For Worse and For Better: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Alexa Douglas

A resentful husband. A miserable wife. How can their marriage survive when “for better, for worse” becomes worse… and worse… and worse?

Elizabeth Bennet does not want to marry Fitzwilliam Darcy. He's rude, arrogant, and selfish. But her father's illness changes everything: if she holds out for love, her family may be destitute. Hoping Mr. Darcy's friends are right — that he is truly a better man than she knows — she accepts him. Afterward she begins to glimpse the generous, affectionate man she'd heard about. Until he learns what she really thinks of him.

Furious and betrayed, ensnared by a fortune-hunter who hates him, Fitzwilliam Darcy is nevertheless a man of his word. He will marry Elizabeth Bennet, but he will never again trust her with his heart. Returning to Pemberley and his sham of a marriage, he can hardly bear to be in the same room with his wife. Then he falls, and the real troubles begin.

Shakespeare wrote, “The course of true love never did run smooth,” but the Bard never scripted a path so perilous as Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy's. Join them as they face disasters both natural and man-made in search of their happy ending.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Historical, Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2021

About the author

Alexa loves to travel and to invent new adventures for her favorite characters. An inveterate bluestocking, her other interests include science and psychology, cross-stitch and crochet; just don't ask her to sing in public or do anything requiring athletic prowess. She lives in Oregon.

Reviews

[Les]

I Stopped reading at 70% This book is absolute DRECK!!

Starting out reasonably with Lizzy accepting Darcy's proposal at Hunsford because her father seems to be on his death bed. This is a dark, douchey, despicable, deplorable, demented, Darcy. I loath this man

So Darcy comes to Meryton to ask Mr. Bennet's permission and since Bingley is not at Netherfield he stays at the Inn. Which leads to him overhearing Lydia and Mary and Mrs. Phillips agreeing that Lizzy always hated Darcy

So being the biggest monster in England he tells Lizzy he knows she doesn't like him, fine they will have a marriage in name only then runs away to London. When he and Lizzy do meet there he treats her terribly and once they are married he ends up chasing Wickham

By the time he joins her at Pemberley he is a rage filled and nasty. he accuses her of infidelity and worse. He is just a monster; one is really hoping he will send her to Scotland

Then things get even worse when he develops some mystery illness that sounds a lot like Polio but doesn't seem to last. Any way he is weak, in pain, bed ridden and delusional. He rails against Lizzy over and over ; calling her a harlot and worse. This drags on for months

Finally when she is aware her father is dying she begs leave to visit and is told Leave and NEVER return and take your lover with you.

Eventually Darcy recovers and learns he was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!
But their unconsummated marriage has been annulled and Lizzy is living with the Bingleys at Netherfield

When Darcy decides he wants her back I began wishing for a Nerf© Kindle. Now I consider myself a bit of a spiteful witch. But let me tell y'all if any man had ever treated me with the sheer disdain and disrespect that he treated Lizzy on one day of his illness there would have been no day 2.

And if by some error in judgment I let him live and he came crawling back the only reason I would consider conversing with him would be to lull him into drinking poison.

This Darcy is irredeemable. there is no excuse, no illness, no mental illness nothing that gives him a pass. And I simply refuse to read a book that seems to say
Hey it's okay

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do have to say that as the author states in her "acknowledgement", Murphy's Law certainly applied in this story. Dire events which I had not even imaged were included. I don't know if the author could have added even one more disaster to the plot. I do enjoy angst however.

We begin on the day of Darcy's Hunsford proposal but what is different here is that Elizabeth has just received a letter from Jane stating that their father is very ill. When Darcy does propose, with Jane's letter in mind, Elizabeth asks for and is given time to consider his proposal. She does express her surprise. So it is that Elizabeth goes against her intentions of marrying only for love. Here she has a chance to save her family. Bingley has never returned to Netherfield so any hope there is gone. Elizabeth accepts the next day.

Darcy does travel to Meryton to ask Mr. Bennet's blessing. However while staying at an inn in Meryton (since Netherfield is not open) Darcy overhears through an open window Lydia declaring what a joke it is that Elizabeth is marrying someone she hated! Darcy confronts Elizabeth but does state that he will marry her due to honor but that theirs will be a marriage in name only. He plans to avoid her presence as much as possible.

Now all those things going wrong begin. Some are nature taking its course while others are the acts of various people. Lydia elopes on ODC's wedding day and, yes, Darcy goes off to set that right. Elizabeth travels to Pemberley and immediately takes up the mantle of Mistress as she finds a flu-like illness strikes down many in the community and among those are servants and tenants. She becomes dear to the heart of those who interact with her or hear of her deeds.

When Darcy does return to Pemberley he experiences a fall in which he suffers a concussion and a broken leg. (The author does explain in detail after the end of the story just how Darcy's condition could have happened in reality.) He not only suffers physically (including an addiction to laudanum) but also suffers delusions and vents his anger by accusing his wife of many heinous acts. Those treating him are appalled by all this. There are consequences later in the story.

Things become worse when the subject of an annulment comes up. The reason this is sought is not based on the fact that the marriage was not consummated. So Elizabeth ends up returning to Meryton. There Bingley and Jane are married and Bingley is protective of his new "sister".

I am not going to go into further details but will add that the misfortunes are not at an end. Darcy does begin to realize all that he holds against Elizabeth is untrue...as those around him set him straight. (I did enjoy reading the name Darcy begins to call Elizabeth...not telling though.)

I enjoyed this story and recommend it. However, be warned, you won't like Darcy for a large part of the story.

[Anna Fitzwilliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so very diverting. It felt as if the author made a wager with herself, "how many tropes can I put in this story?". Anyway, as I said, it was very very funny. Unrealistic, but funny. Oh, also my favourite part must have been after the epilogue, when the author explains about Mr. Darcy mental illness.

[James S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlikely

There are many variations which go way off canon. What makes one believable and another not? This story often seemed to jump from one scene to another without a logical sequence of events knitting the scenes together.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Worse Indeed!
Things certainly go from bad —Elizabeth marrying Darcy for mercenary reasons to save her family when Mr. Bennet becomes ill, to worse —Darcy overhearing Elizabeth hates him, to worse and worse and worse! One could say if it wasn’t for Darcy’s bad luck, he wouldn’t have any luck at all! What could go wrong certainly did! My heavens!

I confess I did not like this Darcy overmuch until he began to recover. Then I found myself feeling very sorry for him, as I had done for Elizabeth when she was enduring his wrath towards her. Just when you think ODC are making their way to a HEA, Wickham shows up. Mind you, the way he is handled and dealt with is extremely satisfying.

This definitely isn’t a happy story for most of the book, but the good writing and the HEA was able to maintain four stars from me. I did enjoy it as a good read.

[Sam H.]

This should have been called For worse and for worser!
Seriously, what else could possibly have gone wrong for these people.

Glad I listened on audiobook. If it had been a paperback or on my tablet I'd have thrown it across the room. This way I could speed it up. That being said, I didn't appreciate the narrator or her dramatization of the story. On top of that, technically the studio did a TERRIBLE job of equalizing the recording. I had to boost the base all the way up and lower the treble to almost nothing. There was so much popping and hissing with the woman's speech.

Not going to give this stars. I didn't like the story, it felt disconnected from scenario to scenario. However I can see others enjoying it, so I don't feel it would be fair.

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this at some point but I guess it wasn’t very memorable because I was unsure if I had read it.

Also it sounds so bad I can’t believe I managed to forget it. Maybe my brain is doing me a favor.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear our dear couple must have tortured puppies in a past life to gather up so much bad karma :)
Imagine Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy married. Now take a moment to imagine a bunch of bad things that could happen to them. In all likelihood, they all happen in this book, plus a few more disasters that did not occur to you.
The first part of the book is in Elizabeth's perspective. She's Mrs. Darcy desperately trying to take care of everyone and a crumbling estate while her husband is weak, delirious and yelling insults. The second part is Darcy realizing what he did and trying to earn her forgiveness and love. And every time that things seem better and nobody expects the Spanish inquisition there's an express rider with news of some new calamity.

This story was quite a gothic melodrama, and I enjoyed it a great deal. I liked the writing and the dialogue is great, and at one time I laughed aloud when some new catastrophe took place.

[Sheryl Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just About Everything I Want in JAFF

I simply loved this book. There was romance and angst and some tragedy and revival. Even just a hint, but only a hint, of something more. I couldn't and didn't put it down. Original and well written.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

[Aspen 111 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly excellent!

[Lady Mercury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3,5 Stars because of this version of Fitzwilliam Darcy.

The first 5 chapters were really good, and I liked this Darcy. But after those chapters, let me tell you dear Readers, he grew absent and cruel. Not even acknowledging Elizabeth at a Dinner in Darcy house.

Instantly after the wedding he left for London and was gone for several weeks while Elizabeth alone at Pemberley. Did he correspond with her like a husband should with his wife? No, not really. After he returned he tried to avoid her Elizabeth.

Darcy's accident worsened everything. His treatment of Elizabeth was already verbally abusive and I really felt for her. Every staff member at Pemberley who knew of it actually did.
His actions when she was unconscious while ill were unbelievable, asking the doctor to examine her if she's still a virgin?! WTH Darcy?

I get that he received so much Laudanum that it altered his mind at the time but it is no excuse to still think of her as a Harlot (and said so to this staff) and Fortune Hunter even after his illness and the annulment which btw SHE wanted. Or really say all those awful things.

And suddenly he changed his mind when he realized Elizabeth didn't spent any money and was the perfect Mistress.

Now to Elizabeth, she forgave him way too soon for his abusive behavior for months! I wouldn't even go back. How can she be sure he won't start again in the future at the slightest drop of laudanum?
All there is to say.

As to Wickham, he got what he deserved.

The book was well narrated, I sped up to 1,5 though so I found it a bit better. Still the voices sounded sometimes the same for some characters.

- Clean Content
- middle angst

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

This was definitely a unique perspective on Darcy and Elizabeth 's relationship. Darcy discovers very early and confronts Elizabeth about her dislike of him before they marry, but he doesn't know how to let her explain why she agreed to marry him. After they marry, Lydia and Wickham elope on their wedding day, causing Elizabeth and Georgina to go to Pemberly without him. The people love Elizabeth, but Wickham poisons Darcy 's mind against Elizabeth. Before he can clear the air, Darcy has a horrible accident, which causes delirium. Although Elizabeth saved Pemberly, she leaves Darcy because of his cruelty. They get a legal annulment. There's more before a happy ending can occur!

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

A marriage of convenience and illness caused delusions sends Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in a tail spin. They must overcome so many bad things to find their happily ever after.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Worse and For Better.. mostly worse

The majority of the story is "worse," like the kitchen sink of "worse," and the "better" comes far too late and briefly for it to be a satisfying read.The conflict was detailed ad nauseam but the reconciliation rushed (yes, three months is rushed if it's described in just a few pages). The character growth was told more than shown. In the end I felt like Elizabeth fell in love with Darcy because that's just how the story is supposed to end, not because I saw it happen.

[mikaela (spinebreaker) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely unique and an interesting spin on the "married for money" trope. It spent a loooot of time on Darcy being awful and sick and I would have liked to see more balance of bad/good (it's about a 70/30 split) but other than that love seeing Lizzy take charge and get things done (and Jane!!!).

[Cecelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was, above all, an exercise in frustration. I was glued to the page, but not exactly thrilled to be so.

[Danielle Nichole · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 16% in. It's a variation. But there's no way that Elizabeth would accept Darcy without him having fixed Jane's relationship with Bingley first.

[Michelle David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and full of angst

If you prefer you Austen variations to be full of angst, drama and misery galore then this is the book for you.

[Elle Moreland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot happens in this story, and I’m not sure it is very believable that there is an HEA at the end. But there is a ton of emotion and I stayed up super late to finish it, so it’s definitely engaging!

As the blurb suggests, Darcy has an illness that essentially ruins their relationship. This book features pretty much every conceivable type of disaster - flooding, fire, plague, mental health - and Elizabeth is forced to shoulder it all.

I will say, I had some real problems with the believability of the plot. I’m also very concerned about the Darcy finances at the end of this. I can’t help thinking that the estate will likely be bankrupted in a generation or two given everything. Further, the author seems to suggest one failed harvest would leave the whole area to starve. There is a suggestion that maybe it’s just because Darcy is incapacitated and can’t authorize funds, but it’s not super clear. Regardless, there is zero discussion of how Darcy can afford these huge losses and expenses, and a bride with no money, and not be forced to sell property or something. Given large estates started failing/being cash strapped in the late 1800s, I’m worried for their future!

Finally, this book seems to ignore the huge scandal that would be created by some of the major plot points. I feel like some of this could have been easily avoided by making things less dramatic. It’s definitely a pet peeve of mine when authors fail to consider the fact that Darcy is an important person, and would inspire tabloid gossip.

[Monica Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent read! And if you do not mind tragedy between Darcy and Elizabeth, then you will enjoy this tumultuous and rather different road to HEA. The story begins in Hunsford where Elizabeth accepts Darcy’s proposal (for security reasons only). Fast forward to Meryton where Darcy becomes angry after learning of Elizabeth’s ill feelings for him, but he still marries her.

An already bitter and cold Darcy becomes another person after an accident, while Elizabeth excels as mistress of Pemberley. I agree with many reviewers that he is awful and cruel, however, he is mentally ill and influenced by laudanum, and therefore does have some excuse. A disheartened Elizabeth is introduced to the idea of an annulment by the vicar. After enduring so much verbal abuse and slander from her husband without any sign of Darcy returning to health, she agrees to the annulment and returns to Hertfordshire. I was disappointed in this development but also astonished at Darcy being the ultimate blame for the granting of the annulment. See, he purposefully signed the wedding registry with only his initials.

Many months pass and Darcy heals, but his judgment of Elizabeth is still wrong and hazy. In fact, he refers to her as “harlot.” With the help of his staff, family and friends, a healthy Darcy discovers that his former wife was blameless. This made for an interesting courtship when Darcy returns to apologize to her. Elizabeth cannot yet forgive him, but accepts a new beginning. A tragedy at Pemberley solidifies their relationship. I loved Darcy’s interactions with Elizabeth, especially him calling her “empress”. The final chapters made me smile.

**highly recommend the audiobook! The narrator’s voice might take some getting used to for some, but I adjusted well and greatly enjoyed her character voices.

[ShaniBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

**SPOILERS**
I had been going back and forth for a couple of months, trying to decide if I wanted to read this book or not. I'm glad I did.
Elizabeth accepted Darcy's less than delicate proposal due to her father's illness.
Thanks to Lydia's big mouth, Darcy discovers what Elizabeth really thinks of him. He then believes he has been caught by a fortune hunter. Because Lydia and Wickham elope on D&E's wedding day and some things said by Wickham, Darcy believes Elizabeth is in league with him.
Darcy's illness and subsequent laudanum bring out the worst in him. Once he recovers and regains in mental faculties, he realizes what he has done. However, it is too late. An annulment has already been granted.
Darcy starts wooing her properly.
Pemberly burns.
Wickham.... Wickham...Wickham...

This is the first book I have read by this author. I look forward to reading more.

Highly recommend!

[D M · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can he be happy married to someone who doesn't love him?

Mr. Darcy has proposed to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and she has accepted , but for the wrong reason. Her father is very ill, and she seeks to save her family. Of course, once Mr. Darcy finds out the truth he's not going to rescind his offer, thus ruining both of their reputations. Now what? This author took me on a very interesting journey. We see Mr. Darcy, injured , seriously sick , and we're educated about his condition , treatment, and the impact it has on those affected by it. I found myself trying to solve where this relationship could possibly be going. I was unwilling to stop reading. I find this book in two sessions. I'm sure you'll not only be drawn into this wonderful story, but you'll enjoy it . This story will linger for some time .

[Christina, but with tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5?

TW: medical angst? addiction, withdrawal, illness, verbal abuse

Not a very balanced story. All the bad bits are described in detail, but the good bits feel glossed over. I would have liked less of the first and more detail for the latter.

One thing that really stood out to me was an instance in the story where both Elizabeth and Darcy are seriously ill. Darcy has made horrid accusations against Lizzy in front of witnesses. So while Lizzy is feverish, unconscious, and unable to consent, the doctor - without prompting from others - performs an examination of her and determines she’s still a virgin. Gross!

[Debby Sangiovanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I really enjoyed how this book starts off with the usual P&P storyline and then takes a sharp turn to something so unusual and different from any JAFF I've ever read. Darcy is portrayed in such a strange, almost hateful, light that if it hadn't been written so extremely well, I wouldn't have bought into it. One can't help but read this Darcy with pity, anger and resentment only to be drawn into forgiveness. I say much of Elizabeth's character because I'm afraid I won't stop writing about the story and give away too much. All in all this is a 5+ must read.

[Jean Stillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, this Darcy was so far out of character that I kept waiting for the real Fitzwilliam Darcy to please stand up! And that was before his fall and the subsequent illnesses...back to back...and beyond. I was just so sad for Elizabeth. I read a lot of romance and some are pretty dark, but this one I wanted to read because it was a break! After all, it was Darcy and Elizabeth! So, now I really need a nice, feel good Darcy and Elizabeth.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way, way, way over the top!

But also well-written and original, so much of the melodrama can be forgotten/forgiven, in the manner Elizabeth explains later in the book. Darcy is a $%! for the first half, so brace yourself. If Elizabeth was a Papist, she would have been canonized. I’ve read much worse, and several better. But this was worth the time.

[Aknapton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite Gothic!

Even as I inwardly railed about the behavior of Mr. Darcy early in this book, my interest was captivated. Such a dark tale, so different from other P&P variations. But the fleeting glimpses of hope carry you through to the end. Best of all, a fully fleshed out novel. Highly recommend!

[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Points for originality, however unlikely the scenario may be. There's angst through the roof in this one. Just when you think one disaster is finally over, another one drops, like an exploding firecracker, right in front of you.

[Vem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written but Darcy's actions were too much and feel like author then minimized all of them at end and made darcy to be blameless for most of the things he did. Elizabeth went through so much, just because of bad luck? This doesn't feel very satisfying honestly.