"The Bennett's, who now number eight including Mr. Collins, would need more than one carriage since their own vehicle, a coach, would seat only six. They have presumably hired a second, smaller one for the evening." (LIne's thoughts were right.) I picture the women in the coach and the men in the smaller one or maybe Mrs. Bennet rode with Mr. Collins in the smaller one though I would go for the first scenario. Although Mr. Bennet would not relish the ride with Mr. Collins, it would look more appropriate?

When I read this it got me to thinking that maybe Mr. Bennet uses the fact that only 6 can fit in their coach when there are 7 of them to avoid travel and seasons. As far as the seasons go, it would only be necessary for the the two or three oldest to go while the younger ones waited their turn. While I admit it would be an expense to travel with such a large group for family vacations, I don't see short, rare trips as undoable.