Mr. Collins primes them on what to expect when they dine at Rosings. Lady Catherine likes to have the distinction of rank preserved. Sir William is awed by the grandeur, Maria Lucas almost frightened out of her senses and Elizabeth equal to the scene. Lady Catherine’s air was authoritative and self-important. Miss de Bourgh was pale, sickly and spoke little. Mr. Collins excessive admiration gratified Lady Catherine. Lady Catherine talked non-stop, her manner so decisive that it was doubtful if her judgment was ever controverted. She gave Charlotte advice on the minutest domestic concerns. Nothing was beneath her attention. She questions Elizabeth on her family and her own accomplishments. She thinks it odd that she and her sisters did not have a governess. “I always say that nothing is to be done in education without steady and regular instruction, and nobody but a governess can give it.” She is shocked to learn that all five of the Bennet daughters are “out” at once. Elizabeth explains that it would not be fair to keep younger sisters from their share of society if the older have no inclination to marry. Lady Catherine tells her she gives her opinion very decidedly for being so young and asks her age. Coyly Elizabeth will not own it. Lady Catherine is astonished at anyone answering her with dignified impertinence. .
