While I agree with the answers posted so far to your question, I’d like to add that, as prejudiced as Lady Russell appears in favoring the persons of high rank, she would not object to Mrs. Clay half so much if it had not been for the incincerity of the latter that she, Lady Russell, was actually able to see through.

I do not think it could possibly occur to Lady Russell that Mrs. Clay would aspire to become the next Lady Elliot, her objection was solely to Elizabeth preferring such a companion as Mrs. Clay to her own sister, and such a sister as Anne, whom Lady Russell valued and loved as a daughter. I think with Lady Russell it was more instinctive dislike towards Mrs. Clay than any particular feeling born of prejudice against the low rank of the lawyer’s daughter and a widow.