The second daughter of a country gentleman is now many different things, to different people. Beloved wife. Mistress of a dauntingly great estate. Reluctant socialite. Daughter. Sister. Cousin. Friend. And as the days of her married life go by, bringing both joy and turmoil, the man that stands beside her is her shelter and comfort in the face of family opposition, peril and heartbreak. Three very different Christmas seasons come to serve as landmarks to their lives and there are blissful days and times of sorrow at the old English country house. And before too long, a time would come when Darcy must decide if he is prepared to risk everything for the sake of a full life together - or succumb to the collection of his fears.

    Lizzy couldn't care less about the haughty Mr Darcy: she's more interested in the new physician in town, Dr Gregory. Nor is the very experienced Mr Darcy about to fall for a country chit; but as the local fauna, and her arts and allurements conspire against him, he makes a grave miscalculation. This story is suitable for mature readers.