I like that Gianni. (:D) Although Henry does not heatedly denounce his brother as the worst of the worst it is clear he disapproves of his behavior in what he tells Catherine. I also agree Henry’s main concern is in trying to help Catherine come to terms with what has happened—not an easy task at it also requires the fall of her assumption the folks she meets share with her an “innate principle of general integrity” which has been why she has been susceptible to Isabella’s and JT’s duplicity from the start. Catherine comes to the conclusion Frederick is not unpardonably guilty as she lets herself be guided by Henry but does she see Isabella as such? Isabella and Frederick both act in ways that are unprincipled but her behavior was more reprehensible because she broke her promise of fidelity to James. I am not sure Catherine completely appreciates how Isabella’s duplicity saved James from what was likely to be a rocky marriage if not an outright unhappy one although Henry tries to steer her onto that path of consolation twice:

“If the effect of his [Frederick’s] behaviour does not justify him with you, we had better not seek after the cause.”

“And if you would stand by yours [brother], you would not be much distressed by the disappointment of Miss Thorpe.”

Perhaps Henry wants Catherine to forgive Frederick for his transgressions because he will one day be her brother too. Perhaps Catherine’s artlessness will have a good effect on Frederick.