] But being fairly anal-retentive, maybe I’ll just highlight one that particularly struck me this week – the fellow-sufferer connection between Eleanor and Henry.

Well, I for one am glad to see you being so fastidious ;-) for you made an excellent point. Perhaps we can all run wild with it? ;-)

] ... they seem to undergo a personality change when around their father. If Catherine had been born in a latter age, she might have been tempted to look under their beds for pods! ;-)

LOL! Too true for contradiction! It's like they're different people, isn't it? Surely the most notable effect is the absence of Henry's ironic wit, his teasing. I think the fact that they don't seem to feel free to be themselves in their father's presence is very telling. It makes me wonder what the general is like when he is alone among his family. What side of himself does he not show to company?

The thought just occured to me that when Catherine is dining with the Tilneys in Milsom Street, it's just possible that the General is showing his "company manners", while his children are showing their "General Tilney manners". ;-)

] Even Frederick isn’t left out of the dampening effect of his father...

This, to me, is the most suspicious circumstance of all, especially after we've overheard (along with Catherine) the conversation between Frederick and Isabella in the Pump Room. Here's a man who flirts openly with an engaged woman in the presence of her intended's sister, who appears unable to speak much at all in the presence of his own father. Something smells very fishy to me here. ;-)

] There seems to be a conspiracy of silence, an unspoken accord and understanding of behavior limits between the siblings.

Exactly. I was wondering why Catherine couldn't quite put her finger on this problem. I've pretty much decided that it's because her own situation is so different and, as in most things, Catherine doesn't comprehend what she hasn't herself experienced or read in a book. In some cases, this is potentially a frustrating trait (as it keeps one from feeling and showing empathy) but it can also be endearing, as in when Catherine gives Isabella the benefit of the doubt.

Whether it will serve Catherine ill or well with regard to the general remains to be seen. ;-)

] While one mourns that it is necessary, it also shows the closeness, especially of Eleanor and Henry, who most often bear the brunt of their father’s company.

Yes, and it also shows, by contrast, how openly and freely the Morland children probably behave with their parents. The fact that Catherine doesn't "get" this, shows how different her upbringing has been from that of the Tilneys.

I'm beginning to like the Morlands much better as parents.