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Disguise of Any Sort: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet never meant to disobey.
With her mother in the throes of delivering an unexpected sixth child, a fifteen-year-old Elizabeth and her sisters are ushered into the garden. Restless, Elizabeth wanders off and is stunned to witness a deadly carriage accident. She races to the rescue, but only a wee babe survives the devastating wreck, protected from harm in the arms of his mother.
Uncertain what to do, Elizabeth brings the child back to the house, only to learn that her mother and new younger brother have died. Faced with an uncertain future, a ruse is the orphaned child will become a Bennet. The burden of secrecy falls on Elizabeth's shoulders, and as the years pass, feels almost too heavy to bear.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has searched for his missing cousin for five long years. Miss de Bourgh's disappearance shocked her mother, and though time plods on, Lady Catherine refuses to believe her only child will never return. How surprising, then, when Darcy encounters a young boy who is the very image of his Fitzwilliam cousins, while on visit to Hertfordshire. Questions abound, and one person seems as if she might hold the answers.
Torn between duty to her family and her growing love for the gentleman from Derbyshire, Elizabeth must decide if she can trust Darcy enough to reveal her secret. But specters from the past rise up, threatening the future for all, and disguise of any sort is abhorrent to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Disguise of Any Sort is a sweet, low-angst Pride and Prejudice Variation novel.
With her mother in the throes of delivering an unexpected sixth child, a fifteen-year-old Elizabeth and her sisters are ushered into the garden. Restless, Elizabeth wanders off and is stunned to witness a deadly carriage accident. She races to the rescue, but only a wee babe survives the devastating wreck, protected from harm in the arms of his mother.
Uncertain what to do, Elizabeth brings the child back to the house, only to learn that her mother and new younger brother have died. Faced with an uncertain future, a ruse is the orphaned child will become a Bennet. The burden of secrecy falls on Elizabeth's shoulders, and as the years pass, feels almost too heavy to bear.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has searched for his missing cousin for five long years. Miss de Bourgh's disappearance shocked her mother, and though time plods on, Lady Catherine refuses to believe her only child will never return. How surprising, then, when Darcy encounters a young boy who is the very image of his Fitzwilliam cousins, while on visit to Hertfordshire. Questions abound, and one person seems as if she might hold the answers.
Torn between duty to her family and her growing love for the gentleman from Derbyshire, Elizabeth must decide if she can trust Darcy enough to reveal her secret. But specters from the past rise up, threatening the future for all, and disguise of any sort is abhorrent to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Disguise of Any Sort is a sweet, low-angst Pride and Prejudice Variation novel.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 23, 2026
A shocking sequence of events opening this book sets the groundwork for a gripping plot. When Elizabeth is fifteen, she restlessly escapes the company of her governess and four sisters while her mother is laboring to deliver another child. As Elizabeth approaches the North road, she witnesses a horrible carriage accident. There is a severely injured young woman in the wreckage who begs her to take her baby to safety, and Elizabeth does so. The lady in the carriage dies, and Elizabeth brings the child to Longbourn, where she learns that Mrs. Bennet, too, is dead, and so is the male child she bore. Mr. Bennet sees the hand of Providence in this orphaned baby boy and exhorts Elizabeth to hide the truth. Only those two are to know that little Thomas, the heir of Longbourn, is not truly a Bennet.
Years pass, and the weight of this scandalous secret weighs heavily on Elizabeth. Despite this, things in her home dramatically improve. Her papa takes more interest in his estate. The girls are educated and disciplined properly, and none are permitted to enter society early. Thomas is a delightful child, doted on by his father and all his sisters. Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet, to his dismay, becomes a most attractive marital prospect to all the unmarried ladies in the neighborhood!
The changed circumstances of the extended Darcy family are also revealed during this time before the canon Pride and Prejudice storyline emerges. Darcy's haughtiness has already softened by the time he comes to Hertfordshire.
Due to their altered respective histories, there's not much pride or prejudice between Darcy and Elizabeth when they eventually encounter each other. The only cloud over their romance is Elizabeth's guilty conscience and Darcy's sense that there's something unusual about her young brother.
Early on, the reader is provided plenty of clues to deduce who Thomas's real parents are. The fun is anticipating when any of the characters will figure it out and wondering what the consequences will be.
Such a great story! And Ms. Stratton has a wonderful way with phrasing as well as character development.
However, Elizabeth's thoughts of shame over her family's deception are belabored and repeated too often. The same is true of Darcy's contemplation of what he suspects and what he should do. As a result, the pace suffers, especially in the middle section of the story.
Content is clean.
Years pass, and the weight of this scandalous secret weighs heavily on Elizabeth. Despite this, things in her home dramatically improve. Her papa takes more interest in his estate. The girls are educated and disciplined properly, and none are permitted to enter society early. Thomas is a delightful child, doted on by his father and all his sisters. Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet, to his dismay, becomes a most attractive marital prospect to all the unmarried ladies in the neighborhood!
The changed circumstances of the extended Darcy family are also revealed during this time before the canon Pride and Prejudice storyline emerges. Darcy's haughtiness has already softened by the time he comes to Hertfordshire.
Due to their altered respective histories, there's not much pride or prejudice between Darcy and Elizabeth when they eventually encounter each other. The only cloud over their romance is Elizabeth's guilty conscience and Darcy's sense that there's something unusual about her young brother.
Early on, the reader is provided plenty of clues to deduce who Thomas's real parents are. The fun is anticipating when any of the characters will figure it out and wondering what the consequences will be.
Such a great story! And Ms. Stratton has a wonderful way with phrasing as well as character development.
However, Elizabeth's thoughts of shame over her family's deception are belabored and repeated too often. The same is true of Darcy's contemplation of what he suspects and what he should do. As a result, the pace suffers, especially in the middle section of the story.
Content is clean.
February 21, 2026
The day her mother dies in labour along with her long expected brother, Elizabeth is witness to a fatal carriage accident. The dying mother inside the carriage trusts her baby at Elizabeth and when Elizabeth returns with the newborn to Longbourn she and her father form a plan. They tell everyone that the baby is the surviving twin so as to give the baby a home and to secure the future of all Bennet children.
Five years later Fitzwilliam Darcy and his friend Bingley are to stay at Netherfield. For the past five years Darcy has searched for his missing cousin Anne de Bourgh and watched the change of her grieving mother. Now, among Bingley’s new neighbors, he sees a young boy of five years who is the very image of his cousin Richard Fitzwilliam. And the boy's sister Elizabeth seems to know more. While becoming more and more attracted to the young lady, Darcy must decide if uncovering the truth is what he really wants.
Is the young Bennet son really a missing Fitzwilliam relative? Will Elizabeth trust Darcy enough to tell him about the boy's origins? And will uncovering the truth destroy the relationship that is tentatively forming between Darcy and Elizabeth?
The book was very well written by the author MJ Stratton. I always like her books very much. To be honest I struggled a bit with the beginning. Yes I’m aware that the background of the events in the past need to be explained but it was a bit too long for my liking. Darcy and Elizabeth only meet after 30 % of the story, before this mark the story of their separate ways is told. To be honest, this was not my favorite part of the book, but later, especially when there is some danger for the Bennet family, the story hugged me really, I was nearly not able to put it aside. Therefore I will not diminish my rating, the end made up for the slow beginning and I, considered as a whole, enjoyed the story very much.
I like the way the author worked the secrets about the Bennet Boy, Thommy, into the story. The reader knows very early nearly everything about the secret and knows who is part of it whereas Darcy, for a very long time, only has suspicions and Elizabeth only knows that there is a secret but has no clue about the people involved. This way the story was always captivating because one was feeling with Darcy and Elizabeth but as reader one knows what they will discover.
The development of the relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth was something I really enjoyed. At the beginning they are both cautious because they do not know what the secret about Elizabeth’s brother will mean for their relationship, but when they get to know each other they both discover that they do not want the secrets to come between them. They both decided that, despite the probable outcome of the discovery of the truth, they want to be together. I also love that it is Darcy who Elizabeth turns to when the problems arise for the Bennet household because she thinks he is the only person who is able to help her (by the way I like the final solution, which is made due to Darcy’s suggestion, very much).
Elizabeth was very much out of character in this variation but that was deliberately done by the author. The courage of this Elizabeth does not always rise with every attempt to intimidate her, she is rather afraid and guilt-stricken in this story because she needs to keep the origins of her brother a secret. In addition she says countless times that she will do something to keep her brother safe but, in the end, she does nothing other than the usual things a girl her age does. But maybe that was also a part of her being so afraid and guilt-stricken.
What I really liked were some developments that are not necessarily part of the story but changed many things. Mrs Bennet, who dies very early in the story in childbirth has coaxed her husband into providing better for his girls and fought for a better education for them. Therefore the situation of the Bennet family is a better one. I love this act of her motherly love very much and was really sorry that she was, due to her death, not a part of the story. I would have loved to encounter this more sensible version of her throughout the story.
Lady Catherine is also greatly changed through the events that have taken place before the real beginning of the story. I like this calm and loving version of Lady Catherine. She acts like a loving grandmother. I love her relationship with Darcy and Georgiana and how things unfold for her in the end. But I was also really sorry for her grief over the disappearance of her daughter.
When there is a secret to discover and Darcy to harm, you may be assured that George Wickham is a part of the story. He tries to take advantage of all the events but, in the end, he is thankfully not successful and can therefore not keep ODC apart.
If you like to know how the raising of an orphaned child as the Bennet heir will change Elizabeth’s future and affect her while she and Darcy are tentatively forming a relationship you should definitely read this book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Five years later Fitzwilliam Darcy and his friend Bingley are to stay at Netherfield. For the past five years Darcy has searched for his missing cousin Anne de Bourgh and watched the change of her grieving mother. Now, among Bingley’s new neighbors, he sees a young boy of five years who is the very image of his cousin Richard Fitzwilliam. And the boy's sister Elizabeth seems to know more. While becoming more and more attracted to the young lady, Darcy must decide if uncovering the truth is what he really wants.
Is the young Bennet son really a missing Fitzwilliam relative? Will Elizabeth trust Darcy enough to tell him about the boy's origins? And will uncovering the truth destroy the relationship that is tentatively forming between Darcy and Elizabeth?
The book was very well written by the author MJ Stratton. I always like her books very much. To be honest I struggled a bit with the beginning. Yes I’m aware that the background of the events in the past need to be explained but it was a bit too long for my liking. Darcy and Elizabeth only meet after 30 % of the story, before this mark the story of their separate ways is told. To be honest, this was not my favorite part of the book, but later, especially when there is some danger for the Bennet family, the story hugged me really, I was nearly not able to put it aside. Therefore I will not diminish my rating, the end made up for the slow beginning and I, considered as a whole, enjoyed the story very much.
I like the way the author worked the secrets about the Bennet Boy, Thommy, into the story. The reader knows very early nearly everything about the secret and knows who is part of it whereas Darcy, for a very long time, only has suspicions and Elizabeth only knows that there is a secret but has no clue about the people involved. This way the story was always captivating because one was feeling with Darcy and Elizabeth but as reader one knows what they will discover.
The development of the relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth was something I really enjoyed. At the beginning they are both cautious because they do not know what the secret about Elizabeth’s brother will mean for their relationship, but when they get to know each other they both discover that they do not want the secrets to come between them. They both decided that, despite the probable outcome of the discovery of the truth, they want to be together. I also love that it is Darcy who Elizabeth turns to when the problems arise for the Bennet household because she thinks he is the only person who is able to help her (by the way I like the final solution, which is made due to Darcy’s suggestion, very much).
Elizabeth was very much out of character in this variation but that was deliberately done by the author. The courage of this Elizabeth does not always rise with every attempt to intimidate her, she is rather afraid and guilt-stricken in this story because she needs to keep the origins of her brother a secret. In addition she says countless times that she will do something to keep her brother safe but, in the end, she does nothing other than the usual things a girl her age does. But maybe that was also a part of her being so afraid and guilt-stricken.
What I really liked were some developments that are not necessarily part of the story but changed many things. Mrs Bennet, who dies very early in the story in childbirth has coaxed her husband into providing better for his girls and fought for a better education for them. Therefore the situation of the Bennet family is a better one. I love this act of her motherly love very much and was really sorry that she was, due to her death, not a part of the story. I would have loved to encounter this more sensible version of her throughout the story.
Lady Catherine is also greatly changed through the events that have taken place before the real beginning of the story. I like this calm and loving version of Lady Catherine. She acts like a loving grandmother. I love her relationship with Darcy and Georgiana and how things unfold for her in the end. But I was also really sorry for her grief over the disappearance of her daughter.
When there is a secret to discover and Darcy to harm, you may be assured that George Wickham is a part of the story. He tries to take advantage of all the events but, in the end, he is thankfully not successful and can therefore not keep ODC apart.
If you like to know how the raising of an orphaned child as the Bennet heir will change Elizabeth’s future and affect her while she and Darcy are tentatively forming a relationship you should definitely read this book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2026
The storyline is set up beautifully, with several major events unfolding in a short span of time. The author handles this complexity skillfully, weaving everything together in a way that feels purposeful and engaging right from the start.
Early on, we see how the deaths of Anne and Mrs. Bennet create a ripple effect that reshapes the lives and personalities of the remaining characters. I especially enjoyed these reimagined character arcs — a kinder, more approachable Lady Catherine, and noticeably more mature versions of Kitty, Lydia, and even Mary. At the same time, Wickham’s more calculating and conniving nature adds tension and keeps the story compelling.
One of the most refreshing aspects of the book is its portrayal of a less demanding and more humble Lady Catherine. This softer interpretation brings a new dynamic to the story that feels both surprising and satisfying.
The ending was another strong point for me. Everything was wrapped up neatly, providing a sense of closure without feeling rushed.
While Wickham serves as the obvious villain, I also found Mr. Bennet’s choices troubling. The burden he places on Elizabeth at such a young age adds emotional depth to the story and highlights the heavier consequences of his actions.
Overall, this is an engaging and thoughtfully reimagined take on familiar characters. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, it’s definitely worth checking out!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Early on, we see how the deaths of Anne and Mrs. Bennet create a ripple effect that reshapes the lives and personalities of the remaining characters. I especially enjoyed these reimagined character arcs — a kinder, more approachable Lady Catherine, and noticeably more mature versions of Kitty, Lydia, and even Mary. At the same time, Wickham’s more calculating and conniving nature adds tension and keeps the story compelling.
One of the most refreshing aspects of the book is its portrayal of a less demanding and more humble Lady Catherine. This softer interpretation brings a new dynamic to the story that feels both surprising and satisfying.
The ending was another strong point for me. Everything was wrapped up neatly, providing a sense of closure without feeling rushed.
While Wickham serves as the obvious villain, I also found Mr. Bennet’s choices troubling. The burden he places on Elizabeth at such a young age adds emotional depth to the story and highlights the heavier consequences of his actions.
Overall, this is an engaging and thoughtfully reimagined take on familiar characters. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, it’s definitely worth checking out!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The burden of guilt.
“Perhaps this child is a gift from Providence.” (quote from the book)
This is a very original premise that hooked me from the first chapter. The book description lays out what to expect. However, it does not touch on the burden of guilt that Elizabeth Bennet is under nor the burden of responsibility that Mr. Darcy bears.
“A leaden weight settled across her shoulders – the full, inescapable burden of what had been asked of her. Not just silence, but complicity. Not just discretion, but protection – of the child, of the family’s name, of the brittle peace inside Longbourn’s walls.” (quote from the book)
The book opens in 1806 and Elizabeth has rescued a newborn infant from a fatal carriage accident with no other survivors within, while her own mother is giving birth. When she returns home with the orphan, she learns the horrible truth that her own mother and the twins she bore have died. Then her father asks her for her silence.
“So, this was grief, he thought – a thousand small deaths hiding in the folds of everyday things.” (quote from the book)
In Derbyshire, Mr. Darcy is dealing with the death of his father and all that this entails. The will is read and reaction from the godson is swift and angry. Then word is received that Anne de Bourgh has disappeared. Mr. Darcy and his cousin, Richard, go in search of her. No clues are found. That is until five years later when he is helping his friend, Charles Bingley, with learning the management of an estate in Hertfordshire.
“The child might not have Bennet blood, but he had been folded into their family like a leaf into a favourite book – quietly, securely, and forever.” (quote from the book)
This is a very reflective and descriptive story. The tension slowly builds as Elizabeth lives in fear of their secret being discovered. Her love for Tommy is all encompassing but the weight of carrying this burden has chipped away at her soul. “She had grown less quick to laugh, more measured in her speech, her wit somewhat less biting than before. There were still flashes of the old Elizabeth, but she now filtered her thoughts, fearful of letting something slip.” - even to her own family.
“You think you can dismiss me? I will not be made a beggar at your feet! You will regret this, Darcy. One day, your reputation will be the one dragged through the mud. I shall have what is my due!” (quote from the book)
Mr. Darcy deals with the aftermath of not finding Anne and almost losing Georgiana to his nemesis…George Wickham. But when he arrives at Netherfield Park, he is completely upended by what he discovers, and his reactions to Miss Elizabeth Bennet certainly throws a spanner into the works.
I do recommend this variation for the unique premise alone. Mr. Darcy still has Miss Bingley to deal with. Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins have their own their roles to play albeit somewhat differently. And I did enjoy the tweaks to the Bennet family.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Review of advance copy
I miss this author's original voice.
This story is intriguing. Due to circumstances Bennet makes the decision to use a found male infant to replace his dead newborn son. Elizabeth is the only one who knows beside Bennet.
Next we meet Darcy and become acquainted with his life from the last several years, which seems shrouded in death after death of his family.
The first half of the book seems riddled with Elizabeth's constant thoughts of the burden of guilt for the lies, cheating the rightful heir and the loneliness of carrying it alone. Bennet doesn't seem as burdened.
When Darcy arrives in Meryton, he has suspicions once he spies the young lad, but we are subjected to his repetitious thoughts and resolves, over and over again.
I have to be honest, I almost DNF'd. I was bored with the repeated thoughts of guilt from Elizabeth and making a decision to make no decision, by Darcy. Finally, over halfway through, there was forward movement in the story and things began to pick up.
This was a disappointing offering from a favorite author. Although I had noticed recent over-wordiness in her last few books, worse yet, in this one were repeated specific phrases: practised something, gentle something, and far too many quiet somethings. It was tedious.
The story itself is interesting enough to be entertaining. Just don't expect the usual writing quality we are used to from Ms Stratton's earlier offerings.
I received a free advance review copy and voluntarily leave my review.
This story is intriguing. Due to circumstances Bennet makes the decision to use a found male infant to replace his dead newborn son. Elizabeth is the only one who knows beside Bennet.
Next we meet Darcy and become acquainted with his life from the last several years, which seems shrouded in death after death of his family.
The first half of the book seems riddled with Elizabeth's constant thoughts of the burden of guilt for the lies, cheating the rightful heir and the loneliness of carrying it alone. Bennet doesn't seem as burdened.
When Darcy arrives in Meryton, he has suspicions once he spies the young lad, but we are subjected to his repetitious thoughts and resolves, over and over again.
I have to be honest, I almost DNF'd. I was bored with the repeated thoughts of guilt from Elizabeth and making a decision to make no decision, by Darcy. Finally, over halfway through, there was forward movement in the story and things began to pick up.
This was a disappointing offering from a favorite author. Although I had noticed recent over-wordiness in her last few books, worse yet, in this one were repeated specific phrases: practised something, gentle something, and far too many quiet somethings. It was tedious.
The story itself is interesting enough to be entertaining. Just don't expect the usual writing quality we are used to from Ms Stratton's earlier offerings.
I received a free advance review copy and voluntarily leave my review.
Review of advance copy
I enjoyed this vagary quite a bit. It's told at an easy pace alternating between Elizabeth's and Darcy's POV from pre-canon though altered events from canon. Thee were a few chapters that dragged a bit just before we get midway through with E&Ds descriptions of their fears and doubts (not the usual in this case) but it does tread over the same material a little bit too much. It does pick back up in pacing shortly after so do stick with it - it is worth the read IMO.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2026
Wonderful story
Very well-written tale where Elizabeth must balance family loyalty against her own integrity when she agrees to keep a secret regarding the true origin of her little brother. As she meets and falls in love with Darcy, she is also tormented by Wickham. Love conquers all, of course, but the author poses some excellent philosophical questions regarding honesty, love, loyalty, and the choices we must sometimes make. Excellent!
Very well-written tale where Elizabeth must balance family loyalty against her own integrity when she agrees to keep a secret regarding the true origin of her little brother. As she meets and falls in love with Darcy, she is also tormented by Wickham. Love conquers all, of course, but the author poses some excellent philosophical questions regarding honesty, love, loyalty, and the choices we must sometimes make. Excellent!
February 22, 2026
Enjoyable
I really loved this story. I agree that Elizabeth’s worries get repetitive, but she has true anxiety around the deception and no one to talk about it with. Wickham sucks but is well-handled. I’m a sucker for an improved Lady Catherine. The interactions between are sweet. A sweet, low angst story.
I really loved this story. I agree that Elizabeth’s worries get repetitive, but she has true anxiety around the deception and no one to talk about it with. Wickham sucks but is well-handled. I’m a sucker for an improved Lady Catherine. The interactions between are sweet. A sweet, low angst story.
February 23, 2026
A book that endures for all time!
I would recommend this book to everyone! I've read it a number of times at diff ent ages and I think each time its just as good but affects me differently. The moral questions become more complex with age because we all have had some of our own at some point maybe much more minor; but we tend to pause and contemplate now.
I would recommend this book to everyone! I've read it a number of times at diff ent ages and I think each time its just as good but affects me differently. The moral questions become more complex with age because we all have had some of our own at some point maybe much more minor; but we tend to pause and contemplate now.
February 24, 2026
Awesome story
I don’t often leave reviews but this was such a great read I just had to review it! I loved the character development. My only complaint is that in several instances the pronouns didn’t make sense in the sentences but other than that just an excellent, touching story.
I don’t often leave reviews but this was such a great read I just had to review it! I loved the character development. My only complaint is that in several instances the pronouns didn’t make sense in the sentences but other than that just an excellent, touching story.
February 19, 2026
Outstanding
I would exceed five stars if I could. A truly original twist making a new story on the bones of the original. The child Thomas, secrets and mystery, plus a deep unshakable love result in a gripping can’t put it down story with a creative resolution that honors all.
I would exceed five stars if I could. A truly original twist making a new story on the bones of the original. The child Thomas, secrets and mystery, plus a deep unshakable love result in a gripping can’t put it down story with a creative resolution that honors all.
February 23, 2026
Wonderful Read
Wonderful retelling and so well written. Another story that all my emotions came into play. It is what I use to judge quality. I love to hate Wickham.
Wonderful retelling and so well written. Another story that all my emotions came into play. It is what I use to judge quality. I love to hate Wickham.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews