I was thinking about Lizzy's first meeting with Lady C. in Ch.29 'Her air was not concilatory, nor was her manner of receiving them...She was not rendered formidable by silence; but whatever she said was spoken in so authoritive a tone, as marked her self importance.' Actually, I had quite forgotten Mr Collins' relatives, Sir William and Mariah Lucas. Yes, people like the Lucas' were impressed by Lady Catherine's title, wealth and authoritive air because they had the same values (though not same rank) as her. Yet, while I agree with you, I don't feel Lady C. cares to influence people like Sir William. Not the same way she would like to influence Darcy as I don't think she had any respect for Sir William. It was earlier mentioned she might've been alittle afraid of her nephew, I think that could be true. Possibly she reluctantly had some respect for Lizzie as well. I think they are the people whose actions she'd liked to influence. Oh, I wouldn't like to be her tenant either!!