Thank you to Amy Marie, Barbara B, Tracy W, Tom P2, and Robbin for taking my remarks seriously and thinking about them.

A few notes. First, Lucy's last name -- Steele. She does have "steel" in her backbone. She appears to be incapable of being discouraged. A good survival trait, and a good genetic trait to pass on to her descendents. Also a good trait for contract killers, of which Lucy is a sort.

Second, notice how JA indulges Lucy. As soon as she is introduced, she is allowed to speak in her own voice, and at length. Not so Elinor or Marianne. They have to shut up frequently while the narrator makes general observations concerning the English weather, the state of Barton cottage, and so on.

Third, the conversation in vol.2, ch.2, is ladled with sarcasm, as first Elinor tries dry humor only to find that Lucy is up to the challenge, as she would be for any challenge. Lucy's "Tis because you are indifferent person" cry in the middle of the card game and Marianne's concerto frenzy, can be translated as "you are an unimportant person -- so there!"

Yes, of course, Lucy is a sociopath.