Mary Bennet : Pride and Prejudice

24.

Mr Wright woke up early that day, one thing on his Mary. He had asked his uncle's assistant and his friend Mr James to find Mr Ivanov for him. Despite being a Russian in London, it was quite difficult to track this man. Partially because he was running away from his debt collectors. But within few days, Mr Wright found him, or rather found three Mr Ivanovs. Why are so many Ivanovs in London? Mr Wright wondered as he called on Mary.

"Mr Wright!" Jane welcomed him. "So glad to see you."

"It is my pleasure," he bowed. "Is Mary home?" He immediately enquired.

"I will call her for you," she informed a maid. "Have you eating breakfast yet?" She asked curiously.

"Yes."

"Mr Wright!" Mary interrupted as she descended from the stairs in a hurry. "Jane!" She immediately acknowledged her presence. "Mr Wright has invited me to meet his sister," she continued. "Can I go?" She asks permission like a small child.

"His sister?" She looks at Mr Wright for reaffirmation.

"I will be back before dinner," she tried to cover up for a confused Mr Wright.

"Alright," Jane agreed still confused.

"I will leave then!" She said walking to the exit.

"Wait!" Jane stopped her. "Breakfast?"

"I am not hungry!" She pretended as she halted to the door.

Once Mary and Mr Wright were out of Mrs Bingley's residence, Mary released a sigh of relief.

"Why did you lie?" Mr Robert enquired.

"I did not want Jane to know about Mr Ivanov," she said. "Did you find him?"

"Yes, but I have three Ivanovs," he revealed.

"It's alright! I will visit all three of them!" She said enthusiastically. "Thank you Mr Wright," she said with a soft smile.

"Wait, are you going to find this Mr Ivanov alone?"

"Yes, but do not worry. I will take care of myself," she ensured. "And thank you for everything."

"No! I cannot let you go to meet these men alone!" He said furious.

"Do not worry Mr Wright, I can handle—

"You are a lady and this is London!" He said aggressively. "Besides Jane thinks you're with me so you are my responsibility."

"Mr Wright! I am no one's responsibility!" Mary sad angry. "Besides you had promised not to interfere."

"I had promised not to ask any questions about this Mr Ivanov," he clarified. "I cannot let you go alone."

"I have to and you cannot stop me," Mary said with the intention to walk away.

"Then I will just have to tell your sister," she said causally."

"You wouldn't!" Mary said furiously.

"Try me," he dared.

"Fine, you can come with me, but you must promised not to ask any questions or disclose to anyone what happens," she asked desperately.

"I promise," he said pleased that she agreed as they board his carriage.

Mr Wright felt relieved that he could accompany Mary on this quest of finding Mr Ivanov. But he couldn't help but wonder, who this Mr Ivanov was. Was he one of Mary's lovers? He wondered with a frown. But as much as he knew Mary, she never spoke of love or marriage or settling down. She had planned her love as a splinters, which always baffled and amused Mr Wright. He had never seen a woman who was so secured with her future possibly of being a governess. Regardless, a lot of time had passed between them not corresponding with each other and with Mary being in Pemberley for the summer. So Mr Wright wondered if she had found someone for herself.