Shepard's annotation for the meaning: "Meeting people who would provide valuable connections of patronage was a central element in going to university."

Another note explains that there were far more graduates looking for livings than livings available to fill the need. At this time about 20% of graduates obtained one within five years. Many never got one and spent their entire life as underpaid assistants. Apparently, if you weren't in a position to inherit or have someone who would purchase one for you, 'networking' as Line referred to it was of the utmost importance. Mr. Collins was extraordinarily fortunate, his offer of a living by Lady C was an unexpected surprise even to him. The guy just seems to fall into good fortune doesn't he?

*An incredible living practically fell out of the sky and knocked him on the head
*By chance as a 'not even close member of the family' he becomes the heir of Longbourn
*Charlotte having practically roped and hogtied him in the lane, he acquires a pretty decent wife, what, two or three days after being refused by Lizzie? My, my.