... I took your advice and read throught the FAQ and Names in Use, as well as posted an intro on the Newbie board.

Now back to my original question, as suggested by Caroline, I can think of a JA's connection in Persusaion's Mrs. Clay.

If I remember correctly, she was a widow, but at the time of the novel, she lived with her father until she became Elizabeth Elliot's companion. Whatever happened to her husband's side of the family? Did they discard her such that she was forced to return to her family?

Thanks in advance for any info you may have in this regard.