As for scholarship: You are far too modest Barbara, but for my own sake I do hope even amateurs will be allowed?

] Wow, what an astute observation! :-) It will be interesting to keep this in mind when we look at how Jane and her siblings were raised.

Oh yes, I agree. I'll be very interested to follow this wonderful topic.
Perhaps this wish for a happy family might make plausible my impression that although they were expected to do their share of household duties, Jane and her siblings were raised in an atmosphere of kind indulgence. Seems to have been lots of fun and laughter around, especially in the earlier years. And that the stricter rules were foremost emmanating from Mrs Austen. Is there any truth to this impression of mine?