Jane thinks that Elizabeth is being too critical of Mr. Collins and Charlotte's upcoming union. She reminds her younger sister that Charlotte has a "'steady, prudent character'" and that Mr. Collins is a respectable man. This makes their match more reasonable to Jane. She explains to Elizabeth that Charlotte could not have found better man to be her husband because her parents have many children. Sir Lucas and Lady Lucas have several daughters, so they cannot afford a large dowry for Charlotte. Also, she is plain and this is considered undesirable.
Elizabeth is adamant that her friend cannot possibly love Mr. Collins because he is a "'conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, [and] silly man.'" She thinks that Charlotte was not in her right mind when she accepted the proposal from Mr. Collins. Jane tells her sister that Charlotte "'may feel something like regard and esteem for [their] cousin.'" Elizabeth believes that Charlotte will trade "security for happiness." Charlotte will have a home, a respectable husband, and someone to provide for her when she marries Mr. Collins. Jane wishes that Elizabeth will eventually "'be convinced [that it is a good match] by seeing them happy together.'"
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