In book one as has been mentioned we read:
So, he is an earnest, hard working man who cannot through his work provide quite enough for his family.You see, Daddy doesn't make much money with the learned books he writes, and he's always wanting to give mother and me things he can't afford. So that makes him bad-tempered. He wants to send me away to a good school but he hasn't got the money.
It is clearly indicated this is a prime reason for his impatience and general moody demeanour.
But, with the discovery of 'hundreds of Kirrin gold ingots', all that is behind him and he can now become a new relaxed, successful man.
He is free to follow his scientific bent, released from any financial concerns. In fact he is ready to become the life and soul of the Kirrin party.
Want to bring your stray dog back into Kirrin Cottage after it has been banished - feel free, Quentin now goes with the flow...
Or does he? We read as early as book two set in the winter after the Five's incredible life changing summer adventure:
Sounds like the thrill of the gold, financial security and the ability to pursue the scientific work of his dreams hasn't really changed his basic temperament.George's father was a scientist, a very clever man, but rather frightening. He had little patience
with children, and the four of them had felt very much afraid of him at times in the summer.
What about this precious book he was battling to write and promote in book one?
He's still battling away at it apparently:
We see in this paragraph that now Quentin has become a 'secret scientist', with ideas that could excite those in authority.'Oh, your uncle is still working very hard at his book,' said Aunt Fanny. 'You know, he has been working out a secret theory - a secret idea - and putting it all into his book. He says that once it is all explained and finished, he is to take it to some high authority, and then his idea will be used for the good of the country.'
'Oh, Aunt Fanny - it does sound exciting,' said Anne. 'What's the secret?'
'I can't tell you that, silly child,' said her aunt, laughing. 'Why, even I myself don't know it.
The book isn't written, Quentin has tons of cash. What about his general personality in book two? Any improvements there?
Definitely still not a gag a minute guy, our dear old Uncle Q! Nice background from Anne about her own father being 'jolly and smiling'.The girls went into the house. 'Quentin!' called George's mother. 'Quentin! The girls are here.'
Uncle Quentin came out of his study at the other side of the house. Anne thought he looked taller and darker than ever. 'And frownier!' she said to herself. Uncle Quentin might be very clever, but Anne preferred someone jolly and smiling like her own father.
Perhaps with such wildly differing personalities this is why Quentin Kirrin and Anne Kirrin's Pa have not interacted much with other over the years..
Surely Quentin must have lightened up a bit though - he must be a multi-millionaire for goodness sake?
So George hasn't seen her father for how long whilst away at boarding school, but after a polite hello, she and Anne were glad to see him get back to work.Both girls were glad when George's father had gone back into his study.
'Your father has been working far too hard lately,' said George's mother to her. 'He is tired out.
Thank goodness his book is nearly finished. He had hoped to finish it by Christmas so that he could join in the fun and games - but now he says he can't.'
'What a pity,' said Anne, politely, though secretly she thought it was a good thing. It wouldn't be much fun having Uncle Quentin to play charades and things like that!
Uncle Quentin - fun, games,charades....Hmmmm can't quite see that. Anne certainly didn't want to see it either!
to be continued...