P & P Blog 8

After Jane and Mr. Bingley become engaged, Lady Catherine appears at the Bennet's home. Elizabeth immediately has no idea what would call Lady Catherine to her home. She quickly learns that Lady Catherine believes that Darcy has proposed to her. She admits that he hasn't. Lady Catherine claims that Darcy and her daughter are engaged. Elizabeth is no longer intimidated by Lady Catherine if she ever was and actively combats her. She points out that if her daughter and Darcy are engaged, then there should be no reason for her to be concerned that Darcy will propose to Elizabeth. It is clear that even Lady Catherine expects a proposal to Elizabeth from Darcy, even though it would greatly damage her felicity. Lady Catherine's haughty attitude is overshadowed by Elizabeth's confident retorts. The more Lady Catherine hints to Darcy's looming proposal, the more confident Elizabeth becomes. Elizabeth may not wholeheartedly believe that Darcy will propose, but she does not fail to seize the opportunity to put Lady Catherine in her place. Lady Catherine's malice and disdain for Elizabeth becomes prominent when she realizes that Elizabeth could possibly take Darcy away from her daughter.