I think even years ago, Lady R would have approved. Early in chapter 2, Lady R was described as "a benevolent, charitable, good woman". A benevolent, charitable lady would have visited the poor and the sick, even if she was a bit of a snob -- re Emma who visited the poor cottagers, while at the same time being haughty and refusing to speak to the Martins, a family of yeoman farmers who did not need her help, and condescending to the Coles who were rich but of low origin, in trade.