CHAPTER XXII

Summary

• The Bennets were invited to dine with the Lucases, and Charlotte Lucas continued to show kindness to Mr. Collins by engaging him in conversation, much to Elizabeth's relief.
• Charlotte's motives, however, extended beyond friendliness—she actively sought to divert Mr. Collins's attention from Elizabeth to herself as part of her plan for securing marriage.
• Mr. Collins, anxious to avoid scrutiny, discreetly left Longbourn the next morning and went to Lucas Lodge to propose to Charlotte.
• Charlotte met Mr. Collins "accidentally" in the lane, where he expressed his feelings and made his proposal, which she accepted for practical reasons rather than affection.
• Sir William and Lady Lucas approved the match enthusiastically, recognizing its advantages given their daughter's lack of fortune and Mr. Collins's future inheritance of Longbourn.
• The Lucas family celebrated the engagement, viewing it as advantageous for Charlotte and expressing hopes that it would lead to greater social opportunities.
• Charlotte, pragmatic about the union, acknowledged Mr. Collins's lack of sensibility or charm but saw marriage as a vital means of financial security and social respectability for a woman of her situation.
• Charlotte worried about Elizabeth's reaction to the news, knowing it would likely shock and disappoint her due to their differing views on matrimony.
• Charlotte instructed Mr. Collins not to reveal their engagement to the Bennet family upon his return to Longbourn, fearing gossip and judgment.
• At Longbourn, Mr. Collins struggled to hide his excitement and curiosity about his morning absence from the Bennet family but successfully kept the secret.
• Mrs. Bennet misinterpreted Mr. Collins’s eagerness to return as a sign he intended to marry one of her younger daughters, specifically Mary.
• The following morning, Charlotte visited Elizabeth privately to disclose her engagement to Mr. Collins, leaving Elizabeth astonished and initially unable to accept the news.
• Charlotte defended her decision, emphasizing her practical outlook on marriage and her desire for a stable home over romantic ideals.
• Elizabeth outwardly wished Charlotte happiness despite her internal dismay, but struggled to reconcile the match with her views on compatibility and respect in marriage.
• Elizabeth reflected on the profound differences in their attitudes toward marriage, feeling disappointed by Charlotte's choice and convinced of her inevitable unhappiness with Mr. Collins.