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Meet Mr. Edward Anthony Masen, who when he twenty years of age found himself heir to the huge estate of Pemberley, a fortune, and guardian to ten year old little sister, Alice. He feels bound by his duty to preserve his impeccable family name and status in high society, and the responsibility for all of those in his employ. Now, at twenty-seven years of age, he endeavors to observe obligatory social functions from a safe distance to avoid being accosted by the artificial, superficial, incessant women who only want him for what he stands for, not who he is, including Emmett's evil harpy of a sister, Tanya. Tired of the endless pursuits of such women, he becomes more and more jaded. He continually wonders if he will ever meet a woman who is of high caliber, but who is also intelligent, witty, and spirited; when one day it happens out of nowhere. While riding his horse during a storm, he encounters a beautiful young woman walking along the road and dancing in the rain. He is intrigued and gets closer; entranced by her beautiful features, her long dark hair and gets lost in her big brown eyes. He asks politely if he could be of assistance and introduces himself, finding out she is Isabella, the daughter of a gentleman whose estate is nearby as he kisses her sweet hand. Then, with complete disregard to the duty of his station and against all rules of propriety and polite society, he leans down and kisses her soft lips.

In the days that follow, he learns that she is one of five sisters and that although her father is a land owner, they are far beneath what is considered socially acceptable for a man of his high status. To be with her would taint and ruin his family name that he is bound by duty to preserve and uphold. He determines he must distance himself from her, yet he is almost driven to madness with hopeless dreams of her. She is his heaven and hell, the one woman he had been searching his entire life for, but Isabella, no matter how beautiful, intelligent or talented, comes from an unsuitable family. His actions towards her run hot and cold and many times he treats her intolerably - trying desperately to maintain that distance; yet he is undeniably physically attracted to her and emotionally torn. Will he let her lower station in life continue to make him shun her as unattainable, or will he overcome this deeply ingrained sense of duty to pursue his desire and find happiness? Would she even accept him if he did?

Set in early nineteenth century England, this is a spectacular adaptation of Pride and Prejudice by Aspenleaf that will keep you entranced with it's poetic Victorian prose, visual imagery, character development and it's own unique twists and turns in the compelling plot. You will find this flawless story emotionally engaging, full of drama, romance, a little angst, a dastardly evil villain, action, and of course, some sweet loving! This is one of the early fanfiction classics that was just as exciting for me to re-read now as it was several years ago. Allow yourself to get immersed into another wonderful place and time and go read this!

Duty and Desire consists of 30 chapters with 115,375 words. It is rated M for themes, violence and sexual situations.

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