While most ladies in her world have talents, a singular ability, and hold no other power, Elizabeth is the first female since Niniane, the Lady of the Lake, to wield magic as freely as any male heir. Many would covet her power, which is why her father and his friend forged a magical contract to protect Elizabeth even she comes of marriageable age. Elizabeth, however, has no wish for an arranged marriage, yet could she truly be in as much danger as her father has implied? All she wants is to wander with her white stag, Herne, in Oakham Forest and visit the stone circle in its midst, but the altar within the circle vibrates in a manner it has never done before. Surely, the behaviour of the altar is altered for a reason, yet what could it be? Could the visitors at Netherfield be the cause by changing the balance of magic in Meryton or could the vibration be a warning of what is to come?

When Fitzwilliam Darcy journeys to Hertfordshire before the autumn equinox, his intention is not only to visit his friend Charles Bingley, but to also see his betrothed, Elizabeth, for the first time with his own eyes. Even though he has seen visions of her over the years and is certain of their future together, he offers her a choice in whether to marry him or not. After all, he does not desire an unwilling bride.

Meanwhile, a vision in the stone circle's altar gives a glimpse of their shared future as well as an evil bent on destroying the descendent of Merlin. As Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth race to learn as much as they can about this mage, will they discover how to defeat this foe before it can carry forth its scheme or will the mysterious evil somehow defeat the unexpected heir?