Sorry to be late to the game here, but this is the first chance I've had to check in.

The end of Ch. 1 has me wondering why the Allens invited Catherine to go with them to Bath. Were they just being nice to a neighborhood girl? But then why Catherine over anyone else in the village? Are they particular friends and recognize this as a chance to find her a husband, especially because it's clear that her mother won't have the opportunity? Or does Mrs. Allen just want a companion to shop with and an excuse to go visit the Upper and Lower Rooms?