As I was reading I was wondering if it would be more pleasant to be like Miss Bates or someone who actually felt not everything was so wonderful. Soemtimes I think ignorance must be bliss and she truly loves all her neighbors and every little thing that happens. I wish I could do that and not notice the annoying- especially in people like Miss Bates!

Then in discussing Mrs Elton's pride in her brother in law it reminded me of the contrast with Mrs Norris, who also has a sister who marries very well but she behaves differently- taking over for her sister. We don't know what Mrs Suckling is like and she could be very different from lady Bertram though but I suppose again Mrs Elton is comparably not so bad.