Chapter 3

As he walked away from the tree they had been sitting under, Mary watched his broad back, his shoulders moving slightly as he walked. She was still mulling over why she had told her childhood friend that she would never marry. For the past two years she had been telling herself that being a spinster was better than facing a loveless marriage like her parents.

Everyday she listened as her mama fretted about her daughters never marrying and sending her in the hedgerows, even though she knew in her heart that some of her daughters would marry. Shaking her head, Mary slowly stood and stretched her aching muscles. Picking her favorite book, she realized that she had not gotten a chance to open her volume.

Scowling, Mary took one last look at the volume and tucked it under her arm. Walking in the direction of home, her thoughts turned toward the man who had stumbled upon her in the woods. He is handsome, I must admit. Shaking her head, she gave an unladylike snort. Quite thinking about him Mary, he would never look at a lady like you.

Opening the front door, she was instantly greeted by the high pitched voice of her mother. "Mr. Bennet, Netherfield has been let at last. Oh you must go and make yourself know to Mr. Bingley." She exclaimed. Putting a finger under her chin, she cocked her head to the side. "He would be a good husband for my beautiful Jane."

Glancing slightly to the left, she was able to see her father and mother in her father's study. Her father caught her eye and she gave a slight smile as Mr. Bennet rolled his eyes. Continuing on down the corridor, she paused for a second outside the parlor, trying to decide to venture in or just escape to her room. Mary always felt like the odd sister out, being stuck in the middle. Peeking into the parlor, she happily sighed when she saw only Jane and Elizabeth were present.

Stepping into the room, she headed for her favorite chair in the corner, hoping to finish up her book. Thoughts of the unopened book, brought back thoughts of a handsome soldier. Why was he all of a sudden seeking her out? She knew that they played together as neighbors, since their estates were within walking distance, but that was years ago. It still made no sense to her.

"Mary, do you have a headache? If you do not then you should stop furrowing your brow. It will leave a permanent line," Jane admonished from her place on the settee next to her sister. Relaxing her face, Mary looked over at her elder sister, and realized that Jane was somewhat like their mother. She knew that her sister was trying to always help, but it grated on her nerves. NERVES! Oh no, now I am the one that is sounding like mama.

"I am sorry Jane. I was concentrating so fiercely on my novel that I did not notice I was doing it. What are you and Elizabeth making?"

Elizabeth glanced at Mary when she heard her name and smiled brightly, "We are making a baby blanket for Mrs. Willows new baby girl, who was just born yesterday." Mrs. Willows and her husband had been struggling with four children under the age of six and the Bennet girls wanted to do something special for the new child.

"Oh, my Janie. You must have a new gown before the assembly on Monday. A Mr. Bingley has let Netherfield and you must look your best. I think he would do perfect for you my dear." Mrs. Bennet exclaimed as she bursted through the parlor door, a flurry of petticoats. Grabbing Jane's hand, she headed for the doorway when Elizabeth said behind them, "But what if he is a troll Mama?"

"Elizabeth," Jane gasped as their mama glanced behind her shoulder and gave her second eldest daughter a smirk that none of the room had seen in years. Chuckling softly she replied, "Then he would do right fine for you Elizabeth."

Hearing her mama's reply, Mary raised her book in front of her face and smiled brightly behind it. It had been years since Mrs. Bennet had joined her daughters in their merriment. If anyone had seen the smile Mary bennet wore behind her book, they would have been surprised at how it lite up her face.

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Leaning against the pillar on the edge of the ballroom floor, he let his eyes roam over the dance floor. It seemed to him that all of Meryton had turned out for the assembly, or as he had started calling it, "The big event." He knew that the Bingley party was expected to show up and make themselves known to the local people. A flurry of skirts caught his attention and he watched as the Bennet family was ushered into the ballroom. His eyes immediately sought the one woman who held his heart; the one who needed a little nudge in the right direction.

Taking a step forward, he decided to greet them, but stopped suddenly when he saw Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia Bennet rush into the crowd towards the militia that was camped on the outskirts of town. Michael reversed his steps, blending back into the shadows. Scowling at the two young ladies acting like children, he wondered why their parents did not punish them for their behavior. He knew that it was common in small villages like theirs to let young woman out in society before the older ones were married, but they acted like ladies and had the most proper behavior. The two younger Bennet girls were not that.

The room grew suddenly quiet; you could hear a pin hit the ballroom floor. Tearing his eyes away from Lydia and Kitty, they made their way once again to the entrance of the assembly hall. There stood a large party of people taking in their surroundings; by the look on their faces, Michael knew that they did not like what they saw. His gaze took in the pleased demeanor of the young redheaded man. He looks like he is barely old enough to lease an estate. Hanging on his arm was a taller red headed woman. If he was a betting man, Michael would say they were siblings. Shifting his gaze slightly to the left, he found a gentleman who had an air of confidence about him and looked to want to be anywhere else but in their little assembly hall. His gaze left the tall, dark man, when their eyes met and Michael noticed a calculating look in his gaze. Sweeping his gaze over the other couple standing in the group, he knew that they were husband and wife. The wife seems to bear a resemblance to the red haired man. Shifting his thoughts from the group of newcomers, they settled on the dark haired young lady staring longingly at the pianoforte.

He still could not wrap his head around how he had exactly fallen in love with the quiet, plain lady. Granted she was beautiful in her own way, but everyone compared her to her sisters. Beside them she did not have beauty on the outside, but he knew she had a kind and generous heart. Before he knew what was happening, his feet were taking him from his hiding place in the shadows, and moving him across the ballroom floor.

"Mr. Lucas, how are you this fine evening?" Mr. Bennet asked as he watched the young man walk up to them. His daughters thought that he did not pay much attention when he went to the assemblies, but he had noticed how Michael Lucas had been watching his middle daughter since he came back home.

Bowing slightly, Michael shook Mr. Bennet's hand. "It has been a pleasant evening so far, sir. How is Mrs. Bennet?"

The older man glanced to his left and saw his wife chatting with Mrs. Lucas. "She is enjoying talking about the local gossip. Mainly about Mr. Bingley letting Netherfield and bringing another eligible gentleman with his party."

"They made quite an entrance when they arrived. Have you been introduced to Mr. Bingley? I am sure father would be happy to make the introduction?"

Shaking his head, Mr. Bennet smile wryly, "No thank you, young man. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy a few days ago. Oh, look. Here they come now, with Sir Lucas. I will leave you for but a moment to gather my family." He stated quickly before heading in the direction his daughters had went.

"Son, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Charles Bingley of Netherfield and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberly. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, this is my son Lieutenant Michael Lucas. He is home for a few months before joining his regiment." Sir William Lucas made the necessary introductions as the young men bowed to each other.

"How are you enjoying Netherfield, Mr. Bingley? It has sat empty for a few years and we were all hoping someone would move in and make it a home again." Michael said and watched as the young man's face lite up.

"There is still a lot I have yet to learn, which is why I brought my friend Darcy with me, but I have found that I enjoy riding the grounds when the cool weather allows." He happily replied, but Michael discreetly watched him nudge Darcy and move his head slightly to the left. His friend followed his lead and Michael watched as a soft light came into Mr. Darcy's eyes.

Moving his head to see what had caught their attention and he saw both of them admiring the Bennet ladies. Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary were standing around the refreshment table talking to his sister. As he watched them openly admiring the young women, he felt a feeling grab hold of him that was foreign to him. He knew this feeling was jealousy and it made him want to tell everyone that she was his. But she is not yours, you fool. He heard the little voice in his head chanting.

Bingley turned toward Michael and asked, "Who are the young ladies standing around the refreshment table?"

Smiling slightly, Michael replied, "The Bennet sisters, Miss Jane, Elizabeth and Mary. They are talking to my sister Charlotte. Would you like an introduction gentleman?"

He chuckled quietly when he watched the young man's head bob up and down. Glancing to Darcy he saw the slight bending of his head. Leading the gentleman over to the ladies, Michael greeted them with a smile. Placing a kiss on his sister's cheek, he turned to the men. "Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy may I introduce my sister, Charlotte and her friends, Miss Jane, Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Mary Bennet."

"May I have this dance, Miss Bennet?" Bingley blurted and was quickly met by a quiet yes. They watched as he led Jane to the dance floor. Michael looked at Mary and quickly decided that he needed to show her how much he cared for her and that he wanted her for his wife. "Miss Mary can I have this dance?"

Mary glanced up at her childhood friend and met his eyes. Seeing the hopeful look in his eyes, she decided to accept his offer. "It would be a pleasure Mr. Lucas." Grabbing her hand, Michael got ready to lead her out on the dance floor, but he quickly glanced at Mr. Darcy and gave him a slight nod in Elizabeth's direction. Seeing the hint and realizing that this would be his chance to fulfilling his agreement to Bingley about dancing on set, Darcy turned to Elizabeth and requested this dance.

As they made their way out onto the dance floor, Mary glanced down the line of couples quickly and noticed her elder sister standing up with Mr. Darcy. They make a handsome couple. Her thoughts were quickly turned to a pair blue eyes looking down at her swimming with merriment. She gasped slightly as he leaned down near her ear, his hot breath tickling her neck, and whispered, "We could play matchmaker Miss Mary."