A/N: I had hoped to write the dinner out in it's entirety but found that task entirely too intimidating and therefore stopped writing for months. Here is a short attempt to move forward.
Jane was thankful to have more time at Longborn before her, in her eyes unavoidable, marriage to Mr. Collins. It was a prudent match to be sure and would bring the contentment of security to her mother and by extension the whole family. She did not look forward to a life devoid of romance but she was willing to undertake it for the love of her family. When she had told Lizzy she would like to marry for love, this was not her intended meaning, but she also was not acting against her word. It was not in her nature to scheme or make such plans as Lizzy, their Father, and their Uncle were endeavoring to carry out for her benefit, but it did engage her curiosity as nothing had in weeks. It brought some color to her lately pale face.
"I know how much you detest communicating anything untrue Jane, but you cannot be exempted from leading Mr. Collins to our desired conclusion."
Looking up as she spoke, Elizabeth noted her sister's countenance had much improved.
"There is hope yet." She added.
"As he is easily led." Their father added. "Indeed, he seems to enjoy it in his way."
"An ideal husband, not the headstrong type!" Mrs. Bennet added, at which everyone turned to her in near disbelief and none responded.
At dinner, with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet united in purpose along with the invaluable support of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, it was easily accomplished that the idea of a visit before a formal arrangement came first from Mr. Collins' own lips.
"I know, I flatter myself, the sound reasoning and natural order my patroness would undoubtedly see in such an undertaking, and indeed believe she would have suggested it herself to me if I had not left in such haste in coming to see you, my dear cousins." He chuckled indulgently to give himself an air of superiority.
They let his, If not wit then words wax long as he enumerated and inevitably repeated the advantages of the plan, which flowed forth unstopped until the sexes split after dinner.