A sudden figment of nervousness caught up in our dear Mary as soon as her legs touched the cobblestones of the London Grosvenor street that was the proud home of all the exquisite townhouses of all the wealthy families of England. Infront of her, stood the Darcy Manor that was strikingly mesmerising and rivalled all the houses of the rich street. The London sun gave her a welcoming smile but the warmth of yellow rays was not enough to placate the self doubts of Mary.
As soon as she entered the house, the beauty of the common sitting room took her into an awe. She received a very warm welcome from her sister, Elizabeth, the new Mrs. Darcy and even the solemn Mr. Darcy gave her a brotherly smile and politely asked about her journey and wellbeing.
Lizzy finally saw the exhaustion in Mary's face and broke into, "Mary! You might be tired by such a long journey on the carriage. Let me take you to your room. You can refresh yourself and then catch us for lunch."
They took their leave and moved to the second floor where Lizzy stopped by a large bedchamber.
"This is your room. I hope you like it."
"Oh it is so beautiful. Thank you so much."
Then she called a girl, Sarah and told, "This is your personal maid, Mary. She is Sarah and she will help you."
"Thank you Lizzy"
Mary gave a weak smile to Sarah.
" We will go to a ball this evening. I know it will be tiring for you but I couldn't say no to Lady Arianne and I don't want to leave you alone for the first night. There will be ladies of your age in attendance. You will find the daughter of Lady Arianne, Rosabella interesting as you have similar interests in piano and sermons."
"Don't worry, Lizzy. I will manage. But what should I wear?" Mary asked sheepishly and pointed to her dark modest gowns.
"Mary, this won't do! I will send one of my own dresses for you. I think my new purple satin will suit you. It will bring forth your colour and face. After all, there will be lots of eligible gentlemen who will also be in attendance."
Lizzy had a playful smile and then she exited the room giving Mary time to rest. Mary saw an elegant poster bed and the serene surroundings bemused her. Her new room had a tall bookcase that contained many books that were waiting to be read.
Exhaustion took Mary into the bed and she finally collapsed and her mind drowned into overwhelming thoughts. She looked forward to this ball with much anticipation. She was positive that she will gain the trust of her sister by her good behaviour. The marriage of her sisters had given Mary much time for introspection and now she was a mature little lady who won hearts easily. But then negativity dwelled upon and she thought how her boorish behaviour might tarnish the reputation of her providers in London as it had done in the past in the Netherfield Ball. She started weeping and brooded over her past deeds. She knew that she was not a good conversation partner and usually fumbled in her speech. She was called overbearing by many in the past and might be called a fool in the ball. But then a small angel came to her dream and said that all would be fine. Afterall she had mastered the piano by the help of a tutor that her sweet sister Jane had provided for her in Longbourn. By constant practice, she was becoming more and more fluent and easy-going. But the expectations and fears of London became too much to bear. Finally slumber took her away.