"With great energy; but it is a subject which always makes a lady energetic." (Chapter 6)

I do see your point about the comment being condescending although I did not take it that way, obviously. IMO Darcy is not being purposely condescending or believes Lizzy is a simpleton at this time. Just a few paragraphs previous in Chapter 6 he has realized to his mortification that her face is rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. While this is not a declaration of Lizzy’s higher learning it is an indication to me he thinks Lizzy is intelligent.

I do think it suggests Darcy’s attitude still needs some adjustment as it is a generalization of how all ladies think and as such can immediately be debunked by the mere presence of Mary Bennet who so far appears not to be energized by any topic. It also may imply ladies only become energetic over unimportant topics in the scheme of life which is certainly not a reality.

However, just to explain myself, when I used the idea of subjects ladies are energetic over I was not thinking of it in a condescending light but a fun one denoting the way girls and ladies like to get together over girl-talk and subjects which are usually more appealing to females although certainly not exclusively. I wanted to show that Lizzy cared and was involved in these subjects although I did not intend to imply she cared for nothing else. Thanks for steering my vision in another direction.

I like your analysis of the “Keep your breath to cool your porridge” and I think Lizzy could have a double meaning. I think Lizzy was hurt by Darcy’s disparagement at the assembly ball and she may very well be poking him with the knowledge of it like it is a witty delightful pointy stick. If she is, I do not think he gets it. However, I cannot agree with you that he always speaks to her with the respect she commands afterwards—I will leave that determination for later chapters. ;D