Mary Bennet : Pride and Prejudice

14.

The next day, Mary and Georgiana waited for Mr Rodley in the Music room. Georgiana seemed nervous and anxious before his arrival. She started inspecting the piano, making sure everything was up to her standard. Mary noticed this peculiar behaviour and just kept to herself.

"Where is he? He is late!" Georgiana said worried.

"Are you alright Georgiana?" Mary asked concerned.

"Yes, yes, why—do I not look alright?" She panics.

"No! You look lovely—

"I'm sorry! I am late," a slender man with glasses and a briefcase walks in. "Hello! Georgiana— and—," he stops as he sees Mary.

"This is Mary Bennet! Elizabeth's younger sister," she introduces

"Very nice to meet you, Miss Bennet," he says in a nerdy way. "I am Peter Rodley. Will you be joining us with the piano today?" He asks politely.

"Yes, but only for the summer," Mary explains

"Very well then, why don't you start us off," he says as Mary takes the piano.

"I am not very good—like Georgiana—you see I am self taught," Mary tries to prepare him for disappointment.

"That is not an issue. Please proceed," he said with a pleasant smile.

As Mary plays one of her original tunes, Mr Rodley closes his eyes and concentrates. On the other hand, Georgiana is fidgety, first with her dress, then with her hands. Mary tries her best to not make a mistake and deliver a good first impression.

"Good," he said in dubious tone as Mary waited for his comments. "But there is no....seamlessness, no.... Poise!" He went on passionately. "But for self taught, good!" He concluded with a smile.

"Yes, thank you," Mary said a little disappointed.

"Now, Georgiana go on," he commanded as she went and started playing. She played beautifully, with perfection in every note.

"Stop!" Mr Rodley interrupted. "Again," he sternly said. Georgiana started playing from the start and then settled into her play when again. "No no!" Mr Rodley interrupted. "Feel the music from with in, put more passion, more feelings into it. Don't try to be a perfectionist."

"Yes—

"Do not focus on notes—like Miss Bennet here—play climate, messy but put your heart into it!" He went on. "I apologise Miss Bennet, I do not think your play is clumsy, or—

"It is quite alright Mr Rodley," she said with a laugh.

"Whose play is clumsy?" A voice asked from the door.

"Robert!" Mr Rodley went to welcome him.

"You did not answer my question," he went on after shaking his Mr Rodley's hand.

"I did not mean clumsy!" He tried to justify.

"Georgiana?" Mr Burton asked. 

"It was me," Mary spoke up. Mr Burton stared at Rodley questionably. "Mr Rodley did not mean to insult me," she continued.

"Did he not?" Mr Burton said still dead at Mr Rodley.