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So far, this did not contradict what Mr Wickham himself had told her of his history. Her mind went back to that conversation, she could remember it as if it had taken place last night.

“As for myself, it is many, many years since I first began to think of him in a very different manner. The vicious propensities-the want of principle, which he was careful to guard from the knowledge of his best friend, could not escape the observation of a young man of nearly the same age with himself, and who had opportunities of seeing him in unguarded moments, which my father could not have. Here again I shall give you pain-to what degree you only can tell. I can tell from your face that Mr Wickham has spoken to you on this subject.” He looked at her again, as if asking if he could continue.

She did not say anything, she did not trust her voice.

“But whatever may be the sentiments which Mr Wickham has created, a suspicion of their nature shall not prevent me from unfolding his real character. It adds even another motive. My excellent father died about five years ago; and his attachment to Mr Wickham was to the last so steady, that in his will he particularly recommended it to me to promote his advancement in the best manner that his profession might allow, and, if he took orders, desired that a valuable family living might be his as soon as it became vacant.” He stopped again, looking at her.

“He has mentioned the request to me.” Elizabeth said.

He nodded, “I am sure he tells many versions of it.”

He paused before carrying on “There was also a legacy of one thousand pounds. His own father did not long survive mine, and within half a year from these events Mr Wickham wrote to inform me that, having finally resolved against taking orders, he hoped I should not think it unreasonable for him to expect some more immediate pecuniary advantage, in lieu of the preferment by which he could not be benefited. He had some intention, he added, of studying the law, and I must be aware that the interest of one thousand pounds would be a very insufficient support therein. I rather wished than believed him to be sincere; but, at any rate, was perfectly ready to accede to his proposal. I knew that Mr Wickham ought not to be a clergyman.” Mr Darcy said as he started walking again.

“The business was soon settled. He resigned all claims to assistance in the church, were it even possible that he could ever be in a situation to receive it, and accepted in return three thousand pounds.

All connection between us seemed now dissolved.

I thought too ill of him to invite him to Pemberley or admit his society in town.

In town, I believe, he chiefly lived, but his studying the law was a mere pretence and being now free from all restraint, his life was a life of idleness and dissipation.

For about three years I heard little of him; but on the decease of the incumbent of the living which had been designed for him, he applied to me again by letter for the presentation.

His circumstances, he assured me, and I had no difficulty in believing it, were exceedingly bad.

He had found the law a most unprofitable study, and was now absolutely resolved on being ordained, if I would present him to the living in question of which he trusted there could be little doubt, as he was well assured that I had no other person to provide for, and I could not have forgotten my revered father’s intentions.

You will hardly blame me for refusing to comply with this entreaty, or for resisting every repetition of it.

His resentment was in proportion to the distress of his circumstances-and he was doubtless as violent in his abuse of me to others, as in his reproaches to myself.

After this period, every appearance of acquaintance was dropped.

How he lived I know not. But last summer he was again most painfully obtrusive on my notice at Ramsgate. ”

Mr Darcy had finished his story and was silent, waiting for Elizabeth to speak.

She was deep in thought, weighing up what he had told her against what she already knew.

They continued walking in silence for a long time.

She could not doubt him, there was more openness in his manner now than she had ever seen before.

She had thought that nothing would ever make her change her mind so completely.

She had believed Mr Wickham completely when he had told her his side.

She was amazed now how he had twisted the facts.

“And do you have any proof of this other than your word?”

“I would not have Georgiana retell the story for any man, or woman. But Colonel Fitzwilliam knows all of the details of what transpired.”

She nodded understandingly. “There is one thing I do not understand,” she said, “why are you telling me all of this?”

“Ah, yes of course.” He replied, “This you see is the confession I need to make to you. When I had the pleasure of your company while walking in Hyde Park, you dropped a letter. I saw Mr Wickham’s name in it.

I realised at that moment that it was in my power to prevent you from suffering the pain that I so nearly went through and I could not rest until I had explained all of this to you.

I could not let you go through that. I realise now that I should do more to stop Mr Wickham but I have been blinded.

I hope that you will forgive me?” He took her hand in his as he spoke. Elizabeth could hardly understand him.

“You do not owe me anything. There has been no harm done.”

“Not yet anyway. What would your advice be? How should I proceed in such a case?” Elizabeth felt that he was referring to more than just the situation with Mr Wickham.

“I am not sure how much can be done.” She said, still thinking. “It might be best if you spoke to the gentleman’s commanding officer and, without the full details, make him acquainted with what had happened.”

Mr Darcy smiled slightly, but did not let her hand go.

She continued. “But that would not help would it? For he would move on somewhere else.”

“You begin to see what I have been struggling with. I cannot see a way to out him without ruining my sister. But yet I feel now that I am placing her happiness above others.”

Elizabeth was silent as she thought about what she was doing for the sake of the happiness of her own sisters at the price of her own.

“No, " She said at last, “there is no way of stopping him permanently without ruining your sister. Or at least no way I can think of. Thank you for telling me this.”

They had been walking for a long time now and it was beginning to grow dark, although it was still early.

The clouds made it seem darker than it really was.

So they turned and walked back towards Gracechurch Street.

Her arm in his still, for he had still not released her hand.

Elizabeth felt that she should ask him in, in light of how cold it had become, he however declared that he would rather be getting home as he had been away for a very long time now.

She was just about to enter the house when he stopped her. “Miss Bennet there is one more thing I would like to ask you, if you would not mind?”

“Of course not Mr Darcy.”

“I have been wondering about your-” He seemed to change his mind, “Would you do me the honour of dancing with me, for the first two dances at the Middletons’s ball on Wednesday?”

She smiled in reply, “Good evening, Mr Darcy.” she said before entering the house.