Mary Bennet : Pride and Prejudice

16.

The next day, Elizabeth and Darcy were siting in the living room along with Mr Burton who was updating them about yesterday.

"I hope the girls did not cause inconvenience," Elizabeth said.

"No, not at all," Mr Burton replied as he sipping his tea.

"Well, thank you Robert," Mr Darcy should his gratitude.

"I need to talk to you both about something," Mr Burton went on. "It is about Miss Bennet."

"I hope it's not bad news," Elizabeth said worried.

"No, no not at all. It's just—

"Go on," Darcy said sternly.

"I would like to pursue her."

"Pursue her?" Darcy asked confused

"Yes, and I wanted to get your permission before doing so, especially Elizabeth's, since she's your sister.

"I— Elizabeth looked at Darcy surprised.

"Pursue her how?" Darcy asked still confused

"Romantically dear!" Elizabeth explained. "Is that right Mr Burton?"

"Yes."

"Has she shown interest in you?" Darcy asked sceptically.

"Not exactly, but there is potential."

"What do you think Elizabeth?"

"I do not know," she said confused. "I think I would have to talk to my sister first," she said as the room went quiet.

Elizabeth was confused. She had not told anyone except her husband about her mother's real intentions behind sending Mary and Kitty to Pemberley. She knew Mary was less keen of getting married, so she would not force her on anyone, but for her to already get pursued before even a formal introduction in society was strange but also a good sign.

Mr Burton was a good man from what Elizabeth knew about him. After his father died, he shifted to Lambton with his mother and aunt. Dispite having a substantial income, Mr Darcy helped him manage his estate and finances. He was very grateful to Mr Darcy for his help and regular visited him, Elizabeth and Georgiana when they stayed at Pemberley.

"I am sorry!" Mary barged in. "I woke up very late!" She said guilty.

"Do not worry Mary, you can rest as much as you'd like," Elizabeth said.

"Yes, even Georgiana is still asleep.

"Yes, but it's noon and I do not want to cause any inconvenience," she went on before noticing Mr Burton.

"Oh, Good Morning Mr Burton," she acknowledged.

"Good Afternoon Miss Bennet," he said with a smirk.

"Yes, sorry— Good Afternoon," she said as Both Elizabeth and Darcy looked at each other in doubt.

"Would you like to have some tea?" Elizabeth offered.

"No, no—I will first get something to eat," Mary said.

"Shall I call Miss Reynolds?"

"No! I will get it myself," Mary said as she left the room.

It was very uncomfortable for Mary to be in Mr Burton's presence again. She had thought about what happened with Mr Burton last night, the feelings she felt, everything. Had she developed something for him? He was definitely a handsome man and it was just normal for any woman to be attracted to him but—

"Mary!" Elizabeth joins her as she cuts off her thoughts. "How are you?" She asks concerned.

"I am fine, why?" Mar asks confused.

"I apologise, we haven't spent time alone ever since we came to Pemberley."

"It is alright, I enjoy Mr Darcy and Georgiana's company."

"And Mr Burton?" Elizabeth asked curiously.

"Hmmmm...yes his too," Mary replies quickly as she sips her water.

"Mary, you are of a marriageable age and since Mamma has asked Jane and I to find suitors for you, I feel obliged to find suitable men for you and Kitty—

"Lizzy! Do not worry! I am not looking to add to your burdens."

"It is not a burden—-

"I haven't found anyone who I fancy enough to consider marriage and the only thing you can do is introduce me to people which you're already doing. It is not your responsibility. Take care of yourself first."

"Oh Mary, I am sure you will find someone you love!"

"Let's see," Mary replies sceptically.

"There is a ball next week at Mrs Welson's. I am sure you can find plenty of people there.Who knows you might even like some," she teased.

Mary knew her chances of marriage were bleak. She was neither very pretty nor rich to entice reputed men. Therefore she did not want her sisters to take the trouble to find suitable men for her like their mother intended.

Elizabeth retired to the living room with Mr Darcy and Mr Burton.

"Mr Burton," she addressed him sternly. "I have spoken to my sister, briefly. Of course I haven't told her about your intentions to pursue her, for I think you should tell that to her yourself. But before you do so, I have some things to tell you."

"Please go on Mrs Darcy," he says with a smile

"Observing my sister and you, I felt that both of you have had certain interactions that might arouse feelings in you both, for this I do not object as you are an honourable man, but again I would like to remain you to not dishonour or wrong my sister in anyway."

"I—

"Let's me finish Mr Burton," Elizabeth said as she continued. "Despite having a reputation, I do not hold that against you, since I've known you and always thought you were a good man. Mary is not the easiest of the bunch, but she is a smart and intelligent woman. I hope you will admire her for what she truly is and not try to change her in anyway. Lastly, my family comes from humble beginnings, we are neither royalty nor wealthy. So do not expect to gain a fortune after pursuing my sister, for her share is not enough to get you a comfortable living. Now, after listening to all this if you still want to pursue my sister, I do not object. I think you are a good man and both Darcy and I will be very pleased if Mary agrees," she also added.

"Thank you! Elizabeth for not holding my reputation against me and giving me a fair chance to pursue your sister," he said with a smile.

"Yes, of course, but I will continue to encourage her to give a chance to other men who I feel are worthy in Mrs Wilson's Ball, since it's her choice." She said shrewdly.

"Yes, I understand. I am just glad to get your permission—of course that includes you also Darcy," he added. "And reassure, I am not pursuing her for her money or any statues, it is solely because I am very curious and interested in her."

"Yes, she is a smart woman. To pursue a woman like her makes you a smart man," Darcy said. "Just be honest with her do not play around," he added.

"Of course," he said

"Do you think it will work?" Elizabeth asks Mr Darcy once Mr Burton leaves.

"I haven't given it much thought, but I think the decision is Mary's," he says as they sit quietly contemplating on the events that just occurred.

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