Mr. Parker's characterization of country life is extremely different from Mr. Heywood's experiences, leaving Mr. Heywood astonished. Austen frequently explores the contrast between citygoer's "vision" of country life and its reality. Another example is in Sense and Sensibility, when Captain Willoughby (representing the city) declares that no renovations should be made to a cottage (representing the countryside) to preserve its quaintness, despite its inhabitants protests of tangible issues, like "dark narrow stairs and a kitchen that smokes."

Propriety overrides charity for Mrs. Parker. Likewise, in Austen's novels, many technically beneficial things are not said for fear of violating social decorum. This frustration is expressed by Elinor in Sense and Sensibility, when she could only guess at what others meant through allusions and off-hand comments, and is unable to prod the situation herself. Austen uses this dilemma to show the consequences of always adhering to social rules.

Sea-bathing is also mentioned in Emma as treatment for various maladies. In the scene, there is a debate as to whether sea-bathing is medically valid. The description of bathing-places as "young and rising" by Mr. Parker may indicate that it is a trend among the upperclass.

In Austen's novels, servants are frequently alluded to but never distinctly characterized. More often than not, they blend into the background of the story. Why, with the prominent theme of class divisions, would Austen choose not to create active characters out of servants? It is possible that she views them as devices that reveal the true nature of members of the aristocracy/gentry. Nonetheless, we get glimpses into the lives of the working class, such as here, where we learn that "masters" like Mr. Heywood have many "haymakers," enough that he can summon three to four with there still being men, women, and children working in the fields. Read more about it here: http://www.jasna.org/persuasions/on-line/vol35no1/walshe.html

Another case of a landowner and "gentleman farmer" is Mr. Knightley in Emma.

Similarly, in Sense and Sensibility, Willoughby is seen to romanticize country life, specificially the look of Elinor and Marianne's cottage.

Unlike previous Austen novels, which begin by establishing the members of a family, their dwelling, and their social stand, Sanditon starts in the middle of action, with the names of the "gentleman and lady" in question not revealed until the end of the chapter. Moreover, a heroine is not introduced.