There are times when we see John as not so bad. We even see him trying to satisfy his conscience about his behaviour towards the Dashwood sisters and their mother.

That he needs to satisfy it means it does prick him (its not dead, though what good is that?)

While personally he has nothing against visiting his sisters his wife seems to, and he is left explaining not only his wife's behaviour but her mother's too.
Leading him to lie and have his pants set on fire :-)

"John Dashwood was really far from being sorry to see his sisters again; it rather gave them satisfaction; and his inquiries after their mother were respectful and attentive."

It is clear who holds the reigns in the household!!!

He even wishes to invite them to stay at Harley street but thwarted by his wife once again.

A comment from him made me wonder about how Fanny might have got him. (I remember discussing this earlier on).
CH 33
Talking about how a lady can fix a man ;-)

"But some of those little attentions and encouragements which ladies can so easily give, will fix him, in spite of himself."

I wonder if he's talking from experience. Not that he regrets it.