The Solicitor's Daughter

by Inthelandofdreams

Mrs. bennet had a dowry of four thousand pounds even though she was a solicitor's daughter. Accordingly, Bennet could have saved a comfortable amount being a gentleman of more income than his father-in-law. What would have happened if Mr. Gardiner had taught his daughter to save?

1. Chapter 1

"Third daughter father! Your third grand-child is also a girl", wailed Fanny Bennet "Oh what would become of me!".
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"Hush now Fanny! It's a healthy child." replied Mr. Gardiner.
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"And so plain" continued Mrs. bennet, "my sister Phillips said so. At least my Jane is beautiful."
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"Enough Mrs. bennet! Come now, sit down and have some water." cried Mr. Gardiner alarmingly. Taking a deep breath he asked "What happened daughter? Why are you so anxious? Yes, it's a girl but you have a healthy child. You know your mother and I lost your two siblings young. You have been blessed."

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"But father, it's a daughter. You very well know of the entail on Longbourn. What will become of me and my daughters if something happens to Mr. Bennet?" said Mrs. bennet, wringing her hands.

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"Is something wrong with Thomas' health?" asked Mr. Gardiner bewildered.

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"No - no! He is as busy with his port and books as always. But accidents do happen. He could become ill, fall from horse, and die from hundred different things" she reasoned anxiously.

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"But so could we all and therefore no one will be able to live to be of a ripe old age to enjoy the grandchildren." said Mr. Gardiner amused.

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"You don't understand father! If something happens to Thomas, my daughters will be homeless." cried Fanny.

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"Oh Fanny!" he said softly, "Trust me. Even if something happens to Thomas, you and my grandchildren will always have a home with me and your brother", trying to calm her.

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"I know that father, but soon Edward will get married and have a family of his own. In these five years I have grown used to be my own mistress. Oh! this is in every way insupportable" she cried and started sobbing.

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Mr. Gardiner who was for the first time listening intently to his daughter, thought that maybe his daughter had a point. Afterall even if everything did go well and his granddaughters marry wealthy men who can take care of the rest of the family, Fanny won't remain her own mistress. He could already see the strain of entailment on his daughter. What will happen in next 15 years he wondered? This needs to be thought upon he decided. He tried soothing his daughter, played with grand-daughters and later thought about the entail all night long.

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A/N: I have been reading the reviews and have tried to edit format many times, but it is not updating. this note is to check if I am doing it correct.