] Catherine is bemused, but charmed by them both. I think she is beginning to see a new kind of sibling relationship, quite different from what she sees with the Thorpes and different from her own as well.

after having been so hurt by her own brother who sided with the Thorpes in their little conspiracy. I think this exchange between Henry and Eleanor acts as "balm" for a wounded heart. I believe Jane tells us that James is Catherine's eldest brother and she (JA) does leave no doubt that Catherine loves her brother and looks up to him. I don't believe he hurt her on purpose but he's so besotted by IT that he takes sides with Isabella with never a thought as to how this was going hurt his sister.