Mary Born Anew: Maria

Prologue

[Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of Jane Austen's works. I only wish to express an idea inspired by her incredible talent.

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When we last left the world of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, we knew the couple newly wedded and deeply in love. Along with the Darcy family, the Bingleys too, had been married and were happy in their new home nearby Pemberley. All that was left in the Bennet household were Kitty and Mary. After all the infamous Lydia was still with Wickham, even though their marriage was having its struggles.

Lydia Wickham had bore two daughters. Twins, the both of them aptly named Janette and Joanna. The birth of his two daughters had a remarkable affect on Wickham. Instantly, he had fallen in love with the two lives he had helped create. He quickly resolved to mend his ways and be the best father he could to the two girls. When his debts were settled and he saved enough money, he opened a small shop in Meryton (on Lydia's 'advice'). There, he was content to sell and earn what he could to provide for his daughters and raise them with best care and love he could give.

His wife was another matter all together. Lydia was still the incorrigible, irresponsible, selfish child she had always been. In her own way, she loved her children but she did not want the task of motherhood. Fate intervened in a cruel but necessary way. When the twins were but a year, Lydia took ill with an unidentifiable disease. The doctors could do nothing for her and within a month of suffering she left the world, free from the 'burden' she had brought upon herself. Although his wife's death was a blow to Wickham, the man continued on for the sake of his children. The Bennet, Darcy, and Bingley families all took the death hard but none as hard as Mrs. Bennet, who cried for days and days.

The Bingleys story continued happily, even Lydia's death could not overshadow the joy within their house. Only a few short months after her marriage passed and Jane announced that she would bear a child. Charles Bingley's overjoyed reaction to the news caused Mr. and Mrs. Darcy much amusement for days. He had instantly become a raving madman as he tried to protect Jane from all harm. Darcy teased his old friend mercilessly for his bizarre behavior, yet nothing could convince Bingley to cease his impractical actions.

Mr. Bingley remained in a constant state of concern and anxiety for Jane until, at last, she bore him a healthy and robust son. Charles Bernard Bingley the third was born two weeks late. He weighed in at eight pounds and one ounce. He was a big and happy baby. He sported his father's flaming red hair and his mother's nose. He was the pride of the Bingley household. Young Charles was easy tempered, he only cried when he needed to be fed or changed. He was always cooing or laughing happily away to visitors. He would never know of his aunt Lydia for she had passed on three months prior to his birth.

The birth of Charles Bernard Bingley III helped increase the spirits of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Although he could not replace the child that they had lost, Charles brought a new light to their lives. They were now grandparents and all of Hertfordshire knew of the new addition to the Bennet's family. The Lucas family, especially, was hearing the many tales of the wonderful growth and progress that baby Charles made.

A year had passed and young Charles was nearly nine months old. The Bingley family was very content; however, the Darcy household would soon find itself in a state of mild chaos. One night at the dinner table, Mr. Darcy was telling his wife the state of their estate and news in Derbyshire. Mrs. Darcy, however, was distracted and could not pay the proper attention to her husband's speech. Worried for his wife, Mr. Darcy quickly asked her what was wrong. After only a few minutes of coaxing, Mrs. Darcy told her husband that she had sent for the doctor earlier that afternoon. The couple was to have their first child.

Mr. Darcy was overjoyed and immediately ordered the servants to send word to Georgiana to be returned home. Elizabeth smiled as her husband went on and on about preparations, the baby's room, the best education, the best of everything… It was clear that Mr. Bingley would have his chance to repay the teasing he had endured when Jane was in the same position.

A month after this special news it was decided that Georgiana and Kitty would come to Pemberly. Originally, Elizabeth had wanted Mary but, it was not to be. Kitty, however, had her own reasons for coming to the aid of her sister. At the weddings of both the Bingleys and Darcys, Kitty had been captivated by a certain cousin of Mr. Darcy. The colonel could return the sentiments. Once it was learned that Kitty would be at Pemberly, Colonel Fitzwilliam soon found himself a guest their as well. It wasn't long before there was only one Bennet daughter left unmarried. However, Mary had her own plans and they did not involve staying a useless fixture in her parents' home.

As soon as Kitty's engagement was learned, Mary knew that Mrs. Bennet would be on her to marry. She loved her mother and father but knew she would be driven insane if she remained at Longbourn. So, instead, she advertised for a position as a governess. She was well educated enough and knew she could perform the task admirably. It was an endeavor she never expected to work but she still hoped whenever the post came.

To her surprise, a month after her advertisement was sent out; a letter was written to her from the head housemaid of a Dodgewood Castle. The castle held the ward of a Lord Edward Gerard Dodgewood and the young girl needed a suitable overseer for her activities. The job offer came to a surprise to both Mary's mother and father. Mrs. Bennet made a massive fuss. She claimed it was unsuitable for a girl her age to be set out on her own. What would the neighbors say? Mr. Bennet, though, knew that once Mary sought after a certain action there would be know deterring her.

It only took one day to persuade Mrs. Bennet to allow Mary to go. After she gained permission, Mary wasted no time in sending a response to the letter. She would be expected to arrive in two weeks time. Afterwards, Mary began packing and writing letters to her remaining sisters and friends of her new residence. Before she left Mr. Bennet gave his daughter a gift of money 'for emergencies' and Mrs. Bennet gave her a new bonnet for the trip. She should at least look presentable on the road. You never knew when you might come across a handsome young man in want of a wife. Mary rolled her eyes at those words but thanked her mother none the less. The middle daughter made her final goodbyes and entered the carriage that was to take her to Dodgewood Castle.

The trip was, for the most part, uneventful. Mary was intrigued by the unexplored lands of the British countryside. However, Mary was stunned as the driver announced the arrival to grounds of Dodgewood Castle. She looked out her window and gasped at the immense building. The sight was breathtaking. The carriage stopped in the courtyard of the beautiful stone castle. Taking a deep breath, Mary stepped out of the carriage and into the beginning of a new life.