"You are then resolved to have him?"
"I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me."

– Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 56. In the verbal battle between two strong women the sparks fly. On one side: an uncivil, bullying snob. On the other: a very civil, independent-minded, young woman of integrity who remains true to herself. The epic confrontation between Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Elizabeth Bennet over a rumored marriage engagement between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth is possibly the greatest verbal battle in literature. It certainly remains one of the most popular. When de Bourgh demands if Elizabeth is determined to have Darcy, she puts her aristocratic opponent neatly in her place, telling her that she is only determined to act in the interests of her own happiness, without reference to de Bourgh. She will follow her own heart.