Chapter 9
Dear Fitzwilliam,
She has forgiven me. It is more than I deserve, a grace as freely fallen as the snow.
Do not laugh, Fitzwilliam. I have no pretensions to poetic genius, and I shall confine myself to sober and unembellished prose henceforth.
I have made my apologies to Miss Elizabeth, and she received them more kindly than I could deserve: indeed, she blamed herself for the confrontation, though I cannot think that her conduct on that occasion was in any way wanting.
What did she do but defend herself against most untoward recriminations? What did she say but the truth?
I have also revealed to her Wickham’s true nature: yes, even his treatment of Georgiana.
Perhaps you would object to the disclosure, but I have no fear that Miss Elizabeth will ever reveal our secret, nor, had you glimpsed her expression when I unfolded the tale, would you.
The colour drained from her face, and shining tears slipped down her cheeks.
Another in her place might have asked for evidence or wondered at Georgiana’s seeming want of conduct.
But Elizabeth asked only, “Is your sister now well?”
I nearly wept as well at such kindness. One cannot but regret that Georgiana is not likely to meet Miss Elizabeth, for they would be certain to become fast friends. The lady’s self-possession and liveliness might have done Georgiana a world of good.
I regret a great deal as regards Miss Elizabeth. Alas that the demands of lineage and station cannot be disregarded.
Enough. To contemplate impossible futures can profit no one.
I must be grateful that Miss Elizabeth has pardoned my offence, and that I may now leave for London in the certainty that she neither despises me nor reposes any trust in Wickham.
She is safe, and soon I shall be as well, if only the thaw will come. Another storm has blown in—
Editor’s Note: The letter breaks off here, a large ink blot at the bottom of the page suggesting that the pen was dropped upon it and left for some extended period. The contents of Mr. Darcy’s next letter imply that he never went back to conclude this one.