I, too, have often pondered the differences between Lady Middleton and Charlotte Palmer. It seems that both women are not deep thinkers. Yet, Charlotte has inherited her mother's cheerfulness and solicitous feelings towards family, friends, and acquaintances. Like Mrs. Jennings, Charlotte seems eager to welcome strangers into her circle of intimacy.

Lady Middleton seems to have used up all of her gemutlichkeit on her children. She is politely gracious to all those who, at her husband's invitation, are brought into the family circle at Barton. However, the warmth and solicitude is sadly lacking.

One of the reasons I love Jane Austen's work so much, and why I love re-reading this novel in particular, is due to the author's brilliant ability to paint such accurate and strong portraits. Thus far, we have been introduced to a collection of women who encompass a bewildering range of talents, faults, and idiosyncracies.