Mrs Allen finally (finally!) is able to boast of acquaintance in Bath -- a Mrs Thorpe. Mrs Thorpe has children (6 that we hear of), and she talks of them at length, of

the talents of her sons, and the beauty of her daughters, ... their different situations and views — that John was at Oxford, Edward at Merchant Taylors’, and William at sea — and all of them more beloved and respected in their different station than any other three beings ever were ... .

Mrs Thorpe seems to have little conversation except concerning her children, but the narrator is relatively kind to her: "Mrs. Thorpe was a widow, and not a very rich one; she was a good–humoured, well–meaning woman, and a very indulgent mother." Other than being boring, I cannot find anything negative in her -- she is similar to Mrs Allen, I suppose, rather than being like Mrs Morland.

Shortly after meeting Mrs Thorpe, we are introduced to three Misses Thorpes -- Isabella, the oldest, and two younger daughters. After being introduced to Catherine, it becomes clear that Catherine's oldest brother (James) is good friends with John Thorpe. So the Morland & Thorpe families are connected. Catherine and Isabella become instant friends, even though Isabella is a few years older.