I insist
Posted by Constanza on December 02, 1997 at 15:12:34:
In response to CC&M, written by Laura W on December 01, 1997 at 17:21:22
]
] I know you put a ;-) up there but do you really think she did? I think she certainly took advantage of the situation, but she can't seriously have considered marrying him much before she showed up at Longbourne after Lizzy's refusal; she knew as well as everyone else that he intended to marry a Bennet.
]
I am sorry Laura, but I must insist.
I agree that she couldn’t have consider marrying him before he turned up at Longbourn, but since the very beginning Charlotte is trying to catch him. At Netherfield ball Elizabeth owed her greatest relief to her friend Miss Lucas, who often joined them, and good-naturedly engaged Mr. Collins's conversation to herself (Chapter 18)
Then, after Lizzy’s refusal (chapter 20) and during Mrs. Bennet’s talk with Collins, Charlotte, detained first by the civility of Mr. Collins, whose inquiries after herself and all her family were very minute, and then by a little curiosity, satisfied herself with walking to the window and pretending not to hear. So you see, Charlotte is really interested in knowing what has happened with Lizzy and Collins.
I agree that she wouldn’t have taken him away from the Bennet’s girl if either Jane or Elizabeth would have been interested. But Jane is in the verge of a proposal from Bingley, or so it seems, and Elizabeth cannot stand him.
So, in JA words:
THE Bennets were engaged to dine with the Lucases, and again during the chief 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, 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.
So you see, it wasn’t by chance; she set out to catch him, and indeed she did.
] BTW, I am not picking on you! :-) Really!
No problem. Unlike Bingley, I enjoy a good discussion now and then!!!! :-)
BTW, thank you for the correction. It is the only chance I have of learning! I hope I haven´t made any other as gross as the one you caught me at!! ;-)
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