It's the eve of the Darcys' annual Lady Anne ball at their magnificent Pemberley home. Darcy and Elizabeth are relaxing with their guests after supper when the festivities are brought to an abrupt halt by an unexpected visitor and news of a murder in Pemberley Woods.

In the aftermath of the dramatic events in the woods and Wickham's arrest, Elizabeth reassures the staff at Pemberley that all will be well. However, it is becoming clear that Darcy feels everything is very far from well and he starts to retreat from his wife as he seeks to protect the household against the scandal.