# Captain Bernard Dale — The Small House at Allington character guide

> Captain Bernard Dale in The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Bernard Dale, Captain Dale, Bernard

**First appearance:** 0000-i-the-squire-of-allington

## Snapshot

The squire's nephew and heir presumptive, an Engineer officer who courts his cousin Bell and expects the estate to follow.

## Who they are

Bernard is the son of Colonel Dale and Lady Fanny of Torquay, and the nearest thing the childless squire has to an heir. He moves between the great house and the Small House with the confidence of a man who assumes his prospects, and his suit for Bell carries the quiet weight of family property behind it. His presence makes the Dale inheritance a live question in the sisters' lives.

## In the story

### [The Two Pearls of Allington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/ii-the-two-pearls-of-allington)

Bernard is the cousin and heir presumptive to the squire, an officer in the Engineers. He is more efficient at croquet and is involved in the squire's project to match him with Bell.

### [The Widow Dale of Allington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/iii-the-widow-dale-of-allington)

Lily's cousin, who accompanies Crosbie and the ladies home. He suggests they return to smoke cigars, and is described as a billiard player.

### [Beautiful Days](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/vi-beautiful-days)

Bernard discusses his intention to propose to Bell with the squire, who hints at financial conditions.

### [The Beginning of Troubles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/vii-the-beginning-of-troubles)

Present during the shooting and later at dinner; maintains a calm demeanor and supports the conversation about Lily's prospects.

### [It Cannot Be](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/viii-it-cannot-be)

Bernard proposes to Bell and is rejected; he tries to persuade her to delay her answer.

### [A Visit to Guestwick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xiii-a-visit-to-guestwick)

Rides with the party, participates in the visit, and is mentioned as being somewhat in advance with Bell on the return ride.

### [Mr. Crosbie Meets an Old Clergyman on His Way to Courcy Castle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xvi-mr-crosbie-meets-an-old-clergyman-on-his-way-to-courcy-castle)

Drives Crosbie to Guestwick; feels Crosbie will not be a good brother-in-law.

### [Lord De Courcy in the Bosom of His Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxvi-lord-de-courcy-in-the-bosom-of-his-family)

Reads Lady Julia's letter and urges the squire to take the warning seriously.

### [XXVII: “On My Honour, I Do Not Understand It.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxvii-on-my-honour-i-do-not-understand-it)

Meets the squire at the station, learns of Crosbie's guilt, and struggles with how to proceed.

### [XXX: Is It from Him?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxx-is-it-from-him)

Bernard discusses Crosbie's actions with the squire and informs Bell of the situation.

### [The Wounded Fawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxi-the-wounded-fawn)

Bernard is troubled, wishing he could duel Crosbie but believing it impossible; he fears Crosbie will escape punishment and that the affair may bring triumph to Crosbie.

### [The Time Will Come](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-time-will-come)

Bernard avoids going to London because he does not yet know how to treat Crosbie, casting a shadow over Lily.

### [An Old Man's Complaint](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxvii-an-old-man-s-complaint)

Bernard is mentioned as the suitor the squire hopes Bell will accept, with the squire believing Bernard is earnest in his suit.

### [Preparations for Going](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xlix-preparations-for-going)

Bernard writes a well-argued but passionless letter proposing to Bell, which she ultimately rejects.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/bernard_dale
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters