At 27 and of an undistinguished family background, Charlotte isn't going to have many more chances to get married. She has been quite frank with Elizabeth about her ideas of husbands, and Elizabeth has been quite frank with Charlotte concerning her feelings for Mr. Collins.

After Lizzy rejects Mr. Collins, Charlotte listens to Mr. Collins' speeches, and since Lady C. de B. has sent him get a wife, he turns to Charlotte.

I've felt more admiration for Charlotte this reading than ever before. She has no illusions, no delusions. She makes the best marriage she can, and she lives with more contentment than many of us more idealistic ones find. At Rosings, Elizabeth observes that Charlotte often seems not to hear what Mr. Collins is saying -- a great coping mechanism!