Charlotte's story shows Austen's more pessimistic view of marriage as a business deal. Charlotte marries Mr. Collins for practicality, there is no love between the two. Charlotte is growing older and the increasing risk of her becoming an old maid is daunting. She knows that if she does not marry she will never have her own household and will be living off her brothers for the rest of her life. She is described as plain but has a good personality as Lizzy esteems and respects her as her best friend. She seems to be a smart character. Some could respect her decision to marry Collins as taking control of her life the only way she can. This is a more cynical side to Austen's view on love. It suggests that love is something to come second to money and security. We know that she wrote this first when she was young and went back over it in her thirties. Perhaps this is her view as an older more knowledgeable woman. Charlotte seems content when Lizzy goes to visit her. She manages to keep her husband busy in the garden and with Ms. Catherine de Bourgh in Rosings. She is content without love.

The love that blossoms between Lizzy and Darcy is not typical fairy tale love at first sight.