Prudence and Practicality — C.J. Hill

Mr. Collins must marry.
If Lizzy won't have him, then Charlotte certainly will.

Mr Collins may be a conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, silly man, making him the object of considerable scorn for the Bennet sisters, but Charlotte knows to seize an opportunity when it presents itself.
After a week in his irksome company, her friend, Elizabeth, can only see his irritating manner. Whereas Charlotte, after a matter of hours, has already estimated his value and weighed it against the mortification she will undoubtedly have to endure. The opportunity to become the wife of a well-connected clergyman does not come along every day, and in a prudential light, it is certainly a good match for her. Charlotte believes it to be a trade she is willing to accept.

If only she can secure his attention before he must return to Kent.

You've read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice; now read it again from the perspective of Elizabeth Bennet's friend, Charlotte Lucas, an intelligent young woman, prudent and sensible. Marriage and a comfortable home has always been her object - not love or romance. Charlotte's story is woven into the fabric of the original novel as we follow her eventful year as she makes many discoveries about herself, her husband, and married life as the wife of the vicar of Hunsford parish.

Will Charlotte discover practicality to be a strong enough basis for marriage … or is this a marriage doomed to failure?

Regency historical romance; Jane Austen sequels and variations; Pride and Prejudice sequels and variations; Pride and Prejudice continuations; Pride and Prejudice re-tellings; British aristocrats; Classic romance