Episode 4, BBC1, tx. 15/10/1995

After proposing to Elizabeth Bennet and being rejected, Mr Darcy returns to Rosings to write a letter justifying his past actions. He explains the basis of his troubled relationship with Mr Wickham, relating that Mr Wickham once had designs on Georgiana, Darcy's sister. While walking the next morning, Darcy presents Elizabeth with his letter, which she then reads. His letter also explains his reasons for persuading Mr Bingley not to marry Jane Bennet. On return to Mr and Mrs Collins, where Elizabeth is staying, she is informed that Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have left for London.

Elizabeth, Mr and Mrs Collins and Maria (Charlotte Collins' sister) visit Lady Catherine de Bourgh at Rosings and Lady Catherine expresses irritation at Elizabeth's plans to return home. On her return to Longbourn, Elizabeth is told that Mr Wickham's courtship of Miss King has ended with Miss King's removal to Liverpool. Later, Elizabeth confides in Jane, telling her of the proposal and her discoveries about Wickham's true nature, but they decide not to tell her findings to anyone else.

Mr Bennet tells the family that, despite the regiment moving to Brighton, the family will not be visiting them there. However, much to Mrs Bennets' joy, Lydia is invited to Brighton by Colonel Forster's wife. Despite Elizabeth's misgivings, her father gives his permission for Lydia to go. The Bennets meet with the regiment one last time before they leave, and Elizabeth tells Wickham of her meeting with Darcy, noting that her perception of him has much improved.

Elizabeth visits Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner. They decide to visit Darcy's estate, Pemberley, on the understanding that he and his family are away. The housekeeper shows them around Pemberley and praises her master's kindness and handsomeness, inviting Elizabeth to admire his portrait. Unbeknown to Elizabeth, Mr Darcy unexpectedly arrives back at Pemberley, and dives into the lake to cool off. Soaking wet, he walks back to the house, meeting a mortified Elizabeth on the way and surprising them both. He hurries to dress and rushes to meet up with her again, stopping her as she is about to leave. He is most charming, asking to meet her family, and showing them all around the grounds of Pemberley. He invites Elizabeth and her family to dinner the next evening, mentioning that he would very much like her to meet his sister.