Summary

The prologue begins with background information on the characters from Pride and Prejudice. It introduces Meryton, the town from which the Bennett family originally hails. Chapter one begins with preparations for the annual Lady Anne’s ball at Pemberley. The invitations have gone out, and missing from the invite list is Elizabeth’s sister and her husband: Lydia and George Wickham. Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds, their trusted housekeeper, review the guest list and plans for the party. Thomas Bidwell, the head coachman who lives with his family in a small cottage in the woodland of the property, polishes the dozens of candlesticks. Elizabeth and Darcy’s two sons are introduced: Fitzwilliam, five, and Charles, two. Mrs. Reynolds and Elizabeth talk about the past and Elizabeth questions whether Lady Anne Darcy meant to match her son Mr. Darcy with Lady Catherine de...