was probably not doing anything amiss as far as fathers and the role of parenting the children (perhaps especially daughters) are concerned at that time; it was perhaps viewed as part of the woman's domain. I agree that he was oblivious.

He had to give the mirrors (and the Book of Books) a rest every once in a while, so he turned to Elizabeth who could be counted on to reflect his self back to him just as well. As for having time to do anything else, or regard anyone else, well, there are only so many hours in a day. Anne was invisible to him.

I think that Elizabeth interpreted Sir Walter's dismissiveness of others as training in how to treat subordinates. She is very well schooled in degrading others.

"There was not a baronet from A to Z whom her feelings could have so willingly acknowledged as an equal." Chap. 1