1820. Mary Dorothea Knatchbull is living under the sole charge of her widowed father Sir Edward - a man of strict principles and high Christian values. But when her father marries Miss Fanny Knight of Godmersham Park Mary's life is suddenly changed. Her new stepmother comes from a large happy and sociable family and Fanny's sisters become Mary's first friends. Her aunt Miss Cassandra Austen of Chawton is especially kind. Her brothers are not only amusing but handsome and charming. And as Mary Dorothea starts to bloom into a beautiful young woman she forms an especial bond with one Mr Knight in particular. Soon they are deeply in love and determined to marry. They expect no opposition. After all each is from a good family and has known the other for some years. It promises to be the most perfect match. Who would want to stand in their way?
