Final answer:
The correct answer is (a) Reclusive, which describes the solitary life led by Madame and Mademoiselle L'Espanaye. This aligns with the limited interaction and contact they had with visitors, as was common in certain aristocratic lifestyles of the period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Madame and Mademoiselle L'Espanaye led reclusive lives because they did not receive visitors or go out of their house very much. The correct answer is (a) Reclusive. This choice fits the context as it describes a lifestyle where individuals live in solitude, avoiding social contact and activities. In contrast, 'Luxurious' implies a life of great comfort and wealth, 'Adventurous' suggests a life filled with new and exciting experiences, and 'Extravagant' pertains to spending much more than is necessary or wise. None of these latter options align with the description given.
During the period referred to, the aristocracy led often opulent lifestyles characterized by wealth and leisure, which included engaging in romantic intrigues. However, there was a strict etiquette that regulated social interactions, with decorum dictating that women must not be directly seen by visitors, contributing to the lack of social interaction and the feeling of claustrophobia despite the surrounding luxury.