Posted by Laurence Monkhouse on September 06, 2006 at 16:39:46 from 80.3.128.6 user Laurence_.
In Reply to: Re: Bob & his history posted by Adam Quinan on September 06, 2006 at 15:48:47:
Of the farmers only the Swainsons seem to be missing an adult male
I did say specifically the Lake novels.
If Mrs Dixon was the Ds mother's nurse she must be well into late middle age. Presumably Mr Dixon was the same age or older. Their farm hand - Silas - is specifically referred to as 'old' Any sons surely would have been in their 30s, and there is no sign of them - or children of any other age.
The Jackson's ages aren't specified but I get the strong impression that they too are middle aged. No children here either.
Both farms seem prosperous enough for at least one son to be working with an aim to taking over in due course. And there aren't any.