I just love Aunt Gardiner's letter about Darcy's role in Wickham and Lydia's marriage... It lays out so perfectly Darcy's character... his desire to make things right, his obstinance "..obstinancy is the real defect in his character after all.." (ch. 52), his generosity, his desire to please, his kindness, his pleasing opinions, and best of all his desire for "a little more liveliness.."

If I were Lizzy, this is when I would truly love Darcy... As aptly described by Aunt Gardiner, he really does possess all of the qualities of a noble man.

It is also here that I can actually see why Darcy loves Elizabeth. He is lonely and ready to settle down and according to Aunt Gardiner's perceptive observation, he wants someone with good humor and livliness.

I am trying to reconcile his description of an accomplished woman in the conversations at Netherfield, with his love of Lizzy. in thinking through it, I think they are consistant. Lizzy does have all of the characteristics he described, and more. She is also kind, loyal, witty and lively.

Excellent letter!