Jane Austen Knew The Price of Things

I cannot recall who wrote that Jane Austen was frightening for how clear-eyed she was about money. Reading Thornfield Hall's post Price Tags in “Pride and Prejudice” brought that idea back to mind.

And then, ZOWIE! Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle vacation in Derbyshire and decide to tour Pemberley, Darcy’s estate. Elizabeth can’t help but think she could have been the mistress of this great house.  And when they run into Darcy, let us just say there is chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth.

There is more comedy to come, because everyone is confused about Elizabeth’s relationship with Darcy. No one, not even her older sister Jane, believes Elizabeth should marry Darcy.  Mr. Bennet strongly advises her to think again.  He believes she is marrying for money.  “My dear Lizzie, I would- I do congratulate you – but are you certain?  Forgive the question – are you quite certain that you could be happy with him?”

Considering that a married woman's property would be controlled by her husband, and the few avenues open for women to maintain themselves economically, that Austen paid attention to the pounds and pence makes very good sense

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