In Pride and Prejudice, what is meant by the phrase 'at York'?

Question

In Chaper 20 of _Pride and Prejudice_, after Lizzy refuses to marry Mr Collins, Mrs Bennet says of her: > "There she comes... looking as unconcerned as may be, and caring no more for us than if we were **at York**, provided she can have her own way." I know that York is a place in England, but it just seems to be a very strange thing for her to say. **What is meant, in the context of the times, by being at York?**

Answer 1

York is indeed a place in England. In the context of the book/times, "at York" kind of means "far away." As in, "She doesn't care anything about us--no more so than if we were off in *insert name of far-away place.*" Lizzy isn't concerned with those around her.