by Jane Austen
For a sample of Jane Austen's handwriting, which was not as fancy as that taught in many schools for ladies, see p. 221.
8. Grosvenor street: a very fashionable street in London; many of its houses were occupied by the nobility.
9. returns: repetitions, renewals.
10. unreserved: frank, uninhibited.
11. insensibility: indifference, insusceptibility to being affected. Elizabeth's mistrust of Miss Bingley's effusive professions of affection, a mistrust that will be vindicated by subsequent events, echoes that of a character in Jane Austen's story “Lesley Castle.” This character, referring to a woman whose friendship she had not sought, declares, “she was so good as to conceive a violent partiality for me, which very soon settled in a downright Freindship [sic], and ended in an established correspondence.”
12. regard: care about. In other words, the company of Bingley will keep Jane from regretting the absence of his sisters.
13. Elizabeth is being sarcastic about Miss Bingley's flowery talk of bosom friendship and “delightful intercourse.”
14. Caroline: this use of her first name indicates Jane's belief in their being close friends.
15. his vacant hours: his leisure time.
16. London was at its busiest during the winter. Many wealthy people who had been in the country during the summer and fall would move to London around this time.
17. beaux: men who admire or court a woman; also, men who are fashionable (here it includes Darcy and Mr. Hurst). The term is probably meant to signify Miss Bingley's affected character. Jane Austen rarely uses it; the one exception is her having it be the favorite word of a very vulgar young woman in Sense and Sensibility. Miss Bingley's use of it may also represent an effort on her part to suggest the superficial character of Jane and Bingley's attachment, for “beaux” would often be used in reference to casual flirtations.
18. This, in addition to being a conventional wish for someone, expresses Miss Bingley's hope that Jane will find other lovers and thus cease to be interested in Mr. Bingley.
19. reserves: secrets.
20. interesting: important, significant.
21. sister: sister-in-law. It was common custom, as can be seen at numerous points in this novel, for people to use sister or brother for someone who was married to a sibling. This usage indicates the importance in this society of family ties; it also corresponds to the virtual impossibility of divorce, which ensured that a connection by marriage was almost as permanent as a connection by blood.
22. esteem: consider, estimate.
23. connection: marital connection.
24. attachment: attachment in love between them.
25. In other words, Miss Bingley hopes that a marriage between her brother and Miss 26. Darcy will facilitate a marriage between herself and Mr. Darcy.
26. my dearest Jane: Elizabeth uses this, or similar, phrasing on other occasions. Though such usage sounds formal or pretentious to our ears, it was standard among family members at the time. Jane Austen often addresses her sister in her letters as “my dear/dearest Cassandra” (see letter below).
A facsimile of Jane Austen's writing (reduced in size).
[From Oscar Fay Adams, The Story of Jane Austens Life (Boston, 1896), p. 7]
27. We see here a case where Jane's refusal to think badly of someone has serious consequences, by leading her to an important misjudgment.
28. you have now done your duty by her: you have now fulfilled your obligation to her, as a friend, of not thinking her to be deceitful.
29. hesitate: hesitate to marry him.
30. interested wishes: wishes or hopes shaped by her interest (in keeping her brother from Jane).
31. Meaning independent financially and legally. Elizabeth's estimation of the situation is generally better than Jane's, especially about Miss Bingley, though Elizabeth ends up being mistaken about Mr. Bingley.
32. temper: disposition, character.
33. desponding: prone to be despondent or despairing.
34. the diffidence of affection: misgivings about the strength of his affection.
35. comfortable: cheerful, encouraging.
36. two full courses: this would be a significant meal, for courses then did not mean a specific serving of a few items. A course involved a great variety of dishes, to be laid out on a table and selected among by those eating. Menus of the time show a single course containing enough food to satisfy most diners.
Chapter Twenty-Two
T he Bennets were engaged to dine with the Lucases, and again during the chief1 of the day, was Miss Lucas so kind as to listen to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth took an opportunity of thanking her. “It keeps him in good humour” said she, “and I am more obliged to you than I can express.” Charlotte assured her friend of her satisfaction in being useful, and that it amply repaid her for the little sacrifice of her time. This was very amiable, but Charlotte's kindness extended farther than Elizabeth had any conception of; —its object was nothing less, than to secure her from any return of Mr. Collins's addresses,2 by engaging them towards herself. Such was Miss Lucas's scheme; and appearances were so favourable that when they parted at night, she would have felt almost sure of success if he had not been to leave Hertfordshire so very soon.3 But here, she did injustice to the fire and independence4 of his character, for it led him to escape out of Longbourn House the next morning with admirable slyness,5 and hasten to Lucas Lodge to throw himself at her feet. He was anxious to avoid the notice of his cousins, from a conviction that if they saw him depart, they could not fail to conjecture6 his design, and he was not willing to have the attempt known till its success could be known likewise; for though feeling almost secure, and with reason, for Charlotte had been tolerably encouraging, he was comparatively diffident7 since the adventure of Wednesday.8 His reception however was of the most flattering kind. Miss Lucas perceived him from an upper window as he walked towards the house, and instantly set out to meet him accidentally in the lane.9 But little had she dared to hope that so much love and eloquence awaited her there.
In as short a time as Mr. Collins's long speeches would allow, every thing was settled between them to the satisfaction of both; and as they entered the house, he earnestly entreated her to name the day that was to make him the happiest of men;10 and though such a solicitation must be waved for the present, the lady felt no inclination to trifle with his happiness.11 The stupidity with which he was favoured by nature,12 must guard13 his courtship from any charm that could make a woman wish for its continuance; and Miss Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested14 desire of an establishment,15 cared not how soon that establishment were gained.
Sir William and Lady Lucas were speedily applied to for their consent; and it was bestowed with a most joyful alacrity. Mr. Collins's present circumstances made it a most eligible16 match for their daughter, to whom they could give little fortune; and his prospects of future wealth were exceedingly fair.17 Lady Lucas began directly to calculate with more interest than the matter had ever excited before, how many years longer Mr. Bennet was likely to live; and Sir William gave it as his decided opinion, that whenever Mr. Collins should be in possession of the Longbourn estate, it would be highly expedient that both he and his wife should make their appearance at St. James's.18 The whole family in short were properly overjoyed on the occasion. The younger girls formed hopes of coming out19 a year or two sooner than they might otherwise have done; and the boys were relieved from their apprehension of Charlotte's dying an old maid.20 Charlotte herself was tolerably composed. She had gained her point, and had time to consider of it. Her reflections were in general satisfactory. Mr. Collins to be sure was neither sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome, and his attachment to her must be imaginary. But still he would be her husband.—Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be
their pleasantest preservative from want. This preservative she had now obtained; and at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been handsome, she felt all the good luck of it.21 The least agreeable circumstance in the business, was the surprise it must occasion to Elizabeth Bennet, whose friendship she valued beyond that of any other person. Elizabeth would wonder, and probably would blame her; and though her resolution was not to be shaken, her feelings must be hurt by such disapprobation. She resolved to give her the information herself, and therefore charged Mr. Collins when he returned to Longbourn to dinner, to drop no hint of what had passed before any of the family. A promise of secrecy was of course very dutifully given, but it could not be kept without difficulty; for the curiosity excited by his long absence, burst forth in such very direct questions on his return, as required some ingenuity to evade, and he was at the same time exercising great self-denial, for he was longing to publish22 his prosperous23 love.
As he was to begin his journey too early on the morrow to see any of the family, the ceremony of leave-taking was performed when the ladies moved for the night;24 and Mrs. Bennet with great politeness and cordiality said how happy they should be to see him at Longbourn again, whenever his other engagements might allow him to visit them.
“My dear Madam,” he replied, “this invitation is particularly gratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to receive; and you may be very certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon as possible.”
They were all astonished; and Mr. Bennet, who could by no means wish for so speedy a return, immediately said,
“But is there not danger of Lady Catherine's disapprobation here, my good sir?—You had better neglect your relations, than run the risk of offending your patroness.”
“My dear sir,” replied Mr. Collins, “I am particularly obliged to you for this friendly caution, and you may depend upon my not taking so material a step without her ladyship's concurrence.”
“You cannot be too much on your guard. Risk any thing rather than her displeasure; and if you find it likely to be raised25 by your coming to us again, which I should think exceedingly probable, stay quietly at home, and be satisfied that we shall take no offence.”
“Believe me, my dear sir, my gratitude is warmly excited by such affectionate attention; and depend upon it, you will speedily receive from me a letter of thanks for this, as well as for every other mark of your regard during my stay in Hertfordshire. As for my fair cousins, though my absence may not be long enough to render it necessary, I shall now take the liberty of wishing them health and happiness, not excepting my cousin Elizabeth.”
With proper civilities the ladies then withdrew; all of them equally surprised to find that he meditated26 a quick return. Mrs. Bennet wished to understand by it that he thought of paying his addresses to one of her younger girls, and Mary might have been prevailed on to accept him. She rated his abilities much higher than any of the others; there was a solidity in his reflections which often struck her,27 and though by no means so clever as herself, she thought that if encouraged to read and improve himself by such an example as hers, he might become a very agreeable companion. But on the following morning, every hope of this kind was done away. Miss Lucas called soon after breakfast, and in a private conference with Elizabeth related the event of the day before.
The possibility of Mr. Collins's fancying himself in love with her friend had once occurred to Elizabeth within the last day or two; but that Charlotte could encourage him, seemed almost as far from possibility as that she could encourage him herself, and her astonishment was consequently so great as to overcome at first the bounds of decorum, and she could not help crying out,
“Engaged to Mr. Collins! my dear Charlotte, —impossible!”28
The steady countenance which Miss Lucas had commanded in telling her story, gave way to a momentary confusion here on receiving so direct a reproach; though, as it was no more than she expected, she soon regained her composure, and calmly replied,
“Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza? —Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?”
But Elizabeth had now recollected herself, and making a strong effort for it, was able to assure her with tolerable firmness that the prospect of their relationship was highly grateful to her, and that she wished her all imaginable happiness.
“I see what you are feeling” replied Charlotte, —”you must be surprised, very much surprised, —so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair, as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.”
Elizabeth quietly answered “Undoubtedly;” —and after an awkward pause, they returned to the rest of the family. Charlotte did not stay much longer, and Elizabeth was then left to reflect on what she had heard. It was a long time before she became at all reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a match. The strangeness of Mr. Collins's making two offers of marriage within three days, was nothing in comparison of his being now accepted. She had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony was not exactly like her own, but she could not have supposed it possible that when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better feeling to worldly advantage.29 Charlotte the wife of Mr. Collins, was a most humiliating picture!—And to the pang of a friend disgracing herself and sunk in her esteem, was added the distressing conviction that it was impossible for that friend to be tolerably happy in the lot she had chosen.
1. chief: greater part.
2. addresses: attempts at courtship.
3. It is now Thursday evening, and Mr. Collins is scheduled to leave on Saturday morning (see chronology, p. 714).
4. independence: meaning, most likely, his willingness to defy whatever conventions might demand a longer courtship. The term has an ironic edge, since in general Mr. Collins shows so little independence (not to mention fieriness) of spirit.
5. admirable slyness: surprising secrecy.
6. conjecture: guess.
7. diffident: lacking in confidence.
8. Meaning Elizabeth's rejection of him.
9. It would be considered improper for her to arrange a meeting alone with her lover, so she has to make it seem accidental by going into the lane on pretense of other business. Again Charlotte shows her calculating side. In contrast, Jane Bennet, when she is expecting a possible proposal later in the novel, makes every effort to avoid throwing herself in the way of her lover.
10. happiest of men: a standard phrase relating to marriage, similar to other trite ones employed by Mr. Collins.
11. Meaning that while Charlotte must put off for now his request to name a date, she is not inclined to delay it and keep him in suspense very long.
12. with which he was favoured by nature: that he was born with; the use of “favoured” is a sarcastic comment on this attribute.
13. guard: preserve.
14. disinterested: impartial, unprejudiced. There is irony in this use of the term since it often connotes lack of concern with one's monetary interest, and Charlotte's desire here centers around her own material benefit.
15. establishment: settled income and living arrangement; the term was often used in reference to marriage.
16. eligible: desirable.
17. His prospects are fair, or fine, because he will inherit the Bennet estate.
18. Meaning they should be presented at court, Sir William's obsession. Such presentations could happen on numerous important occasions, such as receiving a government promotion; Sir William hopes that Mr. Collins's inheriting a wealthy estate would justify the procedure for him and his wife.
19. coming out: being allowed to meet and socialize with eligible men. Generally yo
unger daughters would be kept, or at least delayed, from coming out if an elder sister had not married yet; this was in order to keep the younger ones from competing with the elder for the same potential husbands.
20. old maid: an older woman who has never married. The boys are relieved because an old maid would have to be supported by her family, which meant, once her father was gone, by her brothers. This is what happened to Jane Austen and her sister after the death of their father: they, along with their mother, lived in a house provided by one of her brothers, while their money came from regular sums sent to them by all her brothers.
This sentence also suggests the large size of the Lucas family, which is a principal reason why they can give Charlotte little fortune. The “younger girls” mentioned would be in addition to Charlotte and to her sister Maria, who seems already “out” since she was earlier noted as dancing with Bingley (p. 20). The “boys” mentioned do not include, most likely, the boy presented earlier in argument with Mrs. Bennet (p. 34), for he seemed far too childish to be one of those worrying about having to support an elder sister in the future. Thus the family has at least four girls, and three boys.
21. Charlotte's decision is one of particular pertinence and poignancy for Jane Austen. She too had little inheritance, and she ended up never marrying. She also knew her fate by the time this novel was written, for she was in her late thirties, and therefore beyond any realistic hope of marriage in the society of the time (Charlotte, at 27, is already almost past normal eligibility). Her awareness of the pains of Charlotte's situation appears in a line from a letter to her niece Fanny (see cover) advising her on whether to marry: “Single Women have a dreadful propensity for being poor—which is one very strong argument in favour of Matrimony” (Mar. 13, 1817). This awareness surfaces as well in her novels. Her unfinished novel, The Watsons, centers on a heroine who has been left penniless, and who will eventually (according to an outline of the story) have to choose between marrying for love and for money. Emma shows the extremely pinched circumstances of an elderly woman from a genteel background who has never married, Miss Bates, and her heavy dependence on the charity of her neighbors. Charlotte clearly appreciates this reality; she also knows that, given her age and lack of either fortune or good looks, Mr. Collins may be her last chance. With him, she will enjoy a comfortable income and home, the power of managing a household, and a much higher social position than she would have as a single woman.