While she may not be 'afraid' of Darcy, she would be concerned to keep on good terms with him if she intends him for her future son-in-law. Making that overnight journey from Rosings to Longbourne must show how uneasy she was. And afraid of losing Darcy. The idea she would prefer not endanger a family quarrel occurred to me as well. With the confrontation she showed she'd underestimated Lizzy. However, I think, even when Lady Catherine had cooled down somewhat, any respect she may've had for Lizzy would be quite vanished. Lady Catherine is a figure of the Establishment who esteems the social hierarchy and old order, so the idea of Lizzy's marrying her nephew may have been offensive and shocking to her. From Lady Catherine's POV she may not have meant any personal offense to Lizzy(!!) It appears she would have accepted Lizzy's word so been content not to approach Darcy. That's why I felt she may've had some reluctant respect for Lizzy in a narrow-minded way. Prior to the confrontation,she may've seen Lizzy was sensible and intelligent; therefore knowing her place in society as Lady C knows the order of things. Not a girl to inflict 'damage' on a great family. It may not have simply been concern for the 'tacit' engagement with her own daughter Anne. (Was that only a firing point to use on Lizzy?) Regardless of whether the engagement is tacit or committed, the idea of Lizzy marrying Darcy would be offensive to his aunt. 'Throwing himself away on a no-body' would be her attitude. And she'd believe he should first seek her permission. Lady Catherine considers herself a magistrate of social propriety, order and we know she's the longest-nosed busybody. After the Longbourn confrontation, I doubt she'd admire Lizzy's gumption for standing up so well to her. Rather, I think she'd see her as disrespectful to herself and having no regard for the social order if she won't give an outright denial or promise not to marry so high. She says something about Lizzy using her wiles to make Darcy forget family duty and honour. And she'd see Lizzy as personally ungrateful to her after her hospitality at Rosings. Why, by the time she's hopping back into her carriage Lady Catherine probably considers Lizzy as little better than Lydia !! I was thinking Lady Catherine may've reluctantly respected Lizzy at Rosings, simply because she didn't display the sycophantic attitude she was soo used to, yet wouldn't live without...Thanking you for your gracious attitude. I hope my long posts are not too difficult to dissemble. :)