“He has been dining with Lady Warrington,” Darcy continued, “whose assemblies resemble those of our aunt at Rosings—she speaks, and the company listens. The only advantage in London is that the dinner is excellent.”
The colonel readily agreed. “What he neglects to mention is that Lady Warrington has two daughters, no sons, and considerable property—and that those daughters are the sole heiresses.”
“We are fortune-hunters,” Darcy said, and again they laughed.
“Well, I am not so hypocritical as to deny it,” the colonel replied.
“Yes, but you bring to the bargain your agreeable disposition and a respectable family name.”
Bingley looked from one to the other in astonishment. The colonel was always ready for jest, but Darcy was generally more serious; yet this evening, they seemed engaged in some understanding from which he was excluded. Soon after, he took his leave, having resolved to set out for Netherfield early the next morning.
“He is really going to Netherfield?” the colonel asked, surprised.
“Yes—and it proves that I was not entirely a bad influence. I merely helped him to recognise the strength of his attachment.” Darcy’s tone was subdued, and the colonel studied him with concern. In Bingley’s presence he had appeared composed, now, once alone, his distress was evident. “I am glad he returns to Netherfield…and to Longbourn.”
“You might accompany him tomorrow and settle everything.”
Darcy turned to him in astonishment. “What do you mean? She refused me—and declared she would never marry me…or something still more decisive.”
“From what you told me, her strongest objection concerned her sister’s unhappiness. That is now likely to be remedied. Bingley is on his way to Longbourn—you might be so as well.”
Darcy shook his head decisively. “No—certainly not. I have reflected upon the matter. I am hurt, I admit, but she is not the wife I require.”
The colonel began to reply, but Darcy silenced him with a weary gesture. “I know what you would say—love, passion. They are significant, but marriage is, in the end, a matter of daily life. The first year passes, and the rest remains. Let us rather find a wife suited to that.”
“Let us?” he repeated, with some surprise. He knew Darcy’s disposition too well to expect him to accept guidance.
Darcy smiled faintly. “Perhaps I have changed—or perhaps it is an undertaking better pursued with your assistance.”
“To prevent your marrying the first woman you encounter?”
“Yes—or at least to say, ‘This one may suit you.’ Tell me—what is your opinion of Lady Agatha Warrington? She is well connected, tolerably handsome, and, as far as I know, unengaged.”
“So that is why you insisted upon my attending that dinner.” Fitzwilliam laughed.
“Perhaps…”
The colonel entered into the spirit of the conversation. He did not much like such deliberations, but he was willing to assist Darcy in diverting his thoughts. It was clear he would not go to Longbourn—not now, perhaps not ever.
“I like Lady Agatha. I have spoken little with her, but she appears agreeable, though at times embarrassed by her mother’sexuberance. Yes—you might pay her your addresses. But are you certain you can do so only a few days after—”
“No, I am not certain. It is a plan only. I prefer my life to be settled. I do not say I shall marry within the month, but by autumn I intend to have a mistress at Pemberley.”
“I rather doubt that Lady Agatha would find Pemberley agreeable for more than a short summer visit,” the colonel said plainly, without any ill intent.
“You see—that is precisely the kind of observation I require. You are accustomed to judging character. Your experience in the army has trained you. I, on the contrary, tend to observe appearances rather than substance.”
“And yet you possess great discernment. You often see more than others.”
“Yes—whether a man is good or bad. But with women, I find myself less certain.” He paused. “So—Lady Agatha would not relish the duties of a landowner’s wife?”
“Most likely not. But the best course is to visit her mother and judge for yourself. A few questions will soon reveal the truth.”
“Yes, I shall send my card. But we must also attend the principal assemblies in town.”
“First of all—Almack’s.”
Darcy looked less than pleased. “Ah…”
