I was struck by the description of the first Dashwood male, or "Grand Uncle" Dashwood as Barbara describes him.

"The late owner of the estate was a single man, who lived to a very advanced age ..."

His sister serves as housekeeper and friend and is eventually replaced by Henry Dashwood's family and the John Dashwood family.

"and the cheerfulness of the children added a relish to his existence."

I may be wrong, but I see him as a very lonely man (why did he not marry if the family estate was so important to him?) who has some secrets. Interestingly, his unconventional life starts the plot.

In contrast, Henry Dashwood is a family man, married twice, with two sets of children. John Dashwood, Mr. Solid Citizen, already has a son and heir, although he is just twenty five or twenty six. In other words, the Dashwood men have NOT followed the lead of the first Dashwood. Of course, they do not have as much money, and do not have the Norland estate. You can be the playboy if you have the funds.