] It's almost as if he is a compulsive liar. Lies won't make Catherine like him more, but he seems to think that if he can just force her into his company, then he will when her love.

Yes, indeed. But then - and JA gives un examples galore that he doesn't know himself what is truth and what is a lie. I'm glad that James and Isabella journey went without accident, for I (together with Catherine) wouldn't be able to decide on JT's words alone, whether their carriage was safe or not. He doesn't show any proof of knowing it himself.

] That always seems creepy to me when he tries to keep her from running after the Tilneys. I wonder if JA intended that to be a parody of the gothic novel. Her heroine is not in peril with crypts and skeletons but with an overbearing suitor. Any one have any thoughts?