Frederick and his actions have been much discussed this week. I don’t think we’ve talked much about Henry and Eleanor’s comments on him, so I’d like to highlight some bits about that.

After Catherine receives her letter from James, Henry and Eleanor are very shocked. Henry is sure that

“His marrying Miss Thorpe is not probable. … but my surprise would be greater at Frederick's marrying her…” "Well, if it is to be so, I can only say that I am sorry for it. Frederick will not be the first man who has chosen a wife with less sense than his family expected. I do not envy his situation, either as a lover or a son."

That “or a son” is interesting. Henry fully expects his father to be quite upset and “They were so fully convinced, however, that their brother would not have the courage to apply in person for his father's consent.” This is interesting, isn’t it? They believe that Frederick, the most independent sibling, the one who seems to be least under the influence of his father, is afraid to face him. (And this just illuminates our Henry’s greater courage in confronting his father over his own choice of bride.)

Catherine wonders why the General would object to the marriage based on monetary reasons.

”’I do not believe Isabella has any fortune at all: but that will not signify in your family. Your father is so very liberal! He told me the other day that he only valued money as it allowed him to promote the happiness of his children.’ The brother and sister looked at each other.”

I wonder here, if Henry and Eleanor are thinking of Eleanor’s suitor, who before he became a viscount, was not considered rich or eligible enough?

And I love this part, where Henry, speaking to Eleanor is being ironical again

“’Prepare for your sister-in-law, Eleanor, and such a sister-in-law as you must delight in! Open, candid, artless, guileless, with affections strong but simple, forming no pretensions, and knowing no disguise.’

‘Such a sister-in-law, Henry, I should delight in,’ said Eleanor with a smile.”

What a nice, secret exchange here, Eleanor letting Henry know that she would love to have Catherine as a sister.

At the very end of the novel occurs something which so clearly highlights the close relationship and mutual love between Henry and Eleanor. After Eleanor has married her viscount, she becomes an advocate for Henry and Catherine.

“Eleanor had obtained his forgiveness of Henry, and his permission for him ‘to be a fool if he liked it!’"