by Zoë Burton
Your loving sister,
Mary
Chapter 1
“Now, Mary, when we get to Hatchards, I want you to look for some poetry or history books. As I said last night, you are far too serious for a young lady of nine and ten. You require some lighter fare in your course of daily reading.”
Mary nodded her head. “Yes, ma’am, I shall.” She was not at all certain she wanted to read anything that was not a religious text, but her godmother was adamant that a young woman of her age should not be so serious; and, since the lady was hosting her for a few months, Mary felt obliged to obey.
Mary’s godmother was also her paternal aunt, her father’s only living family, other than the distant cousin who was set to inherit. Lady Agnes Baker, nee Bennet, was the Viscountess Watts. Her husband, who she affectionately called Lord Matt, was Matthew Baker, Viscount Watts. The couple had two sons, the youngest of whom was a few years older than Mary, and no daughters. Lady Watts was thrilled to stand godmother to her middle niece, but she had limited contact with her while raising her sons. The Honorable Mr. Geoffrey Baker and The Honorable Mr. Augustus Baker had been holy terrors as children, keeping their nanny, governess, and both parents well occupied trying to remain one step—or more, if possible—ahead of them. There had been no time, or energy, if they were to be honest, for lavishing the attention on a goddaughter the way they would have liked. They did keep in touch via letters with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and sent gifts, but were unable to take an active part in Mary’s upbringing until now.
Now, Lady Watts was determined to undo the effects that nineteen years of neglect and careless, harsh words had had on her dearest girl. Mary had been in town for several days and this was their first outing.
They soon arrived at London’s most famous bookseller. Mary gazed in awe at the shelves full of books, having never seen so many tomes all in one place before. And, it was not just one floor of books. She could clearly see more shelves of them above stairs, just beyond the top step. It was overwhelming; she did not know where to begin. She turned to her godmother, her confusion clear in her expression. Lady Watts chuckled before directing her niece to the section containing histories.
An indeterminate amount of time later, Mary was engrossed in a book describing England’s War of the Roses when she adjusted her stance and bumped into someone behind her.
“Oh! I am sorry!” she exclaimed, turning around.
The young lady behind her turned as well. “Please, forgive me. I was not paying attention.”
“No, please, miss. It was I who should have watched where I was going.”
The well turned out young woman tilted her head, smiling softly at Mary. “May I ask your name?”
Mary’s eyes widened. “My name is Miss Mary Bennet.” She curtseyed, for she could see that the other girl was above her in circumstance.
“I am Miss Georgiana Darcy,” she replied as she returned Mary’s curtsey. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Do you come here often?”
“No, though I wish I did. It is such a wonderful place!” Mary looked around her at the massive amount of reading material in the room. “I am here with my godmother. She is determined to expand my mind by extensive reading. She insisted I find some histories today.”
Miss Darcy laughed softly, her hand over her mouth. “Yes, my brother shares your godmother’s philosophy, I am afraid. I am here with my governess, searching for a book about the War of the Roses. Have you seen one, by any chance?”
The lady’s chatter had calmed Mary’s nervousness a bit, for she could tell that they were both anxious. “Indeed I have. The tome I was examining when I stepped back into you is about that exact war. Here, you may have it.”
“Only if there is a second copy. You found it first, and it should be yours.” She rolled her eyes. “It would not trouble me in the least to report to my brother that no such books were to be found!”
Both girls giggled at this. Happily, there was a second copy of the book, and the pair, having decided they quite liked each other, sat at a small table to have a pot of tea and a chat. Their beverage had just been delivered when Lady Watts approached.
“Mary, I see you have made a friend. Might I ask you to introduce me?” She was pleased to learn that her niece’s new friend was a gentlewoman of such high standing. She joined them at the table, gesturing to the footman for another cup. Though they were soon joined by Miss Darcy’s companion, Mrs. Annesley, Lady Watts still managed to subtly question her niece’s new friend about her family and education, at the same time passing on to Miss Darcy valuable information about Mary’s connections.
Noticing that the time was approaching when they must return home, Miss Darcy invited her new friend and Lady Watts for tea at her home, Darcy House, the next day.
The next afternoon, Mary and her godmother arrived at Darcy House precisely on time. They were introduced to Miss Darcy’s brother, Fitzwilliam. Mary found him to be rather quiet, but also very intelligent. He quizzed her about her family, but that was to be expected, as it was his duty to ensure his sister’s companions were of good character. He engaged Lady Watts in a discussion about the war with France and other political matters. He spoke well and with firmness, indicating his belief that his opinions were correct. In addition, he revealed that he had a sense of humor, though it was not displayed in loud peals of mirth. As the discussion between herself, Miss Darcy, Lady Watts, and Mr. Darcy continued, she began to realize that the gentleman would be a perfect mate for Elizabeth. She pushed this realization to the back of her mind for the time being. She would need to examine it more closely when she was alone and had time for contemplation.
As she readied herself for bed that night, Mary thought more about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I have to get them in the same room! But how? She knew she could not simply write her sister and demand she come to London and allow herself to be introduced to a total stranger. Lizzy was a stubborn soul, independent and strong-willed. Getting her to town would require finesse. Mary was not certain she would be able to manage on her own. She thought about asking her new friend for help, but quickly realized that Miss Darcy might think it an imposition. She might not want her brother to be connected with a family like Mary’s, and such a request might damage their fledgling friendship. She determined that she would bide her time and simply observe for now. She could always invite Lizzy later and find a way for them to meet.
Over the next few weeks, the Georgiana and Mary became quite close, and one could almost always be found with the other. Mary remained observant, and though she did not often have contact with her friend’s brother, each time she did, her determination that he and Lizzy would suit each other very well was cemented.
Mr. Darcy himself was charmed by his sister’s awkward new friend. He was relieved to hear of her connection to Viscount Watts and his wife. While he did not know them personally, they had a good reputation. No hint of scandal had attached to their name, and they were known to be moral and upright people. Miss Bennet herself was sincere, if a bit sour for his taste, but Georgiana appeared to adore her. The pair could be found together for a portion of every day, either at Darcy House or the Watts’ residence, called Arthur Place, chattering like magpies about anything and everything.
Darcy had spent much time getting to know Lord and Lady Watts. The first time she was invited, he escorted Georgiana to their home, which was just one street over from his own, so that he could familiarize himself with the family. He had a duty to his sister, and after her near-elopement this past spring, he was extremely vigilant about those she came in contact with. He had barely averted scandal once; he might not be so lucky a second time. Rakes and scoundrels were found at all levels of society and he needed to sketch the characters of everyone his dear sister met. He was relieved to find the Viscount, Viscountess, and Miss Bennet charming and sincere. They were exactly the sort of people he would want Georgiana to spend time with; and so she did, with his blessing.
Over the course o
f their many conversations, Mary and Georgiana had described their families to each other, sharing annoyances and concerns alike. To the former’s delight, the latter gave her an opening to introduce a much-desired conversation.
“I worry about Fitzwilliam. He is such a good brother to me, far better than I deserve, and he is so lonely. He denies it, of course, but I see the looks on his face in the evenings when he thinks I am not looking. He needs a wife.”
Mary tilted her head. “Are there not ladies in his circle that would have him?”
Georgiana rolled her eyes. “Oh, there certainly are. However, the ladies of our society are not warm and welcoming, and I strongly suspect they want him only for what he can do for them.”
“Do for them? What do you mean?”
“My brother’s fortune is…well, he is very well-off, and we do not want for anything. The ladies of our acquaintance look at him and see only his fortune. They do not care about him.” She sighed. “Many of the girls I thought were my friends in school come to visit and seem to want to talk about my brother and nothing else. I have been so happy to have met you; you are interested in me and not Fitzwilliam!”
“It is difficult to not be interested in you. You are so friendly, and I confess that I greatly admire you. I had not thought to ever meet someone who had so much in common with me yet was so far above me.”
“Nonsense! You are a gentleman’s daughter, same as me. Fitzwilliam and I have both learned from our father to judge a man, or in this case, a young lady, by what is on the inside of him and not his social position. Papa was kind to everyone. He made friends everywhere, even with tradesmen. Our aunts and uncles look down on them; Fitzwilliam says they are stuck in the old way of thinking and that, eventually, they will have to adjust. He says times are changing, and we must keep up.
“His friend, Mr. Bingley, is from trade. He went to Cambridge with my brother, though, and inherited a large sum from his father with the intention that he purchase an estate and become landed gentry. You will like him, Mr. Bingley, I mean. He is very amiable. His sisters are…not as friendly.” Georgiana sighed again. “His younger sister would like to marry Fitzwilliam. I can see it in her eyes when they visit.”
“Would you like that?”
“Oh, no! She is similar to the other ladies I told you about. She cares not for my brother, only for his fortune and the position she would gain as his wife.” Suddenly, Georgiana grasped Mary’s hand. “How I wish he would meet someone like you! I confess that, if I thought for a moment you were interested, I would play matchmaker.”
Mary, surprised and embarrassed, squeezed her friend’s hand before replying. “Well, he is very handsome and gentlemanly, but I admit that he is a little old for my taste.” She paused a moment, wondering if she dared give voice to her desire to introduce Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth.
Georgiana could see that Mary had something on her mind, and encouraged her to speak.
“My older sister, Elizabeth…the one I call Lizzy?” She looked to her companion and, seeing her nod, took a deep breath and continued. “I have thought…I think…every time I see your brother, I think that he and Lizzy would be a good match. I have not said anything because I do not want to be like the other ladies of your acquaintance who only befriend you to get close to your brother.” Mary was worried, very much so, that Georgiana would be offended. “I value your friendship very much and would never do anything to jeopardize it, so I have kept my thoughts to myself until now.”
“No, no…it is fine. Tell me again about this particular sister. Do you really think she and Fitzwilliam would like each other?”
“I do. Lizzy is very intelligent. Sometimes too much so, I think. She always finds something to say and never lets anyone intimidate her. She does not tolerate fools well. She is very pretty but does not let it go to her head. She is kind to everyone, even those she dislikes. She is my favorite sister, to tell the truth.”
Georgiana was intrigued with the idea of becoming Mary’s sister through Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Based upon Mary’s description, Miss Elizabeth was someone who could easily stand up to Fitzwilliam when necessary and not be cowed by his moods. “And she is in Hertfordshire?”
“Yes, she remained at Longbourn with the rest of my family.”
“Would she come if you asked her to?”
Mary shrugged. “She might, I do not know. I could not tell her that I want her to meet a gentleman; she would immediately dismiss the notion and stay at home. But, I could not lie, either.”
“True.” Georgiana was disappointed for a brief moment, until another idea popped into her head. “What if…what if you told her you wanted her to meet me?”
Mary’s face brightened. “I could do that! It would not be a falsehood, for I do very much want my favorite sister to meet my new friend!”
“And if that friend’s brother just happened to be home when your sister met me…”
“Exactly! Excellent idea! Will you help me write the letter? I could do it right now, and post it when I get back to Arthur Place.”
“I will help you write it! Come, let us sit here by the window. The writing desk is already set up there.”
The girls sat down together to compose the letter to Elizabeth. Once written, Mary put it in her reticule to post from her godmother’s house. She and Miss Darcy eagerly discussed the future, and what they expected to happen once Elizabeth met Fitzwilliam.
As soon as Mary got back to Arthur Place, she put her letter on the salver in the entry with the rest of the outgoing post.
“Are you writing home, Mary?”
Her aunt’s voice startled her. She had not expected anyone to be down at this time of day. “Yes, ma’am. I have written to Lizzy, asking her to come to town. I- I did not think you would mind.”
“Of course not, my dear! It is to be expected that you might wish to see a sister or two after being away from them for so long.”
“I do, but…I admit that I have an ulterior motive.”
Lady Watts’ brows rose. “You do? Will you share it with me?”
Looking around to make sure no one was near to overhear, she edged closer to her godmother. “I believe that Lizzy and Mr. Darcy would suit each other very well. I wish for them to meet. I did not tell Lizzy this, of course, because that would be the surest way to turn her off him before they ever met, so I simply told her that I should like her to meet Miss Darcy.”
Lady Watts nodded, tapping her finger on her lip. “You know, I think you might be right about that. Tell you what, grab that letter back off the pile, and come with me. I will write your father and add my desires for your sister to attend you. I will not mention Mr. Darcy to him, for you know he would take great amusement in telling your sister and that would ruin everything. I will have my husband’s courier deliver the letters in the morning. How does that sound to you?”
“Oh, Aunt, that would be lovely! Thank you for your help.”
Together, Mary and her godmother composed a note to Mr. Bennet. Handing the missives off to the courier with instructions to deliver them as early as possible tomorrow, they retired to dress for dinner. Happy to have her letter sent on its way, Mary anxiously awaited word. To her relief, a response arrived from Longbourn the very next evening.
Longbourn
“Elizabeth,” her father called as she walked past the door to his book room. “Come here, my child, and have a seat.”
Elizabeth Bennet, Lizzy to her family and Eliza to her closest friend, entered the room, seating herself in her favorite chair beside her father’s desk.
“Good afternoon, Papa,” she greeted with a smile. “Is something wrong? You do not often invite us into your sanctuary at this time of day.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled. This room was, indeed, his place of refuge from an excitable wife and five daughters, and it was rare that any were invited in. Except for Lizzy, of course; she was his favorite and was welcomed more often than the rest.
Elizabeth was twenty years old. She lived with
her family, consisting of her parents and four sisters, on the family’s estate, which was called Longbourn. The eldest of the girls, Jane, was two and twenty. Next came Elizabeth, and following her was Mary, who was nineteen, Kitty, who was seventeen, and Lydia, who was fifteen.
Longbourn had been in the Bennet family for hundreds of years. It was small but well maintained, with an income of about two thousand pounds per annum. This revenue was enough to meet expenses and allow the family to live a very good life, as befit their status. The girls had access to whatever masters they desired to further their education, Mr. Bennet had all the port and books he wished for, and Mrs. Bennet was able to clothe her daughters well and entertain to her heart’s content. There was, however, nothing left over to add to either savings or dowries for Elizabeth and her sisters. The young ladies would all receive equal shares of Mrs. Bennet’s dowry, and that only after their parents had passed.
All the Bennets enjoyed living on the estate, for theirs was an elegant home filled with love and laughter, and the fussing and fighting that came along with six women all residing together. It was, however, entailed upon the male line and none of the Bennet ladies would inherit. The heir presumptive, a distant cousin to Mr. Bennet named William Collins, was unknown to them. Mr. Bennet had been connected to the man’s father when he was a child, before the two branches of the family had a falling out and severed acquaintance with each other. Without knowledge of the kind of person this heir was, there was no guarantee that he would allow Mrs. Bennet and her daughters to remain on the estate after Mr. Bennet’s passing.
Such uncertainty was the Mistress’ undoing. Mrs. Bennet was left, after birthing five daughters and no sons, with what she delicately called “a nervous condition” that left her with flutterings and spasms all over her person when situations became too much for her. Usually, this meant that she had not gotten her way in some manner or another.
