Characters who promote their own self-interest and/or greed through finagling/manipulation represent themselves well throughout JA's works and Fanny is a stand-out amongst them. I love this section and find it fascintating that you can read it feeling horrified for the Dashwood woman as you watch it play out and yet, at the same time, it is done with an almost light-hearted effect because it is accomplished in such a seemingly off-handed way, almost as if they could have been discussing the weather. The welfare of the Dashwoods is of no more importance than that to them. Yes, a masterpiece. Thank you.