Mary
Kitty was in a foul mood this morning when she left for Meryton. I hate when she is foul. I have no patience for it. She should expand her mind by reading, but alas, I am the only one in our family that even wants to read, other than Papa. All Kitty and the other girls think about is getting married. I couldn't care less about marriage. All a man would want is me to keep house, when would I be able to practice piano or read?
I pick up my books and walk towards the piano. I wish that I had spoken to mother when Mr. Collins was here, she may have put in a good word for me, and gotten him to ask me. He seemed to be the only male who actually cared that I wanted to read and practice piano. He and I had a few chats about books, especially after he started to read Fordyce's Sermons. But no, he went and married Charlotte. Oh well, I'm not going to dwell on it anymore.
I hear a carriage pulling up and look out the window. Alighting from the carriage is Jane and Mr. Bingley. They are back a few days earlier than expected. I wonder why. I would have stayed on the continent much longer, just to get away from Mother.
"Mama, Jane and Mr. Bingley are home," I call into the parlor. Mother is lethargic. She has been since Papa said that Lydia could not return home. I understand why Papa has made the decision, she could very well have ruined our futures, especially Jane and Lizzie. But Mama has always had a flare for the dramatic.
"Back already! They were not expected for days. I do not have a dinner called with enough courses. Oh what will I do? I'm all a fluster. Mary, get up this minute and call for Hill." Mama said as she fluttered around the room, not doing anything but moving ribbons from one spot to another. I sigh, and walk to the bells and ring for Hill, who walks in just as Jane and Mr. Bingley come inside the parlor. "Mr. Bingley, Jane, how marvelous to have you home so early! Why are you home so early? You were not expected for a few days yet. I am certain your last letter said you would be gone a full month, and yet there is still a few days till the month is out. Jane, you look so lovely! How was the continent? I can't imagine going across the Channel myself, but I'm sure it was good for you." Mama took a breath and Jane jumped in smiling at Mama and I.
"We came home early because we had news that Caroline needs us home on urgent business. We wanted to come here first, then head to London to meet Caroline. We may not be back for a few weeks and wanted to know if Mary or Kitty wanted to join us in London. We have plenty of room for both of them. Mary, would you like to join Charles and I in London?" Jane turned to me at the last. I was shocked that she would want me to come with to stay with her. We have never been close. I am the black sheep of the family. I'm not close to anyone but my books.
"I don't know. What would I do in London? Could I visit some bookshops?" I ask Jane uncertainly.
"Of course. I want you to be comfortable. We will also attend a few balls, but you needn't dance if you do not want to." Jane said, smiling at me. I can't figure out the smile on her face. Its almost like she has a plan to marry Kitty and I off to the highest bidder. But, truly I know that Jane won't force a marriage on me without love.
"May I think about it? When are you leaving?" I ask, looking from her to Mr. Bingley.
"Of course, we plan on leaving in three days. I need to finish packing my things to take with us. We won't be back here for at least three months, and you are free to stay with us the full three months or come home whenever you want. If you want to, both you and Kitty can have a proper season in London."
I frowned at my sister. I didn't know what to say. I didn't want a season, I wanted to read and practice piano, nothing more. Is marriage the only thing on anyone's minds?
