] It's hard on Catherine but I found myself feeling even worse for Eleanor-she invites CM over(a girl not only that she likes but her brother's courting as well), strives to make her welcome despite her father's temperment and pushy overtures and then has this disagreeable "duty" thrust upon her.

I remembered that the General had booted Catherine out which is bad enough but I had forgotten that he didn't do it himself. I couldn't believe that he sent Eleanor to do his duty for him. Poor Eleanor, I really felt for her having to do something that she thought was so dreadful.

] It does Catherine credit that she managed to get home without much trouble and that her family was very comforting but not too coddling (her mother reminds me of mine with her"snap out of it" talk:D).

Yes, this is not due to any credit on the General's part who sent her off unaccompanied! It doesn't matter what he thought of Catherine. Even if the misinformation he had received had been true, the idea is inexcusable on any level. It is fortunate that nothing happened to her.

] On another note,I have to say this has been an excellant GR,most lively indeed:)

Yes, I love GRs. :-)