Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 22

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 else 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 secure of success if he had not been

to leave Hertfordshire so very soon. But here she did injustice

to the fire and independence of his character, for it led

him to escape out of Longbourn House the next morning with

admirable slyness, and hasten to Lucas Lodge to throw himself

at her feet. He was anxious to avoid the notice of his cousins,

from a conviction that if they saw him depart, they could not

fail to conjecture his design, and he was not willing to have

the attempt known till its success might be known likewise; for

though feeling almost secure, and with reason, for Charlotte had

been tolerably encouraging, he was comparatively diffident since

the adventure of Wednesday. His reception, however, was of

the most flattering kind. Miss Lucas perceived him from an

upper window as he walked towards the house, and instantly set

out to meet him accidentally in the lane. But little had she

dared to hope that so much love and eloquence awaited her there.

In as short a time as Mr. Collins's long speeches would allow,

everything was settled between them to the satisfaction of both;

and as they entered the house he earnestly entreated her to name

the day that was to make him the happiest of men; and though

such a solicitation must be waived for the present, the lady felt

no inclination to trifle with his happiness. The stupidity with

which he was favoured by nature must guard his courtship from

any charm that could make a woman wish for its continuance;

and Miss Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and

disinterested desire of an establishment, cared not how soon

that establishment were gained.

Sir William and Lady Lucas were speedily applied to for their

consent; and it was bestowed with a most joyful alacrity. Mr.