] Someone pointed out earlier that IT and JT were like tag-teamers when it came to get each other married. JT no doubt introduced James to IT with the hope of her being able to draw him in (if I may borrow a phrase from Lady Catherine). IT becomes friends with Catherine to promote both her own marriage and her brother's.

Although I am no fan of the Thorpes, I acquit them of being this manipulative - at least in the beginning. I think James and John really are friends at school and that James visited the Thorpes on part of his holiday just because that's what school friends do. I don't think John invited him on purpose to meet Isabella.

But once there, and the attraction was established (something I feel sure Isabella worked on!) perhaps then plans were being made. Though I'm still not sure that John brought James to Bath with him at Isabella's behest. I think it likely poor James was so ensnared with Isabella's arts and allurements, that when John mentioned going to Bath, James invited himself along.