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Mischief & Mayhem: A Pride & Prejudice Novella

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How much trouble could one small baby be? Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are about to find out.

Fitzwilliam Darcy avoids unsavory characters, unattached females, and messy babies--until he meets the Bennet family from Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Something about one of the daughters and the only son intrigues him until thoughts of them fill his waking hours and his dreams.

Elizabeth Bennet despises Brussels sprouts, sewing, and men who think too highly of themselves--especially Mr. Darcy. When her brother shows a decided preference for the arrogant oaf, will she continue to hold onto her resentment or discover for herself what the baby finds so appealing?

After a valuable piece of jewelry goes missing and aspersions are cast, can two opposing forces work together to solve the crime? Will opposites attract? Can a toddler who admires them both help them to admire each other?

This fun-filled 20,000-word novella set in Regency England is written by the bestselling author of Mr. Darcy's Bad Day and Lost & Found.

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2020

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Christie Capps

21 books57 followers

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5 stars
225 (52%)
4 stars
139 (32%)
3 stars
53 (12%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for wosedwew.
1,346 reviews127 followers
March 14, 2025
A baby is an angel whose wings decrease as his legs increase. ~ Author Unknown

Was there ever a more angelic baby than the cover-boy of this book? Could anyone possibly pass the book by without reading? No!

More than 14 years since their youngest daughter was born, the Bennets received a welcome surprise: newborn Thomas Bennet, Esq.

A year later, Netherfield Park is let at last! Mrs. Bennet and her youngest children visit Netherfield during Jane’s convalescence from a trifling cold. Little Thomas – uh, Tommy – is followed by mayhem.

The book is short and loveable, just like its inspiration!

Every baby needs a lap. ~ Henry Robin
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews143 followers
January 18, 2024
Update: I received an email from JDK notifying her subscribers that her books were now appearing on YouTube Audio. It was narrated by Stevie Zimmerman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpk2u...

“A happy baby has shining eyes. It walks open-hearted into the world and spreads magic.” –Sigrid Leo

In this variation, the Bennet family has a son and heir… little Thomas. Oh, what an adorable baby smiling with his baby teeth [all 6 of them], toddling about, pointing a chubby finger, and quick as greased lightning. Elizabeth was staying at Netherfield taking care of Jane when M/M Bennet arrived to check on Jane along with Tommy. The toddler took an instant like for ‘da’ Mr. Darcy. Oh-my-Goodness! To see such a man with this precious, precocious child will melt a heart of stone. The ice around Darcy’s heart instantly began to thaw and he saw a future he had never contemplated. Soon the relationship between our dear couple began to take shape. Caroline Bingley was beside herself. She, nor her sister, was best pleased to have a toddler in the house, nor watching their Darcy interact with that chit ‘Eliza’ Bennet.

The angst went supernova when Tommy went missing. An all-out search of Netherfield, its house, and its grounds was soon underway. Eventually, D&E found him just where you’d expect to find a toddler. Mrs. Hurst’s bracelet had also gone missing and Caroline had a cow, spewing forth a tirade where she publicly accused Elizabeth of stealing it and threatened to call the magistrate. She also accused her of trying to catch Mr. Darcy’s attention with her “fine eyes” and impertinence. Mr. Bennet calmly informed everyone that Tommy had a fascination for shiny objects. He probably threw it somewhere in the room. This, for me, was the best part of the story… Mrs. Bennet’s response as she calmly rocked the baby as she looked between D&E. OMG! What fun. I loved her at that moment and found that I liked her in this story.

Quote from the book: ‘…serenity, contentment, and innocence…” Yeah, Mr. Darcy got it right.

What I liked: EVERYTHING! Everything about this story made me smile. From beginning to end… I loved the introspection with Darcy and Elizabeth. I enjoyed their being together and watching them slowly fall in love. This was clean and yet so romantic that I give this book 5-swoon-worthy fans. Yep! I’m assigning fans this time. I mean… I keep breaking them… I now order them by the dozen. I started reading this on the author’s website and grabbed it as soon as it launched. I highly recommend this for a quick fun read. I LOVE that baby on the cover. I just want to jam my nose under his chin and snuggle just to hear him giggle. I guess that’s the grandma in me.

1st read: 9-14-20
2nd read: 9-10-21 part of the Something collection
3rd Audio: 1-18-24 Narrated by Stevie Zimmerman
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,729 reviews208 followers
September 13, 2020
I read this as a WIP and now have read it for the second time as a published novella. With only 77 pages this is one of those stories for busy readers and what a delightful little tale this was.

Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have had a son who has survived to about one year of age. He is a very active and curious boy who escapes the attention of adults when they don't keep their eye on him. Thus it is that Elizabeth, who has come to nurse Jane who is sick at Netherfield, finds Darcy to be a different man that the one who treated most of those present at the Assembly with disdain. More than once they find themselves together searching for the wayward child. Elizabeth warms upon seeing how attentive and caring Darcy is with Tommy. Mrs. Bennet is quick to paint Darcy as a hero when he is the one to return Tommy to her arms after one escape/disappearing episode. It was heart warming to read about this imp. (Children certainly know how to usurp attention...steal a scene.) And, of course, it made it all the more enjoyable when he innocently helps to bring his sister and "Da" together.

8/13/2020: I received a gift of the paperback version of this story but that edition does not show up on Goodreads so I am listing this, my third actual read, here.
Profile Image for James S.
1,451 reviews
July 26, 2020
Tommy, the Bennet son

Funny story. The beginning of the story was funny a number of times. There is discovery. There are tears. There is love. A wonderful read. Recommended highly.
Profile Image for Meredith (Austenesque Reviews).
997 reviews348 followers
June 6, 2021
Warning! This Precocious Little Infant Captures Everyones’ Hearts!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author


In this sweet and diverting novella, Christie Capps introduces a new member to the Bennet family – one that comes about as quite an unexpected and delightful surprise. Adorable little Tommy has changed their lives – Mrs. Bennet has a son, Mr. Bennet has an heir, and Longbourn will not go to Mr. Collins. What a fantastic premise to explore – not only because it is interesting to see how these changes will impact the Bennet family, but also because seeing Mr. Darcy interact with any young child is almost the best thing ever!

This novella takes places while Jane is recuperating at Netherfield and it grows unseasonably cold in Meryton. And when Mrs. Bennet first goes to visit her there, she brings with her young Tommy. I absolutely adored everything about Tommy – his adorable words, his instant preference for Mr. Darcy, and the little bit of mischief he likes to cause. In addition, I loved Mr. Darcy’s own fascination and reaction to the child – how it cause him to view the Bennets a little differently and how the desire and longing for children of his own blossomed from all his special interactions with Tommy. I love the idea of Mr. Darcy being such a devoted dad and family man. And I loved witnessing Elizabeth’s surprise and wonder to Mr. Darcy’s manner around Tommy. Like Elizabeth Bennet, readers will be melting at all the sweet scenes Tommy and Mr. Darcy share…

Lastly I loved witnessing the slight changes Tommy’s existence brought to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s characters. While Mr. Bennet was still capricious and sarcastic, I enjoyed seeing him be more active with his family and show greater concern for their well-being. And even though Mrs. Bennet still exhibited some silly and dramatic behaviors, she isn’t as preoccupied with suitors and marrying off her daughters. Yes, she wants to have her daughters marry, but it is no longer her life’s mission.

Full of preciousness and endearing scenes of discovery, Mischief and Mayhem is a Pride and Prejudice novella that will fully warm your heart and make you fall in love. The only question is – will you fall more in love with Mr. Darcy or Tommy Bennet? 😉 As always, Christie Capp’s novellas are an excellent choice during the holiday season and busy times of your life! I heartily recommend!

Austenesque Reviews
Profile Image for Nicole Clarkston.
Author 28 books213 followers
July 13, 2020
Get ready to pinch those chubby little cheeks! Little a Thomas will brighten your day... and no doubt, add a bit of sweet mischief. Perfect over a cup of tea 🥰
Profile Image for Ree.
1,358 reviews83 followers
December 8, 2025
Endearing Short Story
How endearing this was. To see the aloof and arrogant Mr. Darcy enraptured by a capricious little boy, and Elizabeth re-examine her sketch of him. I loved it all. The personality of Tommy and Mr. Darcy’s reactions and overtures to him delighted me. It made me wonder what a longer story with a young Bennet brother would be like. Oh the possibilities! Well done!
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 26 books162 followers
September 12, 2020
Heartwarming and funny

I absolutely loved it!

An adorable baby boy takes the centre of attention in this book and results in an early resolution for our dear couple.
A delightful read from beginning to end.

Rated: chaste

Heartily recommend this book!

(Nr 210 - 2020 JAFF)
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,185 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2020
Mr and Mrs Bennet not only have 5 daughters but one precious male toddler, affectionately called Tommy. The little boy melts hearts and ensures that our dear couple has some encounters full of emotion. His innocence is so sweet and provides a wonderful backdrop as our dear couple finds their happily ever after.
765 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2020
Avid Reader

This was a delightful, fun read. Fourteen years after the birth of Lydia, Mr.and Mrs Bennet have a son named after Mr.Bennet. Tommy is a toddler who is immediately mesmerized by Darcy. After saving Tommy from being scalded by a cup of hot tea, Mr. Darcy becomes Mrs.Bennet 's hero. But, before she offers him praised galore, she tells her original open of him. Darcy is past embarrassed because Mrs. Bennet 's declaration is made in a room full of people. Darcy is stunned to discover that the entire Bennet family do not care for him. Thanks to Tommy, Darcy makes a complete turn around, which draws him closer to Elizabeth and Mr.Bennet.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,592 reviews14 followers
July 14, 2020
Precious

Pride, Prejudice and a precocious toddler.....what is a girl to do? Lizzy thought Darcy was awful after his insult at the assembly but his patience and her baby brother’s love for him let her see him through new eyes.
Profile Image for Lady Mercury.
246 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2024
Aww how cute!

A large review isn‘t really necessary if the story is perfect!
Just imagine what would happen if the Mrs Bennet has also a mischievous son (toddler still)? A little like a mini version of Elizabeth.

The narration is brilliantly done by Stevie Zimmerman
Profile Image for Reya Reychelle.
1,163 reviews10 followers
October 10, 2022
Short & sweet, but these half formed novella’s are starting to annoy me just a little. It does t matter how short or longer a book, story, novella, etc is, the story still has to be fully formed. It still needs a plot, intro, climax, & conclusion; and though I would personally prefer longer stories I have seen shorter novellas some correctly. Therefore, I know it can be done, this author though I enjoy the stories seems to lack the ability to execute thus properly.
205 reviews8 followers
July 19, 2020
A short fun read

Another enjoyable Christie Capp story. I loved little Tommy, and Darcy in this story, shows early on the caring man he is. Definitely one to read if you are feeling even a little bit down as it will lift your spirits.
Profile Image for Gail Frisby.
471 reviews13 followers
May 18, 2023
Beautiful story

I loved it ! Tommy a beautiful baby and the matchmaker the whole story. I was glad the bennets were a different family. I loved the HEA and Tommy!!!
Profile Image for Hanna Bair.
88 reviews
February 3, 2021
Meh

Cute, but why mess with one of the best stories ever? I'm glad it was short because the cheese was oozing.
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,242 reviews65 followers
February 23, 2021
So cute. What heart doesn't melt in light of an adorable toddler. Aside from Caroline Bingley's.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,975 reviews17 followers
March 28, 2026
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 is part of the ‘Mischief & Matrimony’ series. All books are standalone reads and can be read in any order. The path to happily-ever-after is never easy for Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Yet, they somehow manage to make it to the chapel on time.

A heartwarming, humorous variation with very little angst. Perfect for readers who love baby matchmakers, enemies to lovers, hidden depths, laugh-out-loud moments, and discovering that sometimes the youngest among us are the wisest. Fitzwilliam Darcy avoids three things, unsavory characters, husband-hunting females, and messy babies, that is until he meets Elizabeth Bennet and her mischievous toddler brother. Little Tommy takes an immediate and inexplicable liking to the proud gentleman, following him everywhere and causing delightful chaos at Netherfield. Elizabeth cannot understand why her beloved brother adores the arrogant Mr. Darcy, of all people. What could a baby possibly see in him?

When Tommy goes missing during a visit to Netherfield, Elizabeth discovers unexpected depths in the man she despises as they search frantically together. Then valuable jewelry disappears, casting suspicion on the Bennet family. Can these two opposing forces work together to solve the crime and clear the family name? Through it all, Darcy and Elizabeth begin to see what Tommy saw all along, they are perfect for each other. 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.
6 reviews
January 27, 2022
This book melted my heart over and over, I would reed it again when I feel down and I need to cheer up a little.

-Time: Regency era (same as in Jane Austen Novel)
-Characters: ODC, The Bennet Family with the addition of Little Thommy Bennet, the Bingleys and the Hurts.
-Appropriate for: All ages.
-Length: 86 pages (Around 1 hour).
-Angst: Low.
-What I liked: I addored how Mr. Darcy was undone in a different way and by a different little person, it is at the same time fun but in a natural way. I liked to see a Bennet family less stressed for the Longbourn entailment and how this fact changes their behavior with possible suitors.
-What I didn't like:I liked the story very much, I feel like Elizabeth and Darcy fell in love rather suddenly, from 0 to 100 in one moment, but I understand that this is a short story.
1,258 reviews34 followers
July 29, 2020
Wonderful

It is my fervent wish that the author continues with these delightful little tales, and hopefully as often as possible. As soon as I see the name Christie Capps, I have to have the book, knowing it will be fun and humorous and short, a lovely combination.

I agree with the author, as she mentioned in a foreword, that the cover picture would have compelled me to buy the book, even without the draw of the author's name. That has to be one of the most precious baby pictures I've ever seen.

As always with Christie Capps, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
280 reviews
March 22, 2022
How interesting! Quite often it is the very young who can see the true character of a person.

Mr.Darcy is confused and conflicted where Miss Elizabeth Bennet is concerned, but then again the reverse is also true of her thoughts. Enter one year old Thomas Bennet. As the only male child in the family, Thomas is adored by all. Well , all except Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, but they don't really count. For some reason he's drawn to Mr.Darcy and vice versa. This makes for a wonderful story both warm and funny. I am sure you will enjoy this story very much.
3,582 reviews44 followers
May 13, 2022
Sweet story with adorable toddler

This is set during Jane's illness. The Bennets have a young son Tommy, and Darcy is in a position to appreciate Mrs Bennet's care for her child as well as picture Elizabeth Bennet holding their own children. Elizabeth likes Darcy a lot better when she sees that he is a favorite with Tommy, and relishing his status tenderly and patiently. Common care for the child unites their hearts in a matter of days, and even Mrs Bennet warms up to Darcy in no time. This is a sweet interlude with no angst between ODC.
Profile Image for Nikki.
60 reviews
January 24, 2026
Very short and quick book involving Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet's younger brother, Tommy Bennet, who is 1 year old and barely able to speak. Tommy is rather attracted to Mr Darcy, calling him Da and wanting to be carried around by him. Elizabeth is surprised to see this transformation in Darcy from a taciturn, aloof gentleman to one who is all involved in entertaining Tommy with stories.
This is all fluff and cuteness in the air, with Tommy running around and sleeping in random places and Elizabeth and Darcy on the hunt to find him. It is a must read short story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dawn.
653 reviews33 followers
July 20, 2020
3.5 rounded up. Little ones have the power to tear down carefully built protective layers & go straight to the heart. This was a short feel good story centered around the toddler who is the Bennet heir & his adventures that have unanticipated results in the lives of those around him. Cute story.
14 reviews
August 31, 2020
Lost...One mischievous little angel...

This is a sweet Pride and Prejudice alternative starting a new character, Tommy. His existence changes the story one and creates an adorable picture of a precocious, mischief making toddler helping our dear coup!e come to an earlier happy conclusion.
It's a quick read and well worth the time!
60 reviews
November 28, 2020
Adorable, ODC at their best

What a sweet, adorable book. This is Darcy at his most charming. Elizabeth is real, loving and witty. The entire Bennett clan is shown in the best light, and the little addition to our Hertfordshire party is enchanting. Perfect with a cup of cocoa and a blanket for transporting the reader to regency bliss. Well done.
2 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2020
Sweet happy book

I chose this book because I love all things Jane Austen. It gives you a kinder look at all the Bennett family. How would their life been different with a male heir. Loved the relationship between Tommy and Mr Darcy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews