] It makes me wonder what tasks the ladies had to take on that were previously performed for them.

The more elegant tasks? Some thoughts. Washing and dusting the more delicate china ornaments and tea cups, sponging mud splashes from their own clothes (not The Great Wash of course!), being their own ladies maids (grooming, putting away their own clothes, repairing there clothes). Also the Dashwoods dined out a lot, so that would cut down on some of the cooking and washing up for the two maids.

Barton Cottage probably didn't need (or have room for) more servants.