My hand is improving! I was expecting to be downed for like 2 or 3 weeks. That's what I was told in the ER, but it's gaining traction. I have more mobility again, and investing in some better ergonomics for my workspace. Still slow and in a wrist brace, but happy with the progress.
Glad you all enjoyed the Italian dinner anniversary. If I could, I'd make shrimp gnocchi for all of you, made fresh and ready to serve through your phone screen or desktop. It's become a new favorite recipe in our house. So simple and easy to make, only a few ingredients, done in 30 minutes! My only problem with it: as much as it makes, there's usually never any leftovers. If anyone is interested, leave a review and ask, I'll share in a future update.
Chapter 16
"I do not understand!"
Some days ago, Lady Herncastle left an invitation with Mary to another formal engagement at the Ferrars house in – Street. Since this evening wasn't a ball, nothing that would involve dancing with the whole company, Mary felt attendance within her power, despite the concerns and objections of her own family. Lizzy and Georgiana, especially, wished to preserve her from a recurrence of the painful episode of the last musical soiree. All in vain, however, for Mary was not to be dissuaded. Lady Herncastle rejoiced to hear of her sonata's publication, and this sort of gathering would certainly give Mary a chance at endorsement. The lists were already arranged. Once again, Mary's name appeared at the bottom of the list, but also in the middle. Two performances! Miss Sothern was delighted by it, already asking Mary about her selections. For of course, she'd be playing her own composition as the finale, but something else would have to be played for her first performance.
In the time coming up, all focus went to the selection of this second piece, and to the next gown that should be worn. Of course, Miss Sothern couldn't let it pass without some friendly hopes and teasing that Mr. Cummings will be present, no doubt. During their time together, making trial and error of random scales and some words to her poem, in attempt to write the aria, Mary pondered her friend's situation. It seemed a common rule in society that every girl of eligible age pursued every eligible man, especially if he were uncommon in his looks and endowed by good fortune. Far from making herself a rival, seeking Mr. Cummings for herself, for a fact, she empathically encouraged their growing acquaintance. It was against instinct, so it seemed. Whenever the young man came calling, even during their sessions of writing and rehearsal, Rietta smiled on his interruption, and bowed out of the room or excused herself from the house altogether.
The more often he came to call, the more and more welcome his presence was in Grovsnor Square. He was all cordiality and friendship with Mr. Darcy and his sister, and with Elizabeth whenever she happened to be downstairs and not taking rest. His greater pleasure of his visits was derived from sitting quiet at the settee, or standing by the piano, as Miss Mary Bennet played for them. Tea also offered them opportunity, and Lizzy, whenever possible, forwarded their pleasure by playing the chaperone in the drawing room or on the back terrace. A dinner invitation had not yet been advanced. Of course, though a bold character, it would be inaccurate of a stranger to mistake boldness for audacity. He seemed to read Mary's character clearly, the timidity with which she spoke, the blushes that rose so quickly to the surface at too many compliments, or her slower, staggered speech as she gathered her thoughts at times. In good judgment and taste, he therefore, varied his conversation between other people in the room. His compliments on her music and talents were tempered a good deal, but he continued in his greatest compliment, by giving her his devoted attention whenever she sat at the instrument.
There was plenty to keep Mary's thoughts occupied and give pleasure. For another good reason, Lizzy welcomed the gentleman, for her sister's sake, as a worthy diversion from other anxious concerns. It had great success in taking Mary out of her thoughts and bringing her into the room, with all her family and friends. Then, on the night of the Ferrars' dinner and card party, they all suffered a rude reversal. Mary arrived on time, prepared, and eager to further her musical career. Lady Herncastle, instead of her usual warm manner, reacted with surprise that Miss Bennet and the family had come. Mrs. Ferrars, the dowager, likewise, did not understand this last minute change of plans. Of course, that did not change her extension of hospitality. Mr. and Miss Darcy, and Miss Bennet, were most welcome to join them for the evening, but affairs had already been rearranged for the evenings entertainment.
"I do not understand how this misunderstanding has come about, madam. I gave my acceptance and confirmation with Lady Herncastle, that I would be attending tonight. Am I mistaken about something?" Mary questioned, almost babbling.
The lady of the house handed Mary a copy of one of her invitations, written up as a program. On both spots where she'd been assigned on Lady Herncastle's list, Mary's name had been stricken off. In her place, Miss Louise Longsbury took her spot on the eighth, and Miss Bella Quinn took the final place on the list. Lady Herncastle inquired whether Mary sent any note or message, cancelling her appointment that evening. Apparently, the lady of the house answered in the affirmative.
"A note was just delivered this morning," she informed them all. "Since I've heard so much about Miss Longsbury, and was rather entertained at the musical soiree, I wished to engage her more. And I selected Miss Quinn for the finale, upon my daughter's behalf. She rather liked Miss Quinn, and she's a dear friend of Lucy's."
"Madam," cried Mary, "I'm all astonishment. For I sent no letter to you this morning."
Lady Herncastle had a pursed lip and looked incredulously on their host.
"Mrs. Ferrars, do you still have this note in your possession?"
"I shall have my servant fetch it. It's upstairs."
"Very good. I should like to see it. Miss Bennet, if you'll please follow me. Mr. Darcy, Georgiana, please excuse us. We'll get this all sorted out."
Unsettled and disturbed, Mary followed her patroness out of the large room into a smaller, more secluded sitting room, and was bid to wait. This was not the usual turn of events. It has never happened before, and it was not to happen again. Lady Herncastle left in anger, not with Mary, but a situation that quite perplexed her and betrayed her principles. Dear lady! But now, such a kind and generous character was better understood. Mary, for her part, though perplexed, wasn't so shocked by it as she had been minutes ago. Despite her weakened constitution this week, only just recovered from the last cycle, she'd had opportunity for social calls and visiting with her peers of the Starlight Circle. A handful of ladies would've known about her engagement this evening, having received the same invitation from Lady Herncastle as herself.
A knock came at the closed door, and Rietta admitted herself into the room. For something of the situation had come to her attention as well, and she looked equally vexed by it.
"I just heard what happened. Mary, does anybody know who's done this?"
"No. I'm just as ignorant as yourself," she confessed. "Except, of course, that a note was written to our hostess, saying I was unable to attend this evening… Has this sort of thing ever happened before?"
"Well… nothing this egregious," scowled Rietta.
"You are not surprised either, though?"
"No. Unfortunately, I've come to expect this sort of thing for any newcomer."
"You warned me of that."
"I wasn't entirely serious, but I didn't wish for something like this to happen and take you off your guard. Perhaps, I ought to have been more serious."
Before more could be said, Lady Herncastle returned bearing the suspicious note in question, but very discreetly held in the same hand as her fan. Stepping aside, she waved in the two followers.
"Please, step in, if you will." The dubious and cold expressions of Miss Longsbury and Miss Quinn appeared before them. The door closed behind them all. "Apparently, there's been some sort of misunderstanding that needs clearing up," began Lady Herncastle. "For our hostess was given some mistaken impression that Miss Bennet would not be present for her performance this evening. Therefore, Miss Bennet's name has been stricken from the list of performers. I need to reinstate everyone to their original places. Miss Longsbury, may I ask that you be so good and return to your spots on the fourth and the ninth?"
"Well, that's not exactly convenient, Lady Herncastle," she sighed, more dramatically wounded than irritated. "But of course, I can resume my original placements."
"Very good. And Miss Quinn, will you please resume your spot on the third and the tenth?"
"But Lady Herncastle, I've already prepared," protested she. "Why should I be expected to oblige for the sake of some misunderstanding by our hostess?"
"Why do you protest so, my dear? You're not being robbed your place during the evening. You have two performances, which you normally do not have."
"Louise is right, though! It's a great inconvenience to be demanded changes so drastically."
"Oh, but did you not make so drastic a change a mere few hours ago?"
"I don't understand."
"Of course, nobody understands." Lady Herncastle now unfolded the note in hand, turned it and presented it to Miss Quinn. "I believe this is yours, Miss Quinn."
"But it's signed as Mary Bennet."
"In your handwriting." The young woman was at a loss for words, so certain that she'd not be discovered. The mouth popped open a couple times, with the sound of excuses stuck in her throat. Before she had any chance at defense, Lady Herncastle snatched the note back out of her hand. "I am very disappointed in you, Miss Quinn. Heartily ashamed of you."
"But my lady, it was just a misunderstanding! I had heard that Miss Bennet was not in the best of health as of late, and it seemed unlikely she'd be attending—"
"And from where do you gather such a presumption?" retorted Rietta. This last remark struck Mary dumb for a moment. How did word about her health become knowledge in circulation by the Starlight society?
"Mrs. Maynard remarked she'd been to the doctor's recently, and she looked rather pale and not in good health."
"And based upon that, you presumed Miss Bennet might not be here to counteract your efforts, I see," declared Lady Herncastle. "Neither did you think it likely that someone might uncover your paltry, little trick. Rather short-sighted as well."
"Forgive me, my lady—"
"If you want anyone's forgiveness, Miss Quinn, you should be asking it of Miss Bennet."
Ah, this was not swallowed well. For a fair-haired girl and fair complexion, she glowed brightly in her anger. Between Mary and Rietta, she glanced back and forth, almost undecided whether to further retaliate or bow submissively. "I am sorry, Miss Bennet. Forgive me," she pleaded.
Miss Quinn was not the only one glowing. Mary turned a similar colour, contemplating the education of over twenty years received and the impulsive sentiments barely restrained by her lips. And something about her appearance made her deceit an even greater offense. Nothing in her countenance portrayed any penitence; any petition for clemency was forced by Lady Herncastle's humiliation. If she never opened her mouth or had never learned music, she'd be a harmless beauty with a commonplace vanity. Simpler and more singularly-minded, her sins against her fellow man wouldn't do any great injury. Mary wrestled the more worse inclinations of her heart, but wishing to prove herself the better of the offender, she yielded.
"I forgive you, Miss Quinn."
Lady Herncastle accepted Mary's part done, and finished off by warning: "Now, before we go about our evening's engagements, I put you on notice, Miss Quinn. Promise me, this incident shall never happen again, and I will be lenient, this time. If I ever catch you at these schemes ever again, you'll be the first lady to be banished from the Starlight Circle." If the dear lady assumed the matter had been resolved, closed, settled, or the like, she walked out from the room prematurely and too self-assured in her own righteous principles having affect on the guilty party.
"What do you stare for, Bella?" challenged Rietta.
"I'm rather surprised, Rietta," said Miss Quinn, rather bitterly. "How sweet and good you are to our newcomer—"
"Don't say anything you'll regret, Bella. You've already made a big enough fool of yourself."
"Don't imagine you are anything so special, Miss Bennet. Lady Herncastle seems to have taken quite a fancy for you, but don't be assured her favour will last. We've all been the moon in the sky and her darling, finest lady in all the Starlight Circle. Take my word for it, not the word of Rietta, one of her dearest performing monkeys."
Mary drew a deep breath. "I'll take no advice from a person who stoops so low as to tell lies and impersonate others, for nothing but a few moments of glory. And stooping to insults is in vulgar taste!"
Miss Quinn laughed. "If I thought myself better, it would be an insult," she corrected. "But I, too, am a performing monkey, same as Rietta, same as you."
"Oh, enough of this nonsense, Bella!" scolded Miss Longsbury. "Lady Herncastle is right. You really ought be ashamed. If you're going to fight, fight fairly. And you can't even do that!"
"You little traitor! She's displaced you too, and you let Lady Herncastle herd you in like a sheep and walk all over you!"
"Have you already been drinking? This is pathetic!" Though a head shorter than Miss Quinn, Louise Longsbury managed to move the offender with the force of her looped arm. They both began to head out the door, when Miss Quinn looked back.
"Enjoy your place of honour while it lasts, Mary Bennet! I'll fix you, see if I don't—"
Then, Miss Sothern engaged in an unfair battle: "Alla fine tutti vengono abbandonati. La tua sfortuna arriva semplicemente troppo presto," she taunted.
"You know I care nothing for that!" spat Miss Quinn. "Think you're so much smarter than everyone else—"
"Then translate it back to me!"
"Ignore her. Come on!" snapped Miss Longsbury, dragging Miss Quinn through the door.
Mary gawked and couldn't contain her curiosity. "W-What did you actually say?"
"Everyone is cast off eventually. Your misfortune merely comes too soon."
"Good heavens, Rietta! That was rather harsh, don't you think?"
"She doesn't understand a word of Italian. She knows a little French, but a lot less than she really pretends. You mustn't pity her, my friend. She deserves none for what she tried to do to you. At least, you are back on the lists in your original places, where you belong… Mary, whatever is the matter? Don't let her make you cry."
To her shame, Mary almost weakened enough. Moisture gathered in the eye. Her head had dropped, and so did her voice, until she found it again. "I'm rather ashamed of myself," she confessed. "I really put her in her place, didn't I? Denouncing her for her lies and deceit, for a few moments of glory."
"It's certainly the truth."
"It's the same as what she said, just different words. We are, we must be, like performing monkeys for a few moments of glory."
"Oh, Mary! Don't listen to her for a minute! Miss Quinn has always been an ill-tempered girl. She's not at all liked by the Circle, and her pride is too easily wounded. Why, you even heard Lady Herncastle remark, that she now enjoyed two spots on the program. Normally, she doesn't receive that sort of recognition; so it was a matter of condescension of her ladyship to give her more than less."
"I really don't understand why she should think herself inferior. She's just as good as all the others, Rietta." They both joined at the arm and slowly walked from the room, down the corridor, towards the party. "She has two billings tonight. I have two. You have two."
"You must understand though, but you wouldn't because you haven't been with us long enough. Your number of performances does carry some weight. If Lady Herncastle or her contracted household engages you for multiple performances, it is a high mark of praise. But there are other factors. Even if you have only one performance, but you are either the first or the finale of the evening, especially the finale, that is the highest mark. It's the principle: Save the best for last."
"Oh dear, and she put me last… twice in a row!"
"Now, now, don't take it that much to heart. Mary, be proud of it. And I'm not saying you are a proud person, or you need to be proud, but take a little pride in the fact that you've put a social climber like Miss Quinn in her place. One of our former members, who left some time ago when she married, suffered more cruel injustice. The young woman was a singer also. They used to share lodgings at the time. Before a performance the next day, Miss Quinn opened their window after she'd fallen asleep. Mary, it was in the middle of December."
"No!"
Rietta nodded. "By the next day, the poor girl had no voice. She was dreadfully ill, and Miss Quinn took her place in the concert billing."
"Why wasn't that stopped? Heavens, why should she be allowed to remain in our society?"
"Nobody can prove your word against their word."
Georgiana had been much more agreeably engaged, for which Mary was grateful. Since it was still early in the evening, performances by the Starlight had not already commenced, a few amateurs were trying out their talent first before others outshone them. Of course, it was hardly fair to deem Miss Darcy an amateur. A small cluster had gathered at the piano forte as they rejoined the party, with several young men hovering about the instrument. Only when she finished her music did she seem to remember her audience, and the girl hotly blushed as the young men seemingly attempted to close her into a circle, converse with her, divide her attention from all the other gentlemen towards himself. Mr. Darcy stood at some distance, over by the side table with other gentlemen. He'd set down his wine, and readied himself to walk into their midst and rescue her. With much pleasure did Mary observe Mr. Cummings, also near, but from another part of the room, stride right into the wolf pack. Coolly and adeptly, he calmed the furor around Miss Darcy, dispersed them all, and made some casual small talk that led her back into closer proximity with her brother.
Mr. Darcy took Mr. Cummings by the hand, in sincere greeting and with grateful feelings.
"That is attentive," remarked Rietta. "That sort of thing, normally, the duty of the brother or father."
"Mr. Darcy keeps a close watch on her. When my sister is out with us, she sticks just as close to Miss Darcy."
"I meant Mr. Cummings. That was very paternal."
"You seem to speak with more than one meaning. I don't know what you wish to imply exactly, but—"
Rietta chuckled. "Oh, I need imply nothing. Look, he's spotted us… Are you liking the attentions of young Mr. Cummings?"
"I think… he's an exceptional man. Impeccable manners, excellent conversation, a lively companion. Sometimes, I'm almost unequal to it."
"Make yourself equal; he's coming this way." Mary's friend was smiling for a moment, but for a moment, their happy expectations were nearly thwarted when from the wall, amongst a small group of ladies, sprang Miss Quinn. Once again, her sweetest face put on and all her teeth bared in a smile. Clearly, the forger and deceitful woman intended some sort of revenge upon Miss Bennet. If she could not remove her from the program, she might diminish the quality of Miss Bennet's performance. Envy and rejection sapped the life out of many musician's ability. But to her own chagrin, Mary's shock, and Rietta's hearty amusement, Mr. Cummings graciously acknowledged her presence. Mary even saw the comment on his lips: "I'm sorry Mr. Wynn isn't here tonight. Give him my regards next time you see him." With a little nod of the head, he continued towards them. Rietta opened her fan and spread it across her lips to conceal any indelicate sign of laughter. Miss Quinn's face seemed to lock up, except for her lower jaw which gaped. She had been cut!
"Miss Bennet, Miss Sothern, good evening! A pleasure to see you both," declared Mr. Cummings. "I've been hearing conflicting reports, Miss Bennet, that you were not performing tonight. But is it true? Now that you are here, will you be playing?"
"Yes, Mr. Cummings. Whatever the miscommunication, it has now been put right," confirmed Mary, trying not to meet the eye of Miss Quinn. She'd recovered some of her senses but not her pride, and angrily sulked towards the arrangement of chairs, ready to take her seat.
"I happened to mention to Mr. and Miss Darcy, I've saved seats for them and yourself. Beg your pardon, Miss Sothern."
"You quite forgot about me, sir? Why I'm offended!" teased Rietta.
"I can ask Mr. Bowman if he might switch seats—"
"No, no, I tease you!"
"Really—"
"No. My friend ought to be next to her sister, and… her mentor."
So bold! So direct, though she didn't say the word. Mary blushed to think how close she came to calling him her admirer or sweetheart, or something of the likes of it. Of course, it was without malice, but if this teasing had come from another quarter, it would've been taken for an affront to the quiet dignity always preferred. Thankfully, Mr. Cummings did not show much reaction to Miss Sothern's multi-faceted choice of words. He merely merged between the women, to loop both their arms, and guide them towards their seats. A signal had been given by the hostess for everyone to take their seats for the evening's entertainment.
Sadly though, the misadventure with Miss Quinn, marred a lot of the evening's pleasure. Everything that Mary did now, whether that was playing her two pieces, sitting beside Mr. Cummings, enjoying his company, or conversing with the hostess and Lady Herncastle afterwards, came with an unsettling discomfort. With all the ladies of the Starlight Circle, with all their flowery praises, she felt the cold undercurrent. Perhaps not all of them were false in their compliments. Miss Longsbury had reason to be resentful, but she commended Mary later on. She still managed to speak with cordiality, but Miss Quinn's hostility caused her to doubt, not only Miss Quinn herself, but everyone else. There was even something about Miss Sothern's antagonistic insults to Miss Quinn that struck Mary uneasy, even if done all in her own defense.
This shadow followed the whole evening. Miss Sothern rejoiced to hear at the end of it that Mr. Cummings included Mary in a party, banding together on Saturday evening, to go to the opera. Even with that prospect, and a great compliment to herself, the sun had set for the day; it would not rise again until tomorrow. The ride back to Grovsnor Square was a quiet, more sullen one than the journey from it. They'd quitted early, eleven o'clock. Georgiana must've been exhausted, saying very little when Mary or her brother asked questions. Once home, she decided to forego taking any tea and retire. Mary, not ready to face her dark chamber and the complete solitude. She wasn't tired enough to fall asleep, and these disquieting reflections threatened to plague the intrium.
The small sitting-room facing the small courtyard behind the house remained full lit. Tea was brought in, and Mary served herself. Very surprisingly, Mr. Darcy came into the room, made a short but tired bow, and served his own tea. Mary took a chair near the hearth, though no fire had been lit. For a moment, she debated ringing the servant to light one. Seemed a waste if one was waiting for her upstairs.
"Hope you don't mind my presence, Miss Mary," said Mr. Darcy. He remained standing by the tea things.
"No sir," she replied. Never before had she and Mr. Darcy been in the same room alone. Though he talked at ease with her in the company of others, they'd never conversed without company before.
"I hope the evening was not too tiring, especially after the unfortunate confrontation with Miss Quinn."
"You're too kind."
"… Perhaps you'll forgive my inquiring, Miss Mary, but clearly, this was not so pleasurable an evening for you. At the musical soiree, with your debut, everything took place decently, you enjoyed yourself, and you were treated well; not at all like tonight. Do you not feel that something is wrong?"
"What do you mean, pray? Tonight was only the fault of one person."
"Please, be honest Mary. You were rather quiet on the way home... Clearly, what took place this evening has been troubling you. These associates of yours, the Starlight Circle, how well do you know them? How well do you trust them?"
She sighed. "I cannot pretend that I know them all very well, nor do I trust them all in the same degrees. Miss Quinn, certainly, is the least to be trusted. Others, I cannot make certain judgments as to their character. In time, perhaps."
"You know I have a good opinion of Lady Herncastle. As a patroness of the arts, I appreciate her good motives, but Mary, I'll be honest with you. I cannot say I hold the same opinion of her musical society and the ladies belonging to it. Miss Quinn made herself an example this evening. Perhaps Lady Herncastle is not aware, or perhaps even indifferent to it—but there's a pernicious spirit and influence within that goes unchecked."
"Mr. Darcy…" Mary wished to speak in respectful defense. That wasn't easy, feeling a lack of words herself while he found the words himself. "I-I cannot let it be said that is all true. Lady Herncastle did get to the bottom of the matter, and reprimanded Miss Quinn for her actions."
"And do you trust Miss Quinn will reform?"
"… No."
"I wouldn't suppose so either. Some years ago, I made a few quiet inquiries about the Starlight Circle. Regarding the ladies, more particularly who they are, some of their backgrounds, their families, and reputation in general. Overall, the good majority of the ladies come from respectable families all across the country. Some highborn, many of working class families, some even lower. There are a few, however, whom little is known about them or there are disreputable whispers. At the very least, of questionable morality."
She blushed. "Was there anyone in particular?"
"Yes, but they're no longer part of the society. This was a few years ago, after all."
"Well, perhaps Lady Herncastle has sifted out the unsavory members then."
"Mary, Miss Quinn's impersonation of a note in your name is evidence to the contrary," he stated, a bit more firmly. "There are reasons why Georgiana was never permitted to join the Starlight Circle."
"You—did not permit her?" she echoed. "Georgiana has never intimated that."
"When she first heard her play, Lady Herncastle pleaded with me to let Georgiana join, and based on what I learned upon inquiries, I was not about to let her circulate in company with women of dubious reputation. But aside from that, as you know well, Georgiana is very shy and soft-spoken. Whenever she's asked to play for anyone beyond her family, the invitation is so mortifying to her. Imagine what she might face if she were a member of the Starlight Circle. These ladies are ambitious. Every one of them is in competition with the other, and will go to unscrupulous means to achieve their purpose."
"That is a rather harsh judgment I must say, Mr. Darcy. Your inquiries into the society are several years out of date. You don't know the current members." Far from her wish, unfortunately, it could not be avoided. The situation bid her to speak in their defense, as well as her own. "I understand what you mean, and I understand what your motives are, especially with regards Georgiana. But not all of them are that sort of character. There's Miss Sothern. She's been nothing but supportive and encouraging ever since my admittance to the society. And there's Miss Andrews, Miss Judge, Mrs. Bowman, to name a few. Why, they've been here and taken tea with us, dined with us, and we've gone out into town together, socialized together. Miss Sothern and I are writing an aria together, with her own poetry. They look out for me when I'm attending professional engagements such as this. We all wish each other well. We're all in this together, Mr. Darcy. We all need to make a living and pay our way."
"Consider, that perhaps it's in their own best interest to be your friend. As it stands, you hold status now: your family connections, you've just been published, you're recognized in the musical community, and because of that, you're making high connections on your own here in town. I am happy to see your compositions meet with success, Mary. I want you to have it. But it comes with the disadvantage that clever people in society will seek to abuse it. It's no different for Georgiana, with her own family connections and a large dowry."
"If this is your true opinion, why did you not object to my joining the society? Do you still object to me being apart of it?"
"I had my reservations. You are both my sisters, but there's a difference between you and Georgiana. She is still under my care. You, on the other hand, are of age. I'm not your father, and as long as you do not place yourself in any physical or moral danger, I'm not about to presume that authority. Would you not resent my or Elizabeth's interference?" She had no reply. "And regardless how you may feel about what I say now, I do trust you… What I'm asking is please heed your better judgment. I think tonight you've had a glimpse of the true character of the Starlight Circle. You know something is not right. Don't ignore that."
Trying not to look so contrite and chastised, Mary diplomatically responded. "I shall try to take your words to heart."
"I know it's not what you want to hear, but I must say so. Take a little advice from those of your family who have been deceived by appearances. Please, be on your guard."
Well, thoughts? If you were Mary...?