The discussions below of the cross/chain/necklace episode, and of Sir Thomas's "tirade" to Fanny, really brought home to me the reason why MP is probably my favorite JA novel, which is the same reason why it is NOT many other people's: Fanny's role as indirect narrator.

Although JA famously said that Emma was "a heroine whom no one but myself will much like," at least Emma is beautiful, vivaciously extroverted and rich. Fanny is none of those things (yes, yes, we've she that can indeed be attractive, but not in the same overt way), and many readers, even devoted Janeites, never warm to her.