After uncovering Mary Austen’s lies, Cassandra’s determination to keep Jane’s letters private is stronger than ever. Her mission is accompanied by a second – to secure a home for Isabella.

At Kintbury, Cassandra’s fever is raging. In her delirium, she nearly lets slip that she is in possession of Jane’s letters, but manages – just – to keep Mary from finding them.

Mr Dundas and his wife prepare to move into the Kintbury vicarage, and the urgent question of Isabella’s future continues to occupy Cassandra.