PREVIEW - Now that the book has been published, only the first chapter remains on FFN as a preview. What would have happened if Lizzy did not hear the insult "She is tolerable I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me" at the Assembly Ball? How does Elizabeth behave when her own pride was not mortified? This AU version explores the possibilities

Elizabeth Bennet marries an Earl two years before P&P begins. Now widowed, wealthy and a peer of the realm, she has been abused by her love, a shadow of her former self. With Ramsgate in his mind, Darcy seeks to restore her to liveliness, & her love. This has been beta'd 3/5/13.

After Ramsgate, Darcy is convinced that he has failed his sister, & he grants Lady Catherine's favourite wish, in hope that it will help both Anne & Georgiana. After they learn a mortal truth, they go with Bingley to Netherfield, & he meets Elizabeth.

Mr Bennet happens to catch sight of Darcy when he visits the Gardiner's with the news concerning Wickham and Lydia. This chance encounter allows him to reach an understanding with his future son in law.

Jane accompanies Elizabeth and the Gardiners on their travels to Derbyshire. Meanwhile Bingley's siblings go to Bath, causing many things to occur at Pemberley.

After an illness in Meryton strikes tragedy into the heart of the Bennets and their extended family, a change of scene and fortune calls them to London, where Society has gown anxious over the mystery of the Darcy fortune. Crossover with Our Mutual Friend

The curate's words haunt Darcy, "So, perhaps, young master, you were born a Darcy because you were not strong enough to be born a farmer." These words ringing in his ears Pemberley's young master struggles to act on the good principles he has been given.

When Mr Bennet is struck down by a fatal illness, Jane and Elizabeth learn the truth of their relationship to the Fitzwilliams of Yorkshire - and each other. On hiatus.

Mr. Bennet passes away shortly after Darcy's first proposal, so Elizabeth must marry him or allow her family to sink into poverty. She follows her head but her heart isn't far behind.