] But not usually in answer to someone else's speculation unless it advances the theory in a way that coincides with my understanding of the characters and the times. The only post in direct opposition I might make is if there is a something in the text which absolutley prevents the possibility of the speculation.

My speculation arose after reading in Line's post that she didn't think Charlotte would leave Elizabeth if Elizabeth had been really ill. I admit that I was wondering whether Darcy and/or Fitzwilliam would have been alarmed at anything Mr Collins said, since by now they must know that he is a bit of a pompous twit. And then I simply followed that line of thinking a bit further, and wondered whether either gentleman would speak to Charlotte if he were truly worried -- not to say something like "perhaps I should just go over there and check on her" or "have you called the apothecary," but rather more along the lines of "do give Miss Bennet my wishes for her quick recovery -- I trust she is not seriously ill?"