] 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.

In terms of rudeness it is just as bad on Eleanor as it is on Catherine: not just because he is overruling her, but because it's her best friend that he is treating with contempt, which must reflect on her. The actual hardship, of making a journey of seventy miles without knowing the way, is entirely on Catherine though, and if she had met any trouble on the way it would be clear she was worse off.

] It does Catherine credit that she managed to get home without much trouble...