The Bennets

The Bennets is a continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice that follows the family at Longbourn after three of the five sisters have married. Mary Bennet is left behind and fears she will be "on the shelf" for good unless she acts on her own behalf. When a handsome new rector, Mr. Yarby, arrives to take charge of the Longbourn chapel, she resolves to win him by putting her knowledge of scripture to use.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet has lost his wife and is still officially in mourning. Even so, he finds himself drawn to the older sister of the new clergyman, which could cause a scandal if it were known. Mr. Collins, who stands to inherit Longbourn, has a nose for gossip and begins making blackmail threats.

The story turns on a conversation Mary overhears between the Yarby siblings. It may break her heart, or it may push her into a desperate act that puts everyone's chances of lasting love at risk.