Dear Mr. Darcy,
I thank you for your letter and for the explanations within. They were very well expressed and have succeeded in making me reassess my view of both situations as well as of the individuals involved.
In regards to the evidence given with respects to Mr. Wickham, it must be taken as the truth. There is no circumstance that would cause you to create such a story involving your sister. Much of what was told to me by Mr. Wickham himself confirms your version of what happened.
But before I continue on this subject I must take this opportunity to express my sincere apologies for the way I have thus treated you in every instance of our acquaintance. I believe I was ruled by my own prejudice. This must come from the nature of our first meeting in Hertfordshire. I believe my prejudice towards you was created from the wound you inflicted on my pride when you exclaimed to Mr. Bingley that I was 'not handsome enough to tempt' you. After this first unfortunate encounter I took every opportunity to form an image of your character that was proud and conceited and generally disagreeable.
I was mistaken. For this I am sincerely sorry.
I return to the matter of Mr. Wickham now. I am ashamed at my own sentiments these past months. He took every opportunity to flatter and flirt and I was content to be pleased with him, and myself. There is nothing in his character that is honest or good. Simply charming and obliging. I see that now. I am determined to think of him as I should always have and I hope you can forgive my vanity.
In regards to the separation of my sister and Mr. Bingley, I will not dwell on the matter. I see that your intentions were not malicious. While I do not pretend to be happy with the results, you intended only to help your friend. For this I cannot blame you.
This is all I will say on the matter.
I am sorry if my words or actions have hurt you. I cannot pretend that there was no intent to do so in them but I am very grieved that I should have acted so. You did not deserve my censure and yet I gave it so very freely. I was wrong. I apologize. I hope that you can forgive me.
I do not believe we will meet again soon, and I do not believe that when we do meet again we will not be affected by what has been between us and the knowledge we share. I do hope that if we cannot be friends we can at least be polite and meet without any ill feelings.
Sincerely,
Miss Elizabeth Bennet