I could be overestimating Caroline's potential influence. Alone, she doesn't appear to much influence her brother. I wondered if Georgiana,as the 'younger woman' even at 21 could be malleable. Though I'm really speculating. I also doubt Darcy is contemplating an immediate marriage of Georgiana to anyone. (I'd believe that Bingley could be on a list of a number of suitors.) I've been chewing on your last point and I feel some agreement. I realize Darcy would often be obliged to entertain Caroline in company with Bingley. Personally I wondered if he tried to make a point of inviting Bingley to Pemberly when he knew Caroline was away but the Bingley siblings and Hursts do seem to travel round as a sort of quadrella. For the sake of a good friend, Darcy may be willing to put up with a woman he dislikes and who can be annoying. Certainly he'd feel himself capable of dealing with her maneuverings and even utilizing them when he wanted to influence Charles. He doesn't have to like her to do that. However, it may not be such an intense dislike either. I see your point at this time in the story Darcy's attitudes appear more like Caroline's. And I think we've pretty well debated Caroline and Darcy for now. Thanks Kathi, for your invite to go the P&P Board but I think we both wnat to press on with the G.R. Especially with a definitive answer coming up. (I scanned but couldn't find it and I think you know it!)... Actually, I've just recalled Col. Fitzwilliam is Georgiana's co-guardian and the conversation he had with Lizzy when she mentions the Bingley sisters. The Colonel's reply 'I know them alittle. Their brother is a pleasant gentleman-like man-he is a great friend of Darcy's.' A hint of what's to come ?