] He just runs roughshod over this family. I wonder how long his father has been dead and what kind of man he was. This is one messed up family…

Perhaps this is where it all started, Cheryl? Mr Thorpe might have been dead since the children were little and with the father gone there is nobody to teach John - or his sisters - manners. A boy in particular would need some steady (male) guidance. Can it be that this one has only got an overindulgent mother? Oh dear, I'd better watch it or I'll end up feeling sorry for the cad. He is really quite helpless in the world and the awkwardness of his attempts to get on with people is pitiful. James Morland must be a decent sort to put up with his company, for it cannot be solely because of the beautiful Belle?