Margaret is The Other Dashwood Sister, the youngest of the three Dashwood girls whose older sisters' love affairs were chronicled in Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility". In that classic tale, 13-year-old Margaret was merely an observer of the household drama; in 1929, Austen's great-great-niece, Edith Hubback Brown, took up her pen to move the story ahead four years and place Margaret center stage.

Life at Barton Cottage with her mother is quiet, which suits Margaret. Their days are varied by visits to Elinor's and Marianne's homes as well as to Norland Park, where her brother John and his wife Fanny live and where Margaret grew up. Her shy nature is somewhat plagued by the interference of her loquacious neighbors, Sir John Middleton and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Jennings, who are determined to tease and ferret out any hints of Margaret's love interests.

Even Margaret's brother John has plans to promote a marriage between her and the new, somewhat obnoxious clergyman, Mr. Atherton. But Margaret has met a handsome naval officer on several walks that no one knows anything about. She prefers to have it remain so.

Of course, Elinor and Marianne, when made aware of this possible attachment, are determined to involve themselves. Elinor, ever wary, wonders if he can be trusted. Marianne, with all the romantic feelings of her nature, is vastly interested and encouraging.

How Margaret manages all this interference from friends and family while questioning her own heart is the story. Commander Pennington has set sail and has been away for months. How does she feel about him, and how does he feel about her? All questions are resolved by the very clever Mrs. Brown, who has successfully adapted her great-great-aunt's style.