Wednesday 27th November he decided that if was time to propose to Elizabeth. He has to leave on Saturday; Lady Catherine wants him back on that day.
He asks Mrs Bennet if he can speak to Elizabeth alone. Mrs Bennet is all so willing to do so, unlike Elizabeth who would rather so anything at all than be left in a room with Mr Collins. This is shown when she says, “He can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not hear”. To any other man this would clearly indicate Elizabeth did not want to talk to him but not Mr Collins. He is so stupid he has no idea what she is trying to imply,
Elizabeth tried to leave the room but her mother insisted she stayed to speak to him. Meanwhile Mr Collins just thinks she is embarrassed but this is not the case, she is actually amused by what he is about to do. This showed Mr Collins’ true colours.
Mr Collins proceeds to tell her how modest she is and that she had many other perfections, he does this without being able to know these things because he had not known her long enough to shower her with praise. Mr Collins lets her know that he is madly in love with her but falls to see the truth behind the situation that Elizabeth only stayed because her mother had told her. “I am run away with feelings on this subject”.
Mr Collins tries to justify reasons for marring Elizabeth but these reasons seem to be fruitless and none plausible. Lay Catherine telling him it is time he should marry and to set an example to his parishioners as a clergyman neither show true intent to marry. Also but mentioning Lady Catherine, he hopes to impress Elizabeth with the company he keeps. Mr Collins unaware of the etiquette of romancing/marriage fails to impress Elizabeth before his imminent proposal
Mr Collins continues to convince Elizabeth of his worth to be a future husband and continues in the same vein as before; unimpressive. He states that she should be grateful he shows interest in her, as many other ‘amirable woman’ is available. Elizabeth becomes more discussed and uninterested when he proceeds to talk about Mr Bennet’s inheritance that could kept in the family should they marry. This only enhances the persona of Mr Collins as desperate and tactless, who fails to show any consideration for Elizabeth and her family.
Elizabeth has then heard enough of Mr Collins proposal and very courteously interrupts him to decline his offer, Elizabeth remains civil and calm although she has been unimpressed by his attitude. “It is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them “. Mr Collins refuses to except this refusal and persists to propose more even though Elizabeth has been clear in her answer.
Elizabeth believes she is not right for him and Lady Catherine would agree with this assessment. Mr Collins has set his sights on marrying Elizabeth and says he shall talk and explain to Lady Catherine, Elizabeth’s situation and await her response. This portrays that Mr Collins will only marry on Lady Catherine’s word, again showing insincere actions. Elizabeth continues to decline his proposal, as he continues not to accept it only wanting to hear a “Favourable answer “.
Mr Collins finally to begin to realise marrying Elizabeth is not going to be easy and leaves Longbourne Estate and goes to Charlotte.