Maybe this is a topic better suited for the Life & Times board, but I have always wondered why the Campbells, who are apparently rich, have only one living child and are obviously fond of Jane, did not adopt her. The book hints that they couldn't afford to provide for her after they were gone even though they are able to educate her well and are willing to let her live with them for as long as they are alive. And if they'd had other children, surely those children would have been provided for. Was adoption simply not done in those days,unless there were blood ties? Frank's situation with the Churchills would seem similar, but they are childless and he is a blood relative, while Jane is not related to the Campbells. Could that be the reason?