Mr. Darcy, angry and upset, decides to write a letter defending himself against
accusations that Elizabeth leveled at him in her refusal of his offer of marriage.
First, he defends himself against her accusations concerning Wickham. He reveals that
Wickham is a scoundrel who declined interest in the church and received a sum of
5000 pounds instead of the church living. In addition, Wickham tried to elope with
Georgiana, Darcy’s sister, in order to gain access to her fortune of 30 000 pounds.
In the second part of his letter, Darcy explains
that when he separated Bingley from Jane, he believed her to be indifferent to him.
In addition, he objected to the want of propriety displayed by their mother, their
younger sisters and, occasionally, even their father.
Upon receiving the letter, Elizabeth finds its contents difficult to believe.
However, gradually she comes to understand Darcy’s point of view and her hate of
him dissipates.
Elizabeth’s visit to the Hunsford parsonage is now at an end and she returns home to her family. Jane has also returned home from her trip to London but is still quite depressed. The news at home is that the militia currently stationed at the nearby town of Meryton is moving to Brighton. The younger Bennet sisters are distressed at the news and long to visit Brighton. When Lydia, the youngest Bennet sister, receives an invitation to stay in Brighton with Mrs. Forster, the wife of the colonel of the regiment, she is ecstatic.
Summer arrives and Elizabeth is invited to take a tour of Derbyshire with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. While they are there, they decide to visit Pemberley, Darcy’s estate. Elizabeth refuses to go until she discovers that the family is away from home for the summer. Her source of information, however, is mistaken; Darcy is already on his way home from London.
Pemberley turns out to be a grand and beautiful estate with a magnificent house
surrounded by a large park. Inside the house, they are taken on a tour by the
housekeeper who has nothing but praise for Darcy. Elizabeth can hardly believe
the housekeeper's words.
Meanwhile, Darcy has arrived at Pemberley and is taking a swim in his lake. Just as he is walking back to the house he stumbles upon Elizabeth who is exploring the park. Both are surprised and speechless. They exchange polite greetings before Darcy rushes off. Elizabeth is embarrassed and declares that they must leave immediately but before they reach their carriage, Darcy reappears. He is friendly and open towards Elizabeth and the Gardiners. Elizabeth is astonished at the drastic change in his character. Darcy reveals that Georgiana, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Bingley’s sisters will arrive at Pemberley on the next day and they all part amiably.
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