I agree - *Does* Elizabeth really prefer reading to cards? Mr. Bennet is described as a reader, and so is Darcy, but Elizabeth is only mentioned reading this once, and then she disclaims being a *great* reader. Surprisingly, knowing what we do about JA herself, in P&P I've always detected a slight tone of "Let a girl read too much and she'll turn into Mary". Of course, we know that for centuries there was a prejudice against "bluestockings" - women who read a lot, had intellectual interests, and (according to public opinion) neglected their appearance and other more practical matters like learning to be a good housekeeper and being charming to men! I do wonder if in her first novel, a less self-confident JA was trying to defend her heroine against any charges of being considered a bluestocking?