with what you have said in your post, Maisy. I do think he was "raw" from his breakup with Isabella, but he does seem to continue deceived by her brother. This is disappointing - JT seems to be such a good friend to James that he is blinded to Thorpe's true character. I don't understand this because JT is so blatantly unpleasant, rude, and shallow!! Perhaps James needs to hang onto this friendship so that he doesn't feel like he's been COMPLETELY duped - as deceived as he is by Isabella, maybe he wishes, and convinces himself, that John too will feel his sister's deception and provide him (James) with some comfort? I don't know if I'm expressing this well...James may feel the need to have John Thorpe to commiserate with.