I hardly believe Mary and Fanny could be good friends. Fanny, as far as I can see, enjoys nature and poetry. Mary's interests appear very different.

I wonder if someone like Fanny, all shy and retiring, could enjoy Mary's conversation? All about London, money, fashionable life and so on. I'm not sure that would suit Fanny.

And the second objection is, would not Mary be patronizing? Could Mary and Fanny be equals, as friends? It is hard to describe now, but when I read the book, I have this impression that Fanny hardly seems to exist beside Mary. Even Edmund begins to neglect her! Is it really possible to be friends with someone who completely outshines you? It seems that, as soon as Mary is in the picture, Fanny appears even more insignificant than she already was! I do not see how this could be a healthy friendship, for Fanny, at least.