Mr. Collins proposes marriage to Elizabeth - though, not out of love but out of necessity and recommendation of his benefactor, Lady Catherine. Elizabeth refuses his offer. Mr. Collins believes this to be incorrect - as she won't get a better offer - and ensures he'll ask again. But Elizabeth holds strong, stating neither of them will be happy or suitable for one another. Mrs. Bennett is furious at Elizabeth's rejection of Collins. She asks Mr. Bennett to help convince Elizabeth on this being the best option for her. But Mr. Bennett denies his wife by telling Lizzie while her mother may not see her again if she were not to marry Collins, he would be the one not to see again her if she does. It's useless for after everything, Collins retracts his offer upon learning of Elizabeth's headstrongness.

The Jane Austen Podcast with Alison Larkin is a Realm production. Listen away.

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