His initiation into the state of matrimony had been motivated solely by the fortune of his wife, the heiress of a tradesman. His callous and neglectful treatment of her during their married life was so cruel that it had been generally assumed—by those who knew the couple—that she died of a broken heart, young enough to make her death unexpected, but old enough to have realised her own imprudence in marrying a man who, once he had secured her fortune, had not even the decency to feign the slightest atom of respect or regard for his wife. He had subsequently made the acquaintance of his cousin (the delay of which was owing to his distain for the acquaintance of her father, the previous baronet, from whom he obtained his title and estate). To his pleasure, he had found that his cousin, Anne, was very pretty, possessed of a sweet nature, and an excellent understanding—in short, she had captivated the heartless Sir William, or at least had created a feeling as close to love as Sir William was able to approach. He had been disappointed by the defection of his cousin for one Captain Wentworth, a man of no title or property, and who was superior to himself only in fortune, honour, valour, liberality, and a constant, generous heart. Sir William had resolved to return to his former pattern of marriage for the sake of increasing his fortune, as he had no remaining inclination for any experiment which might enlarge his sentimental feelings.