CHAPTER X

Summary

• Elizabeth receives a long letter from her aunt, Mrs. Gardiner, which she reads in a secluded spot to avoid interruptions.
• Mrs. Gardiner recounts how Mr. Darcy found Lydia and Mr. Wickham in London and took significant efforts to resolve the situation.
• Mr. Darcy confessed he felt responsible for the misunderstanding of Wickham's true nature due to his own pride and secrecy.
• Darcy sought information from Mrs. Younge, a woman connected to Wickham, and eventually located Lydia and Wickham.
• Darcy met with Wickham multiple times, persuading him to marry Lydia by offering financial assistance, paying off his debts, and securing his resignation commission in the army.
• Your uncle, Mr. Gardiner, initially wanted to take charge of the financial arrangements, but Darcy insisted on handling everything himself.
• The total expenses covered by Darcy included settling Wickham's debts and providing Lydia with a financial settlement.
• Mrs. Gardiner believes Darcy's actions were motivated by his sense of honor and possibly his feelings for Elizabeth but warns Elizabeth to share this knowledge with no one except Jane.
• Elizabeth reflects on Darcy's incredible generosity and struggles with feelings of gratitude, guilt, and admiration for him.
• She feels humbled by his actions, speculates whether his motivations were influenced by lingering feelings for her, and regrets her past judgments of him.
• Elizabeth is interrupted during her reflections by Wickham, who joins her on a walk and initiates casual conversation.
• Wickham brings up various topics, including her visit to Pemberley and his history with Mr. Darcy, attempting to shift the narrative in his favor.
• Elizabeth calmly counters Wickham's insinuations and avoids confrontation, maintaining a polite demeanor for her sister Lydia's sake.
• Elizabeth concludes the interaction by extending a reconciliatory gesture, emphasizing their familial connection, and they return to the house together.