“The daughters of this unfortunate merchant were especially horrified at the prospect of the life they should have to lead in this dull solitude. For some time they flattered themselves that, when their father’s intention became known, their lovers, who had hitherto sued in vain, would be only too happy to find they were inclined to listen to them. They imagined that the many admirers of each would be all striving to obtain the preference. They thought if they wished only for a husband they would obtain one; but they did not remain very long in such a delightful illusion.”

This quote comes shortly after the many misfortunes that befall the merchant’s family. The daughters referenced here are Beauty’s five older sisters; Beauty’s difference from them hasn’t yet been revealed. Beauty’s sisters are upset about moving to the country and believe that their many suitors will save them from this fate by finally proposing rather than just courting them. The sisters find that they’re wrong and that their admirers aren’t interested in them now that their situation has changed for the worse. This passage illustrates the fickleness of the upper class at the time. Marriages weren’t made for love, and a woman was judged based on what she could bring to the union. Thus, when the sisters no longer had their father’s riches to flaunt, their suitors lost interest and sought more favorable options.

“Quite as much alive to the reverses that had just overwhelmed her family as any of her sisters, by a strength of mind which is not common in her sex, she concealed her sorrow, and rose superior to her misfortunes.”

These lines are part of the introduction to Beauty’s character. As noted, she has a very different reaction to the misfortunes and subsequent move to the country. Though she’s as aware of the situation as her sisters are, she doesn’t dwell on how it worsens her life and chooses to accept what has happened. The phrase “which is not common in her sex” refers to the belief at the time that women didn’t possess the same mental fortitude as men and were considered delicate creatures prone to fits of emotion.