Chapter 1 2
Chapter 1
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.
" My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one day, " have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?"
Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.
" But it is," returned she; " for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it."
Mr. Bennet made no 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 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."