Firstly, he examined the entail papers and made note of everything that was not required to go to his obsequious heir, Mr. Collins—a distant cousin of poor mental powers. Second, he drafted a detailed will, ensuring his wife retained everything she had brought into her marriage and all the gifts he had given her over the years. All of the Bennet family jewelry that could be separated from the estate he divided between his two eldest daughters, knowing they were the least likely to lose it and the most likely to know to sell it if it became necessary. Perhaps he could convince Collins to release the artwork as well.

He then went over the estate budget, and as much as he knew they would not like it, he reduced his wife’s and daughters’ pin money to a mere pittance, saving the balance for their future. If they stayed in the country, it could go toward a small cottage. If they went to town, he would give the money to his brother Gardiner to invest on his daughters’ behalf. Perhaps the man could make more of it than he had.

With that thought in mind, he began his letters. He sent one to his solicitor asking him to finalize the will. Another went to his brother Gardiner, asking if he knew of any seaside towns that weren’t too expensive but where he might enjoy a pleasant rest. He also asked his brother if he would consider hosting one or more of his daughters during the season.

It was a conundrum. He knew his daughters needed to marry well and that they had the best chance of doing that in town, but he did not want to part with them when he knew he had so little time left. His most marriageable daughters were his two eldest, Jane and Elizabeth, who also happened to be his two favorite. Of course, he could go to town with them, but he did not find London relaxing and relaxation was what the physician had told him he needed. It was all very vexing.

Finally, he asked his wife to wait on him.

“Yes, Mr. Bennet, what is it?” his wife asked impatiently as she bustled into the bookroom.

“Mrs. Bennet, please sit down. There is something I must tell you.”

Mrs. Bennet sat before her husband, her hands clasped in her lap, her cheeks flushed and her white cap with the lace trim slightly askew on her head. She looked at him with pursed lips, clearly ready for him to begin.