Free Mary Bennet: A Novella in the Personages of Pride & Prejudice Collection by Jennifer Becton Page B

searched for the name of the sender. “Mr. Randall has proposed just as I predicted!”
    Mary lifted her head and stared at her mother.
    Mrs. Bennet shook the paper at Mary. “How very traditional and formal he is! A letter such as this is the mark of an excellent gentleman.”
    Mary reached for it, but Mrs. Bennet refused to relinquish it.
    “Let me see,” she murmured before scanning the bulk of the correspondence. “He makes some comments on your beauty, your conversation…your act of salvation?”
    Surprise pulled a grin to Mary’s reluctant lips.
    “What does that mean?” Mrs. Bennet demanded.
    “I prevented him from enduring an unpleasant conversation.”
    “Well, it is a morning for joyful surprises,” Mrs. Bennet said, returning to her reading. “Here! Listen to what he says. ‘It is the fondest wish of my father that we might unite our houses.’ What say you, Mary?”
    Mary blinked. “He truly wishes to make an offer?”
    “Indeed! Look. Here is a portion regarding the settlement!” She waved the paper vaguely in her daughter’s direction again, but did not let her see it closely. “Oh, Mary! You shall have Ashworth, and all you must give in exchange is Mr. Darcy’s dowry. You are the victor in this marriage, my girl. You shall ascend to the apex of Meryton society! It is all I have ever dreamed of!”
    From here, Mrs. Bennet’s conversation devolved into high-pitched squeals, and Mary could bear the delight no longer. She forced the letter from her mother’s fingertips and left the table.
    She must find a quiet place to think. She walked slowly to the empty sitting room and read the contents of the letter twice.
    For a gentleman who professed to love the poetry of Byron, Mr. Randall’s letter rather resembled business correspondence, including a section regarding the particulars of the marriage settlement.
    Mary put the letter aside. Never having been one to consult her feelings over her judgment, she realized that both faculties were equally discomfited by Mr. Randall’s proposal. However, she could not justify her reaction, for this was precisely the path she was determined to pursue.
    This proposal was the desired result.
    Based on her overjoyed peals of laughter, Mrs. Bennet had no second thoughts.
    Mr. Bennet would also be pleased, for the settlement sounded equitable. And who could object to a daughter’s ascension to one of the finest houses in the county?
    For her own part, Mary ought to be well satisfied with the situation. The library alone should have been adequate inducement.
    All facets taken into consideration, a union with Mr. Randall was far from objectionable. All her criteria had been met, and yet Mary’s unease persisted.
    “What do you say, Mary?” Mrs. Bennet asked from the doorway of the sitting room some minutes later. “Are you pleased to become Mr. Randall’s wife?”
    That was, indeed, a good question.
    Marrying Mr. Randall was the correct action for a young lady of Mary’s age and status. He was a gentleman from a well-respected family with a large estate.
    Not only was it right, but it was the course of action she had already chosen. She could not allow herself to deviate from her plan, no matter how tempted she felt.
    “Well?” Mrs. Bennet prodded. “Speak, Child!”
    Mary’s breath hitched in her throat, but she managed to say, “I suppose I shall be pleased to accept his offer of marriage.”
     

    Thirteen
     
    Upon Mary’s acceptance of Mr. Randall’s proposal, the Randalls and the Bennets negotiated the terms of the marriage settlement through their attorneys. Mr. Randall retained the services of an attorney in London, and the Bennets, of course, trusted their affairs to Mr. Philips.
    Soon, all that remained was for Mr. Bennet to sign the documents that would transfer Mary’s newfound wealth to her future husband.
    The legal matters quickly got underway, leaving Mary rather adrift. One moment, she felt nothing but determination to marry Mr.