365 Prompts for Mary Poppins, Part 2

by praticallyperfectpoppins

I seemed to have reached my limit on my prompt list, so I've had to create a new story that continues the short stories I was previously writing. The concept will be exactly the same- I'm completing a 365 prompt list and I've done a few for Mary Poppins. They will hopefully cover a range of topics and characters.

7. Enlightenment

Enlightenment

"So, what were some of the main principles that arose from the Enlightenment? Jane?"

Jane stood, pleased to be picked, though she was the only one who had raised her hand. Michael simply sat on his chair, confused as to what anything meant.

Dutifully, she recited- "The main principles that arose from the Enlightenment were the ideals of liberty, toleration, fra-fraternity..." She hesitated, hoping there was no mention of her struggle to say the word. Nothing was said and she happily continued. "Progress, consti-tu-tion-al government, and separation of church and state."

"Excellent, good work, Jane."

Jane sat back down, rather smugly, and Mary Poppins glanced across at Michael. Gulping, he thought she meant to ask him a question. Nothing in the book had made sense to him so he decided to divert her attention elsewhere.

"Do you know much about the Enlightenment, Mary Poppins?" he asked, as curiously as he could.

"Do I?" She emitted a sharp laugh. "Why, I spoke to Rosseau myself. You could always guarantee an interesting conversation at least, but my, if he wasn't moody! Could hardly get anything out of him if he didn't feel like it."

She did not seem to think much of this and it was clear there was some past offence that she had not quite forgiven. Jane and Michael couldn't possibly guess what it was, though Michael supposed it was because Rosseau had never complimented her on her lovely hats. That was sure to upset her.

"What a time to live in!" Mary Poppins continued. Despite talking, it seemed as if she had forgotten they were there and was merely conversing with herself. "The essays; the scientific, philosophical, and mathematical advancement... You would not believe it! A whole movement based on rationality, as all things should be."

This thought appeared to satisfy her and she fell in contented silence. Surely, the Age had agreed with her, as much as she agreed with it. Her change in mood encouraged Michael, who was pleased to observe that his plan had worked.

Slyly, he said: "Tell us more, Mary Poppins."

She raised her brow, as if she knew what he was doing but obliged, anyhow. It had been years since she had last spoken of her adventures in the eighteenth-century and she was willing to share some with the children. Perhaps Michael would learn something for once, as he certainly hadn't learnt anything from reading.

Besides, who could speak on a subject more eloquently than she could? No, it was best she taught them herself.