The Bennets were invited to dine with the Lucases, and Charlotte Lucas continued to show kindness to Mr. Collins by engaging him in conversation, much to Elizabeth's relief.
Charlotte's motives, however, extended beyond friendliness—she actively sought to divert Mr. Collins's attention from Elizabeth to herself as part of her plan for securing marriage.
Mr. Collins, anxious to avoid scrutiny, discreetly left Longbourn the next morning and went to Lucas Lodge to propose to Charlotte.
Charlotte met Mr. Collins "accidentally" in the lane, where he expressed his feelings and made his proposal, which she accepted for practical reasons rather than affection.
Sir William and Lady Lucas approved the match enthusiastically, recognizing its advantages given their daughter's lack of fortune and Mr. Collins's future inheritance of Longbourn.
The Lucas family celebrated the engagement, viewing it as advantageous for Charlotte and expressing hopes that it would lead to greater social opportunities.
Charlotte, pragmatic about the union, acknowledged Mr. Collins's lack of sensibility or charm but saw marriage as a vital means of financial security and social respectability for a woman of her situation.
Charlotte worried about Elizabeth's reaction to the news, knowing it would likely shock and disappoint her due to their differing views on matrimony.
Charlotte instructed Mr. Collins not to reveal their engagement to the Bennet family upon his return to Longbourn, fearing gossip and judgment.
At Longbourn, Mr. Collins struggled to hide his excitement and curiosity about his morning absence from the Bennet family but successfully kept the secret.
Mrs. Bennet misinterpreted Mr. Collins’s eagerness to return as a sign he intended to marry one of her younger daughters, specifically Mary.
The following morning, Charlotte visited Elizabeth privately to disclose her engagement to Mr. Collins, leaving Elizabeth astonished and initially unable to accept the news.
Charlotte defended her decision, emphasizing her practical outlook on marriage and her desire for a stable home over romantic ideals.
Elizabeth outwardly wished Charlotte happiness despite her internal dismay, but struggled to reconcile the match with her views on compatibility and respect in marriage.
Elizabeth reflected on the profound differences in their attitudes toward marriage, feeling disappointed by Charlotte's choice and convinced of her inevitable unhappiness with Mr. Collins.