At fifteen, Elizabeth Bennet is intelligent, perceptive, and doted upon by her father. Life in Hertfordshire is peaceful—until the arrival of Mr. Damian Fiennes, the new master of Netherfield Park. Though outwardly charming, something about him unsettles Elizabeth. She does her utmost to avoid him, yet the spirited young girl captivates Mr. Fiennes, and he is determined to possess her. When a series of manipulations ensnares both Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet, father and daughter find themselves trapped in a perilous situation—and with only one means of preserving their family’s good name, Elizabeth must marry the very man she mistrusts. With no other option, she consents, sacrificing her freedom to safeguard her family's honor.

Disillusioned by the shallow flirtations of London society, Darcy encounters a remarkable young woman unlike any he has known—intelligent, graceful—and married. Mrs. Elizabeth Fiennes captivates him at once. Warned away by his cousin, who has heard dark tales of the lady's husband, Darcy does not see her for some time. When fate reunites them, both are grieving in their own way, and a quiet, powerful bond begins to form. Elizabeth is now a widow, and Darcy sees happiness in his grasp.

Yet as swiftly as his feelings deepen, she vanishes. Their paths cross once more when Darcy arrives in Hertfordshire with Mr Bingley. Haunted still by the shadows of her past, Elizabeth guards her heart. Determined not to lose her again, Darcy sets out to win it—but freeing her from the ghosts of all she has endured may be the greatest challenge he has ever faced.

A Debt to be Paid is a medium-angst, forced-marriage Pride and Prejudice variation.

Note: Non-graphic instances of narcissistic manipulation and abuse are present in this book.