Elizabeth found Mr. Collins to be as ridiculous as the style of his letter implied and would have enjoyed her fathers subtle mockery of their guest at dinner more had not Jane been suffering such disappointment. It was likely not to be of long duration and Lizzy fully expected Mr. Bingley to return within 10 days to Jane's side to dine at Longborn and resume his residence at Netherfield. Mr. Bingley was amiable but possessed taste and judgment, regardless of the speed at which he made decisions. Jane had sent a letter to Caroline and hoped that lady's reply would indicate any changes to the party's plans for the winter.
Mr. Collin's had been openly appreciating Jane's beauty and serenity since his arrival, but had attempted to include all the girls and even Mrs. Bennet in his compliments. He then had an enlightening discussion with Mrs. Bennet surrounding the details of the proverbial olive branch he intended to extend, that of marrying one of the Bennet daughters to ease the burden of his inheritance of Longborn. This was eminently agreeable to Mrs. Bennet as was his preference for Jane. As there was not a imminent promise that Jane would very soon be engaged, or indeed any assurance Mr. Bingley would come back to Netherfield, she did not discourage this. To her credit, she also did not fail to only encourage the idea of Mr. Collin's marrying one of her dear girls, never specifying Jane, hoping to preserve the chance that should Mr. Bingley return Jane would not be engaged and unable to make a better match than a mere clergyman. She has also thought it best to advise the man not to make a hasty choice as he had a fortnight to get to know her daughters, all of whom she assured him any one of them would make a fine wife.
He was not deterred from showering all his attentions upon Jane who bore them with patience but was nonetheless relieved when Mary would seek out Mr. Collin's, if only to discuss Forsyce's Sermons. Jane was no simpleton and was aware of what these attentions meant, and while she would not accept a such a man to secure her own comfort, she would to secure a home for her family. Elizabeth saw this all unfold as well as her parent's passiveness towards consigning Jane to a fate always with such a fool as a husband.
One evening when the two eldest sisters were prepping for bed near the end of Mr. Collin's first week when Elizabeth breached the subject.
"Poor Mr. Collin's. You are too good to distance yourself but I wonder that mama has not advised him that Mr. Bingley was there before him."
Elizabeth regretted mentioning that gentleman by name as Jane's face fell and she sighed. "He is gone Lizzy and must be forgot. Caroline has not even sent a reply to my latest letter so I must assume her brother is similarly well-entertained by his London acquaintance and has no time to think of us here or returning."
"He is hasty in many things," mused Elizabeth, "but I do not think he would be so quick to take a year-long lease and leave the house uninhabited for months on end. I do not see how even his diss agreeable friend could not see the waste and discourage such rash disregard for expense."
Jane begged off continuing the discussion and the two retired to the bed, but neither found sleep for quite some time as their minds were full of unresolved hopes and fears.