The next day, Mr. Darcy intercepts Elizabeth on her morning walk and hands her a letter before coldly taking his leave. In it, he justifies his actions over Bingley and Jane — he says he believed that Jane was indifferent to Bingley's advances and feared that his friend's heart would be broken if he continued to court her. Darcy also details his history with Wickham, who has misrepresented his treatment by Darcy and, shockingly, even attempted to seduce and elope with Darcy's young and vulnerable sister. Elizabeth is mortified that she has made an error in judgment and been prejudiced as she realizes the inconsistencies in Wickham's stories. New light is shed on Mr. Darcy's personality and Elizabeth begins to reconsider her opinion of him. Later, on holiday with her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, Elizabeth is persuaded to tour Pemberley, Mr. Darcy's estate, on the understanding that he is away. To her embarrassment he returns unexpectedly; however, his altered behavior toward her — distinctly warmer than at their last meeting — and his polite and friendly manner toward her aunt and uncle — who have made their wealth in trade - she is persuaded that underneath his pride lies a true and generous nature. This impression is reinforced by the testimony of his staff who speak of his kindness towards them and his tenants. Her revised opinion is reinforced on meeting his sister Georgiana, a gentle, shy young girl upon whom he dotes.Just as her relationship with Mr. Darcy is beginning to thaw, Elizabeth receives the dreadful news that her headstrong younger sister Lydia has eloped with Mr. Wickham, who has left his commission to evade gambling debts. She returns home, believing that this scandal can only further disgust Darcy, whatever he may feel for her personally. All is in chaos at home, particularly when it becomes apparent that Wickham has not married Lydia and the two are living together in London. Mr. Gardiner apparently traces them and arranges the wedding, delighting the foolish Mrs. Bennet. Only from a careless remark of Lydia's does Elizabeth discover that it was really Darcy who secretly intervened, buying Wickham's compliance and saving Lydia's reputation at great financial cost. This completes the reversal in Elizabeth's sentiments.Soon after, Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet are reunited by Darcy, and they become engaged. Lady Catherine discovers Mr. Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth, which threaten her long-cherished desire for him to marry her sickly and unattractive daughter. She pays Elizabeth an unannounced visit and brusquely tries to intimidate her into refusing such an engagement. Unfortunately for Lady Catherine, she then visits Darcy telling him of her visit to Elizabeth and Elizabeth's refusal of her demand, hoping to get him to give up the attachment. But instead this gives him the hope that if he proposes to Elizabeth again, she may accept him. He speedily returns to Netherfield and again asks Elizabeth to marry him, and this time she accepts.
