Pride and Prejudice

The story is set in Georgian England, when it was customary for only male heirs to inherit the estate. Mr and Mrs Bennet live in some comfort, but as

they have five daughters and no son, it is imperative that the girls marry well.

Hopes rise when Mr Bingley, a rich bachelor, rents the nearby Netherfield estate. He attends the local ball with his sister and his friend Mr Darcy. He is immediately attracted to Jane, the eldest Bennet sister, and she to him. But Mr Darcy seems haughty and aloof, and declines to dance with Elizabeth, (our heroine) the spirited second Bennet daughter. She dislikes him on sight and fails to notice that he gradually becomes more and more attracted by her wit and intelligence.

Mr Collins, a distant cousin who stands to inherit the Bennet estate, comes to visit, with a view to marrying one of the Bennet sisters. He proposes to

Elizabeth, who rejects him. Jane and Mr Bingley become fond of each other and Elizabeth's secret adoration for Mr Darcy becomes apparent. The love between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy blossoms, despite his prejudice of her low social connections.

Written by Andrew Davies, writer of the iconic 1995 BBC TV adaptation.