And then there is the whole argument that women as more emotionally stimulated than visually - we'd allegedly rather read about Mr.Darcy making Ms.Eyre's cheeks rosey on a vigorous walk!
Way off topic...but...
Funny you should mention this particular book. When I first read Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" years ago, didn't really "get it." Years later, it became one of my all-time favs. It takes some effort, but I found it worthwhile. The BBC did a great production of this classic a that can be rented. Again, effort is required effort as the video is over 5 hours long.
Darcy's first proposal of marriage to Elizabeth Bennet remains one of the classic scenes in all English literature.
"In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
Remember that he is enormously wealthy, and she is ... not. Falling for a girl "from the wrong side of the tracks" was not at all what he had in mind (hmm..there were no tracks in those days).
And his shock(!) when she rejected him with these words:
"In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now thank you. But I cannotI have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly.
The nerve! Girl, you just missed your meal ticket with a rich, handsome, love-sick pony.
Oh, for those who won't ever go there, he gets her in the end (surprise!).
Apologies in advance for the digression.
Party on.