I was also wondering about the childhoods of the Dashwood children - where did Dashwoods lived before coming to Norland - would that be at the late Mrs Dashwood's residence? The father and family leaving that house must have been a much desired event for the young John if he were to take posession himself - that would already have caused conflict between the families. I can already see John telling Elinor not to touch any of *his* things...