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Jen, have you read any Elizabeth Gaskell? Her work's grittier than Austen's, but not overly dark. Three I'd recommend:
- Cranford. An affectionate portrait of village life that was already old-fashioned by the time Gaskell wrote it. Gentle and kindly, sad in parts but ultimately cheering. The closest to Austen of Gaskell's works, but still very different.
- Wives and Daughters. Romance, misunderstandings, ultimate happiness for the deserving.
- North and South. Social commentary, a brilliant portrait of an industrial town contrasted with a clear-eyed view of rural life, a strong heroine, and sizzling chemistry between the main couple.
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