Pride and Prejudice
Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Darcy's imperious aunt
The wealthy, commanding lady of Rosings Park. She expects obedience from everyone and is unused to being answered back.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh is Mr. Darcy's aunt and the grand lady of Rosings Park in Kent. She is imperious, opinionated and quite used to having her way. Mr. Collins is her clergyman and her devoted admirer, and she directs his life, including his marriage, as she directs everyone's.
She has long planned for Darcy to marry her daughter Anne, joining the two families. She questions guests about their age, their sisters and their governess, and she is not used to being met with anything but obedience.
“You are a very strange girl! I am not used to having my questions parried.”
In the story
Contains spoilers.
At Rosings, Lady Catherine quizzes Elizabeth about her education, and Elizabeth answers calmly, which surprises her ladyship. She calls Elizabeth a very strange girl and says she is not used to having her questions parried.
Later, hearing a rumor of Elizabeth and Darcy's engagement, she drives to Longbourn in a fury and demands that Elizabeth promise never to accept him. Elizabeth refuses and says she will act as she thinks best for her own happiness. Lady Catherine leaves in a rage, but her visit gives Darcy hope. She cannot stop the marriage, and her complaint helps bring it about.
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