But what choice did she raelly have? I agree that it DOES perhaps show a little that Sir Thomas was a far from loved father ...that he seems ot have been feared by his offpsring to a great extent... but after all a girl like Maria could be a dutiful daughter at home or a wife.. that's the choice.

She was unhappy at home and while she had youth, beauty and fortune on her side, she seems not to have recieved any other offers... and thanks to Lady B being so lazy, the girls did not get a London season even though Im sure they coudl have afforded it...
So having also been let down By Henry, I think that she felt her only hope of escape was to marry and Mr R was the only person offering.