Comment on setting

Most of the story is set in the English countryside in the early 19th century. The characters are mostly upper-class with much leisure time on their hands. The gentlemen don't have occupations, so they have a great deal of time for visiting and interacting. Many of the upper-class families have homes both in town and in the country. They spend winters in London and summers in the country. The Bertrams, however, spend all year in the country.