Who is Sir Jasper Tallent from All About Love and what is their importance?

Sir Jasper Tallent, Colyton's magistrate, is Phyllida's father. Throughout the novel, he is involved with discussions of how the investigation should proceed. Sir Jasper lives in a time when fathers make the big decisions in their daughters' lives for them. Jasper has a more independent daughter, so he is an exception to the rule. When it comes to the importing business, his daughter is in charge, even though he may act as its face from time to time. He gives his permission to Lucifer to court her and take care of her. And although he states that he would like to have him for a son-in-law, he makes sure that Lucifer realizes that Phyllida makes her own decisions.