A Match for Mary Bennet Read Online Free PDF Page A

them. Jane sincerely loved Bingley, even when she thought he had forgotten her. Elizabeth, it is true, called Darcy proud—insufferably so—but she married him without thinking of herself. Rather, she atoned for having refused Mr. Collins, which forfeited the living of Longbourn. No, it was never greed that led Elizabeth to accept the rich Darcy but contrition and concern for her family, and Mary applauded her selfless action. And what of Lydia, the not-to-be-mentioned eloper? If anything, she married a man who looked for her to feed his greed.
    Mr. Grantley raised his eyebrows over his glasses. “You say nothing. Have I offended you?”
    â€œNo,” Mary said slowly, “but I question the justice of ascribing greed to all young women. I reviewed my sisters’ marriages, and not one of them could have been so. It is a pity you did not know them.”
    â€œAnd your sister Catherine, does she not seek a well-to-do husband?” He stared at the dancers, possibly at Kitty, whose pink gown whirled prettily, its gossamer net flaring.
    Mary glanced at his profile, struck by his pronounced nose, and she followed his gaze to her sister. “Certainly not by dancing with the Lucas boys.” The thought made her smile. “In fact, she has known all the men here since we were children, except for Colonel Fitzwilliam and you, sir. She danced with the Colonel, as I did, because he is a house guest, but surely she would not think of marrying him. He is over thirty!”
    â€œSo she does not dance to find a beau? Do you really think so?”
    â€œShe does not tonight, certainly. Kitty dances because she enjoys dancing. She has more energy for it than I do, and she finds the exercise agreeable.”
    â€œPerhaps you are too kind in assessing your sister. To me she seems like all the others, smiling ingratiatingly so as to bewitch her partners.”
    Mary shrugged. “I speak truth as I see it. But why not be kind? It has often been said that charity begins at home.” What a strange man he was! Had not her mother told her so? She recalled that his first arrival drew curious glances despite his long face, until his melancholy temperament caused most ladies to ignore him as fully as he seemed to ignore them. Even Lady Lucas, who rarely paid attention to any but her family, denounced him as a destroyer of the merriment one looked for at assemblies. He seemed now to be musing solemnly to himself, fingering his watch fob thoughtfully.
    He murmured, “And over thirty is too old?” He looked at Mary. “Pray, tell me, what age do you fancy me to be?”
    She studied his stern face, judged his question to be serious, and mumbled, “I really could not say. I am no judge of ages.”
    Grantley considered that, again eyes on the dancers, and said, almost to himself, “And likely could not care.”
    At this moment, Richard Lucas skipped over to Mary and asked her to dance. “Kitty won’t dance with me again. She says I was clumsy and broke one of her shoe roses. Miss Mary, won’t you?”
    Mary sighed and stood, surprised to find that Richard was now almost as tall as she. “Richard, you must first beg Mr. Grantley’s pardon.”
    Richard did so, with careful politeness. Mary also excused herself, and she took the floor with Richard. He danced well, if anything more carefully than she, and thankfully without talking. Afterward, she complimented him on knowing all the figures and performing them so smoothly. Then she made her way to Maria Lucas, who had beckoned. “Tell me about Colonel Fitzwilliam. Is he really the son of an Earl?”
    â€œYes. The second son; he is no viscount. But for a cousin of Mr. Darcy he is a remarkably pleasant man.” As Mary spoke she led the way to the supper room, where Maria reported to her mother, whence the question had originated. Mary found her mother, and they called Kitty, as it was time to order the