Like Father, Like Son

A Pride and Prejudice Novella

‘Like Father, Like Son’ is a ‘Pride and Prejudice’ novella variation which presents the reader with a peculiar and unexpected connection between two beloved characters who barely speak to each other in canon.

Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, an intelligent, excessively arrogant, and proud gentleman, the master of one of the greatest estates in Derbyshire, is visiting his amiable friend, Mr Charles Bingley, at his newly acquired property of Netherfield.

While Mr Bingley’s affable nature and lively manners ensure he becomes everyone’s favourite and gains the admiration of Miss Jane Bennet, Mr Darcy’s haughtiness and impolite remark about Miss Elizabeth Bennet draws the whole community’s disapproval.

Mr Thomas Bennet, a gentleman whose main enjoyments in life are his books and making sport of his neighbours, is rarely interested in making a new acquaintance, even one who has disrespected his favourite daughter. However, some recollections from his youth and the happy times he spent as a student at Cambridge arouse Mr Bennet’s curiosity in regard to the rather surprising Mr Darcy, but he decides to keep his secret to himself.

Then one cold, rainy November day, as Mr Bennet and Elizabeth are returning home from a dull gathering, they find Mr. Darcy wounded and unconscious, his health and even his life in danger. While Elizabeth runs to fetch help, Mr Bennet remains to watch over Darcy, who recovers enough to realise his situation and even to carry on a conversation with his saviour.

The past connection between the two so utterly different gentlemen is slowly revealed, setting the stage for new developments in this beloved story of pride and prejudice, spiced with unexpected twists.

Mr Darcy’s admiration for Elizabeth, Mr Bingley’s affection for Jane, Mr Collins’s pompous silliness, Mr Wickham’s deceptive character, and many others are all here, but in an original mix, building a low angst, amusing, witty, and romantic variation to keep readers entertained, contented, and diverted.

‘Like Father, Like Son’ is the second ‘Pride and Prejudice’ variation by Lyr Newton, the author of ‘Mr Darcy’s Household’ — a bestselling story and a readers’ favourite.

Nice story but awful narration

I wonder if this was an early use of virtual voice. It was constantly getting confused about who was speaking. Male characters would suddenly have high pitched, squeaky voices. Female characters would speak in low voices. It was both confusing and unintentionally funny.