A suitor’s betrayal convinces Elizabeth Bennet to accept an invitation from relatives in Derbyshire, who she met only once as a toddler. Mrs. Bannerman, her father’s sister, has invited Elizabeth to spend a few months at their estate of Kingsdown, assisting her in preparing Elizabeth’s cousin, Louisa, for her introduction to society.
Louisa’s father, initially resistant to the idea, sees his daughter blossom under Elizabeth's tutelage into a beautiful young girl, confident in herself and her place in the stratified society that is Regency England.
When Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy, the Bannerman’s neighbor and Derbyshire’s wealthiest resident, she is impressed with his considerate nature. He seems ready to help whenever needed, without reservation. His sister Georgiana, however, is not as accepting, although she hides it well.
Despite best intentions and hesitation on the part of both Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, their friendship evolves into emotions more intense for both, leading him to hope that she might be the partner he has been seeking all his life.
A vicious attack on Georgiana upends his plans and forces Elizabeth to leave Derbyshire under a cloud of suspicion, her reputation in tatters.
The truth, when revealed, causes a massive shift in Mr. Darcy’s world, forcing him to re-evaluate his views and unfounded misconceptions. The fight to reclaim his lost love sends him to Longbourn, determined to prove himself again and overcome his love’s reticence to put her trust in him anew.
Elizabeth’s walk the next day was shorter than usual. Her appreciation for the day’s wonders was undiminished, as was her joy in the experience. Rather, her thoughts on this morning centered on the conversation she would have with Mr. Bennet upon her return.
Much of the previous day, and all the evening, she spent in contemplation of her idea, and the negative reaction she might expect from her father or her aunt. Try as she might, Elizabeth found no valid reason they might deny her request.
Well before reaching the halfway point of the path, she reversed her course, determined to present the notion to her father without delay. His answer would be the impetus for her final decision to remain at Longbourn through the summer, or experience the delights of the season in Derbyshire.
Upon her return she went directly to the library. Approaching her father, she pulled a chair up to the desk and seated herself.
“Lizzy,” said he with a smile as she settled into the chair, “might I inquire as to your lack of manners this morning?”
“My apologies, Papa, but were you not waiting for my decision?”
“I was, although I would rather you not did come barging into my library uninvited.”
“In the future I will,” was her laughing reply, “and will, from now on, remember to show the requisite amount of piety upon entering this holiest of shrines to the printed word.”
“Thank you,” said Mr. Bennet. “What was so important that you did not enter on bended knee to begin with?”
“I promise to genuflect doubly the next time. May we be serious now, or should I return tomorrow?”
Mr. Bennet watched her for a minute before nodding his head to continue, his grin never wavering as he matched her insouciance with good humor. The tension which had bothered Elizabeth left her and she spoke without fear, confident her father would accept the choice without rancor.
“I have determined what I would like to do, but first there are questions, as I told you at supper last night.”
Mr. Bennet nodded, so Elizabeth continued: “You talked about four cousins in Derbyshire, and that Aunt Rebecca has written regularly with news about her family. What can you tell me about them? Will they welcome me, a stranger, or will they be resistant to my presence?”
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