] Lucy has all the patience it takes do meticulous crafts and to keep her feet firmly planted on Edward for five years, and Elinor has all the gifts to paint with realy taste and to attract Edward genuinely within a few weeks.

] That's probably way far-fetched, but it crossed my mind as another externalization of inner qualities

It's not far-fetched at all! As I said in another thread, I generally don't think of JA as writing using symbolism, metaphors etc. but there really is much to be found once you begin digging around.

Your observation reminded me of something from last week's chapters, while Edward was visiting at Barton (having just come from a visit with Lucy). He was telling Marianne that he much admired the view and the countryside, although he doesn't know anything about 'picturesque'. The gist of the conversation is that he knows what he likes when he sees it, even if he doesn't have all the fancy terminology for it.

He remarks, "It exactly answers my idea of a fine country, because it unites beauty with utility."

Now, that's not a particularly romantic thing to say, but it does go to his state of mind. He doesn't want to be told that he must admire something that is, in reality, crooked or twisted, ruined or tattered, nettles or thorns. We may be told these things are picturesque, but when you really look at them, their qualities are not so praiseworthy. Edward appreciates something that is not only beautiful but also has more substance to it besides, something that goes beyond just something pleasant to look at.