Plot Synopsis

Adapted from P.D. James's homage to "Pride and Prejudice." Elizabeth and Darcy, now six years married, are preparing for their annual ball at Pemberley, their palatial estate where they raise their young son, Fitzwilliam, but the festivities are brought to an abrupt halt. Many friends and relatives are invited. However, Wickham and Lydia are not, owing to Wickham's past disgraceful conduct with ladies. But that doesn't stop the dashing officer from heeding Lydia's appeal to crash the party, and they set off by coach with Wickham's friend, Captain Denny, who has something to discuss with his fellow soldier. Hours later, the coach arrives at Pemberley at breakneck speed and with an hysterical Lydia inside. All that's certain is that neither officer is in the vehicle. While Elizabeth calms Lydia and their distraught mother, Mrs. Bennet, a search party sets out, including Darcy, Mr. Bennet, and Darcy's cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. The investigation is conducted by a hereditary enemy of the Darcy family, Sir Selwyn Hardcastle. What they find leads to a shocking murder charge, and as a suspect goes on trial for his life, Elizabeth pursues the real truth behind a mysterious death. The future of Darcy's sister Georgiana also hangs in the balance. On Sunday, October 26, 2014 from 9-10:30pm (check local listings), PBS aired the U.S. premiere of DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY, showing the second half of the story the following Sunday. BBC One first broadcast DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY as a three-part program on three consecutive nights.