Mrs. Clay's Ambition and Betrayal

Outlines Mrs. Clay's calculated efforts to ingratiate herself with the Elliots and her eventual elopement with Mr. Elliot.

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The Insinuating Companion

The Insinuating Companion A Clever Woman Mrs. Clay, the daughter of Mr. Shepherd, is a clever, good-looking widow. She ingratiates herself with Elizabeth and becomes a constant companion. She is useful and agreeable, and she soon becomes indispensable. A Design on Sir Walter? Lady Russell and Anne suspect that Mrs. Clay has designs on Sir Walter. She is young and attractive, and she flatters him. Sir Walter, however, is blind to her machinations, thinking her too plain to be a threat.

The Game of Influence

The Game of Influence A Double Game Mr. Elliot, who also wants to prevent Sir Walter from marrying Mrs. Clay, cultivates her acquaintance. He is polite and attentive, but he is working against her. Mrs. Clay is unaware of his true intentions. Anne's Warning Anne tries to warn Elizabeth about Mrs. Clay, but she is dismissed. Mrs. Clay remains in the household, and her influence grows. The situation is a source of tension for Anne.

The Elopement

The Elopement A Sudden Departure After Anne's engagement, Mr. Elliot leaves Bath, and Mrs. Clay goes with him. It becomes clear that she has been his mistress all along, and that she has abandoned her hopes of marrying Sir Walter. The Consequence The Elliots are shocked and humiliated. Mrs. Clay's ambition has led her to a morally questionable choice. She is last heard of as living under Mr. Elliot's protection in London. Her fate is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.

September 1814

Winter 1814-1815

Spring 1815