I promised myself that when this task was accomplished, then I would retire from my duties and become an itinerant evangelist, and go from town to town in England. I swore that I would avenge him, and wipe that scourge from the earth. I excelled at my studies, and was about to be ordained, when my elder brother was killed by Barbary pirates, and I veered onto a different path. Miss Caroline, did you know that it was once my heart’s desire to be a minister? The earl asks. Your grace is too kind to take notice of one such as myself, Mr. Bennett responds with a head bow.Īnd you must be the minister of whom I have heard so much about! The earl exclaims, turning his attention to the other stranger in the room. It is an honour to meet such an eminence of the realm, your grace. Willem Bennett, I am most delighted to make your acquaintance, sir! The earl says with a wolfish grin. So this is the gentleman with five daughters, his estate entailed away to Minister Collins, of whom you have been telling me about, Darcy? The earl asks rhetorically.ĭarcy nods, and looks between the two men. I see ghosts, he tells Caroline as he sits next to her on a couch.Įveryone chuckles at this self-deprecation. The earl replies, recovering from his shock. He replies with a slight bow, now having recovered his savoir faire. Willem Bennett of Longbourne, at your service, your grace. Bennett and the Earl stare at each other with incredulity.īennett, is it? Not Bridgeman? The earl asks. Collins who pushes himself up from his chair gingerly.Ĭollins, Bennett, I’d like to introduce you to my uncle, the Earl of Matlock. Just then, Caroline Bingley comes into the upstairs drawing room, escorted by a lean man with closely cropped salt and pepper hair. I am delighted to see you in health, and trust that you are fast recovering your strength and mobility. Please forgive my delay in calling on you, sir. Bingley announces him and both men take a seat. Bennett follows him up the stairs to see Mr. I had hoped to pay a call on Minister Collins, if he is able to receive visitors. Bennett rides over to Netherfield, and is received by Major Bingley at the door.
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