Page 47 of Beyond Pride, Past Prejudice

The colonel found Darcy in the midst of preparations for his departure to Pemberley. He seemed almost cheerful; the news from Bingley amused him, and the fact that he had escaped the threat posed by Lady Olivia was enough to bring out the best cognac in his possession.

“I thought you had sworn off cognac,” the colonel remarked, half-joking.

“I am quite certain the cognac is not to blame—why should I avoid it without cause?” Darcy replied in the same light tone. He then told him about the cheerful letters that had arrived from Netherfield, where an engagement appeared to be anticipated.

“So they are not betrothed yet?” the colonel asked, surprised.

“It seems I was indeed mistaken about Miss Bennet. She insisted they take the time to become better acquainted before making any final decision.”

“A wise approach you might consider for yourself. Netherfield lies along the road to Pemberley.”

The colonel, like others, hoped Darcy might reconsider his decision and spend some time in Hertfordshire.

“Stop, please stop!” Darcy said firmly. “I think I no longer wish to hear of any woman who is energetic, accomplished, or modern—”

“Darcy, what nonsense is this? I hope you do not place Miss Elizabeth in the same category as that woman—”

“Not the same category, no. But both are women who do not belong to this age—”

“You are mistaken. Miss Elizabeth is accomplished and ahead of her time, while Lady Olivia belongs to the past. There have always been women like her in every age—not progressive, merely calculating. Do not make me give you examples.”

“You are right, but after all that has happened—beginning with Kent—I now wish for a different kind of woman.”

“And have you found her?”

“I have reflected a lot, and I believe Anne is the perfect wife I need. I have seen her change in recent months—from what Lady Catherine destroyed in the young girl with her neglect, to what Lady Matlock succeeded in bringing out with her style and patience.”

“She is merely well-dressed, Darcy, and fortunately enough, Anne is a fairly handsome young lady. But clothing or allure alone do not make a woman into the wife you need.”

“I know. Lady Matlock created the outside, and with patience, I shall shape the inside into what I desire.”

“I doubt Anne is capable of such a transformation.”

“And I desire peace. I want life to return to how it was before Kent and, why not, before Hertfordshire.”

“That is not possible. You have changed deeply. Try once more to reconnect with Miss Elizabeth and only then make a decision.”

But Darcy shook his head, resolute.

“Have you told Lady Catherine what you intend?”

“Not yet. I shall speak to her when I return to London in the autumn. But please, let us now put an end to all interest in my love life from your family .”

The colonel hid his face, but Darcy did not see his embarrassment as he was busy refilling their glasses.

“I know that you acted out of affection for me, but it is time to resolve my problems by my own.”

And at that moment, the colonel saw on Darcy’s face the determination he knew he could not undo.

He lowered his head, sorrowful, for he was certain his cousin was making a grave mistake. But there was nothing more to be done. The family, and even Miss Elizabeth, had done all that was within reach.