Follow The Drum: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Barry Richman

The British kingdom harbours a perilous secret. At its heart is Thomas Bennet. Since dead men tell no tales, the patriarch of Longbourn must live in anonymity or face the unthinkable—being the cause of a foreign nation attacking his homeland. Skilled in deception and strategy, Bennet succeeded until his youngest daughter is born with a grievous affliction; the scrutiny she brings threatens to expose the very secrets he hides. Mary Bennet, marked by her unusual appearance, becomes the centre of fear and gossip. As society and even her own family grow wary of her, Mary must confront her isolation with quiet resilience. Unaware of her father’s burden, she is thrust into a world of suspicion, where she discovers her role is not as insignificant as it once seemed. Elizabeth Bennet faces her own trials as the family fractures under the weight of secrecy. Forced from Longbourn, drawn to the enigmatic Mr Darcy, Elizabeth must reconcile her blossoming feelings for him with the unsettling truths she uncovers. As Darcy’s past and his connection to her father come to light, Elizabeth is left questioning whom she can truly trust. Follow the Drum is a gripping tale of sacrifice, loyalty, and impossible choices. When the fate of a kingdom rests on the secrets of one man, how far will he go to protect his family—and how high will the cost be?