Because, even two centuries later, Mr. Darcy happens to be everything a woman seeks in a man.

We don't love him because he's got that handsome exterior. And we, certainly, don't love him because he's rich and got all that swagger. We do not immediately fall for him when he swoops in like a hero and saves Lizzie's sister and family from shame because we have already given our hearts to him by the time he tells her that he is "most ardently in love with her."

Darcy's appeal comes from the respect he gives to Elizabeth. Now that doesn't always come-by very easily in the patriarchial society that women have been subjected to since the beginning of time. When Elizabeth gives him her piece of mind about how she thinks he's full of himself, Darcy listens to her quite patiently. He loves Lizzie with all her faults and shortcomings and loves her just as she is. It's her mind, her wit and her charm that win him over and not her looks. He chases her in a very subtle manner without once being un-gentlemanly. She rejects, he pursues - humbled each time he's turned down.

“Women are not attracted to perfection. They’re attracted to somebody who is passionate and warm-hearted, who is willing to love and willing to change.” And that, right there, is the key to Darcy’s allure. By the time we reach the end of the novel, Darcy is a changed man. He changes for love. From a brooding, emotionally distant man, he goes on to become the hero who does the right thing without even anybody telling him what to do. Now who won't go weak in the knees for that? How we wish we had a man like him by our side. Sigh!

Come Edward Cullen or Christian Grey, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy shall reign supreme. He has lasted the test of time and will continue to smite us for he has bewitched our body, mind and soul.