I am always impressed with the wonderful writing from our posters whose first language is not English.

First, let me assure you that I like Charlotte, too. That's part of the reason that I think she made such a big mistake -- she's an intelligent woman, who has been a good friend of Elizabeth. I am almost as disappointed in her as Elizabeth is.

Second, Charlotte obviously does feel that being the wife of a pompous fool is better than staying single and living w/ her family. But that doesn't mean that it is better, nor does it mean that she will always see it this way. Unless her intelligence completely deserts her, she will have to feel the poverty of having no sensible companion -- for years, at least.