I had not thought of this before, but now you point it out it makes perfect sense to me.

If this is typical of her husband's behaviour, then Charlotte, or any woman, would have to pedal like mad to keep the wheels turning and prevent social situations from getting very unpleasant indeed.

Charlotte may not quite up to the great (monumental?) task of compensating for Mr P's ungracious manners, but she is still young and has not long been married. Her skills will presumably improve with practice! I hope her curmudgeonly spouse learns to appreciate her.