But with respect to Lady Russell, I gather that Austen may be joking with us. Lady Russell is obviously able to care for herself and any of her dependents (should she have any). She has no need of a husband. Being a widow, may be a second (or first) period of independence. She can do as she pleases and only has to answer to the taxman.

Lady Russell has nothing to gain from a second marriage to a man like Sir Walter... I see her winking at us. If one is going to marry again without need, one would need some powerful motivation.