Mr. Darcy's Diary

February

‘Caroline has suggested we go to Bath for the spring,’ said Bingley this morning. ‘Perhaps I might take a house there,’ he added nonchalantly.

I thought it was an encouraging sign that he has forgotten Hertfordshire.

‘That is an excellent idea,’ I said.

‘Would you like to come with us?’ he asked.

‘I have to go to Pemberley and make sure Johnson has everything well in hand. There are a number of changes I wish to make to the running of the home farm, and some further improvements I should like to make on the estate.’

‘Then I will see you again in the summer.’

Colonel Fitzwilliam has returned to town and he dined with me this evening, bringing me all the news from Rosings. He told me that Mr Collins has taken a wife. I held my breath, hoping that Hurst had been right when he had said that Elizabeth had refused Mr Collins.

‘She seems a very good sort of girl, although I should say woman. She appears to be approaching thirty,’ said my cousin.

I let go of my breath.

‘But this is a good thing,’ he went on. ‘A younger woman might have been intimidated by my aunt’s –’

‘Interference?’

‘Helpfulness,’ he said with a wry smile. ‘But Mrs Collins accepts Lady Catherine’s advice without a fuss.’

‘I believe I might have known her in Hertfordshire.

What was her maiden name?’

‘Lucas. Miss Charlotte Lucas.’

‘Yes, I met her and her family. I am glad she is well settled. Mr Collins might not be the most sensible husband, but he can provide her with a comfortable life.’

And I could provide Elizabeth with so much more.

But I will not think of it. I am resolved never to think of her again.