I have to disagree with this one. Besides the fact that Sir Walter and Elizabeth went to London every year, IMO the British upper classes of JA's time were more of an old boys' club than we realize today. Even if the Elliots didn't know too many people individually when they first arrived in Bath, they would know who their *families* were, and would have acceptable ways of getting acquainted with those they were interested in. Don't forget that the newspapers actually listed all the arrivals and departures of their set!