Interesting relationship

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Interesting relationship Written by Susan L (10/14/2008 8:56 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Was that specifically stated?, penned by CarolTS

I think it's hard to quantify the relationship between Elizabeth and Mrs Clay as Elizabeth's belief in her own position would be likely to require deference to be a success.

The most illuminating description of their relationship (from the first 5 chapters of the novel) seems to be from Lady Russell when she refers to the role of Mrs Clay in going with Sir Walter and Elizabeth to Bath "... as a most important and valuable assistant to the latter in all the business before her."

I don't actually know what is might by business, but theorise that Lady Rusell's reference to business included things of the nature of social activities (eg setting up evening card parties).

I also wonder the extent to which she wanted to downplay Mrs Clay's involvement with the family given her disapproval of Mrs Clay.

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"Mr Shepherd laughed, as he knew he must, at this wit" Delories (10/6/2008 6:34 p.m.)

What's so bad about Mrs. Clay? nan duval (10/6/2008 9:37 p.m.)
- Another use for Mrs. Clay Martina (10/12/2008 12:45 a.m.)
  - Elizabeth is a snob Robbin (10/12/2008 1:33 p.m.)
- Agree, and... Helen Kaye (10/7/2008 6:42 a.m.)
  - Why wouldn't she think of it? CarolTS (10/7/2008 11:52 a.m.)
    - My thoughts. Helen Kaye (10/7/2008 3:51 p.m.)
- I agree with Robbin's third point Anna Ruby (10/7/2008 4:20 a.m.)
  - Why "clearly"? I don't think Lady R is a snob Delories (10/7/2008 4:29 p.m.)
    - Isn't she? Anna Ruby (10/8/2008 5:09 a.m.)
      - It's possible that "situation" meant something else   Delories (10/8/2008 1:06 p.m.)
        
        Elizabeth's companion...   Mandy N (10/9/2008 12:53 p.m.)
        
        Agree re. "snobbery"   Rachel G (10/9/2008 3:26 p.m.)
        
        Oh, right, Mrs "CLAY"! I never realized before...   Delories (10/9/2008 1:37 p.m.)
        
        What hidden meaning? Pray tell... I don't get it. Thanks. NFM   JanELT (10/12/2008 6:09 p.m.)
        
        Clay is easily molded into any shape desired...   Elbè (10/12/2008 7:00 p.m.)
        
        Ah.... shape shifter. That I understand.   JanELT (10/12/2008 7:06 p.m.)
        
        I agree! Never really caught on to the "Mrs. Clay" ...   Line (10/12/2008 10:17 p.m.)
        
        Was Mrs Clay paid to be a companion to Elizabeth?   JanELT (10/12/2008 11:54 p.m.)
        
        L&T: Interesting question!   Line (10/13/2008 9:54 a.m.)
        
        Was that specifically stated?   CarolTS (10/13/2008 11:46 a.m.)
        
        Interesting relationship   Susan L (10/14/2008 8:56 p.m.)
        
        I don't understand what you mean   Anna Ruby (10/9/2008 3:51 a.m.)
        
        After being widowed, she was presumably in...   Delories (10/9/2008 9:43 a.m.)
        
        So your point is that Lady Russell disapproves Mrs Clay   Anna Ruby (10/9/2008 1:46 p.m.)
      - If there are class distinctions,   CarolTS (10/8/2008 11:22 a.m.)
        
        My point is that to Lady Russell   Anna Ruby (10/9/2008 3:42 a.m.)
        
        I must agree with you.   nan duval (10/9/2008 8:25 a.m.)
- Mrs. Clay Robbin (10/6/2008 9:57 p.m.)
  - What we find out about Mrs. Clay Mia I. (10/7/2008 7:35 a.m.)
    - Clever Mrs. Clay Robbin (10/7/2008 4:45 p.m.)
      - Positive and negative connotations Mia I. (10/8/2008 6:59 a.m.)
        
        Negative impressions Robbin (10/9/2008 11:52 p.m.)

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