Raving of an Austen-Crazed Mind

It has finally happened. I have o.d.ed on Jane Austen. PBS Masterpiece Theatre has been playing the complete works of Jane Austen over the past few weeks. I must confess that I have spent many a late Sunday night curled up on the couch palpitating over poverty stricken women who manage to somehow snag rich hunks with nothing but average looks and a hefty allowance of wit. Why am I so thrilled every time Elizabeth Bennett hooks Mr. Darcy?

My Austen addiction is really starting to annoy Rance. He snorts with derision every time I congratulate him on our "connubial bliss," or tell him that he awakens the "warmest felicitations" in my heart. I just smile and tell him that "I do not want people to be very agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them a great deal."

The kids have even noticed my preoccupation with 200 year-old romances. Just the other day Emma asked me what "amiable" means? Am I enriching my children's vocabulary or have I gone completely over the edge?

Unfortunately, PBS is cutting off my fix in a couple of weeks. I can only glut myself on the second half of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma before they cut me off completely. At least I have a real-life Mr. Darcy to console me! Happy Valentine's Day Rance!