Elizabeth wakes up the next morning, still preoccupied with thoughts of Mr. Darcy's unexpected proposal and her rejection of him.
Unable to focus on any activity, she decides to go for a walk but avoids her usual path, fearing she might encounter Mr. Darcy there.
While walking along a different route, Elizabeth notices a gentleman in the nearby grove; to her dismay, it is Mr. Darcy.
As Mr. Darcy approaches her, he hands her a letter and asks her to read it, then immediately departs.
Elizabeth, driven by curiosity, opens the letter, which is lengthy and detailed, explaining Mr. Darcy's actions regarding two key accusations: separating Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet, and his treatment of Mr. Wickham.
In the letter, Mr. Darcy defends himself regarding Jane and Bingley:
He observed that Jane did not show any particular affection for Bingley, despite his strong feelings for her.
Mr. Darcy admits to convincing Bingley that Jane was indifferent, which influenced Bingley's decision to leave Hertfordshire.
He also confesses to concealing Jane's presence in London from Bingley, believing it was for the best.
Mr. Darcy shifts to addressing Elizabeth’s accusation about Mr. Wickham, providing a detailed account of their history:
Wickham was supported by Mr. Darcy's father, who provided him with an education and left him a small inheritance.
Wickham gave up his claim to a church position in exchange for a monetary settlement but squandered the money and later sought additional financial support from Mr. Darcy.
Most critically, Mr. Wickham attempted to elope with Mr. Darcy's fifteen-year-old sister, Georgiana, likely to gain access to her fortune. The plan was thwarted by Mr. Darcy's timely intervention.
Mr. Darcy asserts that Wickham’s actions demonstrated selfishness and dishonesty, countering Wickham’s claims of being mistreated by him.
Mr. Darcy concludes the letter by expressing hope that Elizabeth will understand his perspective and offering Colonel Fitzwilliam as a corroborating witness to his claims.
The letter leaves Elizabeth with much to consider, as it reveals information that challenges her previous assumptions about both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham.