Authors Notes: I know, a second chapter up so soon. Believe me, this won't be a regular occurance. Even though I have a few chapters roughly written, I don't want to put too many chapters up at once. Since last chapter was short I kind of wanted to get a little into the story.

This is Mary's perspective of the 2nd chapter of Pride and Prejudice. This chapter will have a lot of quotes from the book. This will probably, and hopefully, be the chapter with the most quotes, and then the story will become it's own...from what i perceive :D . Not too much is happening in this chapter, it's just showing a little more how Mary fits into the family. I took a few ideas on Mary's character and role in the family from the 2005 movie. However, I'm trying (trying) to stick to the plot from the book. Next chapter, hopefully, will get a little more interesting.

Mary Bennet, suffering from the inobservance of others, learned to be inobservant herself. Her family was sitting together discussing the many goings on of the town. Mary was hardly paying attention yet couldn't help but notice they mentioned a name, Mr. Bingley, that wasn't of her acquaintance.

"I hope Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy."(1) said Mr. Bennet in regards to hat Elizabeth was trimming. Mary, curious and deciding perhaps to take more than a passive role in the conversation, entered in with a:

"Who's Mr. Bingley?"

"We are in no way to know what Mr. Bingley likes, since we are not to visit."(2) Mrs. Bennet said, skimming over Mary's disregarded question. Mary glanced at her four sisters; none seemed to be confused as to who Mr. Bingley was.

The conversation continued on. Mrs. Bennet was complaining how Mrs. Long wouldn't be able to introduce someone, Mary supposed Mr. Bingley, to the Bennets.

"Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your friend, and introduce Mr. Bingley to her." Mr. Bennet quipped. (3)

"Who's Mr. Bingley?" Mary tried again, to no avail.

Seeing as no one decided to clear her confusion Mary started to pay less attention to the conversation and more to her book. Though from the snatches she heard of it Mrs. Bennet was complaining that introductions were nonsense. Before she knew it, it was her time to enter the conversation.

"What say you, Mary?" her father asked "for you are a young lady of deep reflection, I know and read great books, and make extracts." (4)

Oh how wonderful, he was mocking her intelligence again. Mary wished to say something very sensible, but knew not how. (5) Of course, she hadn't been paying that much attention, though she might have if she knew what they were talking about.

"While Mary is adjusting her ideas," (6) (Quite pleased to hear your appraisal of my intelligence papa, Mary thought) "Let us return to Mr. Bingley." (6)

"I am sick of Mr. Bingley!" (7)

"Me too," Mary muttered, flipping a page.

It was then that Mr. Bennet finally announced his visitation to Mr. Bingley. This information was of little consequence to Mary, until a split second later the house broke out into such tumultuous jubilation Mary was startled and dropped her book on her foot.

"OH!" Mary shouted.

"Even Mary is excited!" Kitty giggled to Lydia. Mary rolled her eyes.

"Oh please! Why ever so? Who would pay attention to her?" Lydia muttered back, quietly so her parents wouldn't hear but not bothering if Mary did.

Mary shot an unnoticed glare to Lydia and snatched the offending book off of the floor. Their father exited the room and it took no time for Mrs. Bennet to announce that Mr. Bingley was sure to dance with her youngest and favorite child.

"Oh, I am not afraid; for though I am the youngest, I'm the tallest."(8) Lydia boasted, giving a pointed look to Mary, who just happened to be the shortest.

Mary snorted. It was no consequence to her. She was certain she'd rather not have the attention of someone who would heed Lydia of all people.

I'm not too pleased with this chapter, but hopefully things will be a little more interesting in the next one.

And I must give credit to the woman who wrote about a third of this chapter for me.

Quotes:

1. Page 8 from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

2. Page 8 from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

3. Page 9 from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

4. Page 9 from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

5. Page 9 from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

6. Page 9 from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

7. Page 9 from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

8. Page 10 from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen