that it was appropriate for a brother to purchase items (even as intimate as silk stockings) for his sisters because JA and CEA have such very limited incomes for their personal necessities it would truly be both thoughtful and helpful. They would also not be out and about as much as their brother with opportunities to purchase items that they should want or need, so a commission of this nature from them, I don't think would be unusual. Brothers were expected to help care for unmarried sisters for all of their lives—both his and theirs. I think that JA and CEA were fortunate as to their brothers because from what I can tell they took their responsibilities towards them seriously in contrast to John Dashwood in S&S.