Darcy conquered his pride. He stood up to family. He stood up to society. He really redeemed himself.
When you read about stories in the L & R forum of guys who pursue relationships…and then chicken out and call it quits because they can’t stand up to a disapproving mummy (who is miffed because the girl wasn’t HER choice…or isn’t the right skin color…or height, etc)…they don’t have the courage to stand up for much. They’re not Darcys. Not all of them are like that, of course. But…what made Darcy appealing was not just his looks…but the air of mystery about him…his ability to set things right after erring…his ability to reflect…and to stand up for what he wants.