Page 34 of Artificially Yours

"Charlotte!"

"What? I'm being practical." Charlotte smoothed her skirts. "Not all of us can afford to refuse advantageous offers, Lizzy. And before you argue—I know you think I deserve better. Perhaps I do. But I am twenty-seven years old with no fortune and no prospects. Mr. Collins is my best option."

Elizabeth wanted to argue. Wanted to insist Charlotte was worth more than this. But Charlotte was right. In this world, with these rules, this was practical.

Elizabeth had always thought Charlotte sensible. She had never liked the word less than when it appeared to require this of her.

"Are you..." Elizabeth hesitated. "Are you aware?"

Charlotte blinked. "Aware of what?"

"Never mind." Charlotte had revealed nothing. Elizabeth wished she knew whether to ask again or leave her friend in peace.

"I know you disapprove," Charlotte said gently. "But I am not romantic, Lizzy. I never have been. I ask only a comfortable home, and considering Mr. Collins's character, connection, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state."

Elizabeth recognized the line. The wording was almost unchanged. Charlotte was delivering her canonical justification.

"Charlotte," Elizabeth said slowly. "When you say you're not romantic... Do you mean you genuinely feel nothing, or you've simply accepted that feelings are irrelevant?"

"Does it matter?" Charlotte asked. "Either way, the result is the same."

That's... actually a fair point.

After Charlotte left, Elizabeth remained in the drawing room. Her friend had answered every practical objection. That had not told Elizabeth whether she was happy.

* * *

The next morning, Elizabeth tested her newfound agency in small ways:

Test #1: Breakfast

- Attempted to choose tea instead of chocolate

- Success! Drank an entire cup of tea with no narrative interference

- Agency level: 7/10

Test #2: Morning Walk