Ooh! Have just reminded myself how to multiquote! I'm so proud ...
Yes, that's always been there in the form of adult Laura's little lessons in life, hasn't it? If I remember correctly, in series 1 she acted as a narrator throughout, while in series 2 it was only at the beginning and end of each episode, as in series 3 so far.
When Thomas leapt out of bed to murder the tree he came haring down the road to the Post Office from the direction of the hotel, on the opposite side. Other than that we've only seen the outside of the house (when he was playing the trumpet for the endeavouring), the bedroom and kitchen, but not so far the whole house.
I think you're right about Laura and Daniel. I suspect we're in for more Timmins angst as Robert approves, sort of, and Emma doesn't, and perhaps a well-they-won't-they romance - in a very appropriate Victorian manner, of course! So in that way it would reflect her flirtation with Alf in series 1, but with someone whose professional ambition matches her own.