If Mr. Darcy is neither by honour nor inclination confined to his cousin, why is not he to make another choice? And if I am that choice, why may not I accept him?
– Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 56. A defiant Elizabeth rejects Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s demands to give up all claims on Mr. Darcy, since Lady Catherine and her sister decided long ago that he would marry Lady Catherine’s daughter. Elizabeth also indicates here that she is not opposed to the idea of marrying Darcy – foreshadowing his second proposal to her and her acceptance.