An epidemic. A forced marriage. Can love bloom? Miss Elizabeth Bennet's secret beau is in London when the epidemic strikes, a rare and deadly form of smallpox. Now, due to a new law, all unmarried men and women of age must wed by the end of the year. Elizabeth, in secret mourning, now must find a husband, but can any gentleman find a place in her broken heart? When Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy joins his friend at Netherfield to find a wife, but her family is beneath him, so he sets his sights on another. But returning to Netherfield after attending his aunt, he finds his careful plans ruined. And then the drama starts... Can Mr. Darcy make amends for his insulting Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly? Will Elizabeth recover from an unexpected and heartbreaking surprise? Dare Mr. Darcy offer for the woman he desires? This novel features the handsome and genial Col. Fitzwilliam visiting Meryton, an overly officious Mr. Collins, a strong-willed Lady Catherine de Bourgh asserting her opinions and a slow burn love story between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.