When Lizzy Bennet reluctantly agrees to become Anne de Bourgh's companion on a short trip to Tunbridge Wells, she stumbles feet first into a summer of misunderstandings, revelations, and unexpected proposals. Mr. Darcy, feeling foolish that he came to the brink of a proposal due to an arbitrary deadline, decides to accept his aunt's request to accompany them—hoping that his decision regarding Elizabeth will make itself plain. While Anne spends her morning dutifully drinking the famed waters of Tunbridge Wells, Lizzy is pulled further into the Darcy and de Bourgh family circle. From Darcy's cousin, Lady Honoria, to his sister, Georgiana, Lizzy can't help feeling that this is a family she would like, except for Mr. Darcy! Which only makes it all the more painful when she must resolutely reject the proud head of the family...

Georgiana Darcy loves few things as she does art, and when an upcoming painter and portraitist enters her life, she can't deny she is interested... in his art. Georgiana and Mr. Turner soon become friends, in a summer of weddings and many wedding portraits, despite her shyness and his caution. Lizzy thinks it might be the start of a beautiful romance, but despite Mr. Turner's talent, he is from a working-class family, and even more strange, a Methodist. He doesn’t drink wine or attend the church of England, he dresses so plainly, and yet… Lizzy can see his interest in Georgiana. Lizzy and Darcy might be of one heart, but they are not of one mind as Georgiana contemplates becoming one of the burgeoning middle class and throwing her heart over the fence for a most unusual gentleman. Lizzy and Jane just want to get married, but between Georgiana, Lydia, and Wickham, the last month of summer will be full of catastrophes and surprises.

With the help of Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Collins, Anne has learned about friendship; can she learn love? Anne de Bourgh is now Anne Sutherland, wife and mistress of Middlefinch, a large estate in the south of England. She is satisfied with her choice, but finds living with her new family rather alarming. James' daft old uncle leads his own strange life on the third floor, emerging only to ask disconcerting questions. His mother cares only for horses and seems to disdain sickly, quiet Anne. And then there is her new husband himself, so informal and affectionate—not at all what Anne is accustomed to! Anne wants to love and be loved, but why must it all be so strange and difficult? Join Anne, Georgiana, and Lizzy as they enter their new lives, from christenings and Christmas parties to Anne's first season in London, when a mystery of the ton inexplicably centers on her. This is a variation that imagines Anne on the autism spectrum.