Mary Bennet : Pride and Prejudice

7.

The next day, friends and family came to visit Jane and Elizabeth. It soon turned into a huge gathering with a number of people showing up. Both Elizabeth and Jane were surprised by the number of people visiting them, on the other hand Mrs Bennet was anxious that the food will run out.

"Elizabeth!" Mrs Lucas approached her. "How have you been dear?"

"I am fine"

"Your mother just informed me of your pregnancy," she mentions. "I am so happy for you—and Mr Darcy."

"Thank you Mrs Lucas," she replied surprised as she had not officially announced it.

"Even Charlotte and Mr Collins are trying," she mentions with a sad smile.

"Oh, how is Charlotte?" Elizabeth asks to deviate the topic.

"She's doing very well! Mr Collins has been very successful and with patron like Mrs Catherine de Bourgh— it is very nice, very nice," she says with hesitation.

"I am very glad to hear that."

"I am sorry dear, about Lady Catherine de Bourgh."

"We are not in the best of terms, but still we are family," She replies as she excuses herself to find her mother.

As the gathering continued, Mary noticed Mr Wright. She was more happy to see him today than nervous. He was amongst the men, talking and laughing, she looked for an opening so she could join, but as more and more people joined she thought it wise to wait with her refreshment.

"Mary!" Her mother approached. "Go get two lofts of bread and some meat from the market," she commanded.

"Ask the servants," she suggested

"They are already occupied," she informed.

"Then ask Kitty."

"Do not make excuse, have some compassion for my nerves," her Mother cried.

"Can I take the horse?" Mary asked having no choice.

"Yes, here is the money. We have many uncalled mouths to feed," she said as she scanned the room. "Make haste!" she concluded in panic.

Mary searched the room, to have one last glance of Mr Wright, before she left, when she saw him talking to a woman. Mary couldn't recognise her, as only the back of her head was visible from her view.

"Mary go!" Her mother demanded as she fought her urge to find out who the woman was.

Luckily for Mary, the horse was available, making the chore much more convenient. The whole ride she couldn't help but think about who that woman might be? Abigail? Esther? The girl was tall and lean with a brown dress that enhanced her shape. What must they be talking about that Mr Wright was smiling? It was a subtle smile, like those that are given in social gathering in order to not offend people. But was he bored or enjoying it? Such thoughts were in Mary's mind throughout her journey. As soon as she reached home, she set the supplies in the kitchen and ran out to find Mr Wright. She had to find out who that woman was and what were they talking about.

"Mary!" Elizabeth approaches her.

"Yes."

"Have you seen mamma?"

"She is in the kitchen preparing more food," Mary replies.

"She is telling people about my pregnancy, without even discussing it with me or Darcy!" She says angrily. "I need to talk to her," says frustrated, when Marry stops her.

"I think you shouldn't talk to her right now. She is already anxious about food and this will just add on to it," She suggested.

"But I haven't told anyone yet—