]

] I agree. When I think of feigned illness, I think Mary Musgrove. Perhaps this was appealing to Charles in some way when they were newly married, but it would appear that the act has worn rather thin by now.

Must she not always be aware that Charles preferred her sister to her? She seems to be at a loss how to handle her life. How old was she when her mother died? She's still such an insecure child.
Feigned illness was and is a resort. The Lady Bertrams of the world are quite a large party, and it's not a merry one.:-{