Notes: Due to the difficulties English speakers have with the translation of the story, I am publishing the story in English.

To Spanish Readers: The story in Spanish is more detailed than the English version.

March 1812

In an elegant townhouse close to Hyde Park, two men were having a very serious conversation, one a Colonel of His Majesty's Army and the other a gentleman wearing a very expensive outfit. Both were tall and well-built, but one was blond while the second man was quite handsome with thick black hair and deep blue eyes.

"Darcy, are you sure about this? I know you have been courting Lady Victoria for weeks and you need an heir, but you don't have anything in common. She doesn't like country life and she is a darling of the Ton. If you marry her, you will probably be miserable for the rest of your life. It is not too late for you to end the courtship."

"Richard, Lady Victoria is the daughter of an Earl, has a dowry of 30.000 pounds, and is your mother's goddaughter. She is a beautiful woman and your parents told me that she is expecting my address. I know you don't think very highly of her due to the incident with your friend, but as you know, I am not a romantic, and our marriage will be a typical Ton marriage."

"Darcy, everybody knows Lady Victoria is a beautiful woman, and she knows it, too! You are not a romantic man, but there are other women more suited to be your wife. Think about it! I am on your side always and I think you will regret it."

"Richard, I know you mean well and I appreciate your concern for my domestic happiness, but on this point your father is right; I'm twenty-eight now. I need an heir, and Georgiana needs a woman to help her navigate her coming out."

" Alright, you've already made your decision and I know you're not going to change it; I just want you and Georgiana to be happy. By the way, what is Georgiana's opinion about Lady Victoria?"

"They only met twice. I think they will get along very well, although I recognize that they haven't had many opportunities to talk. Lady Victoria has plenty of experience dealing with a younger sister close to Georgiana's age. My decision is final. I am going to visit Lady Victoria and ask for her hand in marriage."

"Well, I have nothing left to say. I wish you good luck and I sincerely hope that you do not regret it."

That night, Darcy reviewed in his mind the good qualities of Lady Victoria along with the valid observations that Richard had made. His main incentive when he started courting Lady Victoria was to forget Miss Elizabeth Bennet's fine eyes. Against his will, Elizabeth Bennet had invaded his thoughts and dreams. Luckily, he had managed to escape in time, before making a huge mistake. Lady Victoria was a sophisticated woman, beautiful, rich, and also the daughter of an earl, while Miss Elizabeth was only a country girl. She was pretty but not classically beautiful, her situation was below his, her dowry was almost non-existent and she also had relatives in trade. The comparison was clear - Lady Victoria was, in rank and wealth, far superior to Elizabeth Bennet.

All his life Darcy had been an honorable man. Duty to his family and estate were his priority. His duty was to enhance his estate, look after his tenant's well-being, and care for his sister.

The following morning, shortly after breakfast, he arrived at Lady Victoria's house. The marriage proposal was simply a description of what he expected from her and vice versa.

A few blocks from Darcy's house, Lady Victoria was looking at her beautiful image in an elegantly framed mirror. She had just turned twenty-two years old, and despite her unparalleled classical beauty, with golden hair and sky-colored eyes, in the four seasons since her debut in society, she had received only one marriage proposal - and that from a poor gentleman.

Her father was having a hard time financially due to bad investments, gambling debts, and excessive expenses from supporting his mistress. He had given her an ultimatum that year: she must make an effort to attract the attention of some rich gentleman, or he would arrange a marriage to one of his political friends.

At one tedious gathering at her godmother, the Countess of Matlock's home she was seated at dinner next to the handsome Mr. Darcy. During dinner, she tried to start a conversation with the gentleman without much success. With her godmother's help, she found out about Mr. Darcy's tastes and preferences, and in following events, she had the opportunity to put her plan in motion. It was a pity that she had to feign interest in things that seemed boring to her. Hopefully, if they got married, she wouldn't have to continue with the charade.

It had been almost two months since Mr. Darcy had begun courting her, and every Thursday at 11 AM he visited her. She sensed this day was the one in which he would propose, and she had already practiced her best smile and demure answer.

At the appointed time Mr. Darcy arrived and, after exchanging polite greetings, there was an awkward silence in the room. Lady Victoria encouraged him with her best smile and stared at him with an adoring expression that was well-practiced.

Darcy knew that he had absolutely no feelings for the woman he was courting, but he also knew that she had all the characteristics he was looking for. He took a deep breath and dispassionately said:

"Lady Victoria, I do not feel a passionate love for you, and I will not express feelings that I honestly do not feel, but if you agree, I would like you to marry me. The main reason I want to get married is that I need an heir, and I would like my future wife to help my sister in her debut in society."

Lady Victoria was glad that the marriage proposal had finally arrived, however, she couldn't help feeling disappointed at the lack of affection her future husband had for her. In a clear voice, she answered yes.

That same day, Darcy obtained his future father-in-law's consent, the engagement details were sent to the newspaper, and the wedding date was set for the first week of June.

The next day Darcy and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam left for Kent on what would be a life-changing visit.