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Duty and Delirium: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Duty and DeliriumA Pride and Prejudice Variation
Part of the Out of His Wits series — standalone novels linked by a single what happens when Mr. Darcy cannot guard his tongue?Elizabeth Bennet arrived at Hunsford expecting nothing worse than Mr. Collins's sermons and Lady Catherine's condescension. She did not expect an epidemic.
When sickness sweeps through the Rosings estate, the grand house that should shelter its people proves hollow at the core — its mistress more concerned with her own consequence than the suffering at her gates. It falls to Mr. Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam, arrived on a routine visit to his aunt, to take up the burden she will not. And it falls to Elizabeth, neither mistress nor relation, to work beside him.
She came to Kent despising him. But the man she watches now — sleeves rolled, jaw set, making impossible choices for people who are not his own — bears little resemblance to the proud gentleman of Hertfordshire. When fever finally claims Darcy himself, the secrets he has kept so carefully begin to surface, and Elizabeth must decide what to the man she thought she knew, or the one being revealed.
Meanwhile, a fashionable visitor to Rosings has taken an unsettling interest in the young women of the neighbourhood — offering London situations and promises of advancement that Elizabeth cannot quite believe and cannot yet prove false.
Not everyone will survive the season. Not every truth will be welcome. But somewhere between duty and delirium, two stubborn people may finally see each other clearly. Each novel in the Out of His Wits series can be read independently.
Content This story explores darker aspects of Regency life, including the exploitation of vulnerable young women. Reader discretion is advised.
Part of the Out of His Wits series — standalone novels linked by a single what happens when Mr. Darcy cannot guard his tongue?Elizabeth Bennet arrived at Hunsford expecting nothing worse than Mr. Collins's sermons and Lady Catherine's condescension. She did not expect an epidemic.
When sickness sweeps through the Rosings estate, the grand house that should shelter its people proves hollow at the core — its mistress more concerned with her own consequence than the suffering at her gates. It falls to Mr. Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam, arrived on a routine visit to his aunt, to take up the burden she will not. And it falls to Elizabeth, neither mistress nor relation, to work beside him.
She came to Kent despising him. But the man she watches now — sleeves rolled, jaw set, making impossible choices for people who are not his own — bears little resemblance to the proud gentleman of Hertfordshire. When fever finally claims Darcy himself, the secrets he has kept so carefully begin to surface, and Elizabeth must decide what to the man she thought she knew, or the one being revealed.
Meanwhile, a fashionable visitor to Rosings has taken an unsettling interest in the young women of the neighbourhood — offering London situations and promises of advancement that Elizabeth cannot quite believe and cannot yet prove false.
Not everyone will survive the season. Not every truth will be welcome. But somewhere between duty and delirium, two stubborn people may finally see each other clearly. Each novel in the Out of His Wits series can be read independently.
Content This story explores darker aspects of Regency life, including the exploitation of vulnerable young women. Reader discretion is advised.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 4, 2026
4.25*
Now I usually don't enjoy mysteries this was an exception - while it kept the plot moving it was more about character development and their relationships. Anne here isn't insipid, the relationship between Darcy and the Colonel is rich and interesting, and while ODC aren't swoon-y (it wouldn't fit the story frankly) they are still interesting. With lots of interesting side characters (both canon and new).
I received a free copy of this book direct from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now I usually don't enjoy mysteries this was an exception - while it kept the plot moving it was more about character development and their relationships. Anne here isn't insipid, the relationship between Darcy and the Colonel is rich and interesting, and while ODC aren't swoon-y (it wouldn't fit the story frankly) they are still interesting. With lots of interesting side characters (both canon and new).
I received a free copy of this book direct from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2026
I liked the story and the investigation into the mystery of Lady Pamela and Mr. Meade.
But I can’t rate it higher than 3-stars because there are so many mistakes. I’m not talking about grammar mistakes; there are some but not so many that it bothered me.
I’m talking about continuity errors and repetitions. Mistakes where characters are placed in the scene, and their movements or later positioning contradict what’s already established. Elizabeth thinks about how she is entering the family wing at Rosings for the first time, except she has already been there – visiting Anne in her private sitting room and even a previous visit to Lady Catherine’s bedroom.
There are many examples of this, and each time I was taken out of the story in confusion. I even backed up a couple of times to verify what had happened previously.
In discussions of the mystery surrounding Lady Pamela, characters dramatically reveal some information more than once to the same character. Names are mentioned before it’s established that the name has been revealed. And on and on. Distracting and annoying in the extreme.
The examples in my highlights/notes are a very small sampling of the many mistakes I found in the story.
Finally, the villains, and they are truly evil, do not appear to have suffered any consequences. Considering their crimes, this is insupportable.
Read through KU.
But I can’t rate it higher than 3-stars because there are so many mistakes. I’m not talking about grammar mistakes; there are some but not so many that it bothered me.
I’m talking about continuity errors and repetitions. Mistakes where characters are placed in the scene, and their movements or later positioning contradict what’s already established. Elizabeth thinks about how she is entering the family wing at Rosings for the first time, except she has already been there – visiting Anne in her private sitting room and even a previous visit to Lady Catherine’s bedroom.
There are many examples of this, and each time I was taken out of the story in confusion. I even backed up a couple of times to verify what had happened previously.
In discussions of the mystery surrounding Lady Pamela, characters dramatically reveal some information more than once to the same character. Names are mentioned before it’s established that the name has been revealed. And on and on. Distracting and annoying in the extreme.
The examples in my highlights/notes are a very small sampling of the many mistakes I found in the story.
Finally, the villains, and they are truly evil, do not appear to have suffered any consequences. Considering their crimes, this is insupportable.
Read through KU.
August 1, 2026
This is an author who builds plots around the challenges that women face during the Regency era and this book is no exception. Interesting plot and satisfying interactions between Elizabeth and Darcy, as well as a minimum of the sorts of misunderstandings that needlessly and frustratingly delay resolution of the plot.
A couple of things kept it from being a five star book: first, Elizabeth knows the villainess is in Meryton and has approached Lydia and yet she bypasses not one but two opportunities to tell Darcy. Secondly, the villains walk away scotfree, even after getting caught with enough stolen jewelry together them hanged. But on the whole it's well done.
A couple of things kept it from being a five star book: first, Elizabeth knows the villainess is in Meryton and has approached Lydia and yet she bypasses not one but two opportunities to tell Darcy. Secondly, the villains walk away scotfree, even after getting caught with enough stolen jewelry together them hanged. But on the whole it's well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2026
Wonderful
When Elizabeth visits Charlotte Collins at Hunsford, and is reunited with Darcy, whom she still dislikes, an epidemic of fever and serious illness in the area absorbs everyone's attention. Elizabeth begins to see first hand Darcy's courage and compassion, even as he falls ill himself. Darcy also is impressed with Elizabeth's courage and strength under adversity, and his feelings for her grow. At the same time, there are persons who are taking advantage of Lady Catherine for their own nefarious purposes, and Darcy, Elizabeth, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Anne Debourgh can all detect their untrustworthiness. The combination of the epidemic of illness, the swindlers, and Anne's decision to take her rightful place as mistress of Rosings, all put immeasurable strain on the residents of Rosings and the parsonage.
This is quite a dark story, with some very dark themes. One is epidemic illness, and the horrible and heartless reactions of some of our characters to the thought of aiding those in need. It's hard to fathom the disregard to suffering of certain upper class and privileged persons. Another theme is the exploitation of young, ignorant, and defenseless girls, persuaded to leave their homes only to find themselves abused and enslaved. Thankfully we have the team of Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth, and Anne Debourgh to investigate and fight the bad guys, but it's still a very disturbing situation. I deducted a star because the romance suffers for the extreme troubles that ODC must overcome in order to reach their HEA. There's no sense of grand passion ,or a romance for the ages. Rather, it's slow and steady and subdued. This is a very quietly attentive Darcy such as Jane Austen wrote. Elizabeth loses some of her vivacity and impertinence in the face of so much hardship. What romance there is, is lovely.
The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
When Elizabeth visits Charlotte Collins at Hunsford, and is reunited with Darcy, whom she still dislikes, an epidemic of fever and serious illness in the area absorbs everyone's attention. Elizabeth begins to see first hand Darcy's courage and compassion, even as he falls ill himself. Darcy also is impressed with Elizabeth's courage and strength under adversity, and his feelings for her grow. At the same time, there are persons who are taking advantage of Lady Catherine for their own nefarious purposes, and Darcy, Elizabeth, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Anne Debourgh can all detect their untrustworthiness. The combination of the epidemic of illness, the swindlers, and Anne's decision to take her rightful place as mistress of Rosings, all put immeasurable strain on the residents of Rosings and the parsonage.
This is quite a dark story, with some very dark themes. One is epidemic illness, and the horrible and heartless reactions of some of our characters to the thought of aiding those in need. It's hard to fathom the disregard to suffering of certain upper class and privileged persons. Another theme is the exploitation of young, ignorant, and defenseless girls, persuaded to leave their homes only to find themselves abused and enslaved. Thankfully we have the team of Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth, and Anne Debourgh to investigate and fight the bad guys, but it's still a very disturbing situation. I deducted a star because the romance suffers for the extreme troubles that ODC must overcome in order to reach their HEA. There's no sense of grand passion ,or a romance for the ages. Rather, it's slow and steady and subdued. This is a very quietly attentive Darcy such as Jane Austen wrote. Elizabeth loses some of her vivacity and impertinence in the face of so much hardship. What romance there is, is lovely.
The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
July 25, 2026
Excellent
This story is compelling. There is mysteries and nefarious villains. Elizabeth is stubborn but questions her loyalty earlier. Darcy is great with less pride here. I love a good ODC come together in response to a crisis story. This one stays interesting. My only complaint is nothing really happens to the villains. Overall, an intriguing story with strong characters.
This story is compelling. There is mysteries and nefarious villains. Elizabeth is stubborn but questions her loyalty earlier. Darcy is great with less pride here. I love a good ODC come together in response to a crisis story. This one stays interesting. My only complaint is nothing really happens to the villains. Overall, an intriguing story with strong characters.
August 3, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from the author. I deducted one star for my own personal preference for a more romantic Darcy. The more duty-driven Darcy of this tale is, however, a very good fit for this story which is a romance wrapped in a mystery.
The tale begins at Rosings where Elizabeth is visiting the Collinses and Lady Catherine is withholding benevolence to her tenants. With houses crumbling and Lady Catherine forbidding charity as wasteful a fever comes to the population. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are running themselves ragged attempting to help those with sickness. Elizabeth, still being prejudiced against Darcy, is confused when she finds him helping others at a detriment to his own health. When both Lady Catherine (who postulated that only lower classes get sick because of their neglect of duty) and Darcy become fevered, Anne requests Elizabeth’s help to provide nursing while she runs Rosings.
In his delirium Darcy relates enough of the Wickham situation that Elizabeth realizes she has been duped and gets the entire story from the Colonel. She begins to comprehend she has seriously misjudged Darcy and is sure of it once Jane writes that Bingley has returned. While Darcy is regaining his health the Colonel has been investigating a mysterious woman, Lady Pamela, who had been visiting Lady Catherine. When Darcy recovers they both note some surprising connections to Mrs Young and two young ladies who had earlier disappeared from Kent as well as some theft of jewelry from Rosings. Lady Pamela also seems intent on luring Maria as well.
Who is Lady Pamela and what is her mysterious connection to Mrs Young? And why is she now in Hertfordshire secretly meeting with Maria and Lydia? Darcy, with the help of Elizabeth and the Colonel, intends to find out. He also wants Elizabeth and hopes to secure a future with her. This is a beautifully written and edited book with a dutiful Darcy, and he is very admirable…just not quite as romantic as I prefer.
The tale begins at Rosings where Elizabeth is visiting the Collinses and Lady Catherine is withholding benevolence to her tenants. With houses crumbling and Lady Catherine forbidding charity as wasteful a fever comes to the population. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are running themselves ragged attempting to help those with sickness. Elizabeth, still being prejudiced against Darcy, is confused when she finds him helping others at a detriment to his own health. When both Lady Catherine (who postulated that only lower classes get sick because of their neglect of duty) and Darcy become fevered, Anne requests Elizabeth’s help to provide nursing while she runs Rosings.
In his delirium Darcy relates enough of the Wickham situation that Elizabeth realizes she has been duped and gets the entire story from the Colonel. She begins to comprehend she has seriously misjudged Darcy and is sure of it once Jane writes that Bingley has returned. While Darcy is regaining his health the Colonel has been investigating a mysterious woman, Lady Pamela, who had been visiting Lady Catherine. When Darcy recovers they both note some surprising connections to Mrs Young and two young ladies who had earlier disappeared from Kent as well as some theft of jewelry from Rosings. Lady Pamela also seems intent on luring Maria as well.
Who is Lady Pamela and what is her mysterious connection to Mrs Young? And why is she now in Hertfordshire secretly meeting with Maria and Lydia? Darcy, with the help of Elizabeth and the Colonel, intends to find out. He also wants Elizabeth and hopes to secure a future with her. This is a beautifully written and edited book with a dutiful Darcy, and he is very admirable…just not quite as romantic as I prefer.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC from the author. This is a deep and delightful story. It begins with Darcy and the colonel arriving at Rosings. Lady Catherine is her normal imperious self, but not truly evil. (She does demonstrate a marked disregard for anyone ranked below her, particularly the tenets.). Elizabeth is at the Collins with Sir William and Maria. The stage is set. There is a nefarious plot that transpires and Darcy and the colonel must investigate to protect those they love, and those who are being targeted. Over the course of time Elizabeth sees behind Darcy’s reserve to the man within. (It’s always reassuring when that happens early) Lydia very nearly gets entangled in the nefarious plot, and just barely saved by Darcy and Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet sees the light (kind of) and Mrs. Bennet is herself without any cruelty. Eventually there is a swoon worthy yet so simple proposal that will leave you with a smile on your face.
This book is zero angst, in my opinion, and so very well written. It flows smoothly, and every event is plausible, and perfectly constructed. You will love this Darcy, Elizabeth, Charlotte, and Anne. The colonel is pretty fine too! I highly recommend this book and read it with rapt attention.
This book is zero angst, in my opinion, and so very well written. It flows smoothly, and every event is plausible, and perfectly constructed. You will love this Darcy, Elizabeth, Charlotte, and Anne. The colonel is pretty fine too! I highly recommend this book and read it with rapt attention.
August 29, 2026
There's a lot going on in this story: illness, death, theft, deception, a mystery, villains to track down, victims to save, and potential victims to protect. Not to mention Charlotte's story and a very, VERY slow burn with D&E. The characterizations have depth. The pace is good, and there's plenty of action. What trips me up is the writing. Much of it is very good. The very last paragraph, with Darcy's comment, was excellent. But there are too many examples of the kind of tell-tale phrasing found in AI fiction.
Without a few continuity issues and that phrasing, I would have given it 4.5 stars. 3 stars
I'm choosing to think the creepy man on the cover is Mr. Meade, because Darcy looks nothing like that in my mind.
the particular stillness of a man who has decided that stillness costs less than motion. More than once he briefly touched his throat, the gesture of a man for whom swallowing had become an effort.
Without a few continuity issues and that phrasing, I would have given it 4.5 stars. 3 stars
I'm choosing to think the creepy man on the cover is Mr. Meade, because Darcy looks nothing like that in my mind.
July 29, 2026
Duty and Delirium is one of the best Pride and Prejudice variations that I have read recently. I could not put it down. The epidemic that breaks down in Rosings makes Elizabeth reevaluate her views on Darcy, as he takes on the management of the estate. Their meetings enable her to see the real man behind the reserve and pride. Elizabeth's change of opinion and feelings toward Darcy was beautifully described. Other characters are wonderfully describes as well. Lady Catherine is a difficult person and is prejudiced against the lower classes. Anne de Bourgh turns out to be a very strong and admirable person. Charlotte's story is very moving. She goes through a great change in her opinion and beliefs about marriage. This is a wonderful and moving P&P variation. I recommend it very much!
August 14, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. This author’s books are always beautifully written.
There are many characters with vital roles so the story moves along at a good pace. There are some shocks and surprises with new characters. There is a family working well together in the service of people who are suffering. There is a very surprising Anne de Bourgh, which I loved. There is an epidemic which claims the life of a family member.
Of course, ODC discover the best of each other and fall in love in times of crisis.
There are many characters with vital roles so the story moves along at a good pace. There are some shocks and surprises with new characters. There is a family working well together in the service of people who are suffering. There is a very surprising Anne de Bourgh, which I loved. There is an epidemic which claims the life of a family member.
Of course, ODC discover the best of each other and fall in love in times of crisis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2026
Fantastic
Absolutely wonderful plot and characterizations. I stayed up until 4 reading this (which I will regret when I wake up in three hours but certainly don’t regret right now!) as I simply did not want to put it down. I love portrayals of ODC as competent and working together, and this delivered. Also found the subplot to be interesting and connected well enough to the main via characters and location. 10/10 glad I bought it.
Absolutely wonderful plot and characterizations. I stayed up until 4 reading this (which I will regret when I wake up in three hours but certainly don’t regret right now!) as I simply did not want to put it down. I love portrayals of ODC as competent and working together, and this delivered. Also found the subplot to be interesting and connected well enough to the main via characters and location. 10/10 glad I bought it.
September 11, 2026
It didn't feel very cohesive to me... Several themes throughout (working together with the fever E sees a better side of D, the sketchy servants, Charlotte), but no big picture, and when they catch the villains for one of the pieces of the story the punishment is... Nothing. Well, they're gossiped about and not received in the ton.... What? Not arrested for theft or other crimes, just exposed to scandal and asked not to do it again. Ugh 2.5
August 29, 2026
Premise was interesting and story started well but the author must have used AI to aide in writing or at least edit as it bore the traces of the typical pedantic language style of AI writing. A shame, as it had promise but I'm not going to spend my time reading a book that the author didn't spend time writing.
August 11, 2026
Long, But Very Good
The beginning is slow, but the action picks up and then you'll want to continue so you can know what else happened. It's also very well edited, which I always appreciate. Nicely written.
The beginning is slow, but the action picks up and then you'll want to continue so you can know what else happened. It's also very well edited, which I always appreciate. Nicely written.
August 12, 2026
This variation is beautifully crafted. It's long, but it needs to be because so many themes come full circle. Darcy and Elizabeth are great, and Charlotte's story is touching.
August 21, 2026
My interest never flagged
I was pleased with Charlotte’s story.I would have welcomed more of Mary. Perhaps that is another story. This story is very satisfying.
I was pleased with Charlotte’s story.I would have welcomed more of Mary. Perhaps that is another story. This story is very satisfying.
September 24, 2026
Loved this story
Well written, and in several places I wanted to skim the words to find out what happened next. I enjoyed every page!
Well written, and in several places I wanted to skim the words to find out what happened next. I enjoyed every page!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews