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Discretion and Decorum: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
My name is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
A man should tell his own story.
Of course, this is not primarily my story, but the story of my wayward cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh. It has come to light that, for some time, my cousin has been feigning illness and malaise in order to conceal a scandalous double life.
My poor cousin is dead, and the man I hate worse than life itself, Mr. George Wickham, is holding my family ransom by claiming to air her secrets to the world, or at the very least, half of London. I’m here, at Rosings in Kent, to determine how my cousin died and whether anything that Wickham alleges is true. Which would be difficult enough if it weren’t for the fact that Miss Elizabeth Bennet keeps appearing everywhere I go.
Miss Bennet is incredibly distracting.
But never mind her. Never mind anything about her. I’m certainly not thinking about her nearly constantly. I’m especially not thinking about marrying her. I can’t marry her. There are a great many barriers preventing such a thing, and besides, I have other things to occupy my mind, not least solving a veritable murder.
Marry her? Insupportable! Marrying her would be impossible.
A man should tell his own story.
Of course, this is not primarily my story, but the story of my wayward cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh. It has come to light that, for some time, my cousin has been feigning illness and malaise in order to conceal a scandalous double life.
My poor cousin is dead, and the man I hate worse than life itself, Mr. George Wickham, is holding my family ransom by claiming to air her secrets to the world, or at the very least, half of London. I’m here, at Rosings in Kent, to determine how my cousin died and whether anything that Wickham alleges is true. Which would be difficult enough if it weren’t for the fact that Miss Elizabeth Bennet keeps appearing everywhere I go.
Miss Bennet is incredibly distracting.
But never mind her. Never mind anything about her. I’m certainly not thinking about her nearly constantly. I’m especially not thinking about marrying her. I can’t marry her. There are a great many barriers preventing such a thing, and besides, I have other things to occupy my mind, not least solving a veritable murder.
Marry her? Insupportable! Marrying her would be impossible.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2020
54 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 1, 2020
Entertaining, but....
I had a difficult time getting through the first half of this book, and almost gave up on it, because I really didn't like Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. The entire story takes place at Rosings Park and the surrounding area. Anne DeBourgh has died under suspicious circumstances, and Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam decides to investigate. This is during Elizabeth's visit to the Hunsford parsonage, and she and Charlotte become involved in the investigation.
In my humble opinion, Darcy is portrayed as a milquetoast, an extremely fastidious shrinking violet, and not as an intelligent, forceful man of resolve and action. Granted, the things uncovered in the investigation are pretty bizarre and unexpected, but the level of his horror and disgust is embarrassing. The story is written in the first person, completely from Darcy's pov, and he doesn't do himself any favors in making a favorable impression of himself.
Then there's Colonel Fitzwilliam, who seems to be some kind of kinky perv, and going through a period of depression, which is disappointing. If you can't admire either Darcy or Fitzwilliam, what's the point?
This really is a very strange storyline, one that goes to some pretty dark places, and shines a light on a lot of unsavory people. I do like JAFF variations that give Anne DeBourgh a little more credit for some brains and gumption, but this one really goes off the deep end. It turns out that no one knew the real Anne DeBourgh, but maybe that's not all bad.
Fortunately, the story gets around to some romance and positive interactions between ODC in the second half, although Darcy still isn't very impressive in his pursuit of Elizabeth. He's very wishy washy, more apologetic than forceful, and seems almost afraid of Elizabeth most of the time. The resolution is, however, very nice and sweet, thank goodness.
The book is well written and well edited, aside from a handful of errors. I recommend it if you don't mind something a little weird and dark.
I had a difficult time getting through the first half of this book, and almost gave up on it, because I really didn't like Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. The entire story takes place at Rosings Park and the surrounding area. Anne DeBourgh has died under suspicious circumstances, and Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam decides to investigate. This is during Elizabeth's visit to the Hunsford parsonage, and she and Charlotte become involved in the investigation.
In my humble opinion, Darcy is portrayed as a milquetoast, an extremely fastidious shrinking violet, and not as an intelligent, forceful man of resolve and action. Granted, the things uncovered in the investigation are pretty bizarre and unexpected, but the level of his horror and disgust is embarrassing. The story is written in the first person, completely from Darcy's pov, and he doesn't do himself any favors in making a favorable impression of himself.
Then there's Colonel Fitzwilliam, who seems to be some kind of kinky perv, and going through a period of depression, which is disappointing. If you can't admire either Darcy or Fitzwilliam, what's the point?
This really is a very strange storyline, one that goes to some pretty dark places, and shines a light on a lot of unsavory people. I do like JAFF variations that give Anne DeBourgh a little more credit for some brains and gumption, but this one really goes off the deep end. It turns out that no one knew the real Anne DeBourgh, but maybe that's not all bad.
Fortunately, the story gets around to some romance and positive interactions between ODC in the second half, although Darcy still isn't very impressive in his pursuit of Elizabeth. He's very wishy washy, more apologetic than forceful, and seems almost afraid of Elizabeth most of the time. The resolution is, however, very nice and sweet, thank goodness.
The book is well written and well edited, aside from a handful of errors. I recommend it if you don't mind something a little weird and dark.
September 8, 2020
Mature themes, not graphic
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Anne’s death reveals her secrets. She is not as everyone believed her to be. Was her death an accident or murder? Darcy, Col. Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth and Charlotte embark on a mission to discover the truth. The secrets revealed surround an alternative lifestyle, however, there is no graphic content in the book. While this particular aspect of the story is not to my taste, I did enjoy much about the novel.
I particularly liked the writing style of this first-person Darcy account. Extremely well done, it is in the form of a journal, documenting the protagonists’ endeavour to seek the truth surrounding Anne’s life and death. I’ve read many first-person accounts and Darcy “diaries”. Some can be extremely heavy on the narrative, and become boring, easily distracting the reader. In this account, however, there is much included dialogue as written by Darcy, which maintains your interest. The mystery itself is also pretty good.
Proofreading could use some improvement.
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Anne’s death reveals her secrets. She is not as everyone believed her to be. Was her death an accident or murder? Darcy, Col. Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth and Charlotte embark on a mission to discover the truth. The secrets revealed surround an alternative lifestyle, however, there is no graphic content in the book. While this particular aspect of the story is not to my taste, I did enjoy much about the novel.
I particularly liked the writing style of this first-person Darcy account. Extremely well done, it is in the form of a journal, documenting the protagonists’ endeavour to seek the truth surrounding Anne’s life and death. I’ve read many first-person accounts and Darcy “diaries”. Some can be extremely heavy on the narrative, and become boring, easily distracting the reader. In this account, however, there is much included dialogue as written by Darcy, which maintains your interest. The mystery itself is also pretty good.
Proofreading could use some improvement.
September 1, 2023
This story is written as a journal written by Fitzwilliam Darcy while working to discover who murdered his cousin, Anne. Anne was not ill, but rather into some interesting stuff. Darcy is assisted in his efforts by Elizabeth Bennet, Mrs Charlotte Collins and his cousin. Darcy does eventually prove he isn’t an idiot, but I really struggled with the story.
December 24, 2020
Darcy’s point of view
I quite enjoyed this book. The entire book is written from darcy’s point of view, journal style. I like how through the recounting of their investigation darcy not only learns about himself, but also learns about how each person is the center of their own “story” and that people are perhaps not all bad. Richard and Darcy’s relationship is particularly multi layered and Anne (in her death) is a complex character in her own right. The mystery is interesting and I enjoyed the complexity of all of the relationships and how they develop. Some small typos and could use an edit but overall enjoyable and several good laughs and a number of non-put-downable moments.
I quite enjoyed this book. The entire book is written from darcy’s point of view, journal style. I like how through the recounting of their investigation darcy not only learns about himself, but also learns about how each person is the center of their own “story” and that people are perhaps not all bad. Richard and Darcy’s relationship is particularly multi layered and Anne (in her death) is a complex character in her own right. The mystery is interesting and I enjoyed the complexity of all of the relationships and how they develop. Some small typos and could use an edit but overall enjoyable and several good laughs and a number of non-put-downable moments.
September 16, 2022
I didn’t entirely like the start of the book. I found Darcy’s explanations for his feelings and behaviour to be OOC. I also didn’t love the dispute between him and the Colonel, and found the Colonel to be a bit too much of a dick tbh (that is explained later).
However it does improve later with the inclusion of Lizzy (though she is a bit overly insistent on believing Wickham given one particular occurrence - there’s loyalty & then there’s stupidity) and the romance aspect. Darcy unwinds a bit and feels more in character - reserved and a bit judgey, but also more accepting that one might expect.
The last chapter was lovely and amused me that it started with a comment on the manuscript not having enough romance or kissing for potential readers.
I also really liked the way they were actually a bit shit at investigating, making mistakes and getting distracted by their feelings - it felt very realistic.
A few turns of phrase which make me think an American wrote this, but otherwise felt very convincing as a English Regency man, though perhaps a little casual for Darcy of the four syllable words. I think the line between historical accuracy and modern reader comprehension/enjoyment was considered and the author achieved both. I would read this author again.
However it does improve later with the inclusion of Lizzy (though she is a bit overly insistent on believing Wickham given one particular occurrence - there’s loyalty & then there’s stupidity) and the romance aspect. Darcy unwinds a bit and feels more in character - reserved and a bit judgey, but also more accepting that one might expect.
The last chapter was lovely and amused me that it started with a comment on the manuscript not having enough romance or kissing for potential readers.
I also really liked the way they were actually a bit shit at investigating, making mistakes and getting distracted by their feelings - it felt very realistic.
A few turns of phrase which make me think an American wrote this, but otherwise felt very convincing as a English Regency man, though perhaps a little casual for Darcy of the four syllable words. I think the line between historical accuracy and modern reader comprehension/enjoyment was considered and the author achieved both. I would read this author again.
September 19, 2024
2.5*
This is an interesting book written from Darcy's POV throughout although that does not mean it does not include dialogue. I enjoyed this writing style despite some editing errors. The plot was also very interesting, if a little off-canon, which I also appreciated. Some reviewers have commented on the characters being too OOC but I didn't mind that. I am not a member of the "Colonel Fitzwilliam has to be Mr Nice Guy" club so a bit more grit to his character is fine by me. Darcy seemed rather baffled most of the time but I suspect Austen's Darcy was baffled a lot of the time too. We only see that in this book because it is from his perspective.
Why 2.5*? It does sound like I enjoyed it more than that.
Firstly I felt that having made a decision to have a darker and risqué plot they should have focused on this plot but instead other little bits were dropped in which detracted from the plot rather than building on it.
Secondly, The plot was just too scattered. People kept popping up all over the place out of the blue and there was no clear flow to the book. I don't want to put spoilers in here but the final 20% descended into complete farce for me.
A good editor could turn this into a very good book.
This is an interesting book written from Darcy's POV throughout although that does not mean it does not include dialogue. I enjoyed this writing style despite some editing errors. The plot was also very interesting, if a little off-canon, which I also appreciated. Some reviewers have commented on the characters being too OOC but I didn't mind that. I am not a member of the "Colonel Fitzwilliam has to be Mr Nice Guy" club so a bit more grit to his character is fine by me. Darcy seemed rather baffled most of the time but I suspect Austen's Darcy was baffled a lot of the time too. We only see that in this book because it is from his perspective.
Why 2.5*? It does sound like I enjoyed it more than that.
Firstly I felt that having made a decision to have a darker and risqué plot they should have focused on this plot but instead other little bits were dropped in which detracted from the plot rather than building on it.
Secondly, The plot was just too scattered. People kept popping up all over the place out of the blue and there was no clear flow to the book. I don't want to put spoilers in here but the final 20% descended into complete farce for me.
A good editor could turn this into a very good book.
December 27, 2020
Unusual story
This is a strange story about Anne and her nighttime activities as a member of a group of sexually active adults and her subsequent murder. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam along with Elizabeth and Charlotte try to investigate this tragic event and it's odd. There's discussion about sexual activity that most married women would find off putting in 1800's.
The writer uses the term " friendly fire " to describe an accident that the Colonel was involved in but I don't see where that term was used prior to WWI. Of course the act has been documented in history for hundreds if not thousands of years.
This is a strange story about Anne and her nighttime activities as a member of a group of sexually active adults and her subsequent murder. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam along with Elizabeth and Charlotte try to investigate this tragic event and it's odd. There's discussion about sexual activity that most married women would find off putting in 1800's.
The writer uses the term " friendly fire " to describe an accident that the Colonel was involved in but I don't see where that term was used prior to WWI. Of course the act has been documented in history for hundreds if not thousands of years.
December 9, 2020
Intriguing
First person narrative from Darcy, allowing an insight into his changing sense of self and his response to being encouraged to be a better man. All this against a very different tale of Anne de Bourgh and her odd life and appetites. Not sure that the responses from Elizabeth and Mrs Collins are quite in period, but this can be embraced as it is an intriguing tale. Will certainly look for more from this author.
First person narrative from Darcy, allowing an insight into his changing sense of self and his response to being encouraged to be a better man. All this against a very different tale of Anne de Bourgh and her odd life and appetites. Not sure that the responses from Elizabeth and Mrs Collins are quite in period, but this can be embraced as it is an intriguing tale. Will certainly look for more from this author.
November 26, 2020
I really enjoyed Darcy’s voice in this story. The variation itself was entertaining. A murder mystery that our favorite couple try’s to unravel while continuing to misunderstand each other.
Of course the mystery is solved and the Romance comes to a satisfying conclusion. But the surprising enjoyment I had was imagining this Darcy through his journal.
Of course the mystery is solved and the Romance comes to a satisfying conclusion. But the surprising enjoyment I had was imagining this Darcy through his journal.
December 13, 2020
Well-done!
Very gripping, original, different narrative! It amazes me how many different ways there are to tell a story. This one manages to cover several different controversial topics without being offensive because we don't have to live the experiences ourselves. It was hard to put down. And being from Darcy's perspective is a nice change.
Very gripping, original, different narrative! It amazes me how many different ways there are to tell a story. This one manages to cover several different controversial topics without being offensive because we don't have to live the experiences ourselves. It was hard to put down. And being from Darcy's perspective is a nice change.
December 17, 2020
Enthralling read.
This is an approach different from any other such variation. I enjoyed every bit of it. I could hardly put it down. One compelling attraction resulted from being inside Mr. Daddy's mind, as it all written by him in a journal of sorts, that will never see daylight. In the cannon Miss Austen gives us almost nothing from Darcy's mind.
This is an approach different from any other such variation. I enjoyed every bit of it. I could hardly put it down. One compelling attraction resulted from being inside Mr. Daddy's mind, as it all written by him in a journal of sorts, that will never see daylight. In the cannon Miss Austen gives us almost nothing from Darcy's mind.
November 21, 2020
Totally different!
A very pleasant read and quite different. Told by Mr. Darcy and as we are not used to hearing that much about his thoughts and feelings it is quite enjoyable. Also I would very much have liked to meet this Anne deBorgh
A very pleasant read and quite different. Told by Mr. Darcy and as we are not used to hearing that much about his thoughts and feelings it is quite enjoyable. Also I would very much have liked to meet this Anne deBorgh
December 16, 2020
A Good Read
Sometimes a bit more detail than is required but it still manages to evoke a believable personality for Mr. Darcy. It could have used a bit more input from Elisabeth and even some more words from Richard, but it was a compelling read, in any case.
Sometimes a bit more detail than is required but it still manages to evoke a believable personality for Mr. Darcy. It could have used a bit more input from Elisabeth and even some more words from Richard, but it was a compelling read, in any case.
April 24, 2025
I couldn't put this down. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth and Mrs. Collins attempt to solve the mystery of Anne DeBourgh's death and likely murder. Along the way we see character growth in many people.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews