As I've come to understand how the system worked during this period in history, I really have to agree but the problem I still have is that the uncle could have provided a bit better for the girls whom he had an obvious affection for because they were so wonderful to him along with their parents. Another thousand pounds or two for each would seem to have made little difference to the boy's inheritance who had so much before he even inherited Norland and been so much more helpful to those with so little. ...just never been able to get past this as men knew that women had so few options open where they could even help themselves out when in dire financial situations. I guess it's just one of those instances that shows how women during this period were subject to the whims of men, good, bad or indifferent.