Is Charlotte Lucus (From Pride and Prejudice) Pregnant?

I keep reading from some sights that she is, but I cant find it in the text, a chapter reference would be really helpful...
Is Charlotte Lucus (From Pride and Prejudice) Pregnant?
No she isnt pregnant!
Is Charlotte Lucus (From Pride and Prejudice) Pregnant?
In "Pride and Prejudice" we read:





``That is his notion of Christian forgiveness! The rest of his [Mr. Collins'] letter is only about his dear Charlotte's situation, and his expectation of a young olive-branch. But, Lizzy, you look as if you did not enjoy it. You are not going to be Missish, I hope, and pretend to be affronted at an idle report. For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?''





So this I think is good proof that Charlotte Lucas is, in fact, pregnant...





EDIT: True, this line may state that Charlotte is pregnant, as well as show that Mr. Collins acts, as always, precipitately... But to me the phrase "Charlotte's condition" may be a bit suspicious.


Jane Austen always seemed to me quite "aloof' when writing about sex and it's "consequences", if you know what I mean. It is clearly shown when she describes the relationship between Wickham and Lydia (which is clearly sexual), as well as between Wickham and Georgiana...
Reply:Jane is the queen of subtle, but .... I don't think so. Charlotte's situation is that of a woman who is favored by his patron, mistress of her own household, etc. etc.





The olive branch could be so many different things, a return letter from the Bennett's, the upcoming engagement of Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, etc. etc. Charlotte doesnt even have to be pregnant for Mr. Collins to look forward to one if you think it has to be a baby. Mr. Collins shows every indication to speak before he has a right to do so. If Jane did intend for Charlotte to be pregnant, I think she would have been a bit more clear and Mr. Collins would have mentioned an addition to their family etc.
Reply:Yes, (although not till after she's Charlotte Collins), the "young olive-branch," line means she's pregnant at the end of the book. It refers to Mr. Collins's first letter, in which he hoped "the circumstance of my being next in the


entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your


side, and not lead you to reject the offered olive-branch."





(An olive branch is a symbol of peace.)





Of course, as one critic pointed out, this emphasizes the price she has to pay for her settled home -- she has to sleep with Mr. Collins. Ugh.

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