My Dear Nephew,
I am writing to address the most scandalous rumour that has recently been brought to my attention. While I know this rumour must only be a rumour, and a scandalous falsehood at that, I still want to inquire the truth straight from the source. I cherish frankness and sincerity in a relationship, and have always been told I exhibit those qualities exceptionally, and will not differ from them as I investigate this falsehood.
Two days ago tidings of an advantages marriage between a close friend of your own and a most unqualified lady has reached my ears. This appalling tidbit was followed closely by an atrocious rumour of the same sort, and I am sure you have heard of it. This rumour is of a coming union between yourself and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I fear this rumour has been founded and circulated by Miss Elizabeth herself to satisfy her own goals, and I am horrified to think that you have been made part of it.
As I have previously mentioned, I pride myself in my frankness and sincerity, and while I in no way wish to injure you by even supposing there is truth in this report, I feel like it is my right to see this falsehood contradicted. You know as well as I, that since your infancy it has been intended for you to be joined in wedlock to my own daughter, Miss de Bourgh, and to no one else. This was a wish of your late mother, and of my own. You, Mr. Darcy, are practically engaged to my daughter, and have a duty to this family and yourself. I entreat you to remember that along with your mothers wishes for your future.
If that does not deter you from this unfounded infatuation, I should remind you that Miss Elizabeth does not exemplify her race in the same feminine way as Miss de Bourgh, or match her in accomplishments. Miss Elizabeth would not even make you a suitable match! Her mother is an insensible woman who has inproperly raised her girls to make fools of themselves, which has been recently exhibited by the youngest in her marriage. Her sisters, sans the eldest, have all made fools of themselves in public many a time. Miss Elizabeth herself was neither reared by a governess, lacks fortune and connections, and is overall an obstinate and headstrong girl. I do not suggest relations with her in any way, for they would not do you well at all, it would even be for the best to avoid her altogether. She may be a gentleman's daughter, but she has not been reared to act or behave like one in the least.
Again, I ask that you not take injury in what I have to say, for I am saying them to remind you of your duty to our noble line, of which you are set out to continue with a marriage to my daughter. The rumours that have made their way to my own ears may be unfounded, and I may have wasted this ink on an unnecessary post, but I fear that this is not the case. I have come to the conclusion that this episode came about from a mere infatuation, but I would like this falsehood contradicted all the same. For no relation of propriety can come out such a union. Especially since the girl in question is altogether unsuitable as a match for one such as you. Her family and station bar you from her in a way that cannot be remedied, even if attempted. Again, I entreat you to remember your mothers wish for your future, from your earliest hours she had destined you to wed your my daughter, not a girl of inferior birth who lacks both the delicacy and propriety to respect the plans of others.
Nephew, I do hope you take my words to heart, for they come from my own sincerity and beliefs. I remain, your aunt and well- wisher.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh