March 1812

By the first week of March, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam's leg had completely healed. Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injuries, he would have to use a cane for some time. A few days later, Richard and Darcy arrived at Rosings, where an annoyed and tired Lady Catherine was waiting for them.

"Darcy, Fitzwilliam, I am very displeased with you. You should have arrived at least four days ago!"

"We are sorry for our delay, but the doctor didn't let me travel until two days ago. Remember Aunt, I was very badly injured," calmly answered the Colonel.

"Ummm, you are here now. Let's not waste more time on a useless conversation. As I told you in my last letter, I am dying. I consulted two doctors and both told me there is nothing they can do. I have only three or perhaps six months to make the final arrangements for Anne's future and don't want to leave her without protection. She is young and sickly, and unscrupulous people would wish to take advantage of her" she paused for some seconds, and then continued, "If the situation were different, I would have demanded that you, Darcy, do your duty and marry my daughter, but considering your tarnished reputation and your sister's behavior, this option is absurd now." She then added, "The only acceptable solution is that Fitzwilliam marries Anne."

The cousins were shocked, they hadn't expected this turn of events. For several seconds, Colonel Fitzwilliam couldn't articulate a coherent thought and the only thing he could say at last was, "Why?"

"You are an honorable man, and your days as a soldier are over. This is an excellent solution; you will have a prosperous estate and can take care of Anne."

"Aunt, this is a very generous offer, but I care for Anne only as a sister…"

"Don't be obtuse Fitzwilliam, we are talking about marriage, not love. You may have a mistress if you want. You only have to protect Anne. You know she is sick and the doctor thinks she won't live long."

"But I don't know anything about estate management…"

Here she interrupted him and said, "You can learn. I can teach you and I know Darcy will help you when I am gone."

That night before dinner, Richard requested a private interview with Anne. He wanted to be sure of Anne's feelings and thoughts before making a decision they might regret, and, if he was honest with himself, he wished to find an alternative solution. He wasn't a romantic man, but he had always hoped to feel some kind of attraction or lust for his hypothetical future wife.

Anne was surprised and devasted because, despite her mother's faults, she loved her dearly. For some months now, she had suspected her mother wasn't feeling well, but she never suspected her mother was dying.

Anne didn't want to get married, and it was clear that Richard was a reluctant groom. Both knew Lady Catherine was right; Anne wasn't prepared to be mistress of Rosings and she didn't have the temperament or energy to run an estate. A lot of people could take advantage of her lack of experience and naivety, and she needed someone she could trust.

At last, they decided the best solution was to get married in three weeks. Richard needed to start his training in estate management as soon as possible, there was no time to waste.

Darcy was very happy because Miss Bennet was in the parsonage and, in a few hours, he would see her again. He didn't have any doubts about his feelings; despite her lack of dowry and low connections, he loved her. Last month, after serious consideration, he had decided to return to Hertfordshire and marry her.

The following day, while Richard was in a meeting with the solicitor preparing Anne's marriage settlement, he went to the parsonage hoping to meet his Elizabeth alone. Unfortunately, he was unlucky, as Mr. Collins was the only one present at home. The ladies were visiting some tenants but were expected to return soon.

Mr. Collins was very nervous, because the only time he had met Mr. Darcy was at his engagement party when he had offended the gentleman. He asked Mr. Darcy polite questions about his travel, Lady Catherine, and Anne's health.

Darcy wasn't interested in Mr. Collins's endless questions; he didn't want to have any kind of conversation with him. It was obvious Mr. Collins wanted his good opinion and hoped that Darcy would forgive past offenses. It was a pity Mr. Collins was married to Elizabeth's sister, but he was convinced that Elizabeth, as an intelligent woman, would understand the importance of maintaining distance from her family until they could establish themselves as a couple in society.

Several minutes later, the ladies arrived at the parsonage, both surprised to find Mr. Darcy there. They didn't expect the gentleman to visit Lady Catherine, since the rift between the two was common knowledge. Mr. Collins gratefully greeted his wife and sister and departed for the parish. Mary, as a good hostess, invited Mr. Darcy to have refreshments, while Elizabeth asked Mr. Darcy about his travel and his time in London.

Darcy's watched her with open admiration, she was one of the most handsome women of his acquaintances. He wanted to tell her many things, but, as often happens, he was at a loss for words. At last, he asked about her opinion of Kent.

They talked about their favorite places in the area, and sometimes Mary shared her thoughts about some tenant or place. They spent a pleasant half an hour and he was sorry when he had to return to Rosings.

The following day, Anne requested Lizzy and Mary's presence at Rosings to have tea. Anne wanted to introduce her fiancé to her friends without the presence of her mother. The siblings arrived at the stipulated time and were greeted by Anne, Darcy, and an unknown gentleman.

Anne introduced her fiancé to her very shocked friends. She also told them about her mother's deteriorating health. Lizzy was sad for her new friend because she knew it was very difficult to lose a loved one. Mary couldn't contain her emotions; Lady Catherine was a difficult person, but she had welcomed Mary with open arms.

Richard was very impressed with the young ladies. Miss Bennet was very pretty and witty and everybody could see his cousin was head over heels in love with the lady. Mary Collins was an attractive and sensible woman with an admirable sense of duty and empathy. Both ladies seemed genuinely worried about Anne's future, especially Mrs. Collins.