Os Intrometidos Matlock: Uma Variação de Orgulho e Preconceito (Variações de Orgulho e Preconceito)

by Catherine Bilson

Quando o conde e a condessa de Matlock chegam inesperadamente ao tranquilo vilarejo de Meryton, eles não trazem apenas prestígio social—eles causam um turbilhão de intrigas hilárias. Buscando abrigo de uma tempestade em Netherfield Park, os Matlock logo se veem encantados pelas irmãs Bennet, especialmente pela inteligente e independente Elizabeth.

Lady Matlock, sempre perspicaz e com um instinto infalível para formar casais, rapidamente se interessa pela tensão evidente entre seu reservado sobrinho, Sr. Darcy, e a espirituosa Elizabeth. Embora os dois pareçam estar sempre em desacordo, Lady Matlock vê grande potencial nessa união—mesmo que Elizabeth insista que Darcy é o último homem no mundo com quem ela se casaria, especialmente com o encantador Sr. Wickham disputando sua atenção. Enquanto isso, o conde, encantado por reencontrar seu velho amigo de universidade, Sr. Bennet, também se envolve nos laços que estão se formando entre as famílias. A beleza e a doçura de Jane Bennet conquistam instantaneamente a aprovação dos Matlock, levando a convites para a sociedade londrina e a uma aventura muito além de tudo o que as Bennet poderiam imaginar.

Mas com parentes intrometidos, rivais ciumentos e segredos guardados há muito tempo ameaçando arruinar os romances que estão começando, os Matlock precisam usar todo o seu charme e astúcia para desfazer mal-entendidos e unir corações.

Os intrometidos Matlock é uma deliciosa comédia de costumes, onde famílias intrometidas e reviravoltas inesperadas criam a receita perfeita para o amor.

Genres: Regency, Historical, Historical Romance, Romance, Fan Fiction

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2025

About the author

I've been writing since I was 5 years old. I've always had to set it aside and try to concentrate on so-called 'real life' though. I've had a number of interesting careers - engineer, real estate sales agent, owner of an electrical goods store, silversmith - but finally the time has come for me to return to my first love. Writing.

I've always loved the works of Jane Austen, so perhaps it's fitting that my first published work should be a variation on the much beloved Pride And Prejudice.

Visit my website, www.catherinebilson.com, to read several free short fics in the Pride and Prejudice fandom, and to leave me comments on my work!

I also write not-for-profit fanfiction set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and if you'd like to read those free works please go to the Archive Of Our Own and search for the user handle ozhawk.

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whimsical variation on P&P that leaves canon behind from the start by placing Darcy's aristocratic aunt and uncle Matlock at the center of the story which sets the cat among the pigeons for certain. Always a good time is to be had when I read a light, low-angst Catherine Bilson tale.

Lord and Lady Matlock, a couple of a long, deep abiding love are forced to seek shelter from a storm and find they are near the little market town of Meryton and the Netherfield Park estate where their nephew is a house guest of the Bingleys. The Countess has no shyness about presuming on the Bingley's hospitality and they are there in time to prevent a cold-hearted social climber from not providing proper hospitality to a young woman who was her dinner guest. Lady Matlock steps in when Jane Bennet needs care and steps in once again when her sister arrives in a rumpled state to care for her. Lo and behold, the Matlocks have a past friendship with Mr. Bennet much to the shock of all their relations.

Lady Matlock loved meddling and soon takes the temperature of the room and starts working her plan on her staid nephew Darcy, the Bennet girls and her own sons. The stirring up of everyone by the Matlocks was light pleasure, but of course, there are the flies in the ointment provided by Miss Bingley, Mr. Wickham, and Lady Catherine.

Now, for some reason, I didn't slip as easily into this particular story though I've had no trouble with previous books by the author. I enjoyed the premise and the characters, but felt there were some clunky bits in the transitions of the plot. Like, in the beginning, the Matlocks determine the superiority of the Bennet ladies staying at Netherfield, particularly Elizabeth from the briefest of encounters and determine Miss Bingley's character in the same amount of time. While, their surmises turned out to be accurate from future evidence in observing words and actions, they couldn't have possibly know that quickly. Just, things like that snagged at me now and then through the story.

But, that said, it was still a fun, entertaining piece that I can recommend to other Austenesque lovers who prefer sweet and light.

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Matlocks

Not only are the Matolcks fun, they have a major surprise for everyone.

Plenty of couples in the making, yes, with Matlocks's assistance.

A fun read, aside from the Lydia-Wickham debacle...

[Michelle David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing

A rather amusing and delightful little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Catherine Bilson. I enjoyed it.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs more interaction between couples

I did enjoy the book, but towards the end I really wanted to skim the book to where Darcy and Elizabeth actually realize they are in love. Actually all 3 couples that fall in love in the book. James and Charlotte are just always sitting together with their heads towards each other talking. With Bingley and Jane they’re pretty much cannon. She smiles, he’s besotted. Nothing new there. And Darcy doesn’t try to court Elizabeth. We just know they will end up together. In fact, we have to wait till the very end of the book (89%) before he proposes out of the blue. I did feel like this might be a book where the whole Lydia scandal could be overlooked. But, no, there is a whole 2 chapters dedicated to the pair.

So, what did I like about the book? The Matlocks, especially Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine versus Elizabeth was pretty epic. Another thing I like is the author didn’t copy and paste the original scenes in her book. Both proposals are normally word for word (Collins and Darcy) and the same for Lady C’s confrontation. The author put their own words in and I really enjoyed it instead of skipping over them.

[Terri Conley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sorry to not enjoy this book as I expected.
The often used the conversational gaming of repeating the same lines back to each protagonist at first not an issue but then it happened on nearly every page it just annoyed me in the end. I usually enjoy this authors work a lot but this was a miss for me.

[Terri M]

I loved the Matlocks as portrayed in this variation. They were warm and genuine…definitely not the stereotypical peers. I only awarded four stars mainly because I was not so fond of Darcy. He was so stiff and reserved throughout the book. The closest he came to a smile before the very end of the book was a twitch of the lips. He just never unbent.

The Matlocks run into a storm on their way to London and just happen to be in the vicinity of the estate where their nephew, Darcy, is being hosted so they end up at Netherfield seeking shelter. Of course the Bingleys are thrilled to host them, especially the ever social-climbing Caroline. Before long it comes to light that the Matlocks are long acquaintances of the Bennets and are thrilled to be in company with them after many years, much to Darcy’s (and Caroline’s) dismay. The Countess takes a decided interest in the two eldest Bennet daughters, while gently trying to counsel Mrs Bennet on reigning in her youngest daughters.

The Matlocks do much to smooth the way for matches for Jane, Elizabeth and Charlotte. The usual villains (Lady Catherine, Collins, Wickham and Caroline) do their best to interfere. The Matlocks are unable to prevent a scandal from happening but are willing and able to use their influence to mitigate the situation.

All in all a fun story and definitely worth a read.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 story is a delightful comedy of manners, where meddlesome families and unexpected twists create the perfect recipe for love.

When the Earl and Countess of Matlock arrive unexpectedly in the tranquil village of Meryton, they bring more than just social prestige, they bring a whirlwind of hilarious intrigue. Seeking shelter from a storm at Netherfield Park, the Matlocks soon find themselves enchanted by the Bennet sisters, particularly the clever and independent Elizabeth. Lady Matlock, ever perceptive and armed with sharp matchmaking instincts, quickly takes an interest in the simmering tension between her reserved nephew, Mr. Darcy, and the spirited Elizabeth. While the two seem at odds, Lady Matlock sees great potential in the match, though Elizabeth insists Darcy is the last man in the world she would ever marry, especially with the charming Mr. Wickham vying for her attention.

Meanwhile, the Earl, delighted to reconnect with his old university friend Mr. Bennet, becomes equally invested in the growing ties between their families. Jane Bennet’s beauty and gentle nature win the Matlocks’ instant approval, leading to invitations to London society and an adventure far beyond anything the Bennets could have imagined. But with meddling relatives, jealous rivals, and long-kept secrets threatening to derail budding romances, the Matlocks must employ all their charm and cunning to untangle misunderstandings and bring hearts together. 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.

[James S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countess of Matlock wants to be a grandmother.

It turns out Mr. Bennet went to school with the Earl of Matlock. They haven’t seen each other for many years. During a storm the Matlocks need to find a refuge and Darcy is the closest relative so they land at Netherfield.

The countless finds she enjoys Lizzy’s personality. Lots of fun reading to the very end of the story. I recommend this quiet gem.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I particularly liked the Matlocks in this variation...not just their gentle persuasive ways of correcting matters, which they thought needed changing, but also their own relationship.

We have our usual villains: Caroline, Wickham and Lady Catherine. But the focus as far as the matter of matchmaking done by the Matlocks, particularly Lady M.'s efforts, is not just on Darcy and Elizabeth but also includes their own sons.

Darcy and Elizabeth seem to spend more time with their thoughts in this story but also exchanging a lot of glances with each other. There is no disastrous proposal as at Hunsford in canon, but Darcy does take time to correct the lies Wickham told to Elizabeth. Elizabeth does take a step back and reconsiders her own opinions.

One of the differences from canon is that the Matlocks and the Bennets have been great friends in the past, with the men meeting at university and then as they court and marry, continuing that friendship...which was then lost over the years.

I enjoyed this story.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: Mature teen
>>Angst Level: Slight
>>Source: This was borrowed through KU [3-22-25]. I volunteered to leave a review. 25 chapters
>>Trope: Better connections through Mr. Bennet, who knew Lord Matlock.

This was so much fun. I enjoyed Lord and Lady Matlock even though they seemed laid back from what the ton would require. Several situations seemed odd, but I enjoyed their friendship with the Bennet family. Darcy’s main concern with the Bennets was that they had no connections of note and were poor. Imagine his shock when he discovered his uncle, Lord Matlock, knew Mr. Bennet. The funny part was that the Matlocks were matchmaking with everyone. Even Charlotte had a different outcome.

[RTD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

This was a light read, but I did lose interest a few times.

What I liked:

-The Matlocks.

- I'm usually not a fan of Jane, but with a little tweak, the author made Jane more human by having Jane laugh and find humor in Elizabeth's teasing.

- As another reviewer mentioned, reading the author's own words during Lady Catherine and Elizabeth's confrontation was nice.

What I didn't like:

- Lydia and Wickham (I'm burned out).

- Some scenes felt odd. There were moments when I was sure a character would chime in, but there was nothing, almost like they were forgotten. Also, there were times when I didn't know a character was in the room until they spoke.

- Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship didn't work for me. They spent the entire book believing there was a certain look that would pass between them when they caught each other eye. That was the extent of their romance. Other than that, their conversations were mainly about Wickham's wrongdoings. Even during Darcy's proposal speech, Wickham became a topic.

[Ruth Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Low Angst, Easy Read

I enjoyed the storyline overall, although I would have liked to see more romance. However, the number of times I had to cringe in secondhand embarrassment because the characters were overheard mumbling or talking to themselves out loud was mortifying.

[lori huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing

Shortly after the Meryton assembly, the Earl and Countless of Matlocks are stranded by a bad storm at Netherfield. Lord Matlocks soon discovers that Longbourn is the home of his good friend from university, Thomas Bennett, and their wives remember each other also. This connection surprises Darcy and Elizabeth, and the Fitzwilliams are immediately impressed by Elizabeth and Jane. Lady Matlocks sees easily that Elizabeth would be a good match for Darcy. Lord and Lady Matlocks decide to stick around for a while to help the Bennetts, and to "meddle" in some budding romances.

This is a cute story, with a lot of contrived situations and romances. The Earl and Countess are portrayed as just regular people, not too snobby, which is nice. The usual annoying villains appear, Caroline Bingley, Wickham, Mr Collins, and Lady Catherine. From the title of the book I was expecting that the Earl and Countess would be the ones dispatching the villains, but strangely this isn't the case. Instead, they're just there to boss some people around, and nudge others in certain directions. All in all, their impact isn't that much.

Although the book is written well enough, I was bothered by a couple of things. One is the frequent tendency of people in conversations to repeat the last word uttered by whoever is speaking to them. For example: " 'You look lovely.' he said. 'Lovely?' she said." This happens so many times that it became an annoying distraction for me. Another issue is the character of Elizabeth, and her seeming inability to stop treating everything as a joke. I know she's supposed to be witty, but even in serious conversations her replies were always a bit snarky. I did love, however, her courageous behavior when confronting Lady Catherine. I recommend the book for a light and amusing story.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Matlocks!

They are presented as quite the influencers and as a lovable couple. Also, Darcy, in this variation, is more rigid and intense. To summarize, this is a witty and captivating story.

[Bello Valérie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can recommend this well written variation even if it didn't keep my attention until the end. The author could have done without the usual villains (lady Catherine and Wickham) who are not really essential to the plot. She should have focused on her original story and characters instead. SPOILER******When, towards the end, Elizabeth receives her letter from Longbourn with news of Lydia's infamous conduct the very day Darcy chooses to propose, I went 🙄. Not again.

[Lisa E · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems incohesive to me

While the author is quite good at writing and the use of the English language, I had issues with the continuity of the story. Many statement just did not seem to jar with what had been said before. There are beautiful word pictures that seem jumbled together not quite forming a cohesive whole, story-wise. For example, I don't think snowflakes dance and whirl in a howling wind but maybe that is just my experience. I detected some Americanisms. I wonder how Bennet girls could be sent back to school when, in canon, they have never been. And I don't think they ever get sent. "Tolerable" is not mentioned until Chapter 12 then is referred back to many times. And it sure sounds like the Bennets arrived late to the ball, missing the first set,  if they arrive to see "with ladies adorned in silks and jewels gliding gracefully across the polished floor alongside their impeccably dressed partners".

Also, I would be interested in studying how many times a character tilted their head, especially Elizabeth. Then contrast that with how often a head was inclined or tipped.

[Ashvini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am taking one star because there is too much repition of things especially with ODC's thoughts

Darcy, having got clear indication of Matlock's acceptance of E if he follows through with his admiration, still keeps thinking of her suitability and dithering endlessly. he keeps thinking her all that which is admirable but dug his heels in to actually admit he loves her

E on other hand keeps thinking whether she misjudged D on every interaction, at every interaction she thinks there is more to D than what she originally thought, but we get the same thoughts again after their next interaction. It was kinda boring

I also was appalled that the so much intelligent matlocks, all of them, and Darcy just let wickham be in meryton? after knowing his character. That is hard to swallow

[Elizabeth Swing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great premise but very shallow

Minor editing issues but not too bad. I felt that Elizabeth was too harsh and cynical. Sometimes the Matlock/Bennet relationship felt shallow or unnatural. Things happened with no explanation. All of the problems were too easily resolved with not enough details to make it believable. It was like the author made a problem on a white board then took an eraser to it. Boom, Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins are gone with a few harsh words from Elizabeth; Wickham and Lydia are taken care of in a short meeting with no real details given.

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5 stars. Enjoyed this one especially the Countess basically taking over the running of Netherfield and Jane’s care because Caroline didn’t understand how to be proper hostess. And of course how can one not love watching Caroline get her nose bent out of shape as the Countess shows appreciation for Elizabeth while correcting Caroline.

I do wish I understood why the author had Richard Fitzwilliam referring to his parents as his aunt and uncle, and Elizabeth show Geogiana around the Matlock house as though Georgie had never been to her own aunts house before.

[Eddie and Joanne Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story Despite Multiple Errors

I really did enjoy this variation despite multiple errors including grammatical and naming errors. For example, one error had Col. Richard Fitzwilliam referring to his parents as aunt and uncle. And another had Lady Matlock calling her husband James, instead of Henry. There are other grammatical examples, but I generally do not let things like that dampen my enjoyment of a P&P Variation. Some more precise editing is needed.

[ste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really really cute! I loved Lord and Lady Matlock in this! I wish there were a little bit more of romance between Darcy and Elizabeth, in my opinion they didn’t have a lot of space in this book to develop their relationship and the ending felt a little forced.
In the end it all works out for everyone even though I NEED A SEQUEL ABOUT MARY AND COLONEL FITZWILLAM! They had few interactions in this book but they left me wanting more.

[Mariska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good

The best parts of the story are Lord & Lady Matlock, and Elizabeth's battles with Lady Catherine. I disliked that I needed to be over 75% through the book before I stopped wanting to slap Darcy's head. I 100% do not see him as a romantic person in this story! I love Charlotte getting a true love match.

[CEK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully witty

The Matlocks pop in on Netherfield just as Jane becomes ill from her rainy ride and they assist everyone in finding happy ever afters. The joy of this plot is in the journey, as almost everyone is witty, sarcastic, occasionally impolite, romantic, silly, sweet, and loving! Excellent dialogue, fun plotting, and a joy to read!

[Chetana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️

I enjoyed reading this book. It was like a HR novel with people I already knew. This is a variation where everything works out for the best and we get to see Lizzy and Darcy fall for one another. With the added influence of some meddling relatives. Most of the characters stay true to how Austen wrote them which was its own fun, unlike the previous P&P variation I read.

[CharlotteReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tale was quite enjoyable, low angst, a few kisses. Women keep showing up in lavender or lilac gowns, which was during the Regency a traditional color of half-mourning. Each time a Bennet lady shows up in purple it was jarring. Wait, who died? How did I miss a death? Why is she wearing purple? Turns out the author likes purple or something.

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two and a half stars

The author tried way too hard to write witty conversation. It was so stilted. I think Elizabeth’s favorite word was, "Indeed!" All the wannabe witty rejoinder slowed down the plot.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, happy ending, charming Matlocks but I really hope the author could find a replacement word for 'INDEED". By the end of the book, my eyes hurt from the 'eye rolls' I had with each of the 250 occurrences of the work.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Meddling Matlocks

A fun story with nice twists to the original story. There is still the wayward daughter and the bad Wickham. And we get our happily ever after for our favorite couples and a glimpse at this happiness for a few minor characters as well.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Enjoyed

I really enjoyed this book that focused on the Matlocks involvement with the Bennets etc. I wish there was a sequel that followed up with the Matlocks and Mary Bennet.

[Angela Kamanzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious 😆

This well written book (save for about 5 typos) will have you roar with laughter at Lord and Lady Matlock's attick. Or like Mr. Darcy, you'll brood and stiffen in fond exasperation. For sure, you'll not remain indifferent!

Read on 🤭