from his brother John, in response to his wife, of some standard history known in the area, as follows: (My theme is gossip and intrigue, but I am being mighty slow at this.)

CH. 11 - "How very pleasing and proper of him!" cried the good-hearted Mrs. John Knightley. "I have no doubt of his being a most amiable young man. But how sad it is that he should not live at home with his father! There is something so shocking in a child's being taken away from his parents and natural home! I never can comprehend how Mr. Weston could part with him. To give up one's child! I really never could think well of any body who proposed such a thing to any body else."

***"Nobody ever did think well of the Churchills, I fancy," observed Mr. John Knightley coolly***..."

There does seem to be more to the story than meets the eye, and varying opinions about what occurred those many years ago. Seems the district would be full of thoughts on this subject. In some ways, because Mr J. K. is known to say what he thinks, not caring what people mind, there may be some truth to what he says. It's a pretty strong statement.