My Book Boyfriend: Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy

My Book Boyfriend is hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader. It's all about fictional boys who make us swoon. This week my book boyfriend is perhaps my greatest fictional love - Mr Darcy from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I haven't chosen him in the past because, well, it's just so obvious, but I thought it was about time I devoted a post to him. I know he's a bit of a snob at first, but deep down he's amazeballs (it's true, I got that straight from Austen). Can you really blame the guy for being a bit standoffish when he's saddled with a name like Fitzwilliam?! Anyhoo, I love him for a bazillion different reasons, some of which include his tenderness, (hidden) passion, devotion, intelligence, protectiveness, sense of humour (yes, he has one) and his very large... estate. But most of all I love his connection with Elizabeth and the respect he has for her; the way he loves is amazing (even if his first go at a proposal is totally botched - hey, he comes good in the end!). He's been played by many actors over the years, some great, some average - but none more Darcysauce than Colin Firth!
 
Swoon-worthy Quotes

"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." 

"If you will thank me, let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you." 

"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which had laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun."

PS It's not from the book, but I couldn't resist including this...