Would a follower or the family back at the homestead use a torch if I reverse pickpocketed them?

If yes, does it eventually burn out or is it infinite?

Do bards defend the homestead if attacked?

*one more question: If I loaded my wife, housecarl, bard, carriage driver and steward with healing potions (reverse pickpocket) will they use them?

And if my bard or carriage driver died in battle defending the home would i be able to buy a new one?

Thralls use 'em.

Give a follower a torch. Not really hard to find out.

They will use it and it never burns out.