Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 586 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 586

JANE AUSTEN

Though Elizabeth would not, for the mere purpose

of obliging Lady Catherine, have answered this

question, she could not but say, after a moment’s

deliberation:

“I am not.”

Lady Catherine seemed pleased.

“And will you promise me, never to enter into such

an engagement?”

“I will make no promise of the kind.”

“Miss Bennet, I am shocked and astonished. I

expected to find a more reasonable young woman. But

do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever

recede. I shall not go away till you have given me the

assurance I require.”

“And I certainly never shall give it. I am not to

be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable.

Your ladyship wants Mr. Darcy to marry your daughter;

but would my giving you the wished-for promise make

their marriage at all more probable? Supposing him to

be attached to me, would my refusing to accept his hand

make him wish to bestow it on his cousin? Allow me

to say, Lady Catherine, that the arguments with which

you have supported this extraordinary application have

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