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Chapter XXI.
The discussions about Collins's offer were drawing to a close; Elizabeth
no longer had to endure anything but that uncomfortable feeling, which
inevitably arises from such situations, and, from time to time,
a few pointed allusions from her mother. As for the gentleman, he showed no sign of being troubled or dejected, nor did he try to avoid Elizabeth, but rather
expressed his feelings with a stiff demeanor and a
resentful silence. He hardly spoke to her; and those assiduous attentions, so
appreciable on his part, he devoted all day to Miss Lucas, who listened to him kindly, providing everyone, and especially his
friend Elizabeth, with great relief.
The following morning, Mrs.
Bennett's ill humor and poor health had not abated. Mr. Collins, too, was suffering from the wound to his
pride. Elizabeth believed that his resentment would shorten his visit; but
Mr. Collins's plans did not seem to be altered in the least.
He had intended from the outset to leave on Saturday, and until Saturday
he intended to stay.
After lunch, the girls went to Meryton to find out if
Wickham had returned, and to express their regret for his absence at the Netherfield ball. They found him as they entered the village, and he accompanied them to his aunt's house, where they talked at length about his absence, his misfortune, and the consternation it had caused everyone. But before Elizabeth, he readily admitted that his absence had been premeditated.
"As the time drew near," he said, "I thought it best not to meet Darcy, for being together in a drawing room for so many hours would have been beyond my strength, and the situation might have become unpleasant to others as well."
Elizabeth fully approved of Wickham's conduct, and they discussed it extensively, exchanging compliments as they walked to Longbourn, where Wickham and another officer escorted the girls.
During the walk, Wickham devoted himself entirely to Elizabeth, and this gave her
a double satisfaction: receiving her compliments and having the
occasion to introduce him to her parents.
Shortly after their arrival, a letter was brought for Jane. It came from
Netherfield, and the young woman opened it immediately. The envelope contained a small sheet of
very elegant, satin-like paper, covered with the writing of a
beautiful and agile woman's hand. Elizabeth noticed that her
sister's expression changed as she read and that she paused intently on certain
paragraphs. Jane quickly recovered; she put down the letter and tried to join
the conversation with her usual cheerfulness; but Elizabeth
was so curious that she even stopped paying attention to Wickham. And
as soon as he and his companion left, Jane invited her with a look
to join her upstairs. Once in her room, Jane showed her
the letter and said:
"It's from Caroline Bingley; its contents surprised me greatly."
Everyone in the house has left Netherfield and is now on their way to the capital, from where they have no intention of returning. Listen to what she says.
Jane read aloud the first paragraph, which stated that they had decided to go to London with her brother and intended to have lunch that very day in Grosvenor Street, where Mr. Hurst had his house. The following was worded as follows: “I am sorry to leave Hertfordshire for no one but you, my dearest friend; but I hope to enjoy again later the delightful moments we spend together, and in the meantime we can lessen the pain of parting with very frequent and effusive letters. I am counting on your correspondence.” Elizabeth listened to all these haughty pronouncements with impassivity, due to the distrust they inspired. She was surprised by the haste with which they had left, but in truth, she saw no reason to regret it. It could not be assumed that their absence from Netherfield would prevent her from coming to Bingley; and as for the ladies' absence, she was sure that Jane would be comforted by her brother's presence.
"It is a pity," she said after a short pause, "that you could not see your friends before they left. But can we not hope that the future happiness your friend so desires will come sooner than she thinks, and that the wonderful relationship you have had as friends will be renewed with even greater satisfaction as sisters? They will not stop Mr. Bingley in London."
—Caroline says that none of them will be returning to Hertfordshire this winter. I'll read it to you: “When my brother left us yesterday, he imagined that the business that called him to London could be taken care of in three or four days; but since we know that this will not be the case, and convinced, at the same time, that when Charles goes to the capital he is in no hurry to return, we have decided to go with him so that he doesn't have to spend his remaining free time in a hotel, without any comfort. Many of our acquaintances are already there to spend the winter; I would like to know if you, my dearest friend, intend to do the same; but I don't think it's possible. I sincerely hope that Christmas in Hertfordshire will be abundant with the joys proper to those festivities, and that your suitors will be so numerous that they will prevent you from feeling the loss of the three gentlemen we have taken from you.”
“Therefore, it is evident,” added Jane, “that Mr. Bingley will not be returning this winter.”
“The only thing that is evident is that Miss Bingley is the one who says he will not be returning.”
“Why do you think so? It must be Mr. Bingley’s doing: He is not dependent on anyone. But you don’t know the whole story yet. I will read you the passage that hurts me the most. I don’t want to hide anything from you. ‘Mr. Darcy is impatient to see his sister, and the truth is that we are no less eager to see her. I believe that Georgina Darcy is unequaled in beauty, elegance, and talent, and the affection she inspires in Louisa and me increases with the hope we cherish that she may one day be our sister. I don’t know if I have ever expressed my feelings to you on this matter; but I do not want to leave without confiding in you, and I imagine you will find it quite reasonable.’” My brother already greatly admires her, and now he will have
frequent opportunities to see her in the most intimate way. Georgina's family desires this union as much as we do, and I don't believe that sisterly passion blinds me when I think that Charles is quite capable of winning
the heart of any woman. With all these circumstances in favor of
this relationship and with nothing to prevent it, I cannot be mistaken, my dearest
Jane, if I hope that the event that would bring
happiness to so many will take place."
"What do you think of this paragraph, Lizzy?" Jane asked when she had finished
reading. "Isn't it quite clear? Doesn't it clearly express that Caroline nor
Does she expect or wish that I am his sister, that she is completely
convinced of her brother's indifference, and that if she suspects the
nature of my feelings for him, she intends, with all kindness,
to warn me? Can this
matter be interpreted any other way?
Yes, it can. I interpret it quite differently. Do you want to know
how?
Of course.
I'll tell you in a few words. Miss Bingley has realized
that her brother is in love with you and she wants him to marry
Miss Darcy. She has gone to the capital after him, hoping to
keep him there, and she is trying to convince you that Bingley doesn't care about you at all.
Jane shook her head.
That's right, Jane; you must believe me. No one who has seen you together can
doubt Bingley's affection. His sister doesn't doubt it either; she's not that
foolish. If I had seen half that affection in Darcy, I would have ordered the wedding dress by now. But the fact is, we are not rich enough or distinguished enough for them. If Miss Bingley is so keen to marry Miss Darcy to her brother, it is because it would make it easier for her to marry Darcy himself; which I find rather naive. But I dare say she would achieve her goal if Miss de Bourgh were not in the way. However, you cannot seriously believe that just because Miss Bingley tells you her brother likes Miss Darcy, he is any less in love with you than he was on Thursday when you said goodbye; nor that his sister could possibly convince him to love Miss Darcy instead of you.
“If our opinion of Miss Bingley were the same,” replied Jane, “your explanation would reassure me. But I know you are being unfair to her. Caroline is incapable of deceiving anyone; the only thing I can hope for in this case is that she is deceiving herself.”
“That’s right. You couldn’t have come up with a better idea, since mine doesn’t comfort you. Suppose she is deceiving herself. That way you’ll be on good terms with her and see that you have nothing to worry about.”
“But Lizzy, can I be happy, even assuming the best, by accepting a man whose sisters and friends wish him to marry someone else?”
“That must be decided for you,” said Elizabeth. “If, after mature reflection, you find that the misfortune of displeasing his sisters is more than equivalent to the happiness of being his wife, then I certainly advise you to reject Bingley.”
“How silly you are!” said Jane with a slight smile. “You must know that, although I would be very sorry for his disapproval, I would not hesitate.”
“I had suspected as much, and being so, I don’t think I can pity your situation.”
“But if he doesn’t return all winter, my choice will have been for nothing. So much can happen in six months!” Elizabeth rejected the idea that Bingley might not return; It seemed to her
simply a suggestion of Caroline's self-serving desires, and she could not
suppose for a moment that such desires, whether
expressed openly or covertly, would influence the mind of
such an independent man.
She explained her view to her sister as eloquently as she could, and
soon observed the positive effect of her words. Jane was by
naturally optimistic, which gradually led her to hope
that Bingley would return to Netherfield and fulfill all the longings of her
heart, though doubt occasionally assailed her.
They agreed that they would inform Mrs. Bennet only of the family's departure, so as not to alarm her too much; but she was alarmed nonetheless
quite alarmed; and she lamented the terrible misfortune that the ladies
had left just when they had become so close. He was deeply saddened by this, but consoled himself with the thought that Bingley would soon return for lunch at Longbourn, and ended up declaring that although he had been invited to dine with his family alone, he would take great care to prepare two excellent dishes for that day.
YouTube Title
Pride and Prejudice – Chapter 21 | Mr. Collins Proposes to Charlotte Lucas | Complete Audiobook
Description
In Chapter 21 of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, a surprising turn of events changes the future of several characters. After Elizabeth Bennet rejects him, Mr. Collins quickly proposes to Charlotte Lucas, who accepts his offer for practical reasons rather than love.
This chapter explores the contrast between romantic ideals and social reality, highlighting the pressures faced by women in Regency England.
Enjoy this complete audiobook chapter, carefully narrated for lovers of classic English literature.
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Questions for the Audience
Do you think Charlotte Lucas made the right decision by accepting Mr. Collins?
Would you choose security over love in Charlotte’s situation?
What does this chapter reveal about marriage in Jane Austen’s time?