With kindest regards,
Your friend,
Mary Bennet
Chapter 17
Ten days before Christmas, Mary arrived back at Longbourn, having been transported by one of Darcy’s best carriages with two footmen in attendance for security. She was a bit surprised at the welling of emotion that overtook her as the carriage turned into the sweep and she saw her home. Her father, Kitty, and Mrs. Hill came out to greet her, despite the chilly, overcast day.
“I am glad you are come home, Mary,” said Mr. Bennet, kissing her on the cheek. “It will seem a bit more like Christmas with both my daughters here.”
“Oh, but Lydia, Wickham, and the boys are coming too, Papa,” Kitty chimed in. “Do not forget that.”
“As if I could.”
“It is good to be home,” Mary said as they entered the house. “I bring Christmas presents for you all from Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, although I confess I did most of the shopping for her as she was still not feeling strong enough. She did accompany me into the village but waited in the carriage and gave me instructions on what to purchase—even my own gift.” She laughed. “So ’twill be no surprise when I open mine!”
Mary saw Father nod approvingly. “I believe Pemberley has been good for you, Mary. You appear quite content. You must give us all the news over tea—all that you did not share in your letters, that is.”
“Oh, but we have little time for that, Papa; the Christmas assembly is tonight!” Kitty exclaimed. Mary noticed for the first time that her sister was now out of mourning black and wore a deep purple dress with accents of green. “I was so afraid you might miss it, but you came back just in time. Of course, I know you dislike dancing in general, but just to mingle with people and not be dressed in full mourning, that is worth celebrating, is it not? What will you wear? Your dark green dress with the gold stripes?”
“No…” Mary thought of the new, beautiful maroon dress in the back of her closet. “I have another dress in mind.”
***
That evening, Mary instructed Sarah to take particular pains with styling her hair. At Pemberley, Georgiana had helped her devise a new look that Mary thought quite attractive, and she was determined to have the Bennet’s underhousemaid recreate it. When it was finally as she liked, Mary enlisted Sarah’s help to put on her new gown, relieved to see it was every bit as beautiful as she remembered. She resisted the urge to tug the neckline up, telling herself that the ecru lace gave her modesty enough while still flattering her smaller bosom. Her corset had but little to push up, she reflected sadly, but as she studied herself in the mirror, she decided she was more than presentable. She could only hope Mr. Yarby might also think so. As the daughter of his employer, she was confident of getting one dance, but—oh!—she hoped for so much more!
Mary opened her small jewelry box and lifted out the dainty garnet necklace that had belonged to her mother. She fastened the clasp behind her neck and smiled to see how perfectly it rested just below her collarbone—the gold chain and gems glinting as they caught the candlelight. With a hopeful heart, she grabbed her best shawl and went downstairs to join her family.
***
The assembly hall was crowded, noisy, and warm as the Bennets entered, and Mary thought she would likely soon discard her shawl. Kitty, seeing Maria Lucas, skipped away to join her friend, leaving Mary holding her father’s arm while they stood, scanning the room.
Frankly, Mary was rather surprised her father chose to come to the gathering; he rarely had done so in the past. But that was when Mama was still alive and could chaperone. I expect he feels it is his duty now.
“Papa, thank you for bringing us, though I know you do not care much for balls and dancing.” She leaned in close to be heard over the music. “I hope you shan’t be too bored.”
Mr. Bennet patted her arm. “Do not fret over me, my dear. I shall find some way to amuse myself.”
Sir William Lucas came up to them, clapping his hands in delight. “I see you are back from Pemberley, Miss Bennet. Capital! Quite capital to have you attend tonight. You are looking very well, if I may say so. And I am certain many an eligible young man will be asking for the honor of a dance tonight, so pray do not refuse even though we know you consider dancing to be a touch frivolous!”
“Thank you, Sir William,” she replied, evenly. “I confess I do not have such high hopes as you, but we shall see what the evening holds.” Spying Amelia across the room, she excused herself and hurried over.
The two women embraced and stood together with their arms about each other’s waists, watching the dancing.
“It is so good to have you back, Mary,” Amelia said. “I appreciated the fine letters you wrote, but words on paper cannot compare to a true conversation with my friend. You left your sister well?”
“Lizzy is very nearly her old self, I am happy to report. It is a pity not to have Christmas with them all at Pemberley, but in truth, I am so glad to be home.”
“Did I see your father enter with you?”
“Oh yes, he does not care for dancing, so I suppose he will spend most of his time in the card room. Perhaps we shall see him in the supper room later. Is…is your brother here?”
“Is someone speaking of me?” a familiar voice said behind the two ladies.
Mary spun around and felt her breath catch in her throat. “Oh! Mr. Yarby…I did not know whether you would be here.” She curtseyed. “It is a pleasure to see you again.” Oh, he was every bit as handsome as she remembered. Such kind eyes—and those dimples!
“It is equally good to see you back home, Miss Bennet. I know Amelia certainly pined for your company during your long absence, but I hope your time away resulted in a beneficial outcome to your sister’s health.”
