] What was the relationship between Warren Hastings and the Marquis of Hastings (aka Rawdon and Moira)? Were they cousins? If so, the Austen connection with Warren would go a long way to explain Henry's backing of Moira.

I no longer have my biographies of Warren Hastings etc. And I have not yet made my way (having been thoroughly gobsmacked by jetlag and fatigue for the past 10 days) to the British Council etc to find out the background of Warren Hastings. Perhaps Anielka or someone else would know, but I suggest going to e-mail for more speculations (since I think this is getting to the third degree and more). If I find out more, I will let you know by e-mail.