Life at Rosings was monotonous and dull since Lady Catherine and Anne were most of the time in their respective rooms. The Doctor visited them at least once a week, but he continued to state that there was nothing he could do. Richard Fitzwilliam was struggling with estate management, getting little help from Rosings' incompetent steward and occasional advice in the sporadic letters he received from Darcy. In addition to all of these problems, against his will, he had fallen irrevocably in love with a woman he could never have.

Five years ago, he had believed himself in love; the lady, Miss Eleonor Cross, was the niece of an Earl. She was a classic beauty with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was the epitome of the ideal woman of the Ton. She enjoyed his company, flattering and flirting with him. He had been calling on her for several weeks, and he was sure she was the one he would marry.

He remembered that fateful day perfectly when his dreams were shattered…

5 years ago

After breakfast, he arrived at the Cross' house and requested a private audience with Eleonor. As soon as they were alone, he knelt, took her hand, and said with feelings, "Miss Cross, Eleonor, in the past few months, I have had the privilege of calling on you and getting to know you better. You must know that I have fallen in love with you. Would you do me the honour of marring me?"

Eleonor shook her head, looked him in the eye and replied, "Please get up Captain. I am sorry for causing you pain but I can't accept your proposal."

Richard was surprised and only replied, "Why? I thought you feel the same for me…."

Eleonor interrupted him, "No. You are a charming gentleman and I enjoy your company but I am used to a life of luxury and you are only a Captain with little money. I am sorry but my answer is NO."

A few months later, she married an Earl twice her age.

PPP

He was furious and disappointed for some time, but he realized that what he had felt for Eleonor Cross was only a shallow infatuation and the pain of his frustrated hopes. Now, for the first time in his life, he understood the meaning of true love and the despair of not being able to be with the woman he loved more than life itself.

At first, he tried to avoid her company as much as he could, but it was a very difficult task. She was his wife's best friend and she visited Anne often. Also, due to the absence of an active Mistress in the estate, she was the one who visited the tenants and cared for their well-being. She was the one to try to help him when there was a problem with some tenant or servant. She had a strong sense of duty and was devoted to the community and Anne without expecting anything in return. She was an extraordinary woman, the best woman he had ever known.

His heart irrevocably belonged to her; his Mary, and it was a fact that wouldn't change. Despite his marriage not being a love match, he would never do anything dishonorable, and yet he felt that he was being disloyal to his wife.

In the last few months, he had tried to spend more time with his sickly wife, but, unfortunately, he had nothing in common with Anne. Their conversations were usually about Anne's dear friend's visits and projects. It was clear that he couldn't limit Mary's visits, they were the highlight of Anne's life and her only source of happiness.

Mary was a light in a somber home; a house plagued with so many sad memories and death. Despite the hopelessness of his situation, deep in his soul, he cherished every single moment he spent with her.

In the middle of July, Lady Catherine slipped into a coma, and, although it was expected, Anne took the news badly. Mary was very worried about her friend's health; she visited Rosings every day, and spent as much time as possible with Anne. But her efforts were for nothing, Anne was losing weight and wasn't interested in getting better.

In addition to her worries about Anne's health, Mary had a suspicion that she was expecting her first child. She had been feeling sick in the mornings and her courses hadn't come. As a devoted Cristian, she knew a child was a blessing, but she was conscious that many women died in childbirth. She was terrified and didn't know anyone to talk to about her troubles and doubts.

She had shared her suspicions with her husband; Mr. Collins was happy but very nervous and worried about her health. He started to tell her how much he loved and needed her every day. Mary understood Mr. Collins's concerns very well, as his mother had died in childbirth.

She was feeling overwhelmed and tired by all the changes in her life and didn't know what else she could do to help a depressed Anne before it was too late. She was aware that she needed help. After deliberating on all her options, she decided to write and invite Elizabeth to Hunsford. She was sure her sister would help her.