] How do others read this scene? Was Lucy pushed, or did she make a calculated move?

Lady Middleton no doubt thinks she is being very subtle in manoeuvering Lucy into doing what she wants, but really Lucy is miles ahead of her. In her view, making a basket is a small price to pay for the advantages of living with the Middletons, and the fact that Lady M thinks it was her idea just makes it easier to stay on her good side.