It is time you take a husband. You have had more opportunities than any four women together can boast—proposals from two men of fortunes or income and whom you should not refuse, but have.

ELIZABETH BENNET HAS RECEIVED more offers of marriage than any lady in Meryton, which makes her increasingly unpopular both in town and at Longbourn. Her refusal of an eligible suitor—coming hard on the heels of an incident that found her trapped with Mr William Collins and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy—frustrates her mother and father, and makes her sisters anxious for their own futures. At last Mr Bennet has no choice but to give Elizabeth an ultimatum. She will be forced to marry the next man who asks for her hand.

WHILE MERYTON AND GRACECHURCH STREET harbour the recollection of unpleasant marital prospects, in Kent Elizabeth feels certain she will be safe from the advances of unwanted suitors. Alas, when Mr Darcy and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam arrive, gentlemanly honour and Lady Catherine de Bourgh get in the way of everyone's happiness.

A Hopeless Business is a novel length variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.