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Mr. Darcy's Folly: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

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Sometimes the real folly is falling in love.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is prepared for the usual argument when he arrives at his aunt's estate in Kent—the one about Lady Catherine’s poorly built, badly situated folly. What he is not prepared for is to learn that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is currently residing at the parsonage across the lane.

The woman he fled Hertfordshire to forget is still pretty, witty, and poor, not at all the sort of woman his family would approve of as his wife. But when Darcy's warnings prove his foresight in a dramatic fashion, neither will leave Kent entirely unscathed.

Elizabeth Bennet has not forgotten the man whose cold judgment once stung her pride and destroyed her sister’s hopes. In Kent, Mr. Darcy is still exasperating, but he is also unexpectedly kind. As circumstance forces them into an uneasy proximity, Elizabeth begins to wonder whether her feelings are truly as unyielding as she believed.

Once the dust settles, can they turn disaster into a chance at romance? Or will the real ruin be the walls they've built around their hearts?

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

208 people are currently reading
145 people want to read

About the author

Melanie Rachel

37 books157 followers

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5 stars
363 (53%)
4 stars
214 (31%)
3 stars
81 (12%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,695 reviews205 followers
April 30, 2025
At 216 pages this story ends and we are given a preview of her next release.

Although it is not really Darcy's Folly, that building (at Rosings) is central to the tale. He has for years argued with Lady Catherine about how ill-advised she was to ever build it...claiming it is unsafe. So it proves to be. (I live in eastern Pennsylvania, where we have many sinkholes...even to this day and so I could relate to such being caused by past chalk mines in Southern England and Northern France.)

ODC being caught as this Folly gives way added enough drama that one just had to keep turning pages. Neither escapes unharmed and more is revealed to Elizabeth about Darcy's real character and then a hint as to how he feels about her.

I found it delightful as both got around propriety to communicate with each other as they heal from injuries received. The Colonel adds some amusement as he taunts Darcy.

There is a short epilogue, 10 years later, and we revisit the Folly.
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,227 reviews61 followers
April 30, 2025
The Folly is neither Darcy's nor Elizabeth's.

Well, perhaps a little bit for both of them.

But it is Lady Catherine's Folly, built high on a hill on Rosings Park land (against Darcy's advice), which ultimately brings our dear couple to a better understanding.

There are some amusing scenes between Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam.
I loved the more poignant ones while Darcy and Elizabeth are trapped and they reveal deeper parts of themselves and their past.
It is the camaraderie and dynamics once they are saved, which are the most entertaining. Flirting from the sick bed and separate rooms.

What makes this such a quick pace is, by the time our dear couple meet again in Hunsford, the stage is set and the forward movement is not bogged down by unnecessary repetitions.

This is a highly enjoyable read. I loved it and will be purchasing the paperback for future rereads!

I received a free copy for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Gratia.
228 reviews6 followers
April 24, 2025
Spring showers bring Darcy's follies

4.5* rounded up

The first chapters of this well-written novella set the scene: springtime in Kent after the canon events of Michaelmas through Elizabeth's visit to Hunsford. But Chapter 6 marks the place where Mr. Darcy's folly truly gripped my attention, and I could not put down the book until I finished it in its entirety. The vivid description of the action captivated me.

I loved the dialogue, the wit, and the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy. They each reveal their best selves as they get to know the other, despite their trials. I thought Ms. Rachel devised a clever way for them to communicate while keeping to the rules of priority at that time.

If this book is available in hardcopy, it will soon be added to my expanding shelf of this author's books.
Profile Image for James S.
1,437 reviews
April 29, 2025
Unfolding tragedy

Darcy and Lizzy may not survive an accident. Description of this day are vivid, emotions are real and Darcy is a hero. Lovely story.
Profile Image for Barbara K..
758 reviews21 followers
September 16, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. Darcy arrives at Rosings with his cousin, unaware that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is visiting her friend Charlotte Collins. He is in a rather foul frame of mind, though, about the folly his aunt had built on a hill that is likely not strong enough to support the monstrous stone structure because of prior chalk mines. He tries on nearly every visit, beginning before she ever built it, to convince her that the folly is a bad idea.

But he is distracted from his concerns about the folly, to some degree, when he realizes Miss Elizabeth is housed nearby.

This turns into something of an action story, for a while, and then kind of a waiting around for everyone to recover story. I thought that part went on a little long. It's part of what's called The Rom Com Collection, but I didn't find much humor in it. However, it held my interest, for the most part, and provided an interesting variation on the story.
659 reviews
April 28, 2025
Entertaining

Is it wrong to say that I wanted Darcy and Elizabeth to be trapped for a little longer? Those were my favorite scenes.

Darcy and Elizabeth are the main characters, and they are surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast.

3.5 Stars
121 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2025
Impeccably written as always. Quite a lot of drama but no angst. I enjoy variations with a "softer" Lady Catherine. This spirited and spiky Lady Catherine is also endearing. So are her drunken cherubs.
91 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2025
Very enjoyable

In true rom com format, our beloved characters are familiar but more open and lighter..except for Darcy who gets to be curmudgeonly. But he redeems himself with one of the sweetest romantic marriage proposals I can recall.
Profile Image for Robin G..
70 reviews
April 7, 2025
Mr. Darcy’s Folly is another wonderful novella by Melanie Rachel. The story is intense, fast-paced and surprisingly lighthearted. I did not want to put it down. It takes place at Rosings, and features a poorly constructed folly. The scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth were touching and emotional, while the other characters supplied the lighter parts of the story. I loved Darcy and Elizabeth’s interactions, while several of the side characters were surprisingly enjoyable. This is a great story to read when you want a relatively angst-free distraction from daily concerns.

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,229 reviews12 followers
July 2, 2025
Engaging and compelling

Cool story with a unique twist. Loved how the main characters clicked, especially when things got crazy, and how everyone else was totally down to help them out.
1,202 reviews30 followers
May 19, 2025
Wonderful

Darcy and Elizabeth are reunited at Rosings Park, as usual Elizabeth still disliking him, and Darcy struggling against his strong attraction to her. Lady Catherine has had a folly constructed on a hill against the strong objections of Darcy, since he knows that the site on which it's located is unstable due to ancient tunnels and chalk mines underground. The worst happens, and Darcy and Elizabeth are caught beneath the rubble when the folly collapses.

I like this author. She's an automatic purchase for me. This wonderful tale combines her talents for both humor and drama, not to mention superb romance. The situation allows for a heroic and swoon worthy Darcy, and an Elizabeth who is brave, caring, witty, and smart. Anne Debourgh is given more of a backbone, which is great, and even Lady Catherine is a more reasonable person. The entire story takes place at Rosings, so thankfully we don't have most of the annoying and ridiculous characters like Bingleys, Bennetts, Wickhams, and even Collins is only a small role.

The story is very well written and well edited. It's an exciting and romantic tale, and I recommend it highly.
Profile Image for Craftyhj.
1,219 reviews
August 1, 2025
A light and pleasing book

One of the things I most love about this authors work is her willingness to pare down both the plot timeline and the cast list to keep the story relevant and flowing smoothly. This requires boldness and skill to do this whilst still writing an authentic variation. Melanie Rachel has this in spades.

This is a delight to read from start to finish; the tense moments being suitably nerve-wracking and the humour and romance being charmingly light and easy. The end result is something which seems effortless although I am certain it was anything but during the writing process.
363 reviews8 followers
September 19, 2025
More than one folly here.

So delightful, Ms Rachel has done it again. What a unique way to explore the ‘forced proximity’ plot. My heart was in my throat when ODC was in danger from the fall of the folly. The folly that Darcy had fought Lady Catherine about building from the beginning.

I won’t spoil the story now. It was the best. It was so cleverly written, I loved all the characters, even Lady Catherine. Oh the yearning. And the humor. And such a lovely proposal. Please read it for yourself.

Highly recommended. JAFF readers will adore this, and I think any Regency rom-com lover would appreciate this too.
Profile Image for Monica Bowers.
139 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2025
Purely delightful escapism

I enjoy variations that take place in Kent. It means Darcy hasn’t declared himself disastrously and likely there is to be an understanding between himself and Elizabeth. In this case, we have them in a forced proximity situation. There were some gripping and heartfelt scenes while they are trapped under the collapsed folly. I especially enjoyed the sweet way they communicate with each other while they’re recovering at Rosings. The epilogue was perfectly done, showing us the Darcy’s ten years later. I will gladly revisit this story and add it to my favorites pile.
27 reviews
April 27, 2025
Darcy the Hero

I loved this book! Melanie wrote another wonderful story of ODC coming to understanding. About the middle of the book they are in perilous situation that kept me riveted and unable to go to bed until I knew what happened. That is a sign of a great book. I highly recommend this novel.
This book is being added to my favorites list to be read again in the future. Can’t wait to read what Melanie produces next.
Profile Image for Chiwei.
138 reviews25 followers
June 29, 2025
Probably the only one of Ms. Rachel's books I didn't finish. It was just too predictable.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,566 reviews
May 29, 2025
This book does what so few books seem to do. The protagonists actually talk to each other! Romance is building a relationship and this was well done in this story.
Profile Image for Loryn.
47 reviews
Read
October 30, 2025
This claims to be a rom com. There was zero com to this rom. DNF at 42%.
470 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2025
A most engaging and enjoyable read

This is one of those unputdownable enjoyable variations that keeps the readers engaged and allured by the banter and exchanges between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. It definitely establishes a good sound foundation for a love affair of the ages.

Mr. Darcy’s folly in thinking of Elizabeth Bennet as unsuitable as his life partner is extinguished as he is faced with losing Elizabeth in Lady Catherine’s folly. In his attempt to ensure their safety, Mr. Darcy discovers the treasure that Elizabeth truly is. While in confinement, their flirtation and eager communications have given both a glimpse of the joys and contentment they may gain when truly considering a union with each other. As well-wishing and seemingly supportive relatives amusingly look on, they struggle to keep their emotions in check while grappling at the uncertainties of whether each other’s feelings for the other may be reciprocated.

The true gem of this variation is the interactions and exchanges between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, whether in argument or in playful bantering. The Epilogue is also a plus, giving readers a glimpse of the happiness they attained in overcoming their own personal follies and always finding the silver lining to whatever dilemma they may face. Their shared near-death experience gave them both the gift of realization that follies may be painful but the pain was well worth the outcome.

A well-written and highly recommended read!
Profile Image for Terri M.
211 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2025
This delightful story is a forced proximity situation that requires Darcy and Elizabeth to work together to survive as well as leading each other to a greater understanding of the other’s character.

For years Darcy and Lady Catherine have been feuding over the folly that she has built at Rosings. Darcy insists that it is unsafe, most likely having been built over chalk mines, liable to collapse at any time. When Darcy learns Elizabeth is visiting her friend, Charlotte Collins, he has another thing to worry about. He left Hertfordshire, advising Bingley to abandon his suit of Jane Bennet due to her unsuitability because he needed to free himself with his own fascination of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Following an argument with Elizabeth over his interference in Bingley and Jane’s affairs Elizabeth retreats to the folly to reread Jane’s last letter. Darcy returns to examine the folly and realizes it is about to collapse. He calls to Elizabeth who thinks he is there to resume their argument. Instead the ground begins to collapse and Darcy attempts to keep her from falling into the ground. Instead they both fall together.

Now he and Elizabeth are trapped together, fighting for their lives. With no guarantee of rescue they begin to speak frankly and both discover there is much they don’t know of each other. Will they escape their perilous situation? Will they come to truly know each other and find love? Will Lady Catherine ever realize the havoc wreaked by her folly? ;)
Profile Image for JenBsBooks.
2,636 reviews72 followers
January 4, 2026
Set in the traditional time, when Elizabeth is visiting the Collin's home and Darcy comes to visit his aunt. Told from both E and D's POV, still 3rd person/past tense. Central to this variation, is the "folly" built there on Lady Catherine's estate. For me, the play on words, meaning the actual building, and "mistake" got a little tiresome. The word folly was used over 90 times in this rather short story (under 300 pages).

While I don't normally recap in reviews ... I do for P&P variations as there are so many. So, SPOILERS ...

Not much of the Bennet family in this, as it mostly takes place at Lady Catherine's estate. We do see Jane and Aunt Gardiner. Anne de Bourgh steps up here. An Epilogue/years later ... children Bennet and Beth.
Profile Image for Smasher.
655 reviews31 followers
December 2, 2025
Content:

Profanity: Mild. 5-6 instances of d*** and variations of it.

Violence: Mild. There is some blood depicted from wounds, requiring stitches. Bruises and scrapes as well as possible concussion. Lots of peril and fear of death.

Sexual: Mild. sweet and swoony kissing, and embraces.

Just shy of 4 stars, rounded up.

It started out a bit slow for me, but really roped me in once the crux of the story hit and Darcy and Elizabeth are in dire straights. I loved the entire middle part with the action bits. The ending was okay, but not my favorite.



A cute, fast JAFF read. Just what I needed for my fuzzy brain at the moment.
Profile Image for Mustang.
320 reviews
May 1, 2025
Lady C’s pride takes a fall

4.5 rounded up
This was an enjoyable, quick read. I had been fascinated with learning about the underground history of that region via a blog post that Melanie Rachel did. I found that information helpful as I read.

In this story, Darcy is at odds with Lady Catherine, specifically dealing a Folly that she demanded be built on ground that Darcy was confident was unstable. Darcy’s judgment proves to be correct when the ground shifts and both Elizabeth and Darcy have to figure out what next. Those readers who like lots of Darcy and Elizabeth time you will enjoy their arguments, discussions, banter and riddles. This is a story that I can see myself reading again.

On a side note: there’s a preview of her next book “The Slipper Scandal” and I can’t wait to read that one next!
637 reviews12 followers
January 11, 2026
This Pride and Prejudice variation starts with Elizabeth's arrival in Kent. Lady Catherine built a folly years ago the Mr. Darcy has always said wasn't stable and was dangerous, so we are set up for something to happen associated with the folly's instability.

Elizabeth and Mr Darcy end up caught in a crumbling folly, which leads to them talking out some of their issues. After they are rescued, they are both chipped up in Rosings and have some cute back and forth of messages exchanged. The last that didn't seem realistic to the chargers in Cannon to me was how open to talking about issues they were, even before getting stuck.

The story is cute, and I would read more by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Saysha.
574 reviews
October 4, 2025
Inside this rather bland cover is a well-written novel. I've never read a "Pride and Prejudice variation." It was as if Jane Austen and Joanna Barker (A Game of Hearts) co-wrote a novel together. I found the writing delightful and entertaining, and enjoyed the diversion from the usual story. Despite the folly, which was hardly necessary, it was easy to love the story since I already love the characters.
966 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2025
Oh, this one was fun. I was especially amused to find it so engineering-focused, because I'm an engineer (for water, not structures, though) and was reading it during my lunch break. Given Darcy and Lizzie are trapped together (before the disastrous proposal, so it's not THAT awkward), they have little choice but to talk, and manage to swiftly address all of their misunderstandings about each other. Very nice. 
171 reviews
May 29, 2025
Fantastic!

I love this author and this next variation was unique and very enjoyable. I liked that it was a smaller P/P cast and most of it was just ODC. Thoroughly enjoyed the Colonel and Darcy’s banter, that Anne got a spine and the subterfuge of ODC to communicate with each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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