In chapter 10 Catherine receives some news that breaks her heart. Isabella has broken her engagement to Catherine's brother, James. In a letter to his sister, James explains what happened. "Everything is at an end between Miss Thorpe and me" (Austen 167). "Let me soon hear from you, dear Catherine; you are my only friend; you love I do build upon. Dearest Catherine, beware how you give your heart" (Austen 168).
Catherine is very upset and allows Henry and Isabella to read the letter. "Isabella has deserted my brother, and is to marry your's! Could you have believed there had been such inconstancy and fickleness, and every thing that is bad in the world?" (Austen 170).
Thankfully, Henry and Eleanor are kind-hearted and talk her out of her distress.
Isabella's true self comes out once again! She is not the sweet girl, who was just trying to make friends like before.
ReplyDeleteWill this interference between Catherine's brother and Isabella falling in love with Henry's brother hinder Catherine and Henry's relationship.