I think she is trying to dodge an awkward incounter. Anne herself fears such an encounter. I think her pretending to more interested in the curtains is rude, but not unforgivable.

I have very mixed feelings on Lady R. I wish that deferrence to her did not occupy so much of Anne's mind. However, when we are shown the bleakness of Anne's own homa dnt hat she considers that eventually she will make her home with Lady R., then I think it is understandable.