Hi friends! We are extra busy with posts to share with you this week (look for 5 posts in total!) And one of the lovely posts we have to share is this guest post from Victoria Kincaid, who has written a story about one of our favorite secondary characters, Charlotte Collins. We hope you enjoy this post about Charlotte and a bonus excerpt from Victoria’s new release (which we cannot wait to read!) When Charlotte Became Romantic! 🙌🏼💕
Hello again Meredith and thank you for having me to visit your blog! As I was writing When Charlotte Became Romantic I had a lot of time to think about Collins and why he would make such a terrible husband. Sometimes readers suggest that he’s not so bad or JAFF authors pair him up with Mary Bennet—as though he’s some sort of prize. But, in my mind he’s pretty irredeemable—a bad deal under any circumstances. With that in mind, I compiled a list of the reasons Charlotte shouldn’t be marrying him. I hope you find them convincing—or at least entertaining.
Top Seven Reasons Charlotte Should not Marry Collins
He’s stupid: It’s not just that he’s socially awkward and a bad dancer, he doesn’t even understand that being condescended to is not a good thing. Now, stupidity alone wouldn’t be definitive; after all, there are plenty of likable but dim characters in fiction. But then there’s…- He’s selfish: Have you ever looked at his proposal in detail? He tells Elizabeth how marriage will make him happy, make Lady Catherine happy, and satisfy her parents. It apparently never occurs to him to mention whether the marriage would make Elizabeth happy. But the worst example of selfishness comes in the letter he writes after Lydia has run away. Not only does he congratulate himself on having escaped marriage into the Bennet family, but he suggests Lydia would be better off dead. Can you imagine anyone saying that about your sister—no matter what she had done?
- He’s weak-willed: Sure, it’s possible that Charlotte might manage him and be moderately happy. But she will always come second to Lady Catherine—who has a stronger will than either of them. I find it hard to believe Charlotte will be happy under Lady C’s thumb forever.
- He doesn’t recognize Lady Catherine’s flaws: Everyone else in the story treats her arrogance
with tolerance (Charlotte), annoyance (Darcy), or humor (Elizabeth). But Collins actually buys into her whole act of “I’m nobility, therefore I’m better than everyone else.” He actually believes she is superior (which gets back to #1). - His children will inherit his genes. Need I say more?
- He’s sexist: It’s rather subtle, but his attitude toward women (they always want little compliments) in general and Elizabeth (you’re wrong about not wanting to marry me) in particular suggests he doesn’t think highly of women’s intelligence (except for Lady C. because she has a lot of money). In an era when men practically owned their wives, this doesn’t bode well for Charlotte.
- You can’t fix stupid: There have been JAFF stories that have found ways to redeem Wickham and Lydia—or imagined how Lady Catherine might amend her behavior. But it’s pretty hard to envision how Collins might believably become a better person. He’s simply incapable of the kind of self-awareness that would allow him to change in a meaningful way. You can fix thoughtlessly, greed, or arrogance. You can’t fix stupid.
And here is a blurb and an excerpt from When Charlotte Became Romantic. I hope you enjoy it!
Desperate to escape her parents’ constant criticism, Charlotte has accepted a proposal from Mr. Collins despite recognizing his stupid and selfish nature. But when a mysterious man from her past visits Meryton for the Christmas season, he arouses long-buried feelings and causes her to doubt her decision.
James Sinclair’s mistakes cost him a chance with Charlotte three years ago, and he is devastated to find her engaged to another man. Honor demands that he step aside, but his heart will not allow him to leave Meryton. Their mutual attraction deepens; however, breaking an engagement is not a simple matter and scandal looms. If they are to be happy, they must face her parents’ opposition, Lady Catherine’s disapproval, dangerous figures from James’s past…and Charlotte’s nagging feeling that maybe she should just marry Mr. Collins.
Charlotte had forsworn romance years ago; is it possible for her to become romantic again?
He regarded her with an odd intensity. Perhaps she had some traces of the punch on her face? She resisted the impulse to wipe her mouth. “I noticed you in the ballroom,” he said finally.
He had noticed her? Charlotte blinked at him. Nobody noticed her. Long ago she had realized that something about her features or demeanor ensured she would always blend into the wallpaper. Upon entering a room, a man would frequently speak with every woman present save Charlotte—as if she were invisible.
She did not credit his words—they were simply the tiresome things men said to women. “I do not believe you did.” Perhaps she should not have been so blunt, but she was tired of playing polite games.
He turned a startled laugh into a cough. “I beg your pardon?”
This was one of those pretty compliments that men used to flatter women, nothing more. “I do not believe you noticed me in the ballroom. I did not see you.”
You were speaking with Mrs. Chadwick, who is a dear friend of my aunt’s.”
“Oh!” Well, that was not quite an introduction, but it came close.
He made a bow. “James Sinclair, at your service.”
Feeling like a fool for having doubted him, she made a small curtsey. “Charlotte Lucas.”
With two strides he stood in front of Charlotte. “I am so pleased to encounter you here. I had longed for an introduction. I hope you do not think me too forward.”
What was this man about? Nobody ever longed to be introduced to her. “Not at all,” she murmured.
“I was quite arrested by your beauty in the ballroom. You are a vision.”
“No, I am not.” The words were out of Charlotte’s mouth before she could prevent them.
Mr. Sinclair gaped at her.
She did not appear capable of halting the babble. “I am, in point of fact, quite plain. Everyone agrees—even my mother.” Merciful heavens! What am I saying? How can I stop?“I commend your attempt to flatter me; it is, however, unnecessary.”
Oh, what had she done? How could she be so unforgivably rude? Charlotte pressed a hand to her mouth lest she have the impulse to say anything else dreadfully stupid, but the damage was done.
Charlotte’s entire body was hot with embarrassment, and her skin felt too tight. Briefly she considered fleeing for the garden gate. She could be halfway back to her family’s rented lodgings before they noticed her absence.
But the expression on Mr. Sinclair’s face stayed her flight. Rather than disgust, he seemed to regard her contemplatively, as if she represented a puzzle he would solve.
“I apologize,” she blurted out. “I should never—”
He interrupted her. “You dislike compliments?”
“I dislike false compliments.”
“And since you believe yourself to be plain, you think all compliments to your beauty must necessarily be false?” He tapped a finger thoughtfully to his chin.
“Naturally.” She gestured impatiently to her face.
He regarded her seriously. “Hume wrote, ‘Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them.’”
“Hmm?” What was he about?
“Beauty is not an objective state, Miss Lucas. Simply because others believe you are not beautiful does not mean that I may not find you so with complete sincerity. Others might prefer silly blonde girls with ringlets while my tastes might run toward tall, serene brunettes with solemn eyes.”
Charlotte was struck dumb. How could she possibly respond? And which part of his remarkable speech should she respond to? He truly thought she was beautiful? She had solemn eyes? Serene? He might actually prefer her to another woman—to any other woman? She was far too overwhelmed to speak. Nobody had ever spoken so to her. Oh, a friend’s brother had joked that he “saw stars in her eyes,” and a passing militia officer had once professed his love for her. But he had been foxed, so she could hardly take him at his word.
But here was a man—to all appearances completely sober and with his wits about him—who seemed to genuinely find her pretty. She was flattered and yet also slightly suspicious.
I must say something in response. Anything. “I am not so tall,” she said. Anything but that! Oh, why could I not say something witty? Or at least thank him? Why must I always be a fool when speaking with an attractive man?
“No.” He shook his head solemnly with only a hint of humor in his eyes. “Now that I look again, I see that you are about average. My height, actually. I like being able to see directly into your eyes.”
Naturally, this caused her to glance away and blush violently.
His shoulders sagged. “I have said too much. It is my curse. I always say the wrong thing at the wrong time. My mother says I let my mouth run away with me.”
No, he should not chastise himself for the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her. Charlotte wanted to touch his arm in reassurance, but it would be the height of impropriety. She had just met the man. “Not at all. I am quite flattered. I am simply…unaccustomed… Nobody says such things to me.” She immediately bit her lip. Why must she reveal so much to a complete stranger?
Oh! I love this so much already! I love that James Sinclair is noticing Charlotte and isn’t shy about saying it. I like him immensely already! Thank you so much for sharing, Victoria! Your list of reasons why Charlotte shouldn’t marry Mr. Collins is absolutely spot on! Couldn’t agree more!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today, Victoria brings with her ONE ebook copy of When Charlotte Became Romantic to ONE lucky winner!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, a question, or some love for Victoria!!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Victoria!
- This giveaway ends December 14th!
I would love to read a story in which Charlotte has more than just an OK fate. Yes, she does not have to depend on her relatives for her future upkeep but she is not even in real control of her own household if Lady C. can order that the meat was too much for her table and send it back. Thanks for a chance to win and for sharing the excerpt.
Hi Sheila, I agree. Charlotte’s fate is very uncertain. Good luck with the giveaway!
Oh I like that Charlotte might have a chance to find somebody she actually loves before she’s trapped in marriage with Mr. Collins. Can’t wait to see what happens.
Hi Amanda, Yes, I liked that idea too! Good luck with the giveaway.
Yes!! I can’t wait to see what happens too!
I would like to see Charlotte married to anyone but Mr. Collins.James seems to really care for her. Would love to read to see how things progress. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Hi Mary, Yes, James does definitely care for her, but there are some bumps in the road. Good luck with the giveaway!
Yes! I love thinking about Charlotte becoming romantic and married to someone who really sees her and loves her for who she is. Thank you for this giveaway.
Hi Jan, So do I. That’s why I wrote the book. 🙂 Good luck with the giveaway!
I like it when Charlotte can marry away from Collins just so long as it is not the Colonel, and Mary doesn’t end up with him. Though I did read a book where he marrys Kitty but his character was different
Hi Vesper, I love the idea that Charlotte escapes from Collins. Good luck with the giveaway!
I like Victoria’s list of why we don’t like Mr. Collins, and I agree! My favorite one was the one about passing his DNA on. And I agree that the worse was when he wrote to Mr. Bennet that it would be better off if Lydia had died. He, also, should not be a minister. At least parishes were save from Wickham. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Hi Eva, I’m glad you enjoyed the list! Good luck with the giveaway.
Very true…like many of Jane Austen’s clergymen – he is less fit for the role!
Poor Charlotte! First for being betrothed to Mr Collins (excellent list of the defects in his character by the way)
I love the excerpt with her meeting with James! Struck dumb as she was would certainly come in handy if she did marry Mr Collins as getting a word in with him or Lady Catherine would be well nigh impossible anyway.
I’m not sure what happened between them but I really hope he finds a way to win her back without destroying her reputation?
Hi Glynis, I’m glad you enjoyed the list–and yes, something does happen between them. You’ll have to read the book and find out. 🙂 Good luck with the giveaway!
This looks like a fun tale. The list is awesome. Thanks for featuring here!
Hi Jennifer, I’m glad you’re intrigued. Good luck with the giveaway!
Loved your reasons and agree completely. Happy to see Charlotte get a better ending.
I’m glad you enjoyed my list! Good luck with the giveaway.
Grab him, Charlotte! Grab him and run! 😉
Seriously, I’d love to see how this story plays out. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book!
Hi Pam, I agree that Charlotte should grab him and run, although it turns out not to be that simple. Good luck with the giveaway!
Right? I’m already falling for James myself! I cannot wait to see more of him!
I absolutely loved this excerpt. This is a totally different premise than most novels out there. I love the dialogue. I constantly stick my feet in my mouth and so I can relate to Charlotte. She simply cannot believe her ears. I admire James’ reasoning and contemplation. Sounds like an interesting and admirable (smarter ) man. I hope to read this. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Suzan, Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you were intrigued by the excerpt! Good luck with the giveaway.
You are right, Suzan. It is very different from many I’ve read before. I’m excited to see it play out!
And I agree with you, I can so sympathize with Charlotte’s reactions with James. I know I would feel the same I she does, but probably not as forthright as Charlotte!
P.S. I loved the cover. It seemed perfect.
Thank you! My cover designer does a great job.
Thanks for this great list. I will provide it to the next person who says Charlotte is her favorite character. How could she marry him?
Hi Erna, Absolutely! I mean, I love Charlotte, but Collins is a class-A jerk. Some stories suggest he should marry Mary and it’s quite clear to me that he shouldn’t marry anyone! Good luck with the giveaway.
I love the analysis of Mr. Collins. That was hilarious. I have this on my wish-list and would love to win a copy. Poor Charlotte… there, I’ve said it. We always say it. It is time to redeem her. I would ask how you plan to do that but you would say that I have to read it. Ok, I’ll do that. Congratulations on the launch of this and thank you Victoria, for the generous giveaway. Thanks, Meredith for hosting. You get to do all the fun things. Say hello to your Mr. Bingley. Blessings everyone and good luck in the drawing.
I am intrigued with Charlotte. She pulls no punches; even when, there is attraction present. I look forward to reading this book. It is on my TBR pile.
Hi Petricia, I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt! Good luck with the giveaway.
Hi JW, I’m glad you enjoyed my list! You know me so well–yes I would say you have to read it. 🙂 Good luck with the giveaway!
LOL, Jeanne! I want to know what Victoria’s plans are too! Can’t wait to find out! 🙂
I will be sure to pass on your greetings to Mr. Bingley! Thank you, my friend!
I agree that Charlotte should not be forced to settle for dimwitted Collins, simply because he was the only one to ask for her hand. James Sinclair sounds absolutely dreamy. What a fabulous story idea!
Hi Cassandra, Yes, It was fun imagining a better guy for Charlotte. Good luck with the giveaway!
He does sound dreamy, doesn’t he? *sigh*
I’ve always loved Charlotte getting some attention. Looking forward to reading this
Hi Lynn, I’ve always felt that she deserved some attention too! Good luck with the giveaway.
love the list
Hi Denise, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with the giveaway.
Just the title of this book calls out “Read Me!” And I loved the excerpt! What could be better than a HEA for Charlotte? Kind of crossing my fingers for this giveaway, but I know I will be reading this one.
Hi Randi, I’m glad you found the book intriguing! Good luck with the giveaway.
I agree, perfect title! So glad you enjoyed Victoria’s excerpt as much as I did!
Oh dear, dear! This is the best excerpt of this book I have seen so far! And Victoria, I love your 7 reasons against Mr. Collins – I so agree! And you haven’t even included hypocrisy and lack of mercy (his letter about Lydia to Mr. Bennet) and the trace of vindictive gloating (to Elizabeth to show what she had lost in refusing him; and his luck in not being allied to the Bennets at the time of Lydia’s scandal). Definitely on my TBR list – and thanks for the giveaway chance!
Hi Agnes, I thought about including those things but I worried I was getting to the point of beating a dead horse. 🙂 Good luck with the giveaway!
Charlotte is such an amazing character; logical and steadfast. It makes me happy to see her in a situation where she is valued and where she can leave Mr. Collins in the dust! Thank you so much for a chance at the giveaway.
I agree that Charlotte is a great character who deserves a better fate. Good luck with the giveaway!
I know that Austen’s work as a whole was perfect, meaning every character, scene, event good or bad, was there for a reason to move the plot to its wonderful ending. But she threw a lot of her characters under the bus for that story arc. I’ve always loved P&P variations that have Charlotte happily marrying someone else. I know she needed to stop being a burden to her family and she felt she wasn’t going to get a better deal around Meryton, but gag, Collins. I wonder what mantra she repeated every time they visited Lady C.? ‘Please let Mr. Bennet die soon?’ Or when she’s having a meal with Mr. C? ‘How fast can I learn estate management on my own?’ ‘Can I conceive if I’m drugged with Laudanum?’
I’m looking forward to reading this! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity, best luck Victoria.
So true…one really can’t fix stupid. One may learn to live with it (with much teeth-grinding resulting in a lifetime of TMJ), or one may attempt to ignore it (and fail utterly), but stupid is beyond fixing.
I loved this excerpt. Both Charlotte and Mr. Sinclair seem to say what would likely be the wrong things to most people but are precisely the right things to say to each other. A romance based on semi-awkward truth-telling is not a bad thing at all.
And is a great improvement over stupid.
Thank you, Victoria, for this delightful peek into your new release! I am definitely hoping to win a copy!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
I always like to see Charlotte end up with someone more intelligent and capable whom she cares about. Some writers make her a widow early. I think breaking the engagement and marrying someone else would be a great solution.