A Famous Good Marrying Scheme

by Jan Ashton

“Sober and grave grows merry in time! Mr Darcy shall be the true love of mine.”

“Oh no, Jane!”

DAYS AFTER FITZWILLIAM DARCY and Mr Bingley return to Netherfield in the autumn of 1812, they are thwarted in their hopes of securing the hands of the Bennet sisters they love. Discouragement turns to mortification and full-scale farce as a trifling head injury leads Jane Bennet to shed both reticence and reason and announce Mr Darcy is her true love.

ELIZABETH, AS DESPERATE for the return of her sister’s sensibilities as she is for Darcy to declare his love for her, must now manage the envy, yearning and frustrations of the two men caught up in Jane’s shocking confusion. While Mrs Bennet masterminds her own secret plan to restore her most beautiful daughter, Darcy and Elizabeth become confidantes in a madcap romantic scheme.

DARCY GIVES HIMSELF over to Elizabeth’s humorous management, and as he assumes the role of a most unsuitable suitor and Elizabeth encourages him to exhibit the behaviour she once found most offensive, they are unable to hide their long-suppressed love and desire for each other.

BUT WILL JANE’S MISGUIDED affection for Darcy fade before Bingley runs out of patience and the real lovers—Darcy and Elizabeth—are discovered?

A Famous Good Marrying Scheme is a humorous friends-to-lovers Pride and Prejudice variation

Genres: Regency, Romance, Rom Com, Historical

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2022

About the author

Author and editor of Austenesque novels, lover of history and romance, co-founder of Quills & Quartos Publishing.

Reviews

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you believe the man rhymed “Rumplestiltskin” with “crumbled napkins?” ~ Christopher Healy

“Lizzy, who is Mr. Bingley?”
Elizabeth froze. “Jane, you jest nearly as well as Papa.”
“Jesting. Jesters juggling jingles. Bingles. Bingley? Does he juggle?”

After a head injury, Jane Bennet becomes a mad rhymer! She adapts nursery rhymes to express her thoughts — such as they are — and sings them out.

Quote from the book: “Do you remember today’s events, and why you are abed at teatime?”
The question earned her a bemused look. “Ding, dong, bell, Pussy’s in the well. Who put her in? Little Johnny Flynn. Who pulled her out? Little Tommy Stout ... Kitty? Kitty in the water?” She spoke this last with frantic concern. … “Who pulled her out? Mr. Darcy! It does not rhyme, Lizzy, but Mr. Darcy pulled us out!”

Take a name like Nicholas: You can rhyme it with ridiculous. If you aren’t too meticulous. You know, every word’s rhymable. ~ Sammy Cahn

Our story begins after the canon Lydia/Wickham episode. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley have returned to Meryton, hoping their ladies are still in love. Bingley wants to propose but is unsure of Jane Bennet’s feelings. Darcy wants to propose but has not been able to speak to his lady in front of her family. The men ride toward Longbourn hoping to advance their goals.

Jane, Kitty, and Elizabeth have encountered trouble at a bridge that leaves two of the sisters in the water. Their cries for help are answered.

Unfortunately, due to a stiff breeze and a wandering hat, Jane and Kitty are rescued by Mr. Darcy and not Mr. Bingley. Jane looks upon the face of her savior and reaches a logical, if incorrect, conclusion: “He loves me, Lizzy,” Jane sighed. “Mr. Darcy loves me, loves me, would give his kingdom for me.”

My mother was always fascinated by the fact that I could rhyme so much stuff. ~ Dolly Parton

What will help Jane recover her memories?
Can Bingley forgive Darcy for being the hero?
Will Caroline Bingley and Mama Bennet interfere?
How long will Darcy and Elizabeth avoid speaking their hearts?

“A Famous Good Marrying Scheme” adds a musical note to the convoluted romance of our two dearest couples. Chortles galore! I loved it!

Love does not wait for the right person
and the right time.
It happens with anyone
when the heart plays the rhyme.
~ Debasish Mridha

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5*

A delightful Dramedy!

With a deft hand and a unique premise, Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet's relationship takes an unexpected twist...all because of a fox, a hound and cursed hat!

"I chose vanity over my heart." (quote from the book)

With Mr. Darcy's confession to Mr. Bingley, they return to Netherfield Park for Mr. Bingley to pursue his angel. But like 'Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall', Kitty and Jane fall off a foot bridge with Jane sustaining the greater injury...a concussion. Mr. Darcy is the hero of the day while Mr. Bingley gives pursuit to his hat!

"The Bennet family had kept Mr. Darcy well-occupied with saving its daughters." (quote from the book)

Jane's head injury has her quoting Shakespeare, singing nursery rhymes and a singular obsession for Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are avoiding eye contact and not speaking to each other, Mr. Bennet only offers sarcasm but what is Mrs. Bennet doing to restore her Jane's beauty? Why is she so secretive?

"Then I suppose we must await the straightening of the angel's halo until she remembers she loves Bingley..." (quote from the book)

There is some angst until Elizabeth comes up with a scheme with Mr. Darcy's help that will bring them back together again. And it is 'ardent' in the making! The humour throughout had me laughing out loud, chortling and snickering. Bingley's rhapsodizing about seeing more of Jane than he should have...mermaids, sunlight and blue waters to name one of many. Wait until he confronts Mrs. Bennet!

I highly recommend this latest offering from Ms. Ashton! It is inventive, funny and well written!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fun Read
This story begins post Wickham and Lydia’s marriage with Bingley and Darcy returning to Netherfield. Both are hopeful of securing the hand of the one they love. Unfortunately, things don’t go quite as planned.

“We were parted for so long, and to have our happiness put off due to the chance of a dog and a fox and a hat is vexing.”—Bingley to Elizabeth, quote from book

Intrigued yet? Due to that dog and a fox, Jane takes a tumble and requires rescuing. While Bingley is chasing his hat, Darcy becomes the hero. When Jane wakes, she’s speaking in nursery rhymes and it’s Darcy she loves, not Bingley. What a muddle!

I have to say, the first half of this farcical tale had me a bit anxious for our dear couple. I wondered if the lines of communication would ever open up. Oh, but when they did, I was happy, happy! What a perfect moment, and ohhh—that kiss! Whew!

This is a fun read, a definite palette cleanser to the more serious variations. It’s filled with good dialogue and banter. Actually, my most diverting moments were when Darcy is trying very hard to not laugh at Bingley. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet might get on your last nerve, but it all works. While mentioned, there are no Lydia and Wickham, and the story takes place almost completely within the confines of Longbourn and Netherfield. Among the snorts and giggles, there are some good serious moments too. I especially enjoyed Darcy’s providing Bingley with a serious wake-up call. Pretty epic in my book. I can’t quite recall ever reading it done so well in any other variation.

I definitely enjoyed this little romp and recommend it.

“It truly is farcical, and you know a farce always has a happy ending.”—Elizabeth to Bingley, quote from book

And it did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not in the proper mood sufficient to enjoy this story.

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

>>Rating: PG18: some scenes were a bit suggestive but nothing graphic or salacious.
>>Angst Level: frustrations galore
>>Source: I received an advanced reader copy [ARC] via Booksprout [8-18-22] for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed are my own. 27-chapters.
>>Trope: accident/injury [Jane has temporary amnesia]
>>Timeline: post-Wickham’s wedding when Bingley and Darcy had returned to Netherfield.

CONFUSION:
Jane was confused.
Elizabeth was confused.
Bingley was confused.
Darcy was confused.
Mrs. Bennet saw the bird in the hand was a bit flighty vs the bird in the bush which was richer.
Mr. Bennet was thoroughly amused by the whole thing.

Then everything changed:
Jane was distressed.
Elizabeth was distressed.
Darcy was distressed.
Bingley was distressed and petulant.
Darcy’s comment said it all. “I had best lock up the guns and the better brandy.”
Kitty pouted that she wanted her own suitor, any suitor.
Mrs. Bennet was matchmaking from every direction… the wrong directions.
Mr. Bennet was thoroughly enjoying himself.

The reader has to be in the right mood to enjoy this story. I love this author’s work; however, I was not in the right mood. Therefore, I did not enjoy this story/farce. I’m sorry. Maybe I can read it again in the future and laugh. However, this simply did not hit my funny bone. There are many excellent reviews that will tell the story. I’ll not go there.

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can go 1 of 2 ways. Read it seriously, or take it lightheartedly and have a fun time.
On the serious side, Jane is injured and it looks like 2 romances won't ever happen.
Lightheartedly and it ups the story to a whole different level and you don't know who is going to say what, next!

It starts with Bingley's and Darcy's return to Meryton, after Lydia's patched up affair. Before Bingley has the opportunity to make his addresses to Jane, there is an accident and Jane is injured.
The far reaching after effects of Jane's head trauma cuts down all the plans for 2 romances to bloom.

At first, Bingley goes with the flow and assumes Jane will be well. The family manages to hide the interesting side effects to Jane's concussion - Nursery Rhymes, Shakespeare and an obsessive fixation on Darcy. To such an extent that she is more like an opposite doppelganger.

Add to that ODC Elizabeth and Darcy, are stuck in a vortex of misunderstanding and miscommunication. When their moment comes about halfway through in a lovely scene, my sigh of relief was vast (this scene ups my stars to 4.5).

From that moment aside from ODC, everything else seems to fall apart. Until slowly, they're put back together again. ODC do their best to assist the injury crossed lovers and if that gives them the perfect excuse to spend time together, well -cherry on top.

If I were to look on this from a serious POV, I'd say Mr. Bennet needs to grow up! It was difficult finding a layer of love and caring for his family in that character.
Bingley gets a sneak peak and it helps him through his lowest point ;).
Mrs. Bennet attempted to hedge her bets all the way through, to the distress of her daughters.

I read it in one sitting. The first half because I couldn't put it down and the second half, because I had to see how it ends! Angst level is low, but some moments did keep you on your toes.

The perfect fun read to finish out the summer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's blurb points out an important point in that Elizabeth directs Darcy's behavior towards Jane so as to turn her attentions back to Bingley. Sadly, when the 2 men are finally back in Hertfortshire after Lydia's & Wickham's elopement & marriage and are on their way to Longbourn, a stiff breeze blows Bingley hat off and he chases it while Darcy runs in the direction of some screams. Thus Darcy becomes the hero to Jane...and Kitty...who have fallen off a footbridge when a dog chasing a fox has them misstep.

Jane suffers injury to her ankle and her head and now seems to only talk in her version of nursery rhymes and claims an attachment to Darcy. Elizabeth makes excuses so that Bingley will not abandon Jane and draws Darcy in on her plans. Mama Bennet counteracts the doctor's advice and slows the healing process.

I think I enjoyed the author's use of the nursery rhymes and Shakespeare's work as it drew a smile from me. There is a OMG scene in which Jane is left home from church services and Papa Bennet is supposed to be monitoring her. Well, he doesn't and oops! This is not the Jane we know.

All's well that ends well so I have no more to tell.

I do recommend this story in fan fiction glory.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once in a while, one wants a fun romp with just enough seriousness to give the story a direction. This escapist, entertaining variation on Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice was just such a tale because it asks what if Jane Bennet sustained a head injury right about the time the lover who left her behind is suddenly back and ready to renew his attentions and what if, instead, her befuddled mind has her captivated by her sister’s suitor instead? Let the hijinks commence.

A Famous Good Marrying Scheme standalone just fine in that those not much familiar with the original Pride & Prejudice can pick it up and appreciate the story and, for those who are more acquainted, they will see this picks up late in the original’s time line and know what led to this point.

After love changes his heart and priorities, Darcy has recently rescued the youngest Bennet daughter’s reputation, come clean with his best friend Bingley that the oldest Bennet daughter wasn’t as disinterested in Bingley as he originally thought, and he is determined to follow his heart rather than duty to pursue a second chance with Elizabeth Bennet. Bingley is chagrined to have left Jane Bennet behind and listened to his sisters and his friend instead of his own heart so, he too, is returning to Hertfordshire to get a second chance.
But, the path to love is never easy and the two suitors find themselves up against demure young ladies and their own tongue-tied situations. Darcy is certain Elizabeth is over him and he’s ready to leave for good even while she feels that her blistering refusal and her family’s behavior has pushed any thoughts of love from his head. Meanwhile, Bingley and Jane look to start a courtship. Only that’s when the mischief happens.
Jane falls and hits her head making her insensible to the recent past. She has forgotten Bingley and is enamored with Darcy who was the first one on the scene and to her rescue. But, that’s not all. Poor Jane’s befuddlement leads her to spout nonsense rhymes. She needs time to heal so Elizabeth and Darcy come to an understanding led by a need for Darcy to remain and help turn Jane’s interest back to Bingley. Darcy learns that his own love interest might not be as hopeless as he’d thought. But, what a tangle!

Again, this is meant to be a fun tangled courtship romantic comedy involving Austen’s beloved characters so readers need to keep this in mind. I enjoyed the scheme and the affect Jane’s injury turns out to have on the love story of two couples and their surrounding friends and family. It’s a light, quick read that doesn’t dig too deep, but entertains well though it is grounded in a heartwarming layer that leads to a satisfying happy ending and I recommend it as a good tonic for what ails a reader.

I rec'd a finished copy from Quills & Quartos to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Nov 9th.

[Barbara K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Pride and Prejudice variation that begins well towards the end of the original novel, when Lydia and Wickham are already married and moved north, and Mr. Darcy has confessed his interference to Bingley. The two gentlemen returned to Netherfield a few days earlier and have called on the Bennets a few times, but as yet Bingley seems to be shy of offering for Jane Bennet's hand. He is determined to do so this morning, but as they approach the bridge at the borders of the two estates, a sudden gust of wind blows Bingley's hat off his head and into a meadow. He rides off in pursuit of the hat, wanting to look his best for Miss Bennet, while Mr. Darcy hears cries of alarm from another direction, and rushes that way. Darcy finds Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Catherine in a predicament. Jane and Kitty both fell from the footbridge into the stream when a dog startled Kitty and caused her to bump into Jane. Jane faints just as Darcy reaches her, and he has to carry the sodden miss onto solid ground.

Jane has suffered a concussion from her initial fall into the stream. As a result she is befuddled for days, thinking she is in love not with Mr. Bingley, whom she ignores, but with Mr. Darcy, her rescuer. She communicates only in nursery rhymes, and the Bennets are anxious to get her to a state of recovery while at the same time not discouraging Mr. Bingley, and avoiding a scandal in the neighborhood by way of Jane's odd behavior. Mrs. Bennet begins to see Mr. Darcy as possibly a better suitor for her beautiful daughter.

This all results in a lot of confusion over the next week or more, and many schemes on the part of various characters ensue, to attempt to bring about their favored outcomes. There's quite a lot of absurdity, jealousy, mishap, and romance. I enjoyed this book and recommend it for some lighthearted reading.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book that was a lot of fun. You must read it with a light heart and not take it too seriously in order to truly enjoy it in the way I believe it was intended!

This was a very original tale where an accident occurs injuring both Jane and Kitty. Mr. Darcy plays the role of knight in shining armor riding in on his horse to rescue our damsels in distress. Kitty's injuries are minor, but Jane sustains some serious symptoms from her accident that have her family and friends concerned not only for her physical health, but also for her mental well being. Jane mistakenly believes her rescuer, Mr. Darcy, is also her heart's desire much to everyone else's chagrin, except maybe Mrs. Bennet who will always find a use for a rich, single gentleman. haha Naturally, Bingley struggles more than most with this state of confusion in Jane's mind. We get to see more shades of Mr. Bingley in this book that is a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed his feelings and actions towards his wayward hat and found that little scene quite amusing!

Plans and schemes are concocted by many to recover Jane's memories and feelings and it was fun to see it all play out. When read as a comedy, this is a very entertaining and fun read. We get to see all the the scheming and planning and also enjoy a little bit of sweet romance between D&L.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

What If a Head Injury Left Jane Ignoring Mr. Bingley and In Love with Mr. Darcy?

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Due to a run-in with a dog, a footbridge, and an errant hat, Mr. Darcy becomes the savior of two additional Bennet sisters… But he is still disheartened because he is lacking encouragement from the one sister whose heart he is desperate to win… And now he has accidentally earned the regard of the sister his best friend is on the brink of proposing to… What can be done to set this all right?

MY THOUGHTS: Poor Jane! Poor Mr. Darcy! And poor Mr. Bingley! But what a diverting premise! It is always so much when things get a little mixed up. And with Jane enamored with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth conspiring with Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Bingley envious of Mr. Darcy things are royally mixed up in this variation!

As with other stories by Jan Ashton, one of the elements I most enjoyed was this story’s humor and farcical nature. Not only is Jane experiencing some memory loss, she seems to be expressing her thoughts through poems and nursery rhymes. And then you have Mrs. Bennet who is in a tizzy because she thinks Jane has two suitors and she constantly vacillates between which one she should strive to make her son-in-law. And lastly you have Mr. Darcy gently and politely pretending to be a dull and undesirable suitor to help Jane fall out-of-love with him. I enjoyed seeing these different and unique behaviors for these characters. It was interesting to see Jane act in an unpredictable, guileless, and oblivious way. And I especially enjoyed seeing Darcy and Elizabeth work together and all their moments alone together. Their morning meetings with sweet ardent declarations and amorous kisses were a perfect balance for the madness going on at Longbourn.

While I initially loved the idea for this premise and thought the twists employed would be unique and fun to explore, I did end up wishing for a little bit more activity and direction with this story. I’m not sure if it was perhaps a touch longer than it needed to be or if the pacing was just a little slow, but it did feel like this story maybe lacked some development for its length. In addition, some of the scenes and characters felt a little redundant and one-note. There was not much variance or new developments once the main conflicts/challenges were realized. And I’ll admit, some of that repetitious behavior got a little bit monotonous – such as Mr. Bennet always being so callous and unsympathetic and Mr. Bingley continuing to remain impatient and anxious.

Full of schemes and mishaps A Famous Good Marrying Scheme is an excellent diversion for readers that delight in lighthearted romps, matchmaking (and reverse matchmaking) schemes, and Mr. Darcy saving the day. You can always count on Jan Ashton to come up with something playful, original, and entertaining!

Austenesque Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great title from Jan Ashton. She’s one of my favorite JAFF authors. This was almost Shakespearean in its misunderstandings and schemes.

I took off one star because of a few editing problems. I read the book twice (greatly enjoyed each time) and I still couldn’t tell if there was a railing on the bridge or not.

Also, I don’t think Mr Bingley is quite as stupid as portrayed here.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. It did get a little long in the middle - it didn’t take long to figure out what was actually going on with poor Jane.

[Lady Jl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised to see the humorous approach to Janes accident and her memory loss. Elizabeth’s concern was real while her mother was more concerned about her marriage prospects and if kitty’s would be included. This Mrs Bennet was over the top and mr Bennet was less concerned. The beauty tonic had me laughing while just a bit concerned what would be the outcome.
This was a fantastic read and I would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Madenna U · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is fun and the writing was great, but Mr Bingley’s whining was hard to get past.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Bennet losing her balance and then her reason


After Hunsford's ill-fated proposal, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley return to Hertfordshire.
While Mr. Bingley tries to make up for lost time with Jane, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy once again has communication problems, due to his lack of words for her (normal) and hers for him (not normal).
On the day that Mr. Bingley decides to propose to Jane, an accident occurs and even with the help of Mr. Darcy, the firstborn of the Bennets, has a head trauma, losing consciousness.
When at last she regains consciousness, Longbourn, who according to Mr. Bennet already lacked sensible daughters, suffers a setback because Jane starts to have a completely atypical behavior. Her speech is often rambling, speaking in rhymes and she is shown to be fascinated by her "savior", Mr. Darcy, completely forgetting the existence of Mr. Bingley.
What follows is Elizabeth's quest to hide the truth from her sister's suitor so she doesn't lose her chance at happiness, all the while trying to stop gossip from spreading in Meryton. Meanwhile, a Mrs. Bennet, who doesn't even have the excuse of having suffered any brain damage from accident or illness, comes to understand that her convalescent daughter now has two suitors: Mr. Bingley, who suffers from the lack of attention from his beloved and Mr.Darcy, who only has eyes for Elizabeth.
To Mr. Bingley, I could only apologize because I just couldn't help but laugh at all of this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karina Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just okay for me, and I usually really enjoy Jan Ashton's books. I know it was meant to be funny, but mostly it was awkward, and the naked Jane scene made me cringe. But I'll still read antyhing by this author.

[lori huff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cuppa tea

Jan Ashton is one of those fine authors who's an automatic purchase for me. Although the book is very well written, I had a difficult time enduring the characters, many of whom were their worst versions of themselves. I always appreciate humor in a story, and I believe that humor was intended here, but it fell flat for me in the face of so much annoyance. The story begins after the Lydia debacle, when Darcy and Bingley return to Netherfield, both of them hoping to do damage control and, hopefully, win again the love of their beloveds. Darcy is discouraged by the lack of encouragement from Elizabeth, but Bingley and Jane are well on their way to a proposal after only a few days. On the very day that Darcy intends to quit the field and return to London, an accident happens involving Jane and Kitty Bennett, and Darcy is on hand to rescue them from danger. Jane suffers a concussion, which results in confusion and a dreadful mashup of her memories, and she starts to look at Darcy as her love interest. Mayhem ensues.

What follows is a very silly and ludicrous effort by Elizabeth to enlist Darcy's help in helping Jane recover in the gentlest way possible. This could have been amusing, but almost everyone is just awful. Mrs Bennett, always annoying, is over-the-top clownish and borderline insane. Mr Bennett takes the prize for most unfeeling and cruelest father ever. Bingley is a boy-child, completely unable to make a decision, and not very attractive. Jane's disability is portrayed as so goofy that I just couldn't be sympathetic. Even Darcy and Elizabeth are annoying in their inability to say anything meaningful to each other. It's almost halfway through the book before they finally have a breakthrough, and that's too long to wait in these stressful circumstances.

I really wanted to like this book, but the story was weighed down with too much stupidity. Some silliness is funny but the silliness here took on too much of a sinister facade, and lost its appeal. Although the book is well written and well edited, I just can't recommend it.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one sitting.
This story is set post Lydia's rescue and around the time Bingley comes back to Meryton with Darcy in order to finally woo Jane. But Bingley's hat gets blown off in the wind and therefore Darcy is the first to the scene when the remaining Bennet girls are in need of rescue due to an accident. Jane hit her head and when she wakes up her mind is not quite right, coming up with a lot of nursery rhymes instead of coherent dialogue. She seems to have forgotten Mr. Bingley and latches on Mr. Darcy as her saviour and rescuer. Elizabeth is told that it would help Jane's recovery if she doesn't get upset, and Darcy's absence seems to upset her, so Elizabeth asks him to help placate Jane with his visits. But Bingley is getting upset because it seems that his lady love has thrown him over for another. Mrs. Bennet goes back and forth between encouraging Bingley's suit, abhorring Darcy, and thinking Darcy and his ten thousand a year might be just the thing for Jane. In the mean time, Jane is stuck in a confusing dream, and Elizabeth and Darcy find their common ground but it has to be a secret.

This was quite amusing and pretty low-angst even if Jane's situation is worrisome. But I could tell from the tone of the story that she'd be fine in the end... I liked the dialogue and the interactions between ODC and how Elizabeth takes some initiative in furthering their relationship. Even Bingley found a bit of a spine once in a while. Caroline is MIA for most of the story but when she comes up for air she gets a nice little understated setdown.

Steam level: kissing whenever they can manage it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gill M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...

Fitzwilliam Darcy loves Elizabeth Bennet and Charles Bingley loves Jane Bennet. The men have returned to Hertfordshire, to woo the sisters.

Unfortunately, on a windy autumn day, an accident happens with profound consequences.

The Bennet sisters are crossing a small bridge, when an altercation with a fox, causes Jane and Kitty to fall off.
Elizabeth saves Kitty, but Jane goes into the river, hitting her head.

Charles would have been delighted to come to her rescue, if only he had not been distracted by his hat.

Instead, Darcy leaps in to save Jane.

When Jane develops a sort of amnesia, she latches onto the fact that Darcy rescued her. Thus, in her mind he must be her true love. She doesn’t even remember Charles or her feelings for him.

What follows is funny, with some slight angst. Elizabeth works with Darcy, to support Jane in her confusion, whilst trying to shield Bingley from the truth, lest he abandon Jane again.
Add in Mrs Bennet’s matchmaking machinations to really stir the pot!

Great story and this Darcy was lovely!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I didn't find this book to be as ha ha funny as I expected it to be, I was still amused over Jane's chants and singing through out. I didn't find Lizzy and Darcy to be overly clever in their handling of the situation but I guess that is part of what kept the story going. It probably could have been shorter and still told the story. It was unfortunate that Bingley hadn't learned from his past mistakes and glued himself to Jane's side but he still gets his HEA so.... Overall, I enjoyed reading it but wouldn't reread this one.

Sex: kisses, some innuendo
Language: a little
Violence: no

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎭 A Famous Good Marrying Scheme 🎭
A Humorous Friends to Lovers Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
✒️ Jan Ashton
https://www.facebook.com/quillsquartos
Release Date 09/26/2022
Publisher Quills and Quartos Publishing
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B92CV1C3/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

“Sober and grave grows merry in time! Mr Darcy shall be the true love of mine.”
“Oh no, Jane!”
DAYS AFTER FITZWILLIAM DARCY and Mr Bingley return to Netherfield in the autumn of 1812, they are thwarted in their hopes of securing the hands of the Bennet sisters they love. Discouragement turns to mortification and full-scale farce as a trifling head injury leads Jane Bennet to shed both reticence and reason and announce Mr Darcy is her true love.
ELIZABETH, AS DESPERATE for the return of her sister’s sensibilities as she is for Darcy to declare his love for her, must now manage the envy, yearning and frustrations of the two men caught up in Jane’s shocking confusion. While Mrs Bennet masterminds her own secret plan to restore her most beautiful daughter, Darcy and Elizabeth become confidantes in a madcap romantic scheme.
DARCY GIVES HIMSELF over to Elizabeth’s humorous management, and as he assumes the role of a most unsuitable suitor and Elizabeth encourages him to exhibit the behaviour she once found most offensive, they are unable to hide their long-suppressed love and desire for each other. 
BUT WILL JANE’S MISGUIDED affection for Darcy fade before Bingley runs out of patience and the real lovers—Darcy and Elizabeth—are discovered?
A Famous Good Marrying Scheme is a humorous friends-to-lovers Pride and Prejudice variation

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

When unsaid words and rash actions stand between them …

I do not know for other readers but this is a story that needs to be read with a fair disposition.
When I picked up this book, I was not in for it. I was in a too serious kind of spirit to appreciate fully the levity of this tale so I found the beginning of this story a bit silly.
And what to say as it is some sort of a farce.
A comedy of errors where many of the characters act on the extreme edge of their personality.
Like Mr and Mrs Bennett or Mr Bingley.
With Elizabeth and Mr Darcy as spectators of their at time foolishness.
Both lost in their contemplation, misunderstanding the other, misleading themselves to wrong conclusions.
I feared it would continue this way until close to the end, then close to half mark Lizzie and Darcy find finally a moment to themselves where they can express their struggles, misconceptions and clear the air between them.

From there, they are lovers and allies, working together to bring back Jane to Mr Bingley.
This was the part I loved, not really fond of this very restrained at first Lizzie, while Darcy was much more fun, entertained by a lost Bingley and his wild hat.

In all, a witty humorous tale.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bingley and Darcy had come back to Netherfield in September, 1812, both hoping to win the hand of their respective ladies. Darcy had taken care of the Lydia mess and told Bingley of his error in separating him from Jane. But now Bingley is too insecure to propose, requiring constant reassurance from Darcy, who is discouraged because Elizabeth won't even look at him. They are on their way to Longbourn when an accident happens, and Darcy once again saves a Bennet sister, much to Bingley's deep regret. Saving Jane should have been his job.

Why is it that in nearly every P&P variation, somebody, usually Elizabeth or Darcy, trips, stumbles, turns an ankle, falls from a horse, or gets hit by someone or something? This time it's Jane. She falls in a stream and bumps her head. A big fuss is made, the apothecary is called, and she's ordered to bed. She awakens convinced that she's in love with Mr. Darcy.

Jane's mind is scrambled because unbeknownst to everyone, Mrs. Bennet is overdosing her on laudanum. She speaks in rhymes and has no memory of Bingley. Elizabeth and Darcy conspire to keep this from Bingley, as he nearly loses his mind thinking that Jane no longer cares for him. In the process, Elizabeth and Darcy finally learn that their affection for the other is reciprocated. It has to be kept secret until Jane comes around. Bingley saves the day when he discovers what Mrs. Bennet has been dosing Jane with.

Jan Ashton wrote The Most Interesting Man In The World, which is, without a doubt, the funniest P&P variation I've read. So I had high hopes for this one, especially since it's listed as "a humorous variation". While well-written, it was not very funny, although I did have one LOL moment. There were some very appealing romantic moments halfway through the book, and things improved from there. The first half was uncomfortable to read, but it got better. I don't regret reading it, but it won't to on my Read Again list.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. A part of the Dearly Love a Laugh series.

Days after Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr Bingley return to Netherfield in the autumn of 1812, they are thwarted in their hopes of securing the hands of the Bennet sisters they love. Discouragement turns to mortification and full-scale farce as a trifling head injury leads Jane Bennet to shed both reticence and reason and announce Mr Darcy is her true love. Elizabeth, as desperate for the return of her sister’s sensibilities as she is for Darcy to declare his love for her, must now manage the envy, yearning and frustrations of the two men caught up in Jane’s shocking confusion. While Mrs Bennet masterminds her own secret plan to restore her most beautiful daughter, Darcy and Elizabeth become confidantes in a madcap romantic scheme.

Darcy gives himself over to Elizabeth’s humorous management, and as he assumes the role of a most unsuitable suitor and Elizabeth encourages him to exhibit the behaviour she once found most offensive, they are unable to hide their long-suppressed love and desire for each other, but will Jane’s misguided affection for Darcy fade before Bingley runs out of patience and the real lovers, Darcy and Elizabeth,are discovered? 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.

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

While technically well written, the attempt at comedy falls far short of the mark. We are meant, I believe, to laugh at Jane’s drunken (or rather drugged) attempts to communicate through song, Mrs Bennet’s particularly awful attempts to matchmake at any cost, and Bingley’s childish and selfish tantrums over not being the hero. This might have worked better if the author did not also dwell on Lizzy’s pain and despair over her sister, her (reasonable) upset with her father’s making a joke of it all, her fear of her and Jane both losing the men they love, and the horrendous behaviour of Mrs Bennet and Kitty who are both keen to find Bingley and Darcy interchangeable suitors for Jane (and, they hope, Kitty). Bingley was particularly bad and I cannot see how anyone would want him to marry their sister if they experienced this kind of behaviour - I’ve seen two years olds with more maturity. I admit I skimmed a good bit and to be honest even when we get the HEA I feel far too sorry for Jane stuck with AH Bingley to feel joy for Lizzy and Darcy.

[Craftyhj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delicious farce

This is a superbly constructed story guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of every reader.

The plot is well described in the summary - such a simple plot which takes the reader on a magnificent journey into chaos along with the Bennets, Bingley and Darcy. Poor Darcy who likes an ordered world finds himself the object of affection of a very befuddled Jane while Bingley watches on in disbelief. Elizabeth finds her family even more outrageous in their behaviour than she could ever have imagined possible and I found myself wanting to reach into the book and pop an over-large gobstopper into Mrs Bennet’s mouth just to bring Elizabeth some respite.

Jan Ashton has carefully balanced the humour throughout to keep the plot moving and I recommend that all lovers of Pride and Prejudice stick their tongue firmly in their cheek and enjoy this delicious farce.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[James S · Rating 3 out of 5]

comedy?

Written very prettily but the story was at war with itself. I think the story was meant to be read as a comedy. But one can’t merge comedy with the horrid parents of the Bennet family. Mother Bennet made Collins seem like Einstein and father Bennet was on of the meanest versions of himself. Truly, there wasn’t a single character who could act normal enough to cheer for them.

If a story is meant to be a British romp I would suggest in the background the music of the Benny Hill tv show should be going. It’s called Yackety Sax and is on all the music streaming sites.

Nothing is funny when the reader can only wish for Lizzie and Darcy to elope in the third chapter and never invite her relations to visit them.

[MichelleH H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written farce, by a favorite author, with frustration and angst throughout. The plot is dragged out with the circumstances that drive it. Jane's memory loss from a knock on the head, and her ridiculous turn in admiration for her suitor in favor of her rescuer (Darcy.) That drawn out plot is saved by an early coming to understanding and secret engagement between Darcy and Elizabeth. Although they have now acknowledged their feelings to each other their frustrations are not at an end. But their secluded scenes are delicious.

I really found this Mr Bennet nearly intolerable in his constant need for amusement at the expense of everyone around him, whether or not the victim realized they were the 'amusement.' His neglect is one of the frustrations throughout. Mrs. Bennet was at least somewhat sympathetic facing the ill health of her most beloved Jane. She didn't really help matters and she went overboard in every way imaginable. In the end both Mr. & Mrs. were rewarded when the happy ever afters were announced.

Miss Bingley shows up toward the end of the story but has a showy big part and gets a delicious set-down. This is the perfect variation story for P&P fans who think Bingley was forgiven and accepted entirely too quickly after coming back to Meryton and applying for Jane Bennet's hand. Our author really drags Bingley through the mill. Well, he survived, and with flying colors.

Highly recommended when you need a break from the serious, and like your humor stuffed with frustration. I'm looking forward to Ashton's next story.

[CEK · Rating 3 out of 5]

A parody of farce

Plenty of humor piled on top of silly farcical scenes as Jane loses her wits, followed by most of our favorite characters. Felt as if the story was stretched out more than necessary as there are multiple repetitious sections of Jane's crazy behaviors, accompanied by less than clever schemes from Darcy and Elizabeth. Got a little tired of reading yet another nursery rhyme and hearing Bingley whine, so ended up skimming over many redundant scenes. Love this author usually, but thought that the first 75% could have been beneficially edited by half. Enjoyed plenty of true, laugh out loud moments and witty dialogue despite some frustration.

[Patricia Edmisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when Bingley and Darcy return to Meryton? Darcy is determined to help his friend Bingley propose marriage to Jane. Unfortunately, things do not work out how they do in canon much to Darcy's chagrin. Jane's accidental head injury changes her love interest. Her family tries to cover for her. Mrs. Bennet has her own scheme to aid her most beautiful daughter in getting a husband.

But when all seems lost, Elizabeth and Darcy come up with a good marrying scheme to aid Jane return to Bingley. Will it work? What consequences will there be?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story that starts when Bingley and Darcy return to Hertfordshire. Unlike canon, things do not go as planned. An accident, a bumped head, a hero rescue and a sly Mrs. Bennet results in a fun and entertaining story with the requisite HEA for all. If you are looking for a serious, thought provoking variation that stays true to canon, this story is not for you. If you want a light, fun read that will make you laugh, this is a story not to be missed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.