I'm so sorry the Poole book is inaccurate! You're right about it not distinguishing between the periods much, but I still found it an entertaining read.

But I have to say, my good opinion of Charles Musgrove does not waver. I would not have married him, either, if I were Anne (or even as myself!), but that is because a true meeting of the minds would not exist, and there is no way she could love him in the way she loved Frederick.

I do not think Charles is a bad father-I think he is a typical father of the Regency period. Anne herself, whom we adore, says (and in complete sincerity), that nursing is a woman's province. Anne also believes that a more equal match (translation: not marrying Mary!) "might have greatly improved him." Yes, JA talks about him trifling his time away, and being addicted to sport, and not liking books, but overall her description is positive--look at the difference between Charles' and Mary's attitude about his father's money--they would both love a little more, but while Mary complains that they are not given any, "he always contended for his father's having many other uses for his money, and a right to spend it as he liked." This to me is being much more than a merely "harmless" person (which echoes the Admiral's opinion of Sir Walter)--I think he is a very good one.

There may be some nuggets of truth in what Mary says, but JA's tone with her overall is satirical. I certainly believe that Charles goes out shooting much more often with Mary around than if he had married someone else! I would want to escape to! (Given the choice, the lesser of two evils as it were, I would rather marry Charles than Mary!)