“In the present case,” returned the solicitor, resuming his seat with composed exactness, “delay would indeed have been most ill-advised.”
He drew forward a ledger already marked by a ribbon, and proceeded to speak with the calm precision of one long accustomed to allowing facts to declare themselves without embellishment.
“You are already apprised, sir, of the melancholy event of Mrs. Collins’s decease; I shall not dwell upon it unnecessarily. What properly concerns us here is the provision she made some years since, which, upon her passing, has now come into full effect.”
Mr. Bennet inclined his head in silent acknowledgement.
“The sum in question,” continued Mr. Jennings, “amounts in total to five hundred and four pounds, nineteen shillings, and seven pence. The greater portion derives from her original marriage settlement; the remainder represents the fruits of careful economies accumulated over time, and prudently kept separate from the ordinary management of the inn.”
He paused briefly—not for dramatic effect, but to permit the figure to impress itself fully upon his listener’s mind.
“The money is entirely secure, having been duly lodged, meticulously accounted for, and recently verified. No portion of it has been disturbed since her death.”
“I am glad to hear it,” observed Mr. Bennet, in a tone of quiet gravity.
“The income it generates,” the solicitor proceeded, “though modest, is steady and reliable. At prevailing rates, it yields approximately forty pounds per annum. Mrs. Collins was perfectly sensible that this would neither support her son inidleness nor enable him to cut a splendid figure in the world; yet she judged it sufficient, if applied with prudence, to procure for him suitable instruction, necessary books, and the means of preparing himself for a respectable profession.”
“And the profession she had in view?” inquired Mr. Bennet.
“She expressed a decided preference for the Church,” replied Mr. Jennings, “provided her son’s inclinations and abilities should prove consonant with it. Upon that point, however, she imposed no binding obligation—only that the funds be devoted exclusively to his education, and not diverted to any inconsistent purpose.”
The solicitor turned another page with deliberate care.
“In the selection of a trustee, Mrs. Collins exercised her prerogative with particular deliberation. She did not regard her husband as the most suitable guardian of these resources. Therefore, she appointed you, Mr. Bennet, as the individual best qualified to superintend them with independence and judicious discretion.”
Mr. Bennet received this intelligence without visible perturbation, though his attention became more keenly engaged.
“The terms of the trust,” Mr. Jennings continued, “require no immediate transfer of the capital itself, which remains securely placed. What is necessary at present is merely your formal acceptance of the office, together with your signature upon the instrument by which you undertake responsibility for its application during the boy’s minority.”
“And should I decline the charge?” asked Mr. Bennet, after a moment’s reflection.
“In that event,” answered the solicitor with unruffled calm, “another trustee would need to be appointed; yet I am bound to inform you that Mrs. Collins expressly contemplated such a contingency, and recorded her earnest hope—strongly felt, though not legally enforceable—that you would not refuse.”
Mr. Bennet remained silent for a brief interval, considering the matter.
“And the father’s rights?” he inquired at length.
“Mr. Richard Collins retains undiminished parental authority in all other respects,” replied the solicitor, choosing his words with scrupulous care. “This arrangement in no way abridges them. The expenditure of the trust monies, however, rests solely with the appointed trustee; no withdrawal may be effected without your consent, nor may the funds be applied to any object beyond the purposes specified.”
Mr. Bennet signified his comprehension with a slight nod.
“You will readily perceive,” added Mr. Jennings, “that I should not have presumed to request your personal attendance had the matter admitted of satisfactory resolution by correspondence alone. Certain practical considerations—not speculative, but immediate—render local judgement and oversight highly desirable. The boy’s present situation, his health, and the general conduct of the household are such that decisions of consequence may shortly become necessary.”
“I have already observed sufficient,” remarked Mr. Bennet with dry understatement, “to credit the wisdom of your counsel.”
The solicitor permitted himself the faintest softening of his professional reserve.
“If you are disposed to accept, sir, I shall prepare the requisite documents without delay. They will not detain you overlong. Further arrangements—whether concerning suitable placements, clerical tuition, or temporary employment—may be considered at your leisure, and need not be settled today.”
Mr. Bennet rose from his chair.
“I shall accept the trust,” he said, with measured gravity. “Not lightly undertaken, but accepted nonetheless. Young Mr. Collins deserves due support.”
Mr. Jennings inclined his head once more, this time with evident and respectful approval.
“In that case,” he said, “Mrs. Collins’s confidence has not been misplaced.”
As Mr. Bennet prepared to take his leave, Mr. Jennings rose with him and accompanied him as far as the door.
