The Engagement is Announced

Sir William Lucas arrives at Longbourn to announce his daughter's engagement to Mr. Collins. The Bennet family is astonished and incredulous, with Mrs. Bennet particularly outraged. Elizabeth confirms the news, having heard it from Charlotte herself. The announcement causes a great deal of tension and resentment, especially from Mrs. Bennet, who feels that Charlotte has stolen a match that should have been Elizabeth's. The event reshapes the social dynamics of the neighborhood.