Elizabeth certainly partakes of her father's quick wit and her mother's love of society, but she has (as does Jane) a trait that neither parent shares: she knows what to say in what company. She blushes for her parents because Mr. Bennet PREFERS to incite outrageous reactions, and her mother does not know how far her manners are from right, so what she says becomes overdone, and risible.

Elizabeth understands (as does Darcy), that it would be inappropriate to correct Lady Catherine in her own home, despite her obvious awareness that Lady CatdB is being intrusive, inconsiderate and dictatorial. She does not even roll her eyes, or suppress a smile - I admire her control! She does not spread Wickham's initial tale, despite it making EXCELLENT gossip that is in line with her own prejudices. She tries to curb poor Mary's desire to perform past her abilities, and her mother's inane, insulting speeches, and Lydia and Kitty's sophomoric, attention-getting behaviors, without further embarrassing her family.