CHAPTER XXIII

Summary

• Elizabeth, while reflecting on the news of Charlotte's engagement, is interrupted by Sir William Lucas, who arrives to officially inform the Bennet family of his daughter's engagement to Mr. Collins.
• The Bennet family reacts with disbelief and incredulity. Mrs. Bennet vehemently denies the possibility, Lydia rudely interjects, and Elizabeth steps in to confirm the news as true, having already been informed by Charlotte.
• Elizabeth and Jane attempt to congratulate Sir William and quell the uproar, discussing the potential happiness of the match and the practical advantages of the union.
• Mrs. Bennet, after Sir William departs, expresses her outrage, disbelief, and resentment over the engagement, blaming Elizabeth for the situation and expressing anger toward the Lucas family.
• Mrs. Bennet's anger persists for an extended period, straining interactions with both the Lucas family and Elizabeth.
• Mr. Bennet finds amusement in the situation, sarcastically noting that Charlotte Lucas, whom he previously considered sensible, has shown herself to be foolish, even more so than Mrs. Bennet.
• Jane expresses mild surprise but wishes Charlotte and Mr. Collins happiness, while Elizabeth, disillusioned by Charlotte’s decision, feels their friendship is permanently altered.
• Meanwhile, Mr. Bingley's continued absence causes anxiety for Jane and Elizabeth. They begin to suspect that Bingley’s sisters, along with Mr. Darcy, are intentionally keeping him away, possibly due to Miss Darcy’s influence.
• Jane remains determined to conceal her distress, while Mrs. Bennet incessantly talks about Bingley, urging Jane to feel wronged if he does not return.
• Mr. Collins writes to the Bennet family, expressing gratitude for his time at Longbourn and announcing his plans to return soon. He notes that Lady Catherine approves of the engagement and wishes for a quick marriage.
• Mrs. Bennet dreads Mr. Collins’s return and complains about the inconvenience of having him as a guest again, especially given the circumstances of his engagement to Charlotte.
• Upon his return, Mr. Collins spends most of his time at Lucas Lodge, engaged in his courtship, minimizing his interactions at Longbourn, much to the Bennet family’s relief.
• Mrs. Bennet grows increasingly bitter toward Charlotte, seeing her as a rival and future successor to Longbourn. She suspects Charlotte and Mr. Collins of plotting to take over the estate after Mr. Bennet’s death.
• Mrs. Bennet constantly complains to Mr. Bennet about the entail and the perceived injustice of Charlotte inheriting the estate, while Mr. Bennet counters her complaints with sarcastic remarks.
• The chapter ends with continued tension over the engagement, unresolved anxiety about Mr. Bingley’s absence, and Mrs. Bennet’s mounting frustration regarding her family’s future prospects.