While not an explicit Austen mention, this description of Washington’s character, from the new Washington biography, His Excellency, by Joseph Ellis, seemed quite familiar.

Two of Washington’s abiding characteristics–his aloofness and his capacity for remaining silent–were in all likelihood protective tactics developed to prevent detection of the combustible materials simmering inside.

This passage from Pride and Prejudice is one of many that springs to mind:

What made you so shy of me, when you first called, and afterwards dined here? Why, especially, when you called, did you look as if you did not care about me?”

“Because you were grave and silent, and gave me no encouragement.”

“But I was embarrassed.”

“And so was I.”

“You might have talked to me more when you came to dinner.”

“A man who had felt less, might.”

Mags observed that Alexander Hamilton always makes her “think of Henry Tilney (though he would not have had an affair behind Catherine’s back). But he was smart, witty, a real Renaissance man.

Let’s face it, Jane Austen’s heroes are sexy, the Founding Fathers were sexy.”

Thomas Jefferson was, of course, a man without peer: brilliant, creative, and passionate, not to mention “six feet two and half inches high, well proportioned and straight as a gun barrel.”

Benjamin Franklin obviously gave a great deal of thought and energy into searching out the most pleasing, uh, companions.

And we cannot forget that great romance between John and Abigail Adams.

My Dearest Friend,

…should I draw you the picture of my heart it would be what I hope you would still love though it contained nothing new. The early possession you obtained there, and the absolute power you have obtained over it, leaves not the smallest space unoccupied.

I look back to the early days of our acquaintance and friendship as to the days of love and innocence, and, with an indescribable pleasure, I have seen near a score of years roll over our heads with an affection heightened and improved by time, nor have the dreary years of absence in the smallest degree effaced from my mind the image of the dear untitled man to whom I gave my heart.

Abigail Adams