Who is Lady Tranmere?

I had seen Wives And Daughters BBC adaptation and liked it.
Now trying to read the book on my own, I immediatly encounter some questions; I hope someone here can help me; I'd really appreciate it!


In chapter one, Mr. Gisbson went to ‘the Towers’ to ask for Lady Comnor’s invitation to Molly:

"He saw his patient, gave his directions to the housekeeper, and then went out, with a rare wild- flower in his hand, to find one of the ladies Tranmere in the garden, where, according to his hope and calculation, he came upon Lady Cumnor too--now talking to her daughter about the contents of an open letter which she held in her hand, now directing a gardener about certain bedding-out plants."

I wonder if Tranmere is the last name of a character in this book.
And, what is a bedding-out plant?

hi. actually i'm working on this splendid novel for my master thesis and i don't think that name is really important to the whole winding up of the novel...continue reading, you won't be able to put the book aside unless you finish it and alas it remains unfinished :(

hi.i'd like to know about you interpretations of the novel..what do you see when you read it?i mean does it only represent society and few social changes?what about molly???
thanks