I do not attempt to deny Sir Thomas’ presence was an oppressive one to the girls because they assume his feelings about them matches his outer countenance. His reserved manner did not encourage a more open relationship, did not express his affection for them and hampered any affection they had for him. I can’t agree, as Rachel G seemed to imply, that his children believed his love was conditional to his strict sense of decorum or propriety or he forced them into starched-up pious regimentation and was the enemy of all their fun and merriment because it just isn’t so—that was the reason I detailed what was mentioned of their childhood activities. I agree with Barb JA. I don’t see evidence of harsh words to his daughters or his sons even though Tom especially, with his idleness and irresponsible spending, has given a good deal of provocation as did the acting scheme. The harshest words so far were to Fanny in Ch. 3 and I suspect although it was harsh it was not intended as such. Sir Thomas is a faulty man but as far as I know not a cruel one. (:D)