You could also have Mrs Bennet feel real affection for Collins, and not fearing for her future, she might be less silly (or even sensible). And I have always thought Mr Bennet's behavior was due in part to feelings of futility - he had no stake in the future of Longbourn because he felt no attachment to its heir, so he gave up and let his wife do whatever she wanted (as long as she didn't drive them into debt).
It would be heresy for Collins to marry Elizabeth or Jane, but Mary is up for grabs, and with less negligent parents she would probably be a perfectly nice young lady. Of course if Collins was too much a son to the Bennets, this choice might be weird for him (although my impression is that it wouldn't be considered weird by social norms).
It would be heresy for Collins to marry Elizabeth or Jane, but Mary is up for grabs, and with less negligent parents she would probably be a perfectly nice young lady. Of course if Collins was too much a son to the Bennets, this choice might be weird for him (although my impression is that it wouldn't be considered weird by social norms).