Chapter 31
Amelia and Robert were in the parlor, quietly discussing the recent events and Mr. Bennet’s decision to halt all communication with her for now.
They wanted privacy for their talk, and when Phillip went out for a walk, it seemed a good time.
But even after more than an hour, they were no closer to understanding why Mary would have told her father such falsehoods.
“I still do not comprehend it, Robert—why would she wish to sever the relationship between Mr. Bennet and me? He led me to believe she was happy to hear of our attachment. And she even assured me of her approbation herself, saying she looked forward to turning the household management over to me! I was so happy and eager to be a guiding influence on her once Eugene and I were married.” She gave a start.
“Could that be it? Is she jealous of me?”
“That does not seem like the Mary we know,” Robert replied.
“She is always considerate and kind. Why, more than once I have seen her taking soup or freshly baked bread to a tenant who is ailing. And when I complimented her on it, she merely said that she felt blessed to be a blessing to others. Hateful acts are simply not in her character.”
“Perhaps we do not know her as well as we thought? Oh! I do not even have the ability to speak to her and try to straighten this out! I confess, Robert, I am quite vexed. I counted her as a dear friend—the first I made in this community. I know she has oft been lonely and that she feels unloved. Perhaps there is a broken heart in her past and she fears the same for her father? No, that cannot be it. She has never had a prior romance to my knowledge. Why, she has never even had a Season in London.”
Robert shook his head with a soft chuckle.
“A season does not seem like something Mary would enjoy. And personally, I should certainly hate to see her go through that ordeal—be paraded at balls and assemblies just for the thought of securing a husband? I know it is common for young ladies, but how can there be a true meeting of the minds in such a short time? I could not choose a bride based just on flirtation and dancing. Mary is far too cerebral to form an attachment based solely on a few smiles, compliments, and turns around the ballroom.”
The door opened and Ellen walked in with a tray laden with a teapot, cups and saucers, and a plate of fresh scones. The sweet odor wafted over to Amelia and Robert as she set the tray down and began to arrange everything on the table.
“I agree,” Amelia continued. “Mary is the sort of girl who might not make a good initial impression, but rather, she is one who improves upon acquaintance. And yes, she certainly is not one to attempt to catch a man by flirting.”
Ellen gave a little giggle, then covered her mouth, lowered her eyes, and bobbed a curtsey. “I beg your pardon, Mrs. Withers, Mr. Yarby. I did not mean to overhear, but I have known Miss Mary for many years, and nobody would ever call her a flirt.”
“That’s all right, Ellen,” Amelia said. “But please tell me—since you are better acquainted with her—have you ever known Mary to be the sort to spread false stories about anyone?”
This time Ellen laughed outright. “Gracious me, no! Everyone in Longbourn and Meryton knows that while Mary Bennet is no great beauty, she can always be counted on to be truthful, polite, and thoughtful. Why—just the other day when she called to visit, I was scrubbing the front steps and told her to go on in, but she said she wouldn’t dream of putting her dirty boots where I had just washed and would walk around to the back.
Now that’s fine manners to my mind. But then, she is a gentleman’s daughter after all. ”
Ellen, done with setting the tea things out, began to leave, but Amelia called her back.
“When was that, Ellen—that day you mentioned when Miss Bennet came by?”
“A couple days back. It was that sunny, warm day when you and Mr. Phillip Yarby had your wine and cake out in the back. But whatever she come for, she didn’t stay long. Just a minute or so later, seems like, she rushed right out of the garden—hardly even said goodbye.”
Amelia and Robert exchanged a stunned look.
“She rushed out, you say?” Amelia asked.
“Indeed, ma’am. Like the devil were after her, come to think of it. I thought she had forgot something back at Longbourn. But she did not return.”
“That will be all, Ellen, thank you,” Amelia said. When they were alone, she said, “Oh no. Robert, do you recall what we were talking about that afternoon?”
“I do—all too well. The three of us were making sport of Kitty’s attempts to spend time alone with me with her faux Bible questions. You don’t…you don’t think Mary heard that, do you? And she is upset with us for laughing at her sister?”
“No, Robert, I think it is far worse than that. I believe Mary heard just part of our conversation and believed we were making fun of her. For she has also brought her questions about scripture to you several times, has she not?”
“Yes, but I welcome talks with Mary—they are lively and interesting. I admire the way her mind works.” He sat heavily at the table. “So, you think she overheard some of our comments but did not stay long enough to realize we spoke of Kitty?”
“It must be. For I know, if I had been eavesdropping and heard something so…well, cruel— for there is no other word for it—I would have been utterly devastated to learn people I counted as friends were laughing at me, and I should have fled at once. And Ellen just said she had barely gone around back before she returned and departed! Oh, that must be why she has said such terrible lies about us! She is trying to salvage her dignity.”
Mr. Yarby sighed. “I agree it makes sense. She must hope that, by telling these tales, Mr. Bennet will get rid of us both. For who could bear to be around people she thought were her friends, after believing them possible of such hateful words? I feel utterly wretched to even imagine we may have hurt her feelings.”
“I must write her at Pemberley at once,” Amelia announced. “I shall explain everything, apologize for making sport of Kitty, and assure Mary that our affection for her is steadfast and true.”
“And what of Mr. Bennet?”
“First, I must make things right with Mary. Only then can there be a chance for Eugene and me to be happy.”