In Chapter 2

"Elizabeth had been lately forming an intimacy, which she(Lady Russell) wished to see interrupted. It was with a daughter of Mr. Shepherd, who had returned, after an unprosperoud marriage, to her father's house, with the additional burden of two children. She was a clever young woman, who understood the art of pleasing-the art of pleasing, at least, at Kellynch Hall; who had made herself so acceptable to Miss Elliot, as to have been already staying there more than once, in spite of all the Lady Russell, who thought it a friendship quite out of place, could hint of caution and reserve."
Mr. Shepherd is Sir Walters Lawyer and Man of Business. He is well below Sir walther in class as is his widowed daughter who deparatly needs to remarry. She hangs on because this is the cheapest way for her to meet prospects-and she will difinitely meet a better class than with her father. Even if she does not succeed with Sir Walter she had the opportunity of being in Bath where she will have a wider circle to work.