Page 98 of The Governess of My Heart
The moment she saw Jane sitting with her sisters, something pricked her heart. She knew Jane was beautiful and did not want to accept that she looked less attractive.
She held onto Darcy’s arm and gave the Bennets a stern look. Once they mutually greeted each other, Mr. Bingley first instinctively addressed Mary.
“I hope you are doing well, Miss Mary,” he said. He could not forget how Jane had insulted her that day.
“I am well, sir. Thank you,” she replied with a blush.
He then looked at Jane; she stood close to Darcy, keenly listening to his conversation with Sir William.
Mr. Bingley found her behavior odd. She had always been by his side whenever they met. He felt she was openly ignoring him now and felt Mary’s gaze on him.
He looked at her, and the expression on her face was something unusual. It was a look of understanding and concern.
“Would you care to introduce me to anyone I may not know yet, Miss Mary?”
Mary looked at him as he extended his arm. She hesitated but took it. They walked into the gathering.
Darcy saw them and wondered if his friend had finally found wisdom in a world filled with pretty faces and mercenary intentions.
Mary’s heart was beating fast as she walked along with Mr. Bingley.
Why did he come and talk to me even before seeking out Jane?
Mary introduced Mr. Bingley to some young girls he had not met before.
“This is indeed a happy evening; no wonder Sir William was so intent on us attending.”
“Oh yes! We do look forward to the Meryton assembly every year. Although we have several balls during Christmas, this one is always a favorite amongst the villagers.”
“What about you?” he asked.
“Well, I do not enjoy social gatherings much, sir, to be honest.”
“Why not?”
“I do not know. I am happy at home with my music and books.”
“You sound like Darcy. My friend seems the same way,” Mr. Bingley said, looking in Darcy’s direction. He was still in Sir William’s company, entrapped between Jane and Miss Bingley on either side.
“But he did accompany you here.”
“He did, with a lot of coaxing. Else, he may have spent the evening sitting in the library.”
I know.
From the very first introduction of Darcy, in Elizabeth’s letters, she had described his love for reading.
“Miss Mary, if you are not otherwise engaged, would you do the honor of dancing with me?” Mr. Bingley asked her.
Mary looked at him with surprise.
“Which dance, sir?”
“The first one, of course.”
“You want me to dance the first one with you?”
“Yes, are you engaged for that one?”
