I have to agree with Rae Elaine. I have a hard time with genuine Jane Austen--but then I have trouble with King James version, won't touch Shakespeare, and avoid poetry.
But I guess it depends on the reader. Some people like Jane Austen to a T--no deviation from cannon, characterization, or the language. I definitely prefer the shorter sentences, strategically placed tags so it is clear (without re reading) who is talking, etc. As a writer, I found even trying to modernize the convoluted language a challenge.
To each his own : )
