Mary Bennet is alone with her parents.
Three sisters are married, another living away. Now is her chance to emerge from their shadows. Becoming more confident, she begins to make new friends.
Among them are a number of eligible young men. But none of them leads to a marriage and security for Mary, as her family members intervene. Fortunately, her heart is untouched by them.
After her father's death, Mary and her mother move to a cottage, where her mother continues her complaints. Lydia returns, and elopes with another of Mary's suitors. Only after her mother's death is Mary finally able to look forward to a happy future.