Darcy hands Elizabeth a letter. Within the letter is Darcy’s explanation for everything. He again admits that he withdrew Bingley from Jane. But, he did so because he was worried for his friend - a lovesick Romeo in this case - and didn’t think Jane’s affection was as strong as Bingley’s and that she may be taking advantage of the situation. Darcy also doesn’t approve of the Bennett family as a suitable match for Bingley to marry into. 

As for Wickham, Darcy states that he did give Wickham a sum of money when his father passed - money that was meant to be spent on law school. But Wickham used up the funds and demanded more. When Darcy refused, Wickham charmed Darcy’s young sister, Georgina, in hopes of claiming the fortune - as Darcy sees it. He was almost successful at it too - Georgina was ready to elope with Wickham before Darcy intervened.

Upon first reading the letter, Elizabeth was shocked and in disbelief - how dare Darcy double down on his statements. But after rereading and rereading the letter, Elizabeth began to recount all her interactions with Wickham. She surmised Wickham was not the virtuous man that she believed him to be and that Darcy’s letter must be true. She became ashamed of herself and her prejudice.

The Jane Austen Podcast with Alison Larkin is a Realm production. Listen away.

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