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This is not a laughing matter

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When Fitzwilliam Darcy proposes unexpectedly at Hunsford, Elizabeth Bennet thinks it is a joke, engineered by her friend Charlotte, to cheer her up.
As a consequence, her reaction is not what Darcy expected.
Charlotte's timely return to the parsonage forces ODC to re-evaluate the situation and each other.
Will Darcy be able to convince Elizabeth that he was serious?
Will Elizabeth give Darcy a chance to show her that she misjudged his character?

I hope you will enjoy this light-hearted, low-angst story.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2022

118 people are currently reading
44 people want to read

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Sydney Salier

25 books91 followers

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5 stars
231 (42%)
4 stars
201 (37%)
3 stars
87 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews133 followers
January 15, 2023
“If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.” –Robert Frost

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: mild language and surprisingly as to the person
>>Angst Level: slight as we worried how things would progress: on one occasion, you might need something soothing… strong tea or, perhaps, hard tea. Hit me!
>>Source: Borrowed KU [12-21-22] with no expectations of a review. The views expressed are my own. I read this as it was posted on the forums earlier in the year under the working title ‘Jest’. This was so much fun. [4-stars]

“Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.” –Kurt Vonnegut

There were several threads running concurrently. Lizzy and Darcy crashed and burned after he proposed in Kent and Elizabeth laughed at him. What a good joke. She asked him if Charlotte had put him up to it. Elizabeth soon realized that, for some reason, Mr. Darcy was not laughing. Did he not find it amusing?

“If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you.” –George Bernard Shaw

Caroline Bingley [that b-witch from the north] manipulated Georgiana by filling her with lies, half-truths, and pure poison. That poor girl… child really, didn’t know any better and headed for Kent with a head full of steam. And, like a windup toy, spewed forth all the venom Miss Bingley had for the Bennet sisters. Poor misguided Georgiana was full of righteous indignation at the chit, among other words she called the lady, that would use her arts and allurements to entrap her deluded brother. She would save him from himself. Well, that did not go as well as she thought. How do you like the taste of soap, little girl? DAMAGE CONTROL! Later, an intervention would be staged for Miss Bingley. That was amazing. She had entered the room thinking Darcy was going to propose. Oops! Not 'gonna' happen.

“Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now.” –Veronica Roth, Divergent

Anne de Bourgh had her own journey to walk for her independence and her HEA. That was delightful. Her misguided mother reaped a harvest of her own actions. I was horrified when everything played out and all was revealed. OMG! Lady Catherine, what were you thinking? There were several excellent points brought forth in their discussions with Lord Matlock. I wanted to scream with my own anger.

“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” –Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Mr. Bennet learned a few lessons of his own. Oh, his Elizabeth was magnificent. She was such a help to her father when he had an accident that put him on his back.

Jane had a most excellent HEA and it was not with the person you might think. Oh, dear, that was so cute. Well done, Jane.

Mrs. Bennet would have her own truth told to her by someone she could not refute. This was nearly heartbreaking. How many times have we wanted someone to have this conversation with Mrs. Bennet?

“I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh.” –Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,678 reviews201 followers
June 17, 2022
As the story description (on Amazon) informs us Elizabeth thinks Darcy's proposal at Hunsford is a joke, a jest, encouraged by Charlotte in order to cheer Elizabeth up. Elizabeth is soon disabused of that notion. There is some discussion as to his real motives and her thoughts about his attitude towards her. They soon begin again. Elizabeth has to soon return to Longbourn as her father has broken his leg, a field needs draining and Elizabeth is his stand-in for that situation. Her intelligence and ability to handle that matter soon impress, not only Darcy, but also his aunt, the countess. Elizabeth's approach is "hands-on" as she monitors the ditch-digging.

Lady Matlock plays a larger role in this variation as she gets to know Elizabeth and her family. She finds herself addressing Mrs. Bennet's relationship with and "abuse" of Elizabeth and how misdirected her efforts are with her other daughters. Changes are not immediate but do occur.

Meanwhile, Jane has met a man who is involved with Uncle Gardiner in trade. That man's background is not fully known to many, especially Mrs. Bennet. And the greatest secret about him is kept until a crucial moment - loved it.

Lady Catherine has a different "fate" in this story. She too has been keeping a secret and it actually involves some illegal activity. With that being disclosed, Anne, and the Colonel, have different roles by the end of the story. And with that, Collins has to consider his position possibly being in jeopardy.

This was an interesting tale. The relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth changes early in the telling and evolves soon after. I enjoyed it.

(I did read the majority of this story as an unpublished story and switched to the published version as soon as it was posted.)
Profile Image for Ree.
1,318 reviews78 followers
July 20, 2022
Very Enjoyable
I’m always happy when I see a new release by this author whose stories almost always provide a different and entertaining variation to canon. A good zero-angst plot with engaging dialogue and character portrayals, and topped off with a good comeuppance for Caroline Bingley. I look forward to reading his next offering. Well done with the exception of just a few errata.
Profile Image for James S.
1,429 reviews
July 15, 2022
fluffy

A fun read with more humor than angst. Best part of the story is the Countess of Matlock trying to reach Mrs. Bennet how to be more appreciative of ALL her daughters how to be a good mistress of an estate. It’s not stated but it’s obvious Mr. Bennet being rude to his wife is the root of her problem.
Profile Image for Anne.
799 reviews10 followers
December 12, 2022
I enjoyed this light hearted variation. I don’t always like this author’s work but this was fun and angst free.

Oh, the irony of discovering a typo in my review complaining of them. Ha! Fixed it.

Some typos.
362 reviews8 followers
May 17, 2023
Unique ‘horrible’ Hunsford Proposal scenario

Our author has always brought us unique and skewed perspectives of canon P&P, with humor and sometimes wild swings from what a variation reader might expect. Oh, and lots of anachronisms. And I love her for it. Loads of entertainment.

The plot starts with Darcy receiving the most surprising refusal of his proposal. Due to its uniqueness he stays to fight another day. Elizabeth is in no way ready to change her mind but grants Darcy the opportunity to have her mind changed.

Then Lady Catherine happens in all her glory. This part of the story was so fascinating I won’t begin to describe it. The story really should be read to enjoy the plot here.

This tale has a very different narrative for our dear Jane, and at first I thought it was rather shocking (not her new suitor, swoon) but Jane’s feelings about Bingley. Her new suitor is truly wonderful, I really wanted more scenes with them because we find out about their meeting after there is already a strong connection between them. I realize this would take away page time from ODC our dear couple. But one ‘show not tell’ scene would’ve been satisfying.

In regards to my previous paragraph, the story is also about changing the narrative for multiple characters we’ve endured through countless variations. There are two banishments, one wickedly satisfying and one very pathetic and sad. The best change in a character’s storyline was Mrs Bennet’s. She receives an education from a stern teacher who brooks no excuses. It was awesome and very rewarding to read.

I loved this Mr Darcy and his wooing of Elizabeth. Lots of yummy page time. ‘Nuff said.

Including all the expected anachronisms, be prepared, I highly recommend this book and this author.
Profile Image for Bethanne.
618 reviews10 followers
November 13, 2022
A wonderful time

I started reading this story on a fan fiction site as it was being written but only got a few chapters in before my attention was diverted. I'm pleased that I waited until the entire story was complete and its quite wonderful.
Darcy proposed to Elizabeth at Hunsford and she laughed at him!! She thought that Charlotte had set her up as a joke..fortunately she was quickly informed by him that he was not joking and they set about actually discussing their miscommunication that had led to her disdain and his attraction to her.
Most of the story revolves around events in Meryton after Mr Bennet breaks his leg and Elizabeth takes control of the estate as Jane controls the household. Lady Matlock arrives and begins educating Mrs Bennet and the two youngest girls on proper behavior and is instrumental in opening Mrs Bennet's eyes to the damage she's inflicted on her family.
Of course we get our HEA and Jane is fortunate to get herself a wonderful husband who has a spine and doesn't allow himself to be manipulated by his family.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,538 reviews13 followers
July 9, 2022
Delightful

Another wonderfully cheery and absolutely delightful little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Sydney Salier.
Profile Image for Steph.
90 reviews4 followers
April 30, 2023
The number of times this book mentioned Darcy's failed proposal to Elizabeth was nuts. This was especially difficult to get through after having just finished Pride and Prejudice.
Profile Image for Chetana.
944 reviews27 followers
June 12, 2025
2.75⭐️

This was an OK read. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had not already read many of this particular authors other works. The best part was Darcy and the way he expressed his admiration and also the way he went about winning his lady love. This author hasn't always made Darcy the most loveable of characters in their other books so I liked that they did that here.
1,183 reviews29 followers
July 12, 2022
Wonderful

I'm not sure what it is about this author's books, but I invariably look forward to them. In this P&P variation, the story begins during the disastrous proposal at Hunsford parsonage. Elizabeth has just finished listening to Darcy's insulting speech and, instead of reacting with anger, she laughs, believing that it's all a big prank being played on her by Charlotte in an attempt to cheer her up. When Darcy objects to being laughed at during what is, for him, a most solemn moment, Elizabeth informs him of her reasons for being unable to consider his words seriously. She enumerates the many, many reasons why she would never consider an offer of marriage from him as anything other than a joke, and Darcy is shocked and dismayed. When Elizabeth finally realizes that Darcy really does love her, it's a shocking revelation for her. What follows then is Darcy's attempt to improve Elizabeth's opinion of him.

I guess what I love about Sydney Salier's books is the forthrightness of her characters. Rather than the usual Regency era fare wherein everyone speaks in riddles, her characters say what they mean much more directly, so there's less confusion about their intentions. It maybe is less period correct, but it sure is satisfying. Darcy is given to understand immediately what Elizabeth sees as his faults, so he knows exactly what needs to be done to correct them. And this swoon worthy Darcy is more than willing to do whatever it takes. For his part, Darcy also speaks more openly, and quickly corrects some of Elizabeth's misconceptions. Thankfully, this is an Elizabeth who is reasonable, and who can admit her errors.

One result of all of this open and honest communication is that things get done and problems get solved almost too conveniently. Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley, and Mrs Bennett all get dealt with handily. It sometimes seems almost too easy, but it is nonetheless wonderful. I feel almost gleeful to anticipate how villains and annoying people are going to be dispatched, because I know it will be in a very satisfying way. That's why this author's works are automatic purchases for me.

The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a fun way to pass some enjoyable time.
3,398 reviews43 followers
September 15, 2022
This was an easy entertaining story that I finished in one sitting. One-by-one, it reforms or sets down pretty much everyone who was in the need of reform or a setdown.

Wickham was dealt with before the story even starts as his dubious morals were discovered earlier by the good citizens of Meryton and the regiment took him in hand. Next, we have Darcy and Elizabeth shocked because their assumptions prove wrong. When he proposes at the Hunsford parsonage, Elizabeth thinks he's joking and starts laughing. This is a catalyst for some interesting revelations, and Mrs. Collins and Darcy convince her to give Darcy another chance so he gets permission to call on her and try to change her mind. Other subplots get Lady Catherine neutralized and Mr. Collins freed. Georgiana Darcy believes the wrong people again and needs to rethink her actions, and Miss Bingley gets an invitation that she will never forget. Even Mrs. Bennet and the younger Bennet girls are due some enlightenment before Mrs. Bennet can see any of her daughters married.

It was a fun tale, light on romance. A stylistic issue that annoyed me throughout was that the author consistently failed to capitalize the first word of the sentence in lines of dialogue that followed dialogue tags. I have been taught that lines of dialogue always start with a capital letter unless it's a case of a sentence that gets broken by dialogue tags that were inserted in the middle of it. It just struck me as wrong every time it happened and it took me out of the flow of the story.
Steam level: Kissing.
Profile Image for Reya Reychelle.
1,163 reviews8 followers
August 19, 2022
While I enjoyed it, the book tended to ramble about with no clear plot. The story was simply too short to shove that many side characters into it effectively. Plus, the read like it couldn’t make its mind up about what it wanted to be & there was zero consistency.
Also, I hate an emotionally abusive Mrs. Bennett, but this one popped up out of nowhere when the book was almost finished “just in time” for Dary’s Aunt to show up & magically fix 20 some odd years of family problems…cue eye roll.
Suffice to say it was messy & I’ve seen this author do better.
Profile Image for Patricia Edmisson.
148 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2022
A Laughing Matter or Not

To laugh or be incredibly angry is the question. Elizabeth thinks it is all a joke. Darcy is chagrined.

I did enjoy this variation of Pride and Prejudice. The Fitzwilliam's were awesome. Everyone should have at least one family member like them. I will only say poor Lady Catherine, and let the story explain the above paragraph.

I loved this story and recommend it. What becomes of the Bingley's? I'll never tell. 😉
Profile Image for Pet.
3,760 reviews7 followers
January 1, 2024
I particularly like books/variations on Darcy’s inner journey, how Elizabeth affects him, how her refusing him makes him aware of his fault. I also love those that put everyone in their place or on their own journeys. Like LCdB and Anne, Mrs, Bennet and Lydia, even Mary. I love those that Jane doesn’t accept Bingley’s treatment of her or his sister horrible ways. And this book fills all of those wishes. A very good read.
47 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2022
This was a fun, new alternative to the pride and prejudice story. When darcy proposes elizabeth starts laughing which brings a whole new world of possibilities for the story to turn. I enjoyed reading this as it as coming out.
Profile Image for Terri Conley.
1,011 reviews7 followers
June 30, 2022
Starting at a point in Canon that is usually pivotal which in itself is fairly uncommon
From there we go into the imagination of the author.
And boy she has a fantastic imagination.
Its a great read.
621 reviews
Read
July 11, 2022
But it is a laughing matter

Happy to say the theme of the title is carried throughout the book. Not a comedic story but entertaining nonetheless. Low angst, at least for the reader. Maybe not so for Mrs. Bennet.
Profile Image for Kim Power.
Author 4 books12 followers
July 19, 2022
A low-angst romp

Beginning with Darcy’s proposal at Hunsford, this novel then veers into new territory. Full of surprises, with well drawn characters and witty banter, this was a great read.
Profile Image for Celeste.
1,105 reviews128 followers
July 29, 2022
This variation was sweet, over the top at times, but mostly sweet.

It had a quick pace, was more plot heavy than character driven and low angst.

So an easy way to pass time, but not incredibly engaging unless that’s what you’re going for.
Profile Image for Jeanah.
298 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2022
loved it.

A humorous twist of our P&P. This version has many new angles. While not making the road too easy or straight for ODC, it also keep the reader on their toes. Very much enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Alena (Ally) Scott .
490 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2023
Delightful variation

Well written and developed storyline with enough misunderstandings to satisfy the die hard P&P fan. An extra character for a love interest was welcome. Caroline Bingley was as ever and Lady Catherine met her match. Enjoyable experience.
307 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2023
No Bingley - Jane wedding

The storyline lacks angst or a plot of interest but since I am a fan of any version where Jane marries anyone but Bingley, I rated this one a four and that is being very generous.
Profile Image for Terri M.
194 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2025
Almost every character in this tale learns a lesson. The hardships which must be overcome are not a laughing matter, until they are. This is one of Salier’s tour-de-forces and fun to read like all the rest.
Profile Image for Craftyhj.
1,200 reviews
June 28, 2022
3.75*

Tongue firmly in cheek this is an enjoyable farce and worth reading. There are some plot errors but not enough to impact enjoyment.
121 reviews
July 9, 2022
Lighthearted

A lighthearted and quick read. Lovely characters and some unexpected changes to the original. I would recommend highly for anyone to read.
30 reviews
July 29, 2022
Always a good read!

My favourite author has done it again. Always original. Always entertaining. I read them over and over and over again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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