Age
From Elizabeth's point-of-view, Mrs. Forster is described as “a very young woman."
Family and Situation
Harriet marries Colonel Forster, who oversees a southern militia regiment, between Christmas and Easter of the year of the novel. She then immediately moves to Meryton, Hertfordshire, where his regiment is stationed.
Because Lydia’s departure note asks Mrs. Forster to have “Sally” mend a gown of hers, it is likely that the Forsters employ a servant by this name at least at Brighton if not also in Meryton.
Other Connections
Once settled in Meryton, Mrs. Forster makes friends with Lydia Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Harriet Harrington and Pen Harrington. Later on, they move to Brighton with the regiment, taking Lydia Bennet with her.Character
Much of what we know of Harriet Forster’s character stems from her close relationship with Lydia. The narrator tells us that “A resemblance in good humour and good spirits had recommended her and Lydia to each other, and out of their three months’ acquaintance, they had been intimate two.” Based on what we know of Lydia, this suggests that Mrs. Forster is flirtatious, lively and somewhat irresponsible. However, the fact that Mrs. Forster immediately reports Lydia’s disappearance (and that Kitty seems to have known of the plans and said nothing) suggests that perhaps she does have more sense than her friend.
