With much fanfare, on the 200th anniversary of Jane Austens death, the Bank of England revealed a long-planned 10 pound note featuring the Regency novelist . The plastic note, which boasts raised dots for the vision-impaired and a host of new security features, is emblazoned with Austens portrait and a quote from Pride and Prejudice: I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!

And thats where the trouble comes in. As many Janeites were quick to point out , that quote wasnt sincere. Caroline Bingley, the haughty gentlewoman who competes with Elizabeth Bennet for Mr. Darcys attentions, makes this announcement in hopes of impressing him. How much sooner one tires of anything than a book! Miss Bingley adds. Shortly after saying so, already bored by a quick dip into a book, she throws it aside and tries another gambit to grab his attention.

In short, Austen wrote the line as a satirical comment on how we perform certain admirable qualities to win approval.