Fitzwilliam Darcy must first prove himself worthy of Miss Elizabeth Bennet before he may gain her father's consent to make her an offer of marriage.

How can he possibly overcome her decidedly unfavourable opinion? She has the strongest character of any lady he has ever met.

Bennet's chess battles remind him that he and his family cannot expect to have things their own way, and the battle for the heart and mind of Miss Elizabeth must be worked for.

To Prove Himself Worthy is a quick short novelette of 13,450 words, ideal for when you have an inclination for a Darcy and Elizabeth sweet fix romance, but only a little time.

Fitzwilliam Darcy now knows how frustrating it was to fight the hydra of legend.

For every secret of the hauntingly talented Miss Elizabeth Bennet he uncovers, another rises to replace it.

But he must know all. A gentleman assists those beneath him when they quite obviously need his help — even if they have not asked.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet trusts no man.

Ever since she was a small girl, her Papa has constantly impressed upon her the need to keep that one last secret. The one that must never, never be revealed.

Any man who knew it would be even more determined to possess and control her talent.

All she can do is use this gift to slowly build her fortune, so she will never have to be dependent on a man. Even if he is tall, dark and impossibly handsome.

But, behind the final secret, the greatest betrayal awaits.

Can a love for the ages ever be born from an immovable stubbornness meeting an irresistible arrogant officiousness?

Fitzwilliam Darcy has dealt with the matter of Elizabeth's sister, the former Miss Lydia Bennet.

Finally he is able to return to Hertfordshire to see Miss Elizabeth.

He hopes profoundly that she might agree to him calling upon her — it has been an agonisingly long time since she refused him at Hunsford.

Surely her sense of justice will permit him to prove he is a better man?

And — she did smile upon him in the summer.

Before her youngest sister had torn them apart.

Elizabeth Bennet finds Lydia's loud and vulgar behaviour is more than she can bear.

She is utterly grateful for Mr. Darcy's acts in saving them all from ruin.

But he could never wish to see her again, knowing who her new brother-in-law is.

Will her own unladylike retaliation and her new brother-in-law forever forbid Mr. Darcy from seeking her out?