Edmond still had feelings for Mercedes, although he gradually fell in love with Haydee because he spent so much time with her. But the feeling of pride prevented an attempt to reconcile him with Mercedes. For Mercedes, he tried to kill her son and that was something very strong for her, but he didn’t make any move out of pride.
Edmond overcame some of his pride when he spared Albert’s life, but not completely because he wouldn’t run away from the duel and would be seen as a coward. The pride was softened, but not gone. And that’s why he could never try to get a second chance with her.
I think it’s very good to portray in a more realistic way the feeling and pride controlling a person instead of wanting to show that love overcomes everything and lovers reconcile.
by calypso_odyssey