I'm posting this here after reading some of the comments on Peter's tale on the other board (to avoid intruding on his work) . My thread title is inspired by how a total outsider would see the Lizzie / Darcy affair. In points of order, Darcy first, and observing canon as much as possible:
Darcy.....
was rude, arrogant to the point of insult and considered most of the society that the Bennet's moved in way beneath him. At twenty seven he hadn't managed to involve himself in any relationship of mention with a woman, and didn't even seem to have many male friends outside of Charles Bingley and some hinted-at associates when in London. He made depreciating comment about Lizzie in private and, on the one occasion, however mildly,, in public. In his favour, he was reasonably handsome, disgustingly rich and seemed to love and care for his sister dearly. He knew little or nothing about Lizzie beyond her having fine eyes and found the briefest of conversations leaving him tongue-tied. Despite his university education where he must have had to converse, he comes across as remote and distant with little desire to mingle with society. In short, despite his wealth, is he really the sort of man to attract an intelligent woman as a husband, especially after listing all her discrepancies? ( The need of the period for women to marry security is not considered in the question).
Elizabeth....
Described loosely as "pretty" with a light pleasing figure, intelligent, outspoken and high-spirited, Lizzie, shared her father's pastime of making fun of people ( what she gaily termed "the ridiculous" ). Despite her intelligence she swallowed Wickham's lies hook, line and brass-buttons. Without recourse to any information of the truth of his lies, she made no attempt to seek out the reality, preferring to let her dislike and prejudice against Darcy be her guide. She was outspoken against Charlotte Lucas for being content with security over romance and somewhat bossy in her opinion (for that is all it was at the time) of Caroline Bingley based on dislike. Without knowing the truth of things she gave Darcy a verbal tongue-lashing about his treatment of Wickham and laughed at his proposal (in fairness, most would). Quite what attracted Darcy to her is a little puzzling as she was relatively poor, had a mother who was a constant embarrasment in company and a family he regarded as too far below his own social level to even consider associationg with. What exactly was the attraction since they never really had a decent conversation and were uncomfortable in each others company?
Therefore.....due to a total lack of competition ( Mr Collins was never that), would either have considered the other if a suitable alternative (as in Peter's Captain Bingley etc) had come along. Would Darcy have stepped up to the mark and made a determined effort to win Lizzie, or she even considered him with a suitable alternative on the scene..?
I realise Madame Guillotine may await me for even asking such questions, but, hey-ho, it's a fan-fic site....(-:
