Admiral Thomas Bennet: A Pride & Prejudice Adjacent Story

In this, my 21st story, Thomas Bennet, unlike in canon, is born a second son. His father only cares about his heir, James, and the latter is somewhat of a bully to his younger brother. Born between the two brothers, there is a sister, Felicity, who is also ignored by Henry Bennet. Thomas and Felicity are very close. Henry is happy to sign the papers allowing Thomas to go to sea as it will save him the trouble of raising his son, and the money he would have expended educating and feeding his younger son. Henry's wife, Beth, is not happy about her son going into the navy before he is 12, but she has no influence with her husband, and he refuses to reverse his decision. Thus, when he is 11, Thomas joins the Royal Navy as a midshipman and is trained by the man who becomes his mentor and friend, Lieutenant Horatio Nelson. Fanny Gardiner does marry a Bennet, but which Bennet is revealed in the book. James Bennet is very resentful that not only is his younger brother famous, but he has earned a very large amount of prize money as well. The story shows us how that jealousy causes various characters to react. The story follows both Thomas Bennet's career in the navy and the life of his family. There are most of the characters we love, and some we love to hate, from canon, along with some of the ones I have introduced in my various books. All five Bennet daughters we know from canon are present, however which daughter is born to which Mrs. Bennet is a question which will be answered in the story.