Austen August: A Pride and Prejudice Read-A-Long discussion

One week after Bingley and Jane's engagement, Lady Catherine de Bough honours the Bennet household with her presence. (May god be with them all.)

She tells Elizabeth she wishes to speak to her alone, and proceeds to tell her that she recently heard a hilarious rumour that Darcy was planning on proposing to Elizabeth and that, obviously, this is ridiculous because of Elizabeth's low status in life and the fact that Darcy is supposedly meant to be engaged to her own daughter instead.

Elizabeth manages to hide her shock and keep her compose in front of Lady Catherine, while informing her that herself and Darcy are not and never were engaged to be married- however, she refuses to promise to Lady Catherine that she never will be engaged to her nephew, should he decide to ask her again. Lady Catherine tells her that not only is she supposedly bound by honour and gratitude to promise never to become engaged to Darcy, but also that her family's status would ruin that of Darcy's so much that she would be causing a disaster by doing so.

Lizzie defends herself and her family, and basically tells Lady Catherine where she can go. AWH YEAH. Lady Catherine is not amused.

Favourite Quotes:-

“ I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

I'm not sure Lady Catherine can be amused. I love sassy Elizabeth in this chapter and she showed a lot more restraint toward Lady Catherine than she really deserved.

My favorite quote: "Obstinate, headstrong girl!" I think I should like this on my gravestone.

haha yes! Lady Catherine is basically probably plotting Elizabeth's early demise at this point!