While traveling in Derbyshire with his wife and niece Elizabeth, Mr. Gardiner is called to London on urgent business (also known as Lydia's disastrous elopement), but he does not tell the ladies what has happened.
He does leave them in the watchful care of Mr. Darcy, who insists on hosting the ladies at Pemberley.
Elizabeth is nervous but hopeful. Mr. Darcy seems to love her still, and she just might decide to encourage him.
Darcy is elated by Elizabeth's presence and determined to make her love him.
Unfortunately, Miss Bingley is less than pleased with this new development. Her brother is utterly useless and Pemberley—ahem, Mr. Darcy—is slipping from her fingers.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet are searching London for Lydia in a desperate attempt to save the family's reputation. They are playing a dangerous game, but they will stop at nothing to find Lydia.