Because of a death bed promise, he will only marry a lady who will unconditionally love the infant and whom he can love. However, in his past searches, Darcy found most society ladies saw only his wealth, connections, and property. How is he to find a lady who sees past what he has and loves who he is?Elizabeth Bennet wants to marry only for love, and of one thing she is absolutely sure, she loves Mr. Darcy’s infant ward. The question is, can she love the man as well. If she does choose to marry, she does not want her mother planning a lavish, overly embellished wedding, so how can she thwart her mother’s plans — through a secret arrangement.Besides the issue of love, what other problems could occur? A mother who will take control of the engagement and wedding arrangements, another lady's jealousy, and a grandmother who wants her infant granddaughter to disappear.Will Elizabeth and Darcy find love and happiness?

    “I need to gain control of her inheritance before she reaches her next birthday. It need not be a long marriage, but marry her you must.”Alone in the world, Elizabeth Bennet had to rely upon herself. She knew escape was the only way to ensure her safety. With the help of Longbourn’s faithful servants, Elizabeth disappeared from her home and the odious heir. She was determined to find a way to support herself and remain hidden until after her birthday.Fortune smiled on Elizabeth when a series of events offered her the position of companion to Georgiana Darcy. In spite of her position, Elizabeth found herself attracted to her new employer. Could he ever see her as more than his sister’s companion? Sometimes Elizabeth thought Mr. Darcy might care for her, too, but would his attraction—if that is what is was—survive when he learned the truth about her?Hidden away at Pemberley, would Elizabeth be able to remain safely concealed until coming of age? What surprises did the future hold for her?

    “I had never thought it before, but it occurred to me today that Thomas Bennet has not been a very good husband. He has reduced Fanny into something very close to a joke in that house.” Lizzie Bennet, a reigning belle in the district of Meryton and ‘the smartest person in her father’s house’ fears marriage. She is afraid of being controlled and can’t imagine anything worse than becoming like her mother: an object of derision to her husband and family. Family circumstances dictate that the Bennet girls must marry; but can Lizzie find the maturity to overcome her fears and begin the changes that will lead towards her becoming Elizabeth? Fitzwilliam Darcy has his problems too. Wealth, status and family expectations have moulded his public behaviour. But behind his proud, cynical exterior lies an intelligent, passionate man, longing for an equally intelligent and passionate partner in life. Circumstances have brought them together, but can two such strong personalities find each other through the welter of conflicting forces that hold them apart?

    Sons and daughters share the physical and personality traits of their parents, but of course have minds of their own, and as Lizzie says to Jane: "The romantic attachments of one's children are a constant distraction.""Jane would be proud of you." -Juliet McMaster, Professor of English, University of Alberta"A tour de force." -Marilyn Sachs, author of First Impressions