The fact is, that you were sick of civility, of deference, of officious attention. You were disgusted with the women who were always speaking, and looking, and thinking for your approbation alone. I roused, and interested you, because I was so unlike them.
– Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 60. The independent-minded, outspoken and spirited Elizabeth tells Mr. Darcy why he was attracted to her. She suggests that he was sick of deferential women who always pandered to his approval. She was different to those kind of upper class women he was used to. Elizabeth is right here, Darcy was aroused by her high degree of intelligence and lively personality, not by any learned accomplishments that women in his circle tended to educate themselves with. One of the main themes of the novel is the nature of a strong and happy marriage. For Elizabeth it is a mix of affection, character and mutual respect.