] But, hearing that Isabella was engaged might have piqued Frederick's interest in her. She's spoken for, so there would be no chance of he being obliged to offer for her. I think he can easily see that she is open to a flirtation - I'm sure that is plain to every man there! - and thinks "She's pretty, she's obviously accessible, why not?"

This sounds ominously like something from another story - "An engaged woman is always more agreeable than a disengaged...All is safe with a lady engaged: no harm can be done."

] But that conversation Catherine overhears... it is very imcriminating. I think it is flirtation still - has not gone beyond it - but it is Very Serious Flirtation, which I think can easily go beyond just words. He is obviously pressing for more.

Indeed.

I thought Henry's reply to Catherine's appeal showed a lot of sense ~ he isn't going to lay the blame at anyone's door, and he isn't going to try to step in (play "hero", perhaps?) when he knows that it's none of his business ~ and that he can't do any good. He also tries to reassure Catherine, which I think is lovely. *Sigh* For someone who isn't moved an inch by The Letter, I can sure turn into a romantic when it comes to Henry Tilney. ;)