Was it because she had grown accustomed to the tactful and gentle methods of John Crewys that it seemed to have become suddenly such an intolerable fashion?
Sir Timothy had quite honestly believed tactfulness to be a form of insincerity.

He did not recognize it as the highest outward expression of self-control.

But Lady Mary, since she had known John Crewys, knew also that it is consideration for the feelings of others which causes the wise man to order his speech carefully.
The canon shook his head when Peter stated that Miss Hewel was his junior by a twelvemonth.
"She might be ten years older," he said, in awe-struck tones.

"I have always heard that women were extraordinarily adaptable, but I never realized it before.

However, to be sure, she has seen a good deal more of the world than you have.