Darcy's letter
Darcy is quite upset with the blunt refusal Elizabeth. He decides to write her a letter. Via this letters he wants to defend himself against all her accusations. He writes Wickham did not wish to become a preacher, and wished to study law. Darcy gave him 3,000 pounds for his purpose. This he squandered and tried to elope with Darcy�s sister. Colonel Fitzwilliam can confirm all these facts. Darcy also writes about the Bingley matter. He admits he could be the reason for their break-up. He thought Jane didn�t have any feelings for Mr. Bingley.
At first Elizabeth hardly believes what Darcy wrote, but as time passes she believes Darcy and her hatred against him disappears bit by bit.
Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam leave, closely followed by Elizabeth and Maria. The ladies stop off at the Gardiners� home in London, and joined by Jane, all three return to Longbourn. Kitty and Lydia are distraught that the militia is leaving for Brighton in two weeks. Elizabeth is pleased at this news for it will mean the departure of Wickham.
Elizabeth eventually tells Jane about Darcy�s proposal, but decides not to tell her about his part in Jane and Bingley�s breakdown. She is shocked concerning Wickham�s mercenary nature, but decides not to make this public as he is leaving the district. The wife of the Regiment�s Colonel invites Lydia to be a companion to go with her to Brighton. Elizabeth pleads with her father not to allow it, but he refuses.
Elizabeth goes on her trip with the Gardiners and they will go to Derbyshire where Darcy�s estate is. They decide to visit the Pemberley Estate, believing that Darcy is away, but while they walk on his grounds they meet Darcy, who just returned from a swim. This time she likes Darcy much more. He is more open and friendlier. Elizabeth is amazed by his change in character.
The Gardiners invite Darcy, his sister, Bingley and Elizabeth to Pemberly estate. The evening is quite nice. Elizabeth sings and Jane accompenies her at the piano. Caroline Bingley notices that Darcy likes Elizabeth a lot. She doesn't like that because she has an eye for Darcy as well. She tries to alter Darcy's opinion by critizing Elizabeth in every way. Unfortunately for her, her attempts are useless.
When the Gardiners and Elizabeth arrive at Longbourn they are brought up-to-date regarding Lydia�s situation. Lydia has eloped with Colonel Wickham. Mr. Gardiner leaves to join Mr. Bennett in London. Mr. Bennett returns very quickly though and Mr. Gardiner has to manage the situation all by himself.
Jane is running the household because Mrs. Bennett is indisposed in her room with hysterics. Mr. Bennett regrets not heeding Elizabeth�s warning and resolves to be stricter with Kitty. The whole neighborhood is full of gossip concerning Lydia�s shame, and what the future holds for her. In panic, Mr. Collins writes making useful remarks such as, "the death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison to this." He advises Mr. Bennett to disown her in order to save the rest of the family.
 
 
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