] I am inclined (at this time) to think Frederick must be as jovial as his brother and is laughingly teasing him. [snip]

I agree, but I see Frederick's humour being broader and less cerebral than Henry's.

] Henry is not at all surprised that his brother asks Isabella to dance: "but as for my brother, his conduct in the business"[snip]

Henry acknowledges he can do little to alter his brother's behaviour. (Isn't it also interesting that when Henry dances it's likened to marriage, but it's just a dance for Frederick?)

] So the question here is: what IS Captain Tilney about? His speeches here seem directed to flatter Isabella. Do you think he is serious in his attentions?

Indeed, what *is* he about? ;-) Quite a character. He does not seem to be one with little of the seriousness about him, unless he is forced into it. I could only laugh at his attempts to "chat up" I.T: "If we [men] have not hearts, we have eyes; and they give us torment enough. [and shortly thereafter], for the edge of a blooming cheek is still in view -- at once to much and too little." (Laying it on a bit thick, aren't we Frederick?)

] Lively and thoughtless - our Captain is out for a good time; not a long time! I don't get the impression that Henry disapproves of his brother though. He seems to be enjoying Freddie's antics - of course, Henry sees right through IT and has no concern for her heart.

I replied in a similar vein further down the board, but yes, that is how I see him too. FT is very much a man of the moment. As Henry says, his brother will likely toast Isabella Thorpe for a fortninght (leaving unsaid that he'll have moved on to some other interest after two weeks). It's also plain that IT knows exactly what she's doing, and is encouraging him while pretending to be offended by his directness. (Sort of like trying to catch up with those two vulgar young men on the streets of Bath.) Henry sees this, and knows no harm will come to either of them because of it.

] In Chapter 5 we learn one important new fact. Frederick is the eldest son.

Interesting, no? And rather unusual for the *eldest* son to enter the military. It might be that the General gained his estate after he retired from the military. He therefore feels that it is the right sort of background for his heir (learning something of discipline, responsiblity, and leadership).

] I see no evidence that the three siblings do not get along. Quite the opposite.

Agreed. It almost seems as if it's the General who doesn't fit in. I wonder how much their closeness is a reflection of their mother, and how much it is a way of protecting each other.

] I think he is perhaps less patient with his father... but so far see nothing to censure in him other than a tendency to play with IT. Perhaps he shouldn't do that, but really, I'm quite sure she started it and I really can't feel sorry for her. We don't hear tales of him flirting with every woman in that way. Perhaps he limits himself to being entertained by stupid, greedy women!! ;-)

Quite so. For whatever reason, he seems better able to stand up to their father (although still in a limited way). His resistance is, however, more of a refusal to admit any kind of intimidation. As for playing with Isabella - well they both seemed well versed with the role, and she did give FT the first hints.

I'm not so sure that Frederick doesn't flirt very often. My take is he does so frequently, but only with those who know the "rules of the game". I don't think he'd try it with Catherine, or any of the other JA heroines, but likely would with some of the less refinded characters - a Mary Crawford perhaps. [Images of pairing Frederick/Mary C. or Henry Crawford/I.T. ;-)] This isn't to say he'd likely marry such a person - he might even be intimidated and tongue-tied by a "nice girl". ;-)