Mary Bennet : Pride and Prejudice

22.

The next day, Mary was dull. She didn't want to get out of bed. She taught about Mr Wright again and again, until the maid comes in.

"Miss Bennet, I've got the information you wanted," she informs as Mary remembers Mr Ivanov.

"I've got his address," she says as she hands over a piece of paper.

"Thank you!" Mary says as she checks the information inside. "And do not discuss it with anyone in the house," she instructed.

"Yes, Madam," the maid obeyed as she left.

"Mary stared at the letter, then the address that was handed over. She was conflicted on whether she should go and meet this Mr Ivanov.

"Madam!" Another maid enters. "There is a guest waiting for you."

"A guest?" Mary wondered who it could be. Was it Mr Ivanov? He sent a letter here, so it's possible he still thinks Kitty is here and came to meet her.

"Mr Wright!" Jane greeted as he waited.

"Good afternoon Mrs Bingley," she nervously greeted. "It is so good to see you." He added. "A very lovely house."

"Thank you!" Jane said politely. "I am very disappointed you did not come and visit me while you were in London."

"I apologise for that," she replied. "I wanted to visit you, but—Mary and I had an altercation—

"That is between Mary and you," Jane explained. "I would have still welcomed you as a guest."

"I understand. I deeply apologise if I have offended you in any way."

"Do not apologise Mr Wright. I am happy to welcome you now!" She says forgiving him as her nature. "I will call Mary for you," she says as Mary walks down.

"Mr Wright?" She said shocked as she saw his tall, broad stature, blond hair and blue eyes, staring at her.

"Mary! Mr Wright has apologised for calling upon us so late," Jane teased. "But I think I know the reason," she said slyly as she went to prepare tea and snacks.

"What are you doing here?" She asked rudely.

"Good afternoon to you too Miss Bennet," he wittily addressed.

"Yes, good afternoon. But what are you doing here calling upon me?"

"I wanted to talk to you," he says hesitantly.

"There is nothing to talk about," she says as she turns away from him.

"Mary! I know you are still mad, that is the reason you did not return my letter and don't want to talk to me—but—but please give me a chance to explain myself!" He pleaded.

"Explain," she commanded.

""I'm truly sorry about what happened at Netherfield. I know it was wrong, and I regret my actions. It's true that I had developed feelings for Miss Kingsley. I thought you two would get along, but when things didn't work out, I became confused and made mistakes.
Later, I discovered that Miss Kingsley had been dishonest and had ulterior motives. I realized my error and stopped pursuing her. Her true nature became clear, and I'm ashamed of how I behaved that night," explained Mr Wright.

"It is alright," Mary said sympathetically.

"It was valid that you did not return my letter, but I was hoping we could rekindle our friendship?"

"Mr Wright! I do not think it is right to rekindle our friendship!" She said stoic

"Mary! Have I treated you so wrong that we can't look past it? I have also apologised—why are you acting so different?" He asked agitated.

"I've changed Mr Wright and I reckon you change too," she said scornfully.

As Mr Wright left,Mary wondered did she had made a mistake. Was she too rude, too insensitive towards him. But she eased herself as she thought of the woman he is with. She did not want to hinder their relationship, which she deemed to be much more precious socially to their friendship. Additionally, she did not want to be the second choice in his life.

"Had he let?" Jane asked as she bought tea.

"Yes, I asked him to," she explained.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, she said as tears ran down her face.

"Oh dear Mary! Do not cry," Jane consoled her baby sister.

Jane had never seen Mary care for a man as much as she cared for Mr Wright, whether that be friendship or more. She now had to get to the bottom of it. Jane had decided to investigate Mr Wright, who she had now met and was well known with her circles.

Once Mary paced herself, she went outside by herself to take in the fresh she wanted to forget Mr Wright. She wondered if she was too harsh on him. But if she wouldn't be, then it would be harsh on herself, seeing him with another woman, who he will always put before her. Did she love Mr Wright? She wondered. Even if she did, it didn't matter now.

As she walks she feels a chill and she searches her bag to find her gloves when she finds the note with the address of Mr Ivanov. She decides to go and find him right there and then.

"Nally street," she repeated the name and walked, enquiring in shady streets, till she reached a tiny road. There were small shabby houses, dirty and old. She thought for a minute before stepping inside. Mary was determined to find this man, to find the truth about him and her sister.

She instantly regretted the decision as everyone started staring at her. She was the odd one out, with her baby blue dress and white gloves in the middle of a muddy street.

"Excuse me," she approved a chubby lady, who she found to be the least threatening. "Will you guide me to Nally Street, Building 231, Room 5, please," she politely asked.

"There!" She woman said in her husky voice pointing to an worn-out building that had a yellowish hue around it probably dirt gathered due to lack of cleaning.

Mary entered the building and knocked at the door number 5. Suddenly, she heard noise of a man screaming, then a woman screamed, probably because the man screamed. Then the children start crying. Did Mr Ivanov have a wife, a family?" Mary wondered horrified.

Finally, a bulky man opened the door in his dirty wife beater shirt. "May I help you?" He asks rudely.

"Yes!" Mary startles. "I am looking for Mr Ivanov," she enquires.

"That bastard doesn't live here no more!" The man says aggressively. "Does he owe you money too?" He asked less aggressively.

"Oh—yes!" Mary lied. "I was wondering if you knew about his whereabouts?"

"Nope! You tell me if you find out. That bastard just left without paying any of his depts! Son of a bi—

"Thank you!" Mary leaves immediately as the man starts abusing.

Mary was stuck, she didn't know anyone in the city except her sister to help her find Mr Ivanov. But she couldn't reveal it to Jane, not before she herself found out his relationship with Kitty. She knew one more person though—Mr Wright.

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