She was shown into the breakfast-parlour, where all but Jane were assembled, and where her appearance created a great deal of surprise. That she should have walked three miles so early in the day, in such dirty weather, and by herself, was almost incredible to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; and Elizabeth was convinced that they held her in contempt for it. She was received, however, very politely by them; and in their brother’s manners there was something better than politeness; there was good humour and kindness. Mr. Darcy said very little, and Mr. Hurst nothing at all. The former was divided between admiration of the brilliancy which exercise had given to her complexion, and doubt as to the occasion’s justifying her coming so far alone. The latter was thinking only of his breakfast.

– Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 7. Concerned for her ill sister Jane and having no carriage, Elizabeth walks alone through three miles of muddy fields to Netherfield. Elizabeth doesn’t fit the image of the typical 18th century woman, she is headstrong and independent-minded and likes to break gender and class conventions. She suspects – and turns out to be right – that the Bingley sisters Caroline and Louisa are not impressed by her behavior and hold her in contempt. But Mr. Darcy feels "admiration" for Elizabeth and the brilliant complexion the exercise has given her, though he doubts her wisdom is traveling so far alone.