at this time Jane is subjected to Good more often than the Best company. Persuasion keeps coming to mind for me too. The stupid and intolerable parties remind of this description of the evening party at Camden Place:

The evening came, the drawing-rooms were lighted up, the company assembled. It was but a card-party, it was but a mixture of those who had never met before, and those who met too often: a commonplace business, too numerous for intimacy, too small for variety; (Chapter 23)

Anne can bear it well now that she has her Captain by her side. I hope Jane was able to bear it easier after Cassandra arrived. So many acquaintances, so many connections, I guess it is a reminder that you do not have to actually be alone to be a bit lonely. The Gowland’s connection is so interesting. Thanks, this one must have taken a lot of work. ;D