Happy Ever Afters (Spoilers?)

Which pairing out of all Jane Austen's novels do you think most likely to result in a happy marriage, and why?

I know that all of the novels have a happy ever after for the hero and heroine, but thinking 'realistically', which two are the best matched? I would say Emma Woodhouse and Mr Knightley, and not just because Emma is my favourite novel, honest ;) Emma has known him all her life, they were friends before they were lovers, and they are on an equal social footing - when they finally move to Donwell, being mistress of the manor will not come as a shock to her, like Marianne Dashwood had to adjust to taking over Delaford. Possibly the only drawback is the age difference, but I think Mr Knightley's sixteen years on Emma will help to balance her rather youthful and impulsive nature. There will probably be arguments, but I think both would enjoy the fighting and the making up ;)

The match that doesn't inspire me with confidence is that of Fanny Price and Edmund Bertram in Mansfield Park. The forced pairing of the two at the end of the novel might have made Fanny happy, but I didn't think Edmund deserved her - or that he really wanted her. It was a case of 'last man standing', with Mary Crawford tainted by her brother's actions, and Henry 'otherwise engaged'.

So that's my vote - what do you think?

I actually think Fanny and Edmund from 'Mansfield Park', the most suited in temperament and shared belief. Edmund, having had the scales fall from his eyes concerning Mary Crawford, will be all the more likely to appreciate the quiet virtues of Fanny. And maybe he'll even learn to seek her advice...

I do worry about Elizabeth Bennett and Darcy, because, of all the couples, they seem to be the most love-struck, attracted despite themselves. And if the attraction ever wears off, they could be in deep trouble.

Good thread! It does seem to be the minor characters who get the happy marriages in the end - Jane and Bingley rather than Elizabeth and Darcy etc - but I do remain fairly hopeful for Catherine and Henry (Northanger Abbey) who do seem to have a shared snese of humour by the end of the book and probably aren't going to take life too seriously.

How about Anne Eliot and Captain Wentworth in Persuasion? Their love for each other certainly was tested! Having reunited after a long separation which their feelings for each other survived, it seems likely they'll have a long and happy marriage together.

I vote for Anne Elliot & Capt Wentworth. They are older, wiser and have been through individual struggles, as well as their long separation. They know what they want in a marriage, and have the example of the Crofts to follow. I would put Emma & Knightley second--I think they are well-suited, but could have some bumps along the road.