Volume 1: Chapter 20 Summary

Soon after Elizabeth quits the room, Mrs. Bennet returns to hear the outcome of the conversation. She is vexed to hear that Mr. Collins has been refused, and applies to her husband to talk some sense into Lizzie. He calls Elizabeth down. With a straight face, he tells her that her mother has threatened never to speak to her again if she does not marry Mr. Collins, and he swears that he himself will never speak to her if she does. Elizabeth suppresses a smile, and Mrs. Bennet flies into a rage.

In the midst of this confusion, Charlotte Lucas comes over. She is present, thus, when Mrs. Bennet tells Mr. Collins that nothing can be done to change Elizabeth's mind on the situation. He silences her dramatically, withdraws his offer and wishes that nothing further be said of the matter...