pride and prejudice

What can I say about:

Mr. Darcy - He is difficult to read. First, he doesn't say much. Second, his expression doesn't betray any emotion. Third, his ill repute, credible source or not, has preceded him by miles. His control and common sense is admirable. He knew at a point that it wouldn't do well if he insist his suit when the cut his words have made about Elizabeth's poor connections still stung. The letter he wrote was his redemption. Nothing beats a tangible evidence. It gives the recipient a sense of security to have something to hold on to. Although the lines favored the defensive, it mattered little. The time it took to compose (considering its length), the effort exerted to find the right words, the wealth of emotion evident, and the courage to actually send it, said a lot about the writer's intention.

Elizabeth - Her initial reaction to Mr. Darcy is only natural as people tend to have preconceived ideas about a person. Unfortunately, if the information was gleaned from the grapevine, it is usually to the detriment of the subject.

It's unthinkable how women survived during this time where accomplishment is measured on how well you sing or play a musical instrument (I play the guitar, well, I know the basic chords). What happens to the independent and stubborn who chose to live alone? Is there a book dwelling on the subject of women who didn't get to find an eligible male to marry? I'd like to have a copy because with very limited knowledge on the subject, I consider myself lucky to have been born in this era and has finished a degree. At least I have an option between scrubbing floors and practising my profession to save for the twilight years.