Mary Bennet : Pride and Prejudice

19.

Few days had passed since the Wilson Ball. Mr Burton and Mr Rodley had still not returned. Additionally, Mr Darcy too had left to take care of business.

Mary wondered if Mr Burton really meant what he said that day, if he did, did she feel the same way?

"Lizzy!" She could not resist herself any longer. "I need to tell you something," she began nervously. "But promise me you won't get angry."

"Okay..,"she answered dubiously.

"Also I need advice, honest advice."

"Yea."

"During the dance classes with Mr Keys, Mr Burton asked me to consider him as one my suitors, I think," she said nervously.

"And?"

"And I am sorry for not telling you earlier. I will not pursue it if it hurts you or Mr Darcy in anyway—

No! Stop! Mary! That's not what I meant," she clarifies. "I know that Mr Burton wanted to pursue you, even Darcy did, he asked our permission before hand," she informs.

"He did?"

"Yes, he is a gentleman and I do not have any objections to it if you like him too."

"But—it's complicated.

"Tell me."

"So, i felt this tension between us, but I thought it was attraction, he is a handsome man. But then when we danced, I felt this feeling I had never felt before, like a tension between us. Then he asked me to be considered..." she explained.

"So are you going to consider him?" Elizabeth asked curiously.

" I don't know!" She gasped. "He asked me to reverse a round of dancing for him at the Ball, but since he didn't how up, I am confused!"

"It is not his fault, even Darcy had to leave as they had some urged business to attend to," Elizabeth says.

"I know but I'm leaving in couple of days and there is no sign of him coming back, so what should I do?" Mary asks confused.

"I think you should not ponder upon it much. Rather go enjoy London with Jane, meet other men, you are not committed to Mr Burton yet. If he wants you he will make it be known, until that do not worry," Elizabeth suggested.

"Do you like Mr Burton for me?"

"Like him?" She contemplated. "I will be honest, he has quit a reputation with women, but whenever he is around you, he acts different, very different from his flamboyant self," she says. "Despite that, form our interactions, I personally think he is a very good man and is obviously serious about you since he asked for our permission before pursuing you. And Darcy would never forgive him if he did anything bad to you," she added assuring her.

"I believe you, thank you!" Mary showed her gratitude.

The days passed soon, until Mary had to go. Neither Mr Burton or Rodley retired. Mr was coming the day after Mary left. Elizabeth was very apologetic that he couldn't see her off, but Mary didn't mind. She hugged both Lizzy and Georgiana wishing them farewell.

"Here, a letter was delivered this morning for you," Elizabeth handed her as she went in the carriage.

Mary wondered who the letter might be from, Mr Burton? Writing to make his intentions more clear? Kitty? Replying to the letter she had sent her seeking her advice on the Mr Burton situation? Or maybe, no it couldn't be from—Mr Wright.

As she opened the envelope she faintly in her heart hoped it was from her dear friend Mr Wright. She desperately wanted to know what he was up to, but she was reminded again of Lily Kingsley.

To Mary Bennet

From Catherine Bennet

The letter was from Kitty.

Dear Mary,

I hope this letter finds you well. I was saddened to hear about your recent troubles. While I can't offer definitive advice, I believe you deserve someone who makes you feel valued and loved. If Mr. Burton is causing you doubt, perhaps it's time to reassess the relationship.
My own time in London has been bittersweet. Though Jane and Mr. Bingley were incredibly supportive, I found myself missing home. After a week of feeling under the weather, I began to venture out. There, I met Mr. Ivanov, a charming Russian student of art history. We explored London together, and his company was a refreshing change. I wish you could meet him.
Unfortunately, Jane had concerns about Mr. Ivanov's Russian background and limited information. While I was initially disappointed, I now understand her perspective. She encouraged me to socialize with men of more established families, but I found them to be rather dull and stuffy.
Despite the challenges, I've made a new friend, Mr. Wright. He's been a great source of comfort, and he expressed genuine concern when I shared news of your situation. He mentioned that he might be in London next month and expressed a strong desire to reconnect with you.
I hope you enjoy your time in London more than I did.

Yours sincerely,
Catherine Bennet

Mary heart was beating as they approached London. Was she going to see Mr Wright? There was a possibility and that made her nervous. But as she reached London it was almost midnight. She was so tired and sleepy that she couldn't care less about Mr Wright or Me Burton. Jane welcomed her yawning and showed her room to rest.

"Both Charles and Henry are fast asleep, meet them tomorrow," she informed as she tucked her to bed.

The next morning as Mary woke up, she paced herself. She was still tired from her journey, but she had to go greet Mr Bingley before he left.

"Good morning everyone!" She stepped into the breakfast parlours.

"Oh, another one of your sisters?" Caroline remarked.

"Good Morning Mary! I hope you had a good journey!" Bingley asked excitedly.

"It is almost noon," another one of his sisters remarked.

"Yes, thank you," Mary replied hesitantly. "I'm sorry, where is my sister?"

"She must be with little Henry in his room," Bingley informs. "Second room from the left" he instructs as she goes to fine Jane.

Mary knew that Mr Bingley's sister's weren't the friendliest. Even Jane would often tell them incidents of their rudeness and inconsideration for others. So she wondered why she would invite Mary to stay when she already had them as guest.

"Jane!" She entered the room to find a naughty Henry playing with his cars while Jane fed him some mashed vegetables.

"Oh, Mary! How are you? Did you sleep well?" She asks tired.

"Yes, yes, but you look more tired than me!"

"It's just Charles sisters showed up unannounced and the maid in on leave so I have to take care of everything," Jane said with a sigh.

"Oh Jane!" Do not worry," she hugged her sister. "I am there to help you."

"I wouldn't want to bother you—-

"What bother? We are sisters, we help each other. Besides this is the least I can do for what mamma had asked you to do for us." She said. "Now let me take care of baby Henry," she offered,

"Thank you!" Jane handed her the plate as she left the room.

"Do you know my name?" Mary playfully asked Henry.

"Papo...

"No, Mary!" She emphasised.

"Mahe," he tried to mimic.

"Good for now," she gave up.

As Mary played with Henry, she wondered what will she going to do next month went she returned home to Longbourn. As time passed she was getting closer and closer to accepting her faith and becoming a governess. She might as well work for her sister, she thought. It isn't hard to handle a baby, I can totally do it. She thought when Henry spits out the food she fed him.

Grossed out she hopes, faintly one of the Roberts saves her.

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