] Lady Catherine was saying that if they stayed a whole other month in Kent, she could let one (note, not both) of them have the privilege of riding next to the driver but not riding inside the carriage with her, when she went back to London.

How very magnanimous of her, what great condescension. :-)

No doubt Mr. Collins would be so very thrilled at the very peculiar honor that Lady Catherine would so bestow, and talk endlessly of it until hushed by Lady Catherine (or until however else he might be talking to simply walks away from him).

On a serious note, thanks for making the connection. I did think it a somewhat peculiar offer from Lady Catherine, but now I understand her perfectly.