Family Quotes in The Price of Salt, or Carol

It seems that Therese resents Richard for his happy family, something she has never had.

This is a telling statement on a few levels. One, Therese picks up that Carol is in an unhappy marriage. And two, Therese doesn't care about Carol's marriage at all—she has no qualms about pursuing Carol, even though Carol already has a family.

We get a little background on Therese's family, but it never comes into play with the plot. How does it affect Therese's behavior, though? Does she see Carol as a mother figure?