Why, I suppose you have a governess for her: I saw a person with her just now – is she gone? Oh, no! there she is still behind the window-curtain. You pay her, of course: I should think it quite as expensive, – more so; for you have them both to keep in addition…You should hear mama on the chapter of governesses: Mary and I have had, I should think, a dozen at least in our day; half of them detestable and the rest ridiculous, and all incubi – were they not, mama?
– Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre, Chapter 17. The arrogance of beautiful socialite Blanche Ingram emerges during this speech she makes at one of Thornfield’s social gatherings. Blanche is overheard by Jane speaking derisively about governesses in general, the insult being clearly directed at Jane personally.