Time had favoured Mary Bennet, who sat at the piano playing on a cold rainy day in March for her eccentrically morbid ways had been somewhat toned down and she had begun to learn the value of a bit of fun. It had also favoured Mary in the way that she had become so much fairer in the two years following three of her sister's marriages. Her pimples had vanished, leaving a rosy-cheeked and soft skin face, with blue eyes sparkling and hair softly curled. Indeed she was now thought of as somewhat a village beauty, almost as pretty as to rival her sisters, and it was now widely accepted that the Bennet sisters were the fairest in all Meryton and surrounding areas.
Kitty was engaged to a respectable man in the regiment, a great favourite of everyone who knew him and a very romantic suitor. Mary liked him too though he was not her type, much to flouncy and romantic for her. It was he who called at the door barely five minutes after Mary had begun playing and disrupted her, for inevitably, Kitty rushed down the stairs with ribbons flying to see her lover. Unwillingly Mary stopped playing and stood up to greet Colonel Adams, who was young and very good looking, they exchanged cheery greetings and the three sat down. Of course Kitty and Colonel Adams talked of news and idea's and it was evident that the two were very much in love. For that, Mary envied her sister, although she had no thoughts of entertaining love now, or ever. She felt she was destined to stay at home and look after her mother, almost chained to Longbourne.
Col. Adams and his bride-to-be very soon persuaded Mary to accompany them on a walk to Meryton. They set off in high spirits, walking briskly and they soon reached the little town. Once there Kitty and her lover set off to the dressmakers to make some quick alterations, leaving Mary alone at her own request. She idled down the high street, admiring some bonnets and dresses. Contemplating buying a new purse, or perhaps a new set of needles and it twas just as she was to set about going into a store that her dress snagged on something and she felt herself being pulled backwards, trying to steady herself she grabbed the nearest solid thing but too late, she had fallen to the ground. A blur of blue twisted above her, and gradually a face appeared out of the fuzz. A handsome face, surrounded by a mop of curly brown hair and bright green eyes leaned over her to offer a hand of help and accepting it she was hoisted up.
Brushing herself down she studied and thanked the man, who apologized politely and offered to walk her home, again she accepted. Along the way she found out that he was four and twenty years old and a Captain in the Navy. He was a charming, friendly and polite man who greatly reminded her of her eldest sister Jane's husband Mr Bingley, and she warmed to him immediately. Once they had reached Longbourne they said their thanks and farewells and parted. Once inside the house Mary was greeted by Hill who led her into the parlour where an inquisitive Mrs Bennet hastily fired her with questions about 'the handsome young gentleman who walked you up the path' and Mary answered them with an off-hand air but Mrs Bennet was not one to be stifled easily.
"What's his occupation?"
"A Naval Captain mama" replied Mary, picking up her embroidery.
"ooh, and his name?"
"Captain Thomas mama"
"and his look? He looked like a fine young gentleman from here!" Mary blushed and said quickly;
"I suppose his look would be regarded as handsome"
"What a fine man!"
"Indeed, mama you have not met him yet."
"Is he very impolite then?"
"No, not in the slightest mama but-"
"then I see no reason to call him such, indeed Mary I think we may have found you a match!"
"mama how could you have judged such after only seeing him walk me up a path?"
"I have a fine intuition for such things my dear."
Mary only smiled politely and continued her work.