Mr. Dundas and his wife prepare to move into the Kintbury vicarage, and the urgent question of Isabella’s future continues to occupy Cassandra. Though she learns the truth about Isabella and Lidderdale’s past, Cassandra is powerless to bring about a reconciliation. Dinah makes a reckless decision, imperiling her own life in order to change the course of Isabella’s. Upon arriving back at Chawton, Cassandra burns the letters in a final act to protect Jane’s legacy.