yes a son would have to be born in wedlock, to inherit the baronetcy, but if Mr E was keen on having an heir, adn she was charming to him, he MIGHT wish to marry a woman who was, he hoped, about to give him a male heir...

ANd it woudl probably annoy hte hell out of Sir Walter to see the baronetcy going ot Mrs Clay's child... now that she had turned him down. I just dont fidn the whole thing convincing. Mrs Clay wasn't a fool.. she was alive ot her own interests and while she might have a weak spot where Mr Elliot is concerned, Im sure it was no so weak as to throw off her common sense completely... SHe might have an affair iwht him, she might even throw over the chance of marrying Sir Walter, but become his mistress in such a public way?? NO!