Mr. Darcy

Mister Bennet,

I recognize that I can claim only an indifferent relationship with you thus far. Yet, I believe that you a received recent communications from your nephew Mr. Collins regarding an encounter he witnessed between myself and your second eldest daughter. Thus, I consider this epistle a necessary, though distasteful interruption of your regular correspondences.

First, let me assure you that your daughter's actions deserve no chastisement. Mr. and Mrs. Collins witnessed our first, and only, private communication. In the spirit of accuracy and truth, I could not describe Miss Bennet as demure or modest. I have witnessed your affection for Miss Bennet, and thus conjecture that my statement holds few revelations for you. However, I assure you that her manner and her actions towards myself leave me in no doubt of her virtue.

I blame myself alone for the breaching the bounds of decorum on the occasion we speak of. I offer no excuses or reasoning to dissolve your censure, but request forgiveness for exposing your faultless daughter to the derision of society. Though I believe my error a meager one, the consequences may prove disproportional. Mr. Collins has no gift for discretion and though my Aunt, Lady Catherine, will do her best to conceal the story, I fear that your daughter's reputation may suffer.

After consulting Miss Bennet, I plan to leave Rosings Park in a few hours time to attain an audience with yourself. No matter the outcome of our conversation, rest assured that I will take actions to ensure Miss Bennet's future respectability.

If your daughter and I marry in the future as a result of these circumstances, please know that I will do anything in my power to bring about her happiness. Miss Bennet possesses an intelligent mind, a kindness, and a humor that I have never seen united in any other woman. In honesty, I have never seen her equal. I value her unique qualities and, if our union comes to pass, pledge to never stifle her generous spirit. I believe that your daughter would find companionship with my younger sister. Miss Darcy has a very similar temperament to your eldest daughter, Miss Jane Bennet.

Sincerely,

Fitzwilliam Darcy