Answer:
Mrs. Alice Fairfax is a Housekeeper who is in charge of Keeping Thorton Hall in tip-top shape. She is to see that everyone thing, from groceries, to laundry to guests and tea time run as they ought. Jane is surprised, for she believed Mrs. Fairfax to be the Owner of the Estate. However, Mr. Thorton is soon revealed to be the Owner.
Because Mrs. Fairfax is the Housekeeper, English society has always had levels of Hierarchy between the Nobles, the Servants, and the Lay person. Keeping her distance is her job, so that she will not become too familiar with John and Leah.
Explanation:
