Page 1: 9 August, 1812 My dear aunt de Bourgh, Now that a long and quiet year has passed, I hope you’ll receive my letter and not consign it to the fire in shame of me. I know my attempted elopement was nearly a frightful scandal. I will endeavour never to disappoint you so again. It grieves me that your opinion, which I value so highly, could be lost forever. I see now that my intended union would have brought too much dishonour on my brother’s good name, and on your own. It will please you to know I have heard nothing from Wickham since that dreadful day of our discovery. I am glad that my brother found my letter sooner than I intended, and I know now that the man I thought my beloved was only pursuing my fortune and never my heart. I now