Note also: Elizabeth turns down Darcyโs first proposal, and in the process, accuses him of doing some stuff he did not do (and also some stuff he totally did).
The next day, he surprises her on her walk. He hands her a letter, asks that she read it, and then takes off.
When this happened to me after I had turned someone down IN REAL LIFE, the letter contained a passionate argument to the tune ofย โactually youโre wrong and you do like me and you should go out with meโ and it was creepy af.
Darcyโs letter to Elizabeth starts with: โBe not alarmed, Madam, on receiving this letter,ย by the apprehension of its containing any repetition of those sentiments, or renewal of those offers, which were last night so disgusting to youโ. He goes on to set the record straight about the stuff he didnโt do (as well as the stuff he did) which is *actually relevant* to Elizabeth. And he, as promised, doesnโt romance her further.
Itโs totally bizarre that even now, this can be considered unusually great dude behaviour.