I agree that economic factors always raise their head. They always do throughout human history. As any economist or environmentalist will tell you, resources are scarce. Money is a measure of resources, so money is important.

My doubt is over whether JA's use of the word "obtain" meant that she thought Mr Weston had "obtained" Mrs. Weston as a commodity rather than seeing her as a someone with whom he shares his home and independence, which is a different question. And now, in deference to Laraine's guidelines, I'll stop.