Mary Bennet : Pride and Prejudice

28.

After talking to Mary about the proposal by Mr Burton, Jane felt more conflicted than at ease. She wasn't puzzled of course glad that her sister was proposed to by a man they all knew was a good man and would take care of Mary. Still Jane could not understand Mary's hesitation.

"What is this thing that is missing?" She thought out loud when sudden someone arrived. A guest this early was unusual so Jane when to check when she saw Mr Wright.

In Jane's mind, she did not dislike Mr Wright despite his distance from her in the past. But Jane was sure that the recent dilemma of Mary for not accepting Mr Burtons proposal stemmed from Mr Wrights presence in her life. Mary might still be under the presumption they are just friends but for him to lead her on was only going to end up destroying her sister's life.

"Mrs Bingley," he greeted Jane with a bow. "I am her to call upon Miss Mary," he informed as his eyes wandered.

"Mr Wright, why don't you and I have a talk before I call Mary for you," Jane insisted.

As they when to the garden away from everyone, Mr Wright rightfully looked confused on such an engagement with Jane.

"Here have some tea," Jane offers with hospitality. "What is your relationship with my sister, Mr Wright," she asks sternly.

"I'm sorry—what."

"I apologise for being so blunt, but I mistake intervene between you and Mary at this stage."

"I'm sorry— have I offended her or you in any way?" He seemed clarifications.

"No, but you are affecting her future indirectly," she explains.

"I do not understand,"

"Mr Wright, you are an honourable man who understands that in our society, Mary is already considered past the right age to marry and is closer to a sinister than a maiden," she explains. "With such an issue of age and status I want only what is best for her as a sister," she goes on. "So when a good man of honourable status and one who cares deeply for my sister proposes to her, I will remove any obstacle or doubt she may have for not accepting such an offer," she concluded.

"Proposed? Mary?"

"Yes, Mr Burton proposed to Mary," she informs.

"What!" He looked worried. "What did she say?"

"Nothing as of now, but I am certain she will accept it."

"Does Mary like Mr Burton?" He asked with his fisted clenched.

"Yes, ever since Pemberley as has  he. Mr Burton is a close friend of Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy. We have known him for years and are very thrilled her has shown interest in Mary," she says to a dim Mr Wright.

"I am happy for Mary," he says with a forced smile.

"I am glad to hear that," Jane says relieved. "Now I will call Mary for you."

As Mr Wright sat in the garden, he could not help but feel sad. He had recently discovered his feelings for Mary, which he hoped to tell her today. But she already being asked by a man she liked was a surprise he did not expect. He did not want to confuse her or put her in a position to choose. If she was happy he was happy.

"Oh, I did not know you were here, Mr Wright," Carolina approached.

"Yes, how are you Miss Bingley," he inquires.

"Very bored, so glad to see you here, this early in the morning," she said cheerfully. "Have you come to see me?"

"Agh... I wanted to see Mary one last time before she left," he tells the truth.

"Oh," Carolina sight in disappointment. "Yes, as you should after all you are such good friends," she bounces back. "But I doubt she needs your company anymore."

"What do you mean?" Mr Wright asks sceptically.

"She has Mr Burton now," she informs. "You know, the first thing he did after coming back to England was come to London to see Miss Bennet," she whispered. "I admit I am not a big fan of Mr Burton but I am glad Mary fancies him."

"Mary fancies him?" Robert asked shocked.

"Yes, you should have seen them at breakfast, couldn't keep their eyes off each other. I bet he will soon propose." She says as Mr Wrights face falls.

It was certain now to Mr Wright that Mary was gone, he was too late in expressing his feelings and that everyone including Mary thought of Mr Burton as the right choice.

Mr Wright," suddenly Mary arrived in a pale blue dress, looking as radiant as ever.

"Mary," he stood up awed by her beauty like he never noticed.

"Miss Bingley, you're here too," she acknowledged Carolina's presence with discomfort.

"Yes, of course. I was giving company to Mr Wright."

"Is it," she said as she stared at Mr Wright plainly.

"I hear, you're leaving soon," Robert said.

"Yes, tomorrow," she informed.

"Oh, how wonderful that you will be back with your family, isn't it Mr Wright."

"Yes—

"I am sure you missed them deeply."

"Yes—it's just," Mr Wright pauses. "If only you could stay a little longer," he says staring into her eyes.

"Oh, aren't you selfish Mr Wright?" Carolina interrupts. I am sure she will visit another time, but for now let her go see her family!"

"Yes, of course. Say hello to your parents from me," he adds as he gets up to leave.

"Mr Wright! Are you leaving so soon!" Carolina asks astonished.

"Yes, some urgent business has come up," he makes an excuse. "Please, bid farewell to Ms Bingley from me. And goodbye Mary.....," he says with a pause and before Mary could reply he walks off.

It was over. He was too late, Mr Wright regretted his faith when a voice called out to him.

"Mr Wright!" He say Mary running towards him. Her face worried, her hair flowing slightly in the afternoon breeze.

"Mr Wright wait," she caught her breath.

"Are you alright Mary," Robert asked concerned.

"Yes, I just—I just wanted to talk to you alone before I leave," in informs to the delight of Mr Wright.

"I am so very glad to have known you and so very grateful for your help yesterday. I must thank you again."

"Mary," he said gravely. "Do you like Mr Burton?" He asked to Mary's surprise.

"I....he is a lovely person," she replies vaguely.

"Are you going to say yes?"

"How did you know—Mr Wright it's more complicated than that," she says not meeting his eyes. "He is a wonderful man, who everyone approves off even my father, he cares for me, he is wealthy but..."

But what?" He asks curiously.

I don't know, I do not feel certain," she says lowering her face.

"Hey," Robert lifts her face by her chin. "Marriage never feels certain, especially to a beautiful , intelligent, independent woman like you. Take your time, but remember do what you feel is right and do not get coerced by anyone or anything. If such a situation unfortunately comes that you have no one, remember I will always be there for you," he says as he shifts his hand from her chin to her cheek. "Regardless of anything promise our friendship will stay strong," he says as both tear up.

"Yes, our friendship will never go away," Mary replies more disappointed that delighted as both hug each other as if it was the last time, and it might as well be, though Mr Wright

"Promise you will visit," Mary says as they part ways.

Mr Wright watches her walk away from him. A sudden sadness sinks in his heart. She was both literally and metaphorically walking away from him.
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