As the episode unfolds in 1830, the new vicar of Kintbury, Mr. Dundas (Thomas Coombes), accompanied by his expectant wife (Rebecca Lee), arrives to inspect the rectory prior to Isabella's (Rose Leslie) departure. Mrs. Dundas, however, casts a critical eye over the house, finding it wanting.
Returning from a visit to Isabella's sister Beth (Clare Foster), Cassandra (Keeley Hawes) apologizes to Isabella for giving her the misconception that Beth and Mr. Lidderdale (Alfred Enoch) were growing close, unaware of the actual circumstances. Isabella, ever gracious, shares her own history with Mr. Lidderdale – a past where mutual feelings blossomed but were never realized due to her father's disapproval. He deemed the doctor, whose mother was once a servant, beneath their social standing, and without a substantial inheritance, Mr. Lidderdale's pride hindered him from renewing his proposal. Isabella admits she draws inspiration from Cassandra's life as a single woman and entreats her to visit their other sister, Mary Jane (Florence Bell), to arrange a place for Isabella to reside once she vacates the rectory.
At Mary Jane's cottage, she offers Isabella a roof over her head, adhering to their father's wishes. However, Cassandra argues that the house is too cramped, suggesting they search for alternative accommodation together. Mary Jane confides that her offer is driven by a desire to prevent Isabella from rekindling her forbidden romance with Mr. Lidderdale, which once caused their father great distress. Cassandra counters, insisting that love once flourished between them.
Returning to the rectory, Cassandra informs the maid Dinah (Mirren Mack) of her impending departure and proceeds to pack her belongings. Amongst her possessions, she discovers another old letter, this time penned by herself to Isabella's mother, Eliza (Madeleine Walker).
Flashbacks transport us to a time when young Cassy (Synnøve Karlsen), Jane (Patsy Ferran), and their mother Mrs. Austen (Phyllis Logan) grapple with the loss of Mr. Austen. Jane, struggling to cope, has ceased writing, while Cassy attempts to navigate their financial woes now that they can no longer rely on Mr. Austen's income. Their brothers have generously offered annual allowances, necessitating a downsize in living quarters. Jane, increasingly bitter, laments the failure of her novel, 'Susan,' believing her writing career to be in vain. The Austens relocate to more affordable lodgings in Southampton, but Cassy fears Jane is teetering on the edge of another melancholic episode.Back in 1830, Cassandra scoured potential dwellings for Isabella and Mary Jane, envisioning a space where Isabella could nurture her love for gardening and continue her teaching endeavors. Though Mary Jane harbored reservations, Isabella readily embraced the idea, standing firm in her aspirations.
As the flashbacks unfurled once more, Jane remained ensconced in melancholy, asserting with despair that her forthcoming novel, "Sense & Sensibility," would forever remain unpublished. Cassy was taken aback to receive a letter from her former beau, Henry Hobday (played by Max Irons), and Mrs. Austen confessed to having maintained a correspondence with his mother. Henry soon paid Cassy a visit, intent on informing her of his impending nuptials. Cassy offered her congratulations but expressed bewilderment at the relevance of his news to her. However, Henry's lingering affection for her was evident as he sought to gauge her feelings towards him. Cassy, disturbed by the revelation, explained that her family's circumstances had drastically altered, leaving Jane and their mother in greater need of her than ever. While Henry suggested that he could offer assistance, Cassy steadfastly maintained that her duty lay with Jane, who she believed couldn't survive without her support. Acknowledging defeat, Henry vowed never to broach the subject again.
Yet, the string of misfortunes persisted. Cassy and Jane's brother Edward (Hubert Burton) was plunged into despair following the tragic death of his wife during childbirth. When Cassy visited him at his Kent residence, he pleaded with her to live with him and his children. Once more, she declined, insisting that her primary obligation was to Jane and their mother. However, a plan began to take shape in her mind. Edward owned an estate in Chawton, Hampshire, and within the village resided a quaint cottage—a perfect sanctuary for the sisters and Mrs. Austen. It would allow them to visit Edward and his family whenever they pleased.
Their new abode proved to be an idyllic retreat, complete with a desk that rekindled Jane's passion for writing...In the year 1830, an impeccable abode was discovered for Isabella and Mary Jane. Though Mary Jane muttered her complaints, Isabella assured her contentment as long as she could tend to her beloved garden and pursue her teaching endeavors. Some time later, Cassandra and Isabella chanced upon Mr. Lidderdale, who confided that he had been offered a fresh appointment elsewhere and was soon to relocate. Their parting wishes were tinged with awkwardness.
Returning to their new home, Isabella insisted that Cassandra complete reading "Persuasion" aloud to her before her departure. As Cassandra reached the thrilling segment where Louisa suffers a harrowing fall, Isabella was visibly horrified. Meanwhile, Dinah eavesdropped from behind the door, concocting a devious yet perilous matchmaking scheme. In a dramatic flourish, Dinah tumbled down the stairs, prompting Isabella and Cassandra to rush to her aid. Cassandra hastily urged Isabella to fetch Mr. Lidderdale.
Without delay, Isabella sprinted to retrieve him and brought him back to assist in Dinah's care, their interactions punctuated by meaningful glances. Isabella remarked that Mr. Lidderdale could have easily declined her request, to which he responded that he could never abandon a patient, nor her in need. Upon his departure, Isabella accompanied him outside, where he unexpectedly turned around, and they embarked on a tender kiss.
As Dinah recovered on the couch, Cassandra commended her for her "daring escapade," realizing that it had inadvertently reconciled Isabella and Mr. Lidderdale. Cassandra confessed her own late awakening to the couple's burgeoning feelings. Dinah, pleased with her meddling, now enjoyed a rapport with Cassandra.
Cassandra then perused the letters, deciding to withhold those that captured Jane's moments of distress, leaving only her joyful or work-related missives for her sister-in-law Mary (Jessica Hynes) to discover.
In a poignant flashback, we uncover the pivotal moment when "Sense and Sensibility" is being heralded into print, with "Pride and Prejudice," "Mansfield Park," and "Emma" closely trailing behind. Yet, amidst this literary triumph, Jane Austen is beset by an agonizing ailment, her plight having been examined by numerous physicians, all to no avail. Cassy, her sister Cassandra, clings desperately to any flicker of hope for a cure, leading them on a journey to Cheltenham, then to the Kintbury rectory to seek solace with Isabella’s parents, and ultimately to Winchester in pursuit of another medical opinion. However, the grim reality sets in; Jane’s condition is beyond remedy, confining her to her bed.
Enter young Mary (played by Liv Hill), whose visit brings an unexpected depth of compassion and tender care. Together, they reminisce, their shared memories weaving a tapestry of warmth. As Jane’s end draws near, she lies in bed, side by side with Cassy, whispering her final wish – that the world remember her not through her sorrow, but through the joy of her stories. They confess their profound gratitude for having each other, before Jane, with heart-wrenching finality, passes away.
Flash forward to 1830, Cassandra meticulously places the letters intended for Mary within Eliza’s settle. Isabella, brimming with excitement, shares with Cassandra her acceptance of Mr. Lidderdale’s proposal, gratitude flowing for Cassandra’s insistence that he be summoned to attend to Dinah. As Cassandra prepares to depart, Dinah, discreetly, slips her another letter she has discovered. With a touch of irony, Cassandra suggests to Mary that perhaps the letters reside in the settle – the very spot she had overlooked! Bidding farewell to her sister-in-law, Cassandra asserts that their history is safe within their hearts and minds, a treasure to be bequeathed to future generations. Mary, somewhat cynically, remarks that their tales may hold little interest, being the chronicles of women.
Setting off for home in her carriage, Cassandra reads the letter Dinah bestowed upon her – Jane’s final missive to Eliza, imploring her to watch over Cassy, whom she knows will safeguard her legacy. Acknowledging the burden that will fall upon Cassy, Jane expresses relief, knowing she could not have survived without her sister’s constant companionship. With a serene smile, Cassandra burns Jane’s letters, fiercely guarding her secrets from public scrutiny. The episode concludes with a poignant vision of a younger Cassy and Jane, their spirits unblemished by sorrow, frolicking happily on the beach.
