Chapter 22
Charlotte secures Mr. Collins
English edition
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1 The Bennets arrive at Lucas Lodge for dinner as November dusk settles over the cold lane.
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2 Charlotte gives Mr. Collins her steady attention while the elders converse beside the fire.
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3 Elizabeth warmly thanks Charlotte for her patience with Mr. Collins.
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4 Charlotte accepts Elizabeth’s thanks with a pleasant, composed face.
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5 Charlotte patiently encourages Mr. Collins's conversation at Lucas Lodge
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6 Mr. Collins eagerly declares himself to Charlotte in the damp lane outside Lucas Lodge
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7 Mr. Collins presses his palm over his heart as he entreats Charlotte to name their wedding day.
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8 Charlotte Lucas parts her lips to give her answer, her steady face untouched by romantic excitement.
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9 Fresh footprints lead through an ajar gate to the closed door of Lucas Lodge.
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10 Sir William eagerly shakes Mr. Collins’s hand, making the Lucases’ consent unmistakable.
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11 Lady Lucas counts years to Collins's inheritance; Sir William imagines St. James's
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12 Maria Lucas and her younger brother exchange delighted smiles beside the pianoforte.
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13 Charlotte Lucas quietly weighs the security her engagement has secured.
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14 Charlotte asks Mr. Collins to keep their engagement secret until she tells Elizabeth
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15 Mr. Collins presses his hand over his heart with ceremonious gravity as he promises secrecy.
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16 Mr. Collins bows to Mrs. Bennet in solemn gratitude, accepting her invitation to return
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17 Mr. Bennet gravely advises his cousin to consider Lady Catherine’s displeasure.
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18 Mr. Bennet gestures to the door, warning Collins against Lady Catherine's displeasure
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19 As the Bennet sisters withdraw for the night, Mr. Collins bows with ceremonious satisfaction.
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20 Charlotte has announced her engagement to Mr. Collins.
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21 Elizabeth half rises, crying out in disbelief at Charlotte's engagement to Mr. Collins
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22 Charlotte briefly lowers her eyes under Elizabeth’s reproach.
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23 Charlotte calmly turns Elizabeth’s astonishment back upon her.
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24 Elizabeth presses Charlotte's gloved hand, offering a strained wish for her happiness
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25 Charlotte calmly explains her choice to Elizabeth, asking only for a comfortable home.
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26 Elizabeth listens as Charlotte defends her choice of husband.
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27 Charlotte has departed, leaving Elizabeth seated beneath the middle window.
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28 Elizabeth sits alone, quietly absorbing Charlotte's engagement to Mr. Collins
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29 Elizabeth sits alone at the drawing-room window, wounded by Charlotte's decision
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