Historically many readers have believed that there is no love in Jane Austen's novels. It is claimed, so far as matters of the heart are concerned, what we find instead is prudence, practicality, even a degree of mercenariness. The few characters in Austen's novels who claim to be indifferent to wealth in matters of love are either silly, crafty, or naive. Thus we find the sentimental heroines of Love and Friendship announcing their noble determination to subsist on love alone. The necessity of marriage to the subsistence of women without fortunes is the very premise of Pride and Prejudice. Concerning the “amorous effects of brass,” Austen seems to have her cake and eat it too. Having shown her superiority of character in declining two marriage proposals despite the uncertain future of her family and herself, Elizabeth is more than a little susceptible to “worldly advantage.”.