I've made some small changes which I hope will not upset anyone, but it was more convenient (in my story) for Mr. Bingley to have an estate in Kent, rather than Derbyshire as in the book. Thank you in advance.

There's something about Mary

Chapter 1: Arrival

Mary darted her eyes towards Kitty's slouched figure. The girl was positioned in such a way as to reveal her dreamful state, her eyes glowing serenely and her mouth slightly curved.

'And as it was God's will, the Holy Spirit was endowed to those who led the path of faith and labour, in continuing His works…' Mary read on.

Kitty sighed and pressed her head further against the window frame.

'You aren't really listening, are you Catherine?' the other sister said half-amused.

Some minutes passed in silence before Kitty raised her head and looked at her sister.

'Where do you think Lydia is now, Mary? What do you think she is doing?'

Mary paused to reflect.

'I suppose she must find herself in the company of her…most agreeable husband, already nursing after him, preparing his boots and lace and duly having a supply of warm clothes for the harsh lands of Newcastle.'

Kitty looked at her half-lost in thought herself.

'She is lucky…is she not?' she inquired at last.

'Whatever for?' Mary asked smiling.

Kitty got up and walked around the room, arranging her ribbons.

'What do you mean? She is almost sixteen and already married to a respectable and handsome gentleman. Even the whole scandal of her elopement has been forgotten and forgiven. Other young ladies that are as headstrong as her do not end up having the same merry fate.'

'The same merry fate? Respectable gentleman?' Mary chided her ironically. 'Kitty, if he were half the man you believe him to be, he wouldn't have convinced Lydia to run away with him, being perfectly aware of the dreadful consequences that followed. He had no respect for Lydia in that. He may be handsome, but depend upon it, with such habits as his, his good features won't hold out long.'

Kitty frowned.

'You may have your right in this…but he's not all bad…' she said weakly. 'For one thing, I pity Lydia, though.'

Mary waited for her answer, putting aside her book of sermons.

'I am sorry for her, because she will soon realise her life won't be much easy, considering Mr. Wickham is such a comfortable character. She will have to stand all the work of a housemaid.'

Mary did not know how to consider such bold a reply, but when she saw Kitty smiling peevishly, she realised her sister rejoiced in the prospect of Lydia's vanity being let up an inch or two.

'What a sly sister I have!' Mary said trying to cover her own smile.

Kitty only giggled and jumped on the bed throwing a pillow at Mary.

'I shall have none of that,' Mary said, but consequently threw the pillow back.

'Though I can't say I do not miss her, at times,' Kitty said hiding under her blanket and launching another pillow at Mary.

Her reply was muffled by trying to fight Kitty's attacks.

'And…I su-suppose the-se were your amusements…with h-her.'

'Not always, since we had to take great care of our hair.'

Kitty brought her knees to her chest as she watched Mary promptly clean the dishevelled beds and prepare them for a night's rest.

'Are you going to bed so early?'

'No, I am practicing the skills Lydia shall soon need…' she said cynically.

Kitty looked at the dark sky and pouted loudly.

'I wish I were at a ball, dancing with a handsome lieutenant…or a wealthy duke, or a good-natured count…'

'I suppose the King hasn't asked you for a reel yet, or else I dare say you would have mentioned him also.'

'Oh, the King is far too old for me…By the by, I was shocked at mama's poor attempt at making Colonel Fitzwilliam a good match for me! I declare such jest as this I have never heard of!'

'Oh, yes. Why should you engage yourself to an honest and serious gentleman? Too tedious a business for you…' Mary replied.

As they both got into bed, the elder sister gently blew the candle, leaving them in the complete obscurity of the night.

'Mary?'

'Yes, Kitty?'

'Will…will I become a spinster like Miss Lucas?'

'Miss Lucas married Mr. Collins a long time ago,' she said quietly.

'I was meaning…well, will I reach the age of seven and twenty to be married?' she asked again sounding much distraught.

'Kitty, as much as I have no wish to encourage this…you have the same chance as your eldest sister to be married soon, what with your good nature and playful charms.'

'Do you really believe so? Even if father says I am rather silly in my ways?'

'He chides you so, because he cares greatly for you and does not wish you to resign your future to a ridiculous officer in a red cape.'

'But I would not mind…'

Mary chuckled. 'He would.'

Kitty turned silent and soon fell asleep. Mary decided she could indulge herself in such comfort only that, she was disturbed by the thought that from now on, Kitty was her responsibility.

The next morning brought news from Jane as the family was breakfasting silently this time, as only four members of the family were left now.

'Madam, a letter from Mrs. Bingley…' the servant said.

Mrs. Bennet grasped the letter firmly blessing her soul for such happy circumstances.

She opened the seal and started reading fast as she got up and started walking about the room.

'Oh! Bless the Lord again and again! Mr. Bennet!' she said rushing to her husband and showing him the letter.

'Read Mr. Bennet and smile with joy, you are to be a grandfather!'

Kitty dropped her spoon and with an excited giggle went by her father's side.

'Ah…your sister is determined to make me an old man before time…nevertheless, I shall use this as an excuse to lament about my poor nerves,' he said taking off his wife.

'Oh, Mr. Bennet, what a teasing man you are! How can you think of yourself at such moments? Jane is to be with child! Mr. Bingley must be so proud to have an heir which will of course secure his fortune.'

'Because that is his sole object indeed…' Mary said sarcastically biting into an apple.

'Oh, mama! She has pressed our coming there as an urgent matter! We must go, we will, will we not?' Kitty yelped gladly at the prospect of finding amusement in any other place than her own home.

'To be sure we will! I have been waiting for an opportunity such as this to see the new estate! Oh, poor Jane! How she wanted us to come and visit even before their home was ready… All the family shall go of course. We must attend Jane at once! Why, I would even stake that Mr. Bingley shall want to celebrate the event in the highest of ways,' Mrs. Bennet stated happily, not forgetting she still had two single daughters.

Kitty sprinted with joy across the room and started making plans for the journey ahead.

'I see that you are all in an uproar. Yet more about the chance of society than the birth of a grandchild,' Mr. Bennet said getting up and stirring towards his library.

Mrs. Bennet had already joined Kitty in her schemes and all that was left for Mary was to practice on her pianoforte.

She lingered as her fingers ran over the smooth surface of the keys.

'What is the use indeed…I am only adding more ridicule to my person…' she said turning away and going into the garden.

She looked at the clouds outside and wished Lizzie and Jane were here. Not that there was much conversation among the sisters, but at least she could bear the circumstances easier knowing that she was not alone in her conviction that Kitty and her mother were positively puerile. Then again, she was a great deal more, if, for such a long time, she had entreated the fancy of being a good musician or having any talent whatsoever.

It was only a matter of days before everything was ready for the long journey. Mr. Bennet felt very uneasy about this departure, as was his feeling in any sort of trip, but Mrs. Bennet could only feel justified in having no compassion for her husband.

Mr. Bingley, after much pursuance from Mr. Darcy, finally decided to part from his sister's watchful eye, leaving her to continue her existence on their father's estate, along with dear cousins and other siblings, who could only prove but delightful company for a woman well past her prime.

Charles had deemed it necessary to ask for Caroline's advice about purchasing a fitful home, yet the sour sister only proclaimed as she always did that no matter what house he became owner of, that estate should be as worthy and excellent as Pemberley Park. It seemed she still harboured some mad dreams concerning the Darcy estate.

Nevertheless, her brother considered her suggestion to be more than helpful and acting on a whim, decided upon building the house from scratch, in order to make it as alike as possible to his friend's home. He settled on the beautiful and picturesque region of Kent, since it had but few dwellings and the only worthy house was Rosings Park to which he hoped he wouldn't pay many visits, since Lady Catherine was not quite a favourite.

A year and a half passed until his schemes came true, but when the construction was complete, it appeared to be a most breath-taking likeness of Pemberley Park, a compliment given by Jane and expressed in one of her letters to her poor mama.

The Bennets had been most pleased to hear of Jane's new home which became Bingley Park. It was described as a most excellent and elegant house and the family looked forwards to seeing it for the very first time.

The carriage was settled to take them to Kent on a sunny Friday and Kitty could barely contain her excitement as she drove Mary mad with ideas and silly notions of entertainment.

Their journey, though rough and not extremely pleasant was tolerable, Mr. Bennet being engrossed in meditating upon the present situation and not uttering a word and Mary finding solace in an adventures novel, while Kitty and Mrs. Bennet gossiped the "dull" society of Kent which would of course be enriched with the occasion of Mrs. Bingley's pregnancy.

At length they arrived in Kent and could not possibly avoid stopping in to see Mr. Collins and Charlotte who were more than happy to see them, though Mr. Collins was more interested in telling them about the improvements done to the small church the past few months, all courtesy of Lady Catherine's benevolence.

Charlotte Lucas had more interesting news for the ladies and thus she shared her own account of it accordingly as they sat for tea.

'Oh, Mrs. Bennet, you will not believe me, but I've recently heard that the Huntington Park of Derbyshire has been purchased. It seems that a retired gentleman of five and forty has come all the way from Scotland to reside there. I've heard this from Lady Catherine herself, who proclaims to be a distant cousin of the mentioned gentleman's mother. Quite a peculiar thing that the gentleman has not yet visited Rosings Park...Perhaps he had not the time. All I know is that his name is Mr. Fowler.'

'Humph…an interesting account indeed, Mrs. Collins. Mr. Fowler, you say?' Mrs. Bennet inquired with interest. 'He seems a bit old of age.'

'Not at all, ma'am. Why, I believe he isn't even married, though he has retired from the militia.'

'Quite queer…he must be a solitary fellow.'

'Well, we expect…or, should I say, Lady Catherine expects him here soon.'

'Is he handsome?' Kitty asked rapidly.

'I couldn't know, but he is a most respectable man as I've heard.'

Kitty wrinkled her nose, such trifling nonsense not occupying much of her thoughts.

The Bennets parted from the Collins with a hint of relief, for even though their visit had consisted of only two full hours, it had seemed two full decades.

Mary felt weary and irritated as she looked out the carriage, across the fields, into the brilliant sun. She didn't much enjoy sunshine, but what else could she do but look at the nature since Kitty and her mother had already started gossiping about the new gentleman?

As they passed slopes and firs, moors and meadows in an interminable slow trot, they noticed an opening of woods between the emerald hills and could only guess they were exceedingly close now.

And indeed, after five miles of driving, they reached the Park gates. It was indeed a most uncommonly beautiful house, with large, delicate windows which opened into a garden glazed with cherry trees and poplars. The walls seemed as old as time and as noble as the Saxons, even though everything was new and lavishing.

The interior of the house was as modest as Jane could allow it, as fine tapestries and oddly decorated urns and sculptures adorned the halls and spacious chambers. None of it was tasteless…all decorations were either subtle or delicate. Colours of lavender and white were to be found all around the house and large, wooden tables with heavy business books never to be much read stood in corners or in comfortable drawing rooms.

Upon seeing Jane the entire family shared a moment of most intimate delight, embraces and kisses being delivered accordingly between daughter and lost relatives. Mrs. Bennet was still in raptures over the beautiful estate and could only bless Jane's luck, but Mr. Bennet had already had the decency to address Mr. Bingley some polite words of gratitude.

'Jane, I so do wish to see the gardens and the ball room, please!' Kitty squealed with delight.

'I would be most happy to oblige Kitty, but let us first get you well accommodated…'

'There will be time for that,' the younger sister chirruped.

'By the by Jane, this happy event calls for a worthy celebration,' Mrs. Bennet stated solemnly. 'Why, I was thinking on the way here that I would thoroughly enjoy such a feast.'

'Mama, perhaps Jane does not feel well enough for…' Mary started but was cut off by her younger sister.

'It would be a wonderful idea and I am sure Mr. Bingley wouldn't mind!'

Mr. Bingley had already followed Mr. Bennet in the library for a more substantial talk, though neither of them would engage in something similar to lecture.

'It shall be discussed Kitty,' Jane smiled sincerely, 'but now, let me show you your rooms.'

All three women followed more or less silent.

Mary did not feel comfortable and wanted to find solace somewhere alone, but unfortunately, that would have to wait until after dinner.

'And when is Lizzie to come?' Mrs. Bennet asked carelessly inspecting an embroidered cushion.

'Very soon, actually, it all depends on Mr. Darcy's business in town.'

'Oh, Jane, if Lizzie comes too then we'll be reunited, but for Lydia…What of her, sister?' Kitty inquired.

Jane's warm smile relished a bit as she reddened and turned to look out the window.

'I wrote to her a fortnight ago, but the answer she gave was quite feeble. She said she couldn't attend the joyful event, but could only wish me the greatest of happiness. Apparently, Mr. Wickham has been wounded in battle and she needs to be by his side constantly.'

'Wounded? What battle could that be? She never mentioned it to us.'

'She gave me no further information, but it seems she has fully taken the part of a loyal wife, which should be a most delightful thing for such a sweet girl as she is.'

Kitty giggled impertinently, but remembering the cause of her not being able to come, considerably soured.

'I do pity her, Mary, but you know…I still pity Wickham more,' she whispered when she passed her elder sister.

Mary shook her head, trying to understand such jealousy between sisters.

'But if almost all the family shall be here and a couple of more friends it would be most convenient to throw a ball!' Mrs. Bennet proclaimed with enthusiasm.

'I very much like the idea of it, mama, but I must allow for my husband's opinion in this.'

'Nay, I shouldn't think it to be uncertain that he will accept.'

'I dare hope so,' she smiled politely.

Jane took them to their separate apartments which were worthy of high praise, but unimaginably large for one person, thus it was established that Mary and Kitty were to sleep in the same room and share the same mahogany engraved drawer with beautiful swans drawn on its front.

Mrs. Bennet was to reside with Mr. Bennet close to the couple and a very comfortable bedroom it was, with little space to do anything else, but well enough for two people who did not spend a great deal of their time in that room.

Having assured everyone's comfortableness, Jane took the misses on a tour of the house and gardens, as promised.

Mary looked with awe at the wonderful nature surrounding the estate and even considered grinning when she saw a large pond some miles away from the house, but could not help the feeling of disappointment engulfing her when she discovered the library herself and noticed how poorly stocked it was.

She knew Jane and Charles weren't avid readers, but she had hoped a gentleman had honour enough to have a decent library. She sighed and left the room.

Upon descending the stairs, she heard her sisters and her mother discussing in the parlour.

'Mr. Fowler? I've heard a little about him from Charles. It seems he shall pay Lady Catherine a visit soon,' Jane spoke.

'Well, then he shall visit the Bingley residence as well, will he not?' Mrs. Bennet asked.

'Since we are by now well acquainted with Lady Catherine, I should suspect so.'

Mary saw her mother hide her smile with the back of her palm. She chuckled. Her mama always looked for opportunity and found it.

'Well, they say he is single…' giggled Kitty.

'Now, now Kitty, Colonel Fitzwilliam would be shocked to hear you pronounce yourself so freely about a man past forty,' Mrs. Bennet added quickly, not forgetting the other worthy suitor to her daughter's hand.

The younger sister only flinched with disgust.

'I can see you so wish me to engage the attention of that gentleman, mama, but I shall not have it! Am I to suffer the wickedness of such a partner? If anyone should be suited to trifle with him it should be Mary since she is as serious and sombre as he is.'

'And those attributes should make me fickle enough to play with a gentleman's emotions,' Mary said, half-amused, entering the parlour herself.

'Mary, well I say, were you listening at the door?' Mrs. Bennet asked scandalised.

'A dreadful habit acquired from living eighteen years of my life with you, Kitty and Lydia.'

Jane laughed softly.

'Those were days not to be forgotten…'Kitty mused dreamily.

'Mary, if you wish to practice a bit, Charles has recently purchased a superb pianoforte which we have placed in the drawing room on the second floor…' Jane said encouragingly.

Mary did not reply for a while, but remained in thought. At length she spoke in most painful tones.

'It is very kind of you…but I am not much interested in music anymore. It has not proved to be my best field…'

And turned out to be a most humiliating and hopeless endeavour, she thought with melancholy.

'It is high time you gave up anyway,' Mrs Bennet said indifferently. 'Your main concern right now should be your establishing in a good home, with a worthy partner, like your sister Jane.'

The afternoon passed quickly and evening drew upon the merry group. Dinner was attended in the dining room and all the family rejoiced in the luxury of such a meal. Mr. Bingley was friendly and obliging to everyone and could not spare a moment to give compliments and wishes of good fortune.

He is too kind a man for his own good…Mary mused in amusement.

Kitty played with her spoon thoughtfully in her cup of tea and whispered to Mary.

'I should be most pleased to find a gentleman like Mr. Bingley.'

'Why settle for only a likeness of him?' Mary said cynically, but Kitty spluttered the contents she had sipped from her cup and coughed roughly looking with utter shock at her sister.

'Kitty, what was that all about?' Mrs. Bennet asked crossed.

Both girls remained silent.

When they had all retired to bed, Kitty dared exact her revenge and started to throw books at Mary laughing whole heartedly as they prepared for bed in their spacious room.

'I warn you, I will not tolerate the ill treatment of my books,' Mary said half-threatening, half-chuckling as she threw Kitty's little bottles of perfume across the room.

'Mary! No! Those cost a fortune and are most precious to me! You have no idea how sensible men are to scents!'

'Oh, but then I must be taught of that by having to smell that thing constantly while I sleep…'

'But ladies must perfume themselves before going to bed.'

'And whoever made up that clever rule?'

'It does not matter and I shall…' Kitty started but she faltered as both sisters heard some strange sounds outside the house.

'Did you hear that?' Mary asked. 'It sounded as if it came from the gardens…'

Both sisters went to their window to look out, but through the darkness of the night they could see nothing at all.

At length, they gave up and both went to bed, but some time afterwards Kitty got up again to look outside and this time, she could distinguish a tall figure at the gates and Mr. Bingley himself attending to him. They seemed to be on friendly terms.

'Mary, wake up! There's a person out there…'Kitty said pulling at her sister's hair.

'Ah, what in the…Catherine!'

'Come quick…'

Mary pushed her covers and went to the window herself, but the two men were gone.

'Ah, they went away, if you had woken up earlier!' Kitty said bitterly.

'Well, pardon me for trying to have some sleep at this early hour…' she replied looking at the dark sky, frowning.

She turned to Kitty, but she had already crawled in her sheets again.

'Must have been some draught anyway…' she said climbing into the small niche near the window. 'And now I can't even sleep anymore, Catherine…' but she knew she couldn't be heard.

She took a book from her own and started reading.

"It was the hope that something better was in wait for her that she breathed without remorse." Mary smirked as she read this line and skipped the page.