Austen purposefully strives for this initial effect if only to prove that first impressions are not always what they seem, and proceeds to further this concept through Darcy. Though Bingley speaks highly of Darcy, not enough of his actions are shown in the beginning for anyone, including Elizabeth, to see his true nature. As someone of such a high social status, Darcy is very rare in that his intentions are not for a marriage to further his reputation or fortune, but for love, which Austen sees as the best basis for marriage. It is for this reason that Darcy goes to such lengths to keep Elizabeth as he grows more and more fond of her, and in doing so show those qualities of a great husband that Austen looks for. For instance, Lydia tangles herself with George Wickham, a very shallow man whose intentions are based upon the monetary worth of a woman. As Lydia has grown foolish due to lack of parenting on Mr. Bennet's behalf, she runs off with Wickham, tarnishing her reputation forever if a marriage does not ensue. Darcy would not be able to connect himself with such an incident, so because of his love for Elizabeth, he proceeds to travel to London, encounter Mr. Wickham, and pay him the amount he desired to wed Lydia. Also, Darcy's character as Austen's choice husband comes into play again during Elizabeth's first visit to Pemberley. Clearly Austen depicts a good nature as necessary for a good husband. Early on, Elizabeth and many others view Darcy as arrogant and self-centered due to his approach towards strangers and his egocentric behavior. As explained earlier, Darcy refuses to dance with anyone at the balls and limits his conversations only to those close friends of his, such as Mr. Bingley, which only supports rumors of his arrogance. Elizabeth learns more of him through her guided tour of his Pemberley estate. As she is guided around the estate in wonder, Elizabeth is enlightened upon many areas of Darcy's life through his house-servant Mrs.
