Elizabeth Bennet is living a lie. She’s known since she was fifteen that she isn't truly a Bennet, but who is she? Are the people and places that appear in her dreams just a sign of her active imagination, or are they memories of her true family? Could the stories she'd told Jane when they were children not be stories at all?

UNTIL THE DAY of the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet’s greatest concerns are wondering who might partner with her for a dance and the likely ruin of her shoe roses after she stands up with Mr. Collins. A death in the neighbourhood changes everything, including her belief in the benevolence of the father she has always adored. Suddenly, she alone holds the means of salvation for her family’s future. Alas, what is required of her is marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather.

For twenty years Elizabeth Bennet had lived, quite contentedly, as the second daughter of a country squire. During her Easter visit to her newly married friend, Lizzy has the dubious pleasure of being introduced to Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her cosseted daughter. To Elizabeth’s surprise, the pair take a keen interest in a mere adopted daughter of the Bennet family, and when Mr. Darcy dutifully pays his annual visit to Rosings Park, her life takes a wholly unexpected turn.

For Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte is the friend who is—annoyingly—always right. Colonel Fitzwilliam is the mischievous brother she never had. And if their convictions that Mr. Darcy is in love with her are correct, he could be the lover she’s always wanted. There’s only one problem—he tried to ruin her favorite sister’s life, and she made an absolute fool of herself in front of him. Can lasting happiness come out of such a beginning? And can a man die from chasing a woman too quick to be caught? Darcy is about to find out.

When Fitzwilliam Darcy is betrayed by love at the age of 23, he vows that never again will he allow a woman to own his heart. Never again will he be made a fool. Never again will he trust. His heart and pride will be spared from another crippling blow, no matter what.