Mary's Story
The carriage rolled up to the door and out flew a young woman, looking like a small brown bird in her modest yet lovely brown frock. Soft sobs were heard as she barged past the servants and up the stairs. Her family had gathered in the foyer beneath her and their countenances showed that they had no idea as to what would provoke their mellow and sweet Mary to such a temperament. Several minutes passed and still no one went up to comfort her. And this was why Mary was crying. Her favorite sister Lizzie had been married that day to one of the best men in the country. They were hopelessly in love with each other; a fate that did not befall most new wives of their standing. Mary missed her sisters. They would have rushed right upstairs to see what was the matter, unlike Mama who would screech for her to stop as it would ruin her already unfortunate face. This sad thought caused Mary to cry harder until she heard a soft knock on the door.
"Mary my love? Might I come in?" A soft and gentle voice that could only belong to her father called out from behind the thick door.
"Of course father, but could you please give me a moment?" Mary scrambled off the bed and rushed to the washbasin, hoping to relieve the splotchiness of her cheeks and nose. She scrambled furiously with the cold water, eventually applying some cream in hopes to relieve the evidence of her grief.
"You may come in now father."
Mr. Bennett entered, peering his head around the door as if to asssure himself that she really was there.
"Mary my love, what is so terrible that it has driven you to such a state?" Her father asked.
"Father. Look at me. No man will ever marry me. I'm as plain as a doorknob. I've no great social charms and I'm positive Jane and Lizzie got the best husbands anyways. Will you please just send me to a ladies' school where I can just be allowed to be plain doorknob Mary?"
Mr. Bennett was troubled by his daughter's outburst. He had always thought that, while Jane and Lizzie were his handsomest daughters, Mary had something very special and unique about her that seemed to be waiting for the right time to reveal itself.
And then a thought hit him.
"Mary, how would you like it, if I were to send you to your sister Jane in London for the season? I had received a letter from Bingley and her stating that the entire family is welcome but as I have not yet shared it with your flighty sister and Mama, I believe it could be arranged so that the invittion was offered to you alone. I believe that in a setting where you are not acquainted with anyone you might find that a different side of yourself appears. One not hindered by the idle village gossip and impudence. What do you think my dear?"
Mary sat speechless for a while. To be able to go to London? On her own? And wear fabulous dresses and meet charming people without the village just talking about what a dull bore she is?
"Father, I believe you're right. I will go. Thank you father so much!"
Mary jumped up and gave her father a big hug.
"I'm glad you agree my dear. I was worried that you might fall into a bad mood after your sisters left home. I hope this will do the trick. Perhaps we shall see a new Mary? Or, a changed-for-the-better Mary?"