Jane and Mr. Bingley: Why Do I Avoid This Pairing?

If you’ve read all my books, you may have noticed that Jane does not always end up with Mr. Bingley. In fact, any time Jane is pulled into the forefront of the story, I do my best to avoid this particular pairing, though it isn’t always possible.

There are quite a few authors of Jane Austen Fan Fiction who do this, though it is certainly not universal. Usually, it is because the author simply does not like Mr. Bingley, considering him weak-willed or spineless. While he can certainly be perceived that way, that is not my reason.

I don’t actually have anything against Mr. Bingley’s personality. He is perfectly capable of managing his money and his life. As far as I can tell, there is nothing in the original to indicate profligacy, wastefulness, or even laziness. He is merely easygoing, and such a personality trait can be quite appealing to some people.

I just don’t believe Jane is one of those people.

Jane’s tendency to think the best of others and the way she suffered from her broken heart for months, speaks to a tender, gentle heart. People like that tend to be drawn, whether consciously or subconsciously, to others who can help protect them.

I honestly believe what Mr. Bennet says, jokingly, near the end of Pride and Prejudice: “You are each of you so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved on; so easy, that every servant will cheat you; and so generous, that you will always exceed your income." While it may not be entirely accurate, I am of the opinion that the fundamental idea, that Jane and Bingley are simply too alike to work well together, is sound.

Thus, in my own works, as long as the story allows, I tend to pair Jane up with stronger men, like Colonel Fitzwilliam, who is physically strong, or Mr. Carruthers, who is a bit stubborn as well as socially strong due to his wide range of friends and business contacts as well as his status.

My favorite, so far, is Mr. Masters. I created him to have a similar position in life to Mr. Bingley, but then I gave him a personality which was almost the complete opposite. By doing so, I was attempting to make it obvious, both to Jane and to my readers, why Mr. Bingley is not the best choice for her after all.

Jane’s most frequent partner is Colonel Fitzwilliam, but while he is a good choice, I honestly do not consider him to be ideal for Jane. The reason they usually end up together is because I feel sorry for Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I feel a need to pair him up with someone. Jane just happens to be the best option most of the time, though I think Charlotte is actually better for him in the long run.

That is a tale for another day, however. I will see you here again next month.