Despised

Elizabeth Bennet goes to Netherfield to care for her sister and, while there, is treated with such contempt by its occupants that the only way she can find respite is by spending time in a small reading room with a fine collection of books. One night she goes there and is surprised to find Darcy in the room as well. Eventually she discovers that it is not a reading room at all but his sitting room. She is just about to leave when a maid walks in and catches them together. Two weeks later they are married and on their way to Pemberley.

Darcy, whose attraction to Elizabeth had been slowly growing, now finds he cannot respect her, believing she purposely staged the compromise. Elizabeth, on the other hand, remains disgusted by Darcy's coldness and arrogance, and is devastated that she must now spend the rest of her life with the one man she hates above all others.

They arrive at Pemberley and Elizabeth comes to find that the entire household is against her, all believing that she trapped their master into marriage. But nevertheless, she attempts to establish some accord with both the staff and her ever moody husband. And, in spite of himself, Darcy cannot help but admire Elizabeth, and over time begins to realise that his admiration may be turning...into love.