] The difficulty with this line of argument is that in saying Elizabeth is wrong to judge Charlotte by Elizabeth's standards, you are judging Elizabeth by your standards.

I did not say Lizzy was wrong to judge Charlotte by her standards, I said it was unfair to Charlotte for her to do so. Lizzy can judge Charlotte all she likes by her standards alone but I agree with Jane in Chapter 22 :

"My dear Lizzy, do not give way to such feelings as these. They will ruin your happiness. You do not make allowance enough for difference of situation and temper. Consider Mr. Collins's respectability, and Charlotte's prudent, steady character. Remember that she is one of a large family; that as to fortune it is a most eligible match; and be ready to believe, for everybody's sake, that she may feel something like regard and esteem for our cousin." (Chapter 24)

Jane is right except for the part in hoping Charlotte feels something like regard and esteem for Mr. Collins—she is of course not privy to Charlotte’s thoughts as I am.

]Charlotte doesn't make any judgment about Mr Collins as a father in anything JA tells us.

Would Charlotte feel she could be happy with a man (Chapter 22) whose parental abilities would be detrimental to her children? I do not think so badly of her.

]I hardly think that that is reason to give up on the factors you can control - such as who the father is.

You have interpreted my response incorrectly. I did not say women should not take precautions when choosing a spouse and father. What I am saying is that Charlotte did take the precaution you accuse her of not doing—that of considering Mr. Collins’ character. Charlotte considers his character in Chapter 22. The words “considering Mr. Collins's character” is clear enough for me. Obviously Charlotte thinks Mr. Collins is all she needs him to be or she would not want to marry him. What I meant by “there is no guarantee…” is that Charlotte cannot guarantee Mr. Collins will make her happy, or he will be a good father or that their children will be well adjusted and happy because she cannot foresee the future just as no one can. Charlotte like everyone can only make a decision she feels is right and only time will tell if she chose correctly. ;D

As long as Charlotte is not breaking a law, hurts no one—even Mr. Collins, I do not have a problem with her actions. I do not believe she has to abide by Lizzy’s standards. I think it is unreasonable to expect her pursuit of happiness to be the same as her friends. I feel Charlotte will continue to make him happy and if she can be happy in that situation—more power to her. I think we will just have to agree to disagree. :)