It was not long before she honestly felt that she could love him, if he truly wished it. WHEN A SMALLPOX EPIDEMIC SWEEPS through Hertfordshire, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself trapped together at Netherfield Park with Mr Darcy. An epidemic plagues Meryton and Longbourn village and Elizabeth and Darcy, unexpectedly immune, must work together to help those afflicted. Elizabeth finds herself forced to reconsider the character of the man she had deemed proud and disagreeable in light of his efforts. FITZWILLIAM DARCY IS IMMUNE to smallpox but finds himself all too susceptible to the charms of Elizabeth Bennet. First drawn to her as merely a friend, his feelings deepen as he witnesses her care for her family and neighbours as they face death, sorrow, and the ravages of the disease.

WHEN THE IMMEDIATE PERIL SUBSIDES, a new threat arises in the form of damaging rumours spread in London. Darcy finds that he must determine whether his feelings for Elizabeth can override his more practical objections while Elizabeth must decide whether her grieving family's needs outweigh her own wishes. Can such connexions forged amid the fire of loss and adversity be made into a happily ever after?

In Sickness and in Health is a romantic variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.