Mary, Marry? Quite Contrary!: A Pride and Prejudice Christmas Charms Story by Stratton MJ

Author:Stratton, MJ
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

April 1813

London

Mary sat in the window seat in the parlor, staring out at the busy street below. The window was open, and a warm spring breeze was blowing, bringing with it the scent of flowers and horses. The combination of smells was hardly pleasant, but Mary was lost in her own thoughts and did not mind much.

​Edward Smithson was dangerous; of that she was certain. He was no thief, at least not of physical goods, but his charming behavior and persistent attention to her person had Mary on her guard. She could not afford to lose her heart to a man who thought so ill of her.

​Did he think ill of her? Mary realized Mr. Smithson had no idea she was the woman in the park, or that it was she sporting the sickly green gown of so many weeks ago.

​While his behavior toward the Mary he knew was all that was proper, what did it say about his character that he would so malign an innocent young lady, one with whom he had no acquaintance?

​She did concede that his mistaking her for a governess was a bit more understandable. She had been dressed rather plainly and her hair done in a severe manner.

​She sighed. Despite all her efforts to change, she was still a vain and prideful creature. His words continued to sting, even after many weeks, and she did not wish to forgive him. Slowly, though, he was working his way into her heart, and she did not wish to let him have even a little bit of purchase there, for when his business with Uncle was done, he would withdraw, leaving her poor organ broken irreparably.

​She reached up and fingered the pearls about her neck. They were rather too nice for everyday wear, but they were comforting. They reminded her of her father’s words that someone would see her for the treasure she was. Whether it was Mr. Smithson remained to be seen.

​The bell rang, and that self-same gentleman soon appeared in the doorway. He grinned at her, and her heart did a little flip. Her cheeks burned and she fought against the desire to greet him with the same enthusiasm.

​“Miss Bennet,” he said, crossing the room and taking her hand. He bowed low and Mary thought for a moment he would place a kiss upon her knuckles. He stopped just short, and she cursed herself for the disappointment she felt.

​“Mr. Smithson,” she said pleasantly. The gentleman appeared a bit shocked at her greeting and Mary felt a smidgeon of guilt. She really had not been terribly nice to him.

​“I was wondering if you would care to join me on a stroll?” he asked kindly. He smiled at her again and Mary found she could not refuse.

​“I am pleased to accept, sir,” she replied, and they set off with Sarah in tow, promising Aunt Gardiner that they would return in time for tea.

​“I understand you are to take tea with my mother tomorrow,” Mr. Smithson said as they walked toward the park.

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