Pursuit and Prejudice

 

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Chapter One

 

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. 

                When one such man, also happens to possess five single brothers, he is well aware that the neighborhood considers him the rightful property of one of the local daughters.   His feelings are little known or considered by the surrounding families.

                “My dear Mr. Bennet,” said his lady to him one day, “have you heard that Netherfield Park is let?”

                Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.

                “But it is,” returned she; “for Mrs. Long has just been here and told me all about it.”

                Mr. Bennet made know answer.

                “Do you not want to know who has taken it?” cried his wife impatiently.

                “You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.”

                This was invitation enough.

                “Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of a large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it, that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week.”

                “What is his name?”

                “Bingley.”

                “Is he married or single?”

                “Single, unfortunately, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a horrible thing for our sons!”

                “How so? How can it affect them?”

                “My dear Mr. Bennet,” replied his wife, “how can you be so tiresome!  You must know that I am thinking of the competition for the young women of marriagible age.”

“Is that his design in settling here?”

“Design? Who is to know? But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them and where would that leave our boys? Therefore, you must visit him as soon as he comes.”

“I see no occasion for that.  The boys may go by themselves, which will be better.  They can discern if he is competition for the young ladies of the neighborhood.”

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