He is relieved to learn he might have time to marry and father an heir, as well as to put his affairs in order.
A winding novella, carrying the reader along with Darcy and Elizabeth to understand what happened. I find it disturbing that his entire family, even the colonel, thinks that he will be content to marry Anne as his last act on earth.
Poor Mr. Darcy wakens in his London house, and is not well. His last memories are of his disastrous proposal to Miss Elizabeth Bennet and meeting her in a grove to deliver his letter. Now he's told he has a strange, fatal illness. He can get no clear story from anyone about what has taken place in the past few days. He is relieved to learn he might have time to marry and father an heir, as well as to put his affairs in order.
A winding novella, carrying the reader along with Darcy and Elizabeth to understand what happened. I find it disturbing that his entire family, even the colonel, thinks that he will be content to marry Anne as his last act on earth.
July 6, 2020
Wickham. He was the take away for me in this novel. Loved his character.
March 10, 2023
Status: Read August 23-26, 2021
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My Library Notes:
A Fine Joke: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Amy D'Orazio
Kindle Edition, 105 pages
Published July 2, 2020 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B08819NKF5
What would you do, knowing you had only weeks to live?
Such is the question Fitzwilliam Darcy faces shortly after his visit to Kent in 1812. A gentleman of honour, he decides he will go to his end having done his best to discharge the duty of providing an heir for Pemberley. A gentleman of passion, he decides it will be with a bride who suits his own fancy. Going immediately to Hertfordshire, he meets with Miss Elizabeth Bennet and asks her, a second time, to marry him, with the knowledge that the marriage will be short and that she will be soon left a wealthy widow.
Elizabeth agrees to be Darcy's bride feeling all the compassion of a woman granting a man's dying wish. However, soon she suspects the truth, that Darcy is not, in fact, dying. She begins to question what exactly happened between the time that Darcy proposed to her the first time and when he was given his dreadful diagnosis--and if, in fact, any of it is indeed true.
This Pride & Prejudice variation is a darkly humorous novella based on the characters of Jane Austen.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My Library Notes:
A Fine Joke: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Amy D'Orazio
Kindle Edition, 105 pages
Published July 2, 2020 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B08819NKF5
What would you do, knowing you had only weeks to live?
Such is the question Fitzwilliam Darcy faces shortly after his visit to Kent in 1812. A gentleman of honour, he decides he will go to his end having done his best to discharge the duty of providing an heir for Pemberley. A gentleman of passion, he decides it will be with a bride who suits his own fancy. Going immediately to Hertfordshire, he meets with Miss Elizabeth Bennet and asks her, a second time, to marry him, with the knowledge that the marriage will be short and that she will be soon left a wealthy widow.
Elizabeth agrees to be Darcy's bride feeling all the compassion of a woman granting a man's dying wish. However, soon she suspects the truth, that Darcy is not, in fact, dying. She begins to question what exactly happened between the time that Darcy proposed to her the first time and when he was given his dreadful diagnosis--and if, in fact, any of it is indeed true.
This Pride & Prejudice variation is a darkly humorous novella based on the characters of Jane Austen.
July 2, 2020
Marvelous as always
Yet another wonderfully crafted variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the extremely talented Amy D’Orazio. As always I read it in one shot as I was enthralled with the story. My only complaints are we got none of her glorious original character the Viscount Saye and that now I shall have to wait patiently for her next book!
Yet another wonderfully crafted variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the extremely talented Amy D’Orazio. As always I read it in one shot as I was enthralled with the story. My only complaints are we got none of her glorious original character the Viscount Saye and that now I shall have to wait patiently for her next book!
December 30, 2021
6 stars!
I really loved this novella. The idea was clever and the title very cheeky because it was not quite a fine joke at all! Poor Darcy, he really did suffer during these short pages. I’m so impressed with Amy D’Orazio telling such a fine story in a short span.
I had all the feels: suspense, sadness (several tears of sadness and joy shed), mistrust (at first I thought Colonel Fitzwilliam might be involved), and such happiness when Elizabeth and Darcy finally came to their understanding.
It’s a favorite = would read again = highly recommend.
I really loved this novella. The idea was clever and the title very cheeky because it was not quite a fine joke at all! Poor Darcy, he really did suffer during these short pages. I’m so impressed with Amy D’Orazio telling such a fine story in a short span.
I had all the feels: suspense, sadness (several tears of sadness and joy shed), mistrust (at first I thought Colonel Fitzwilliam might be involved), and such happiness when Elizabeth and Darcy finally came to their understanding.
It’s a favorite = would read again = highly recommend.
September 18, 2020
A Fine Joke by Amy D'Orazio.
Fantastic short story crafted by the absolutely amazing author Amy D'Orazio! It's not exactly a joke in the beginning, to M. Darcy, but in the end, it definitely turns out to be a Fine One! Read it for yourself! Like all of her stories, it's a treasure!
Fantastic short story crafted by the absolutely amazing author Amy D'Orazio! It's not exactly a joke in the beginning, to M. Darcy, but in the end, it definitely turns out to be a Fine One! Read it for yourself! Like all of her stories, it's a treasure!
October 17, 2020
Avid Reader
I have now read all this writer's work. I originally thought that Colonel Fitzwilliam had something to do with what happened to Darcy, but he didn't. The culprits will surprise the readers. In truth Bingley and Wickham try to get to the truth of the matter. Wickham is the one who gets to the truth. Elizabeth and Darcy have their happily ever after.
I have now read all this writer's work. I originally thought that Colonel Fitzwilliam had something to do with what happened to Darcy, but he didn't. The culprits will surprise the readers. In truth Bingley and Wickham try to get to the truth of the matter. Wickham is the one who gets to the truth. Elizabeth and Darcy have their happily ever after.
July 20, 2020
Fitzwilliam Darcy receives some unexpected news and in response he starts putting his business affairs in order. He also decides to take a chance on having an heir to inherit, but who would be willing to marry him or who does he want to spend his days with? Elizabeth Bennet is the answer to his prayers if she is available.
The story is a courtship and love and a bit a mystery.
The story is a courtship and love and a bit a mystery.
July 3, 2020
A Fun Novella
A fun short story has Darcy as the unknowing victim of a joke, in which he is made to believe he is dying. Thus, he needs an heir before he succumbs to a strange illness, and to beget an heir, he must first obtain a wife. Enter Elizabeth Bennet. It isn’t long before it’s realized something sinister is afoot and Elizabeth makes it her business to engage Darcy’s nemesis to help discover the possible culprit(s). A bit of teasingly bold humor on the part Lord Matlock. I especially loved the chapter covering Darcy’s offer to Elizabeth. A few minor proofreading misses. I recommend this book. Very enjoyable read as always from Amy D’Orazio.
A fun short story has Darcy as the unknowing victim of a joke, in which he is made to believe he is dying. Thus, he needs an heir before he succumbs to a strange illness, and to beget an heir, he must first obtain a wife. Enter Elizabeth Bennet. It isn’t long before it’s realized something sinister is afoot and Elizabeth makes it her business to engage Darcy’s nemesis to help discover the possible culprit(s). A bit of teasingly bold humor on the part Lord Matlock. I especially loved the chapter covering Darcy’s offer to Elizabeth. A few minor proofreading misses. I recommend this book. Very enjoyable read as always from Amy D’Orazio.
April 5, 2021
Fun novella, but light on conflict
3.75
I would have liked to see this as a full-length novel, so that the complexities of the plot against Darcy, and how that impacts his changing relationship with Elizabeth, could really be explored. As it is, conflict and resolution in both the plot and the romance come far too easily. Still, it's a charming and interesting take on the familiar tale, and I applaud D'Orazio for always stepping outside of the box.
3.75
I would have liked to see this as a full-length novel, so that the complexities of the plot against Darcy, and how that impacts his changing relationship with Elizabeth, could really be explored. As it is, conflict and resolution in both the plot and the romance come far too easily. Still, it's a charming and interesting take on the familiar tale, and I applaud D'Orazio for always stepping outside of the box.
September 10, 2020
Loved this story just as much as when I read the version that was published online (A Fine Joke). No new thoughts, so I'm just pasting over my review from that version, which still stands:
I expected this story to be depressing and frustrating, but it was instead great fun! The joke aspect doesn't stay secret from everyone for so long that it's annoying, and Darcy approaches the news of his fatal disease with such purpose that there's very little dwelling on the sad reality of it all. It's a novella-length story, but there's still a really nice build-up both of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship and of the solution to the mystery. Yes, Elizabeth softens to Darcy pretty quickly, but this is one of the few scenarios where I found it completely believable. After all, she initially thinks he's dying, and he comes to her so humbly that it would have been harder for her to act otherwise with him. There are a lot of other characters, most of which have fairly passing involvement, but I really enjoyed Wickham's part in it all. Very different, but in a nice way.
I expected this story to be depressing and frustrating, but it was instead great fun! The joke aspect doesn't stay secret from everyone for so long that it's annoying, and Darcy approaches the news of his fatal disease with such purpose that there's very little dwelling on the sad reality of it all. It's a novella-length story, but there's still a really nice build-up both of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship and of the solution to the mystery. Yes, Elizabeth softens to Darcy pretty quickly, but this is one of the few scenarios where I found it completely believable. After all, she initially thinks he's dying, and he comes to her so humbly that it would have been harder for her to act otherwise with him. There are a lot of other characters, most of which have fairly passing involvement, but I really enjoyed Wickham's part in it all. Very different, but in a nice way.
June 24, 2020
What a lovely story! A happy combination of angst, romance, suspense and humor. It’s impossible to tell more without ruining the plot. Just hold on to your bonnets, dive in and remember the title when you get to anxious!
July 4, 2020
Good book
I enjoyed the story I thought of who the suspects might be so I liked the telling. I wished for an epilogue, this is the first variation I read without a real villan. Good book!
I enjoyed the story I thought of who the suspects might be so I liked the telling. I wished for an epilogue, this is the first variation I read without a real villan. Good book!
July 4, 2020
Great story
I loved this story and was totally surprised by the end.
Great writing and story flow. Can not wait to see if the is a sequel.
I loved this story and was totally surprised by the end.
Great writing and story flow. Can not wait to see if the is a sequel.
August 9, 2024
And a fine book
This was sheer pleasure to read. We see a lovely side of Darcy due to his circumstances. Elizabeth is charming and the mystery adds another level of interest.
This was sheer pleasure to read. We see a lovely side of Darcy due to his circumstances. Elizabeth is charming and the mystery adds another level of interest.
May 29, 2022
Ohhhh, I don’t want to spoil it but I quite enjoyed the villain in this book! Very short, but fun!
September 14, 2020
I absolutely despise novellas. There’s never enough substance and they usually leave me wanting. This is one novella I actually enjoyed and was almost fulfilled. An epilogue would have been nice but since it’s the first novella I’m actually glad I read, five stars it is.
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