Lady Bertram’s inability to think very much for herself and her reliance on Sir Thomas is amusing but a sad example of womanhood. When Fanny was invited to dine at the parsonage Lady Bertram could not definitely decide if she could do without Fanny and had to ask Sir Thomas:

…on his looking in for a minute in his way from his plantation to his dressing–room, she called him back again, when he had almost closed the door, with “Sir Thomas, stop a moment—I have something to say to you.”

Her tone of calm languor, for she never took the trouble of raising her voice, was always heard and attended to; and Sir Thomas came back. Her story began… “But can I do without her, Sir Thomas?”

“Indeed I think you may.” (23)

Then at another party at the parsonage Lady Bertram cannot decide what game will amuse her most and calls on Sir Thomas to help:

“What shall I do, Sir Thomas? Whist and speculation; which will amuse me most?”

Sir Thomas, after a moment’s thought, recommended speculation. He was a whist player himself, and perhaps might feel that it would not much amuse him to have her for a partner.

“Very well,” was her ladyship’s contented answer; “then speculation, if you please, Mrs. Grant. I know nothing about it, but Fanny must teach me.” (25)