CHAPTER XII

Summary

• 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.