Big Love

The fantasy, the farce, of Pride and Prejudice

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man of good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

So reads one of the most famous literary first lines ever written, according to the experts. (https://www.nls.uk/exhibitions/pride-and-prejudice/first-page/#:~:text=’It%20is%20a%20truth%20universally,first%20lines%20in%20literary%20history.)

What makes it resonate is how quickly it connects us to the myth of the prince on the white horse, the hero, who chooses to save the heroine. In this story by Jane Austen the hero is called Mr. Darcy, and he is the best of the best. Rich, educated, high society, and also handsome.

Today I encountered a group of Austen fans in costume dress from her time, picnicking along the seashore. There were top hats, long dresses, and tea sets. It was quite picturesque and romantic.

The thing is, I’m totally into Mr. Darcy. I love the story. The pride, the prejudice, the rejection, then the redemption. Spoiler alert. This story ends in love, and ends in marriage.

It’s just that, well, life is a little bit disappointing when the fantasy is one where you will roam the hillside and encounter the likes of him. Life is full of Mr. Wickhams and Caroline Bingleys – fakers and haters. The trick is finding the Mr. Darcy’s, the good ones. The keepers.

I see now that this book has ironically prejudiced me.

For you see, I met a Mr. Darcy once. He ticked the Mr. Darcy requirements, minus the Pemberley estate. He was even British. But then the fall came when he couldn’t hurt my pride at the local dances and my father was unable to call on him to make our introductions. There was mystery, but no romance. Aside from brief encounters at the shopping center, which are just not Austen.

I suppose if I truly embrace the Austen allegory, I’d come clean and say I was officially a spinster. No help for it. Though the term “bachelor “is more appropriate and modern for a woman of my age. Well now, I’ve never thought of myself as a bachelor.

So I went out there and found my own Mr. Darcy. Every woman needs one. He is gorgeous. And he is my fish. Because with a Mr. Darcy at home already I can calm down.

I can enjoy the fantasy of the timeless love story of Darcy and Elizabeth. And I can enjoy my bachelor status too.

“It taught me to hope,” said he, “as I had scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before.” Mr. Darcy

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” Mr. Darcy