] How funny - this is the first time I'm actually looking for some proof of friendship - I've never had a doubt before that there was none. ;-)

] I think there was perhaps a spark of it. I see it in the glee they share over horrid books. Even while she is playing up to Catherine because of James, before he arrived, they did share a tiny bit of common ground. But it doesn't last long.

] And maybe I've just talked myself out of believing Isabella ever felt kindly for Catherine... *sigh* :-/

No,no. Don't give up yet! I too have been looking to redeem Isabella, even if just a tad. I do believe she initiates her friendship with Catherine to put her in the way of James but I also think that surprisingly she found herself really liking Catherine. Isabella's problem is that she likes herself best. She is looking out for her own self-interests first. I am reminded of P&P of Charlotte and Mrs. Bennet who did what they needed to get at an eligible man/men, in Charlotte's case for herself and Mrs. B for her daughters, to avoid the proverty that could befall women without means in this time period. There really doesn't seem to be too much to support Isabella's intentions, her methods are not the least endearing and she is not someone I'd pick as a friend for Catherine. And yet, her mother does not seem to have money or any of the inclinations of Mrs. Bennet to help her daughter, there is no father to look out for her, her brother, well...forget it, I don't think he is looking out for her interests as he is too busy with his own. So she is on her own. I can only remember the basic plot, not many details, so I'm not sure how much success anyone could have in making a case for Isabella but I will keep an eye out, nevertheless. Perhaps a hopeless endeavor but.....(sighing also). :-)