Why do you think Baker is so hostile toward Ruth, who she acknowledges is “attractive without knowing it, strong-willed, intelligent, and knows her own mind”?

Book Clubs Women of a Promiscuous Nature by Donna Everhart
1

Why do you think Baker is so hostile toward Ruth, who she acknowledges is “attractive without knowing it, strong-willed, intelligent, and knows her own mind”?

2

I think Baker is jealous of Ruth, but she also unconsciously recognizes their similarities too.