It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be intelligent.
To refute this fact is to call any and all great noble families stupid, but to support it would refute their greatness itself. The person in question would be questioning their entire worldview as the same question would apply to any other man, woman or child in existence.
"It will be no use to us, if twenty such should come, since you will not visit them" the voice of Mrs. Bennet echoing from the foyer.
"Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, I will visit them all" Mr. Bennet replied dryly.
"Shall I invite the remainder of ten and seven?" a man said entering the foyer from the drawing room to the surprise of the others.
"Alex!" the Bennets chorused.
With Lydia and Kitty Bennet practically lunging themselves forward into the waiting arms of Alex, with Jane and Lizzy approaching at a more sedate pace for their embrace, finally ending with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's embrace.
The most enthusiastic of the Bennets, Kitty and Lydia were often glad at the return of their elder brother. They understood that their brother knew a great deal about the fashions of town, and their fascination with it. That Alex would return to Longbourn normally ladened with dresses or hats, whatever the fashion of town was.
"What gifts did you bring" asked Lydia excitedly "I hope it is better than last time"
"No gifts this moment, only myself and what can fit in my saddlebags" Alex replied gesturing to the saddlebags on the nearby table "Besides, it is not Christmas yet"
The rude welcome that the youngest Bennets portrayed to their eldest brother was not repeated by the eldest sisters. With Jane, Elizabeth and Mary having accepted the silliness of their sisters and the acceptance of their brother of that fact.
The family continued on to the drawing room, with Alex once again asking if the tea and biscuits they were being served cleanly prepared. The huff and smile from Mrs. Hill was the only answer received, as the long cherished tradition of Alex asking Mrs. Hill.
"The master of the house returns and inquires at the condition of his estate" Elizabeth said jokingly "That his instructions have not been forgotten, nor the servants complacent"
"I hold Mrs. Hill in the highest regard I assure you. She has done her work dutifully since I was a boy" Alex replied "But I refuse to end a tradition I have known all my life"
"How I wish you would simply settle in Netherfield. So that you may ask her everyday if you wish" cried Mrs. Bennet "Your returns are always so very infrequent and inopportune"
Mr. Bennet however took note of Alex's appearance in Longbourn. His son was always busy and only returned to Meryton for Christmas and holidays. The sudden appearance of Alex so early in the season did not sit right with Mr. Bennet's mind.
"Do not mistake my question, but why are you home early son" Mr. Bennet questioned "Has something happened in town that caused you to storm home"
Contrary to her husband, Mrs. Bennet's mind was more agreeably disposed. That her son that remained incredibly busy would have returned to announce good news. That her son would present to them his first love.
"Are you engaged" Mrs. Bennet asked excitedly "Who is to be my daughter-in-law and when will you present her in Longbourn"
"Nothing of the sort" Alex replied "I have simply returned home for some rest, and to spend some time with my family"
Mr. Bennet felt a hint of worry at the answer, but resigned the thought as Alex took his own health very seriously. Mrs. Bennet, overly immersed in the idea of Alex finding a wife, never cared for the reply. The sisters split between the two ideas. This Alex noted and sought to dispel the concerns and imaginations of his family.
"I am in perfect health. I have also not found love" Alex stated, causing relief to some and grief for others.
Sir Alexander Bennet or Alex as he was called by his family and close acquaintances, was well beloved by Meryton. His quick wit, unparalleled intelligence, and fondness for conversation would endear him to people. However Alexander held a deep secret that would haunt his every waking moment of life, that he was not from this world, the world that Jane Austen built.
