] That “or a son” is interesting. Henry fully expects his father to be quite upset and “They were so fully convinced, however, that their brother would not have the courage to apply in person for his father's consent.” This is interesting, isn’t it? They believe that Frederick, the most independent sibling, the one who seems to be least under the influence of his father, is afraid to face him.

I think it illustrates the great closeness between the three siblings. They really know and understand each other.
They were right in being shocked about the Captain’s engagement. It wasn’t something they felt F would do, and they were right. He didn’t.

(And this just illuminates our Henry’s greater courage in confronting his father over his own choice of bride.)

Exactly so. Don’t you just admire him for that?
He had matured and literally became a man, just for the love of the right girl.