Mary rushes to Pemberley, fearing her mother is gravely ill, only to be thrown back into the demands of family life. Mary begins to lose hope of ever returning to London – until Mr Ryder unexpectedly turns up. His clear admiration for Mary helps her family recognise how much she has changed. As excitement mounts over Mr Ryder's visit, Mary finds herself on the brink of a momentous decision.

Mary joins the Gardiners in the Lake District, hoping for clarity and calm. She reconnects with Mr Hayward, and they bond over poetry and nature. But just as it seems as though they might finally declare their feelings for one another, Mr Ryder arrives to disrupt proceedings, with Caroline Bingley in tow. Once again, Mary's hopes hang in the balance.