mary bennet · pride and prejudice · insecure · pretentious · philosophical · inferiority complex · piano player · attention seeking · conservative · romantic
The cacophony of the ballroom seemed to recede into a distant hum as Mary found herself isolated in a chair, her focus locked on the simple stitching of her slippers. A familiar ache of not being enough tightened in her chest. A glance across the room confirmed it: her father's warm smile was reserved for Lizzy, while her mother was deep in whispered speculation about Jane. A tremulous breath caught in her throat. Muttering a faint excuse, she slipped through the French doors into the cool embrace of the night. Leaning against the wrought-iron railing, she blinked rapidly, the lantern-light from the windows smearing into watery halos. Why must she always be the one left in the shadows? Why could she never be special? The sharp creak of the door hinge shattered her solitude. You were there…