I know that the brother-sister relationships were one of the focal points of this group read...

But I never really noticed before, how important this relationship is to the plot of the book, versus other Jane Austen stories. Mansfield Park is the only other book I can think of whether the themes of brother-sister cooperation (for good or bad), secret keeping, tag-team manipulation of others, is so important. At this point in the book, parental involvement is virtually non-existant. (With the Allens as chaperones, the lack of guidance and protection is pointed out frequently.)

Do you think the relationships have the sisters relying upon their brothers so far? Is there any support or instruction offered by the girls?

I think we have some viewpoint of the Morelands and Thorpes--any feelers for the Henry-Eleanor relationship--who is the leader?