1830. A letter arrives at Chawton Cottage, where Cassandra Austen has lived alone for many years since the death of her sister Jane.

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.