In as short a time as Mr. Collins's long speeches would allow, every thing was settled between them to the satisfaction of both; and as they entered the house, he earnestly entreated her to name the day that was to make him the happiest of men; and though such a solicitation must be waved for the present, the lady felt no inclination to trifle with his happiness. The stupidity with which he was favoured by nature must guard his courtship from any charm that could make a woman wish for its continuance; and Miss Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment, cared not how soon that establishment were gained.

Sir William and Lady Lucas were speedily applied to for their consent; and it was bestowed with a most joyful alacrity. Mr. Collins's present circumstances made it a most eligible match for their daughter, to whom they could give little fortune; and his prospects of future wealth were exceedingly fair. Lady Lucas began directly to calculate with more interest than the matter had ever excited before, how many years longer Mr. Bennet was likely to live; and Sir William gave it as his decided opinion that whenever Mr. Collins should be in possession of the Longbourn estate, it would be highly expedient that both he and his wife should make their appearance at St. James's. The whole family, in short, were properly overjoyed on the occasion. The younger girls formed hopes of coming out a year or two sooner than they might otherwise have done; and the boys were relieved from their apprehension of Charlotte's dying an old maid.

请教老师：

1）In as short a time as Mr. Collins's long speeches would allow, 这句话怎么理解和分析？

2）must guard his courtship from any charm that could make a woman wish for its continuance 这句话没搞懂是什么意思？

3）这里的it是不是就是itself, 就是指代的Mr. Collins's present circumstances ？

4） how many years longer 这里的longer 作什么成分？可否说成how many years long ?

5）they might otherwise have done: 这里的otherwise词典上找不到合理的解释，我感觉这里的意思是“本来会...” ?    have done 指代的是什么？

谢谢老师！