Lydia and Mary - An adaptation of Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 3

'Mama, it's a letter from Uncle Gardiner!' I heard a voice cry. 'Uncle Gardiner!?' I heard another voice say. 'Come quickly Jane, and pass the letter to me. I really hope that he has found Lydia. Oh, dear Lydia! Disappearing like that! I do hope that she is safe.'

My mouth dropped. Jane, Uncle Gardiner and Lydia disappearing... Gosh, I'm not in Kanzus anymore, am I? I thought; But I'm not somewhere over the rainbow either. Then, suddenly, it struck me, 'I must be in the Bennets' household!' I whispered aloud; 'The Bennets... from Jane Austen's novel – Pride and Prejudice!' I practically gasped. I had just finished reading the novel a second time, so the characters in it and it's plot-line were still fresh in my head.

My mind raced, trying to think of an explanation for my unprecedented entrance into the Bennets' realm. But they didn't really exist, did they? I considered; Weren't they merely a product of Jane Austen's vivid imagination? I reasoned; Perhaps I'm still asleep and I'll wake-up soon.

I pinched myself, expecting to feel nothing since I was supposed still to be asleep. However, as soon as I pulled at my skin and twisted it, I felt a sharp pain rush through my right arm and instantly released the bit of skin that I had between my fingers. Ouch. So, I'm not asleep then, but how did I get here?

Knock... Knock... I heard a tapping sound coming from outside the door. 'Mary! Get dressed quickly. A letter has arrived from Uncle Gardiner and Mama's about to read it. We think he's found Lydia. Please, do hurry up!' A voice followed.

Hang on a second, I'm Mary, one of the Bennet sisters? But how has this happened? Pushing my thoughts aside, I hastily slipped on the set of equally old-fashioned garments which I'd seen spread out on a wooden bench by the mirror and hurried downstairs.