Of all the family, Mary was probably the one most immediately gratified by the circumstance of Anne’s engagement …
Camden Place, Bath
Mary was one of the first to receive the news of Anne’s engagement. Calling on her father and sister in Camden Place she was eager to discuss it all, and hear from Sir Walter’s lips his particular feelings on the matter. Moreover, she wondered what Elizabeth might think of having a brother-in-law in the Navy. Captain Wentworth had made a fortune, it was true, but his position in society was hardly the rank a baronet’s daughter should be aspiring to marry.
She was shown into the drawing room with its long floor-length windows displaying all of Bath below them, and after greeting her father and sister cordially, started immediately on the topic of interest.
‘Well, this is a turn-up, is it not? I must say I was very shocked and surprised to learn of Anne’s engagement to the captain. But, now I have had time to reflect on the matter I find it is not so very displeasing. After all, it is rather creditable to have a sister married, and I flatter myself in having been greatly instrumental in its outcome.’
The view from Camden Place
‘How so?’ snapped her sister Elizabeth who had been out of humour ever since she’d heard the news. ‘How could you have had anything to do with it? And, if you had, I daresay I would not be boasting of how I came to be responsible for such an alliance.’
‘If Anne had not been with me in the autumn we may well have seen a different ending. I introduced them, you know. We were most encouraging of the captain’s attentions, though it has to be said in the first instance, we all thought he might marry Louisa Musgrove. The Navy has quite infiltrated the family, but at least the captain is richer than Louisa’s Benwick, and has far more worth than Henrietta’s Charles Hayter. Elizabeth, Captain Wentworth may not belong to our class, but it cannot be denied that he has made a great deal of money and risen in the ranks of his profession, and I daresay will do more, though how much more I could not say. I am sure we have nothing to fear from his being honoured in any way.’
‘Good Lord, Mary,’ her father spoke up, ‘it is very doubtful that he should be raised to a knighthood, though it’s not unheard of – what’s his name, that Pellew fellow – first Viscount Exmouth – he came from humble sailor beginnings, I believe.’
‘Well I never,’ exclaimed Mary, ‘I did not know that such ambition was rewarded in quite that way. Of course it will never be the case that these newcomers to society may usurp the old families. Landowners, and the ancient lineages will surely never be threatened by the aspiring middle classes. My husband may not be a baronet, but at least he will be head of a noble family one day, and owner of his own estate. Anne has no prospect of her own manor house or landed estate, and he has no family.’
Another view from Camden Place
‘Though he has twenty thousand pounds, apparently,’ said Elizabeth with a sigh, ‘I am certain that will buy them a very pretty property!’
Mary looked struck dumb for a moment, she hadn’t thought of that. Why, Anne might soon reside in a house bigger than her cottage at Uppercross. She really must talk to Charles about persuading his father that they needed some renovations done, a wing or two added to their home.
‘Of course, we all thought Mr Elliot might be the one for Anne,’ Mary said at last, knowing her words would wound Elizabeth, ‘Charles was certain he was going to propose.’
‘And any dutiful daughter would have made certain she followed her family’s wishes,’ said Sir Walter, shifting in his chair with irritation etched on every feature. ‘I do not know what is the matter with the fellow and his hesitation. At the very first, we all thought he might pursue his addresses to Elizabeth, but then he seemed to change his mind for Anne, and now he’s been pipped by this captain fellow.’
Mary glanced at her sister who was looking most discomposed. Her countenance was quite suffused with a glow of puce to match the cushions she leaned against. She ought to say something, she supposed, but what? ‘Well, perhaps he can be persuaded to see where his affections ought to lie?’
Sir Walter looked rather encouraged by this, though Elizabeth’s expression was now white with anger.
‘I am sure you could get him with a little effort,’ Mary continued, ignoring her sister’s expression. ‘You are the eldest, but by no means over the hill, and it is quite astonishing what some of the new lotions can achieve in helping maintain one’s youth. I have been using Gowland’s, and Charles says I look as young as the bride he married. By the way, where is Mrs Clay this morning?’
At the corner of Camden Place
‘I do not know, she is ever on the gad lately,’ said Elizabeth, barely keeping her composure. ‘I cannot keep up with her excursions. Even though it was raining when she set off nothing would persuade her to stay at home. It is quite wearing to have such a companion, and she knows how much I deplore this wet weather.’
‘I quite agree. I hate the rain, but the chair brought me here, and it is very pleasant to watch through the window, and the rhythm of raindrops pattering on the roof is quite delightful. Yet, I was very vexed at the time it took. I know the hill is steep, but the chairmen must have stopped a dozen times to get me here. I declare they were quite puffed out of breath.’
‘Even the servant class are not what they once were,’ bemoaned Sir Walter, shaking his head, and picking up his newspaper. ‘I’m sure if I hadn’t been cheated out of half my wealth by their rising wages, we should be in a much better position.’
‘Yes, indeed,’ Mary agreed, standing up to take her leave. ‘And I have just been struck with a little thought. I shouldn’t wonder if the captain couldn’t be persuaded to help you out a little. He would be glad to benefit from your advice, and profit from having your connection. You see, father, my interference in their love affair and all my efforts at matchmaking will turn out to everyone’s advantage in the end!’
‘Mary, sometimes your ideas are rather sound,’ her father answered, rising to peck his daughter on the cheek. ‘Perhaps I might persuade the captain to make some investments on my behalf – what a capital idea!’
Want to refresh your memory with Jane’s Austen’s original work? Read Persuasion on Austen variations HERE.
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Unbelievable. Mary thinking she had a part in getting Anne & Wentworth together. She is an Elliot through and through. Enlarge the house because Wentworth might be able to purchase a sizeable estate. And give Sir Walter money….oh, brother. Trying to use the man. And Mrs Clay has disappeared….I wonder where (of course we know). Wonderful chapter, Jane.
Thank you, Deborah! I enjoyed writing this so much-she really is a one!
This was quite amusing and very revealing at the same time. Mary taking credit for something she never did, and both she and Sir Walter wondering how they could use Wentworth for gain, and all the while looking down on him. I also enjoyed Mary taunting Elizabeth about being the only unmarried sister. That was really well done! She is correct that Frederick is not their equal; he is their superior in every way that counts. Only an accident of birth gives any status to Sir Walter, Mary, and Elizabeth. One can only dream that one day the Captain will be knighted, and then the Elliots will fawn over him with alarming frequency, every chance they get! Not that they will get any, since he has their number and will avoid them. Another excellent chapter. Mary drops her poison very carefully, and watches it grow. She is more dangerous than Elizabeth and Sir Walter, and she almost always gets what she wants by design. She could almost make a book of her own. I would absolutely love to see the adventures and misadventures of Mary Musgrove.
I really enjoyed writing this, Mari-the Elliots are unbelievably snobby, and I enjoyed taking that to another level! Oh, I hope so fervently that the captain will get his knighthood yet!
Ah yes, taking credit but no blame for their own circumstances is typical Elliot style! Then Sir Walter praising Mary for having sound ideas! That will only go to her head and add fuel to the fire that Charles will have to now listen to. Heaven forbid The Wentworths have a bigger house than herself!
I liked being a fly on the wall for this conversation Jane! Thank you!
Thank you, Carole-this was a fun chapter to write!
and no one thought to tell her that they’d been engaged before. Mwah… it’d be my pleasure! Great chapter!
Thank you, Cindy-I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Well, I really enjoyed this. You can almost hear them all squeal with animosity! It will be interesting times for them all as they try to gain from their relationship with Wentworth while trying very hard not to have one, hahaha. I think it would ALMOST be worthwhile for Captain Wentworth to give up the sea and live nearby just for the fun of making them dance!
Thank you, Julie- yes, I’d love to write the chapter when Mary sees them both again and Anne is the owner of a pretty landaulette!
From Persuasion: She had something to suffer, perhaps, when they came into contact again, in seeing Anne restored to the rights of seniority, and the mistress of a very pretty landaulette; but she had a future to look forward to, of powerful consolation.
It was so kind of Mary to promote this match when she has been suffering so from her sore throats (so much worse than anyone else’s) and other ailments, plus all the worry over her beloved children, not to mention having to put up with the lack of respect for her position shown by her in-laws. But dear Mary cares nothing for her own problems and thinks only of giving pleasure to others. She lights up the room merely by coming into it! Hmm. Maybe not so much “lights it up” as “brings a certain charged or suffocating atmosphere to it”.
Mary really is the limit, isn’t she Beatrice? It was fun to write this episode!
OK, we have heard from the despicable side of the family. Boo! Boo! Let’s hear from sister, Sophia. I am sure she is ecstatic and so looking forward to at last having a sister. I am sure some time and some where the previous engagement will be told to her.
You told this well. Everyone thinking only of themselves and no one being happy for Anne. I hope they sail off and when they settle it is no where near these relatives.
Yes, Sheila, they are all so elfish, and I am sure will continue to be so! I expect Mrs Croft is thrilled at the news-what a lovely sister-in-law she will make for Anne!
Of course, that should have said selfish! : )
I did realize that – we all do that at one time or another – I know you are intelligent and didn’t give it a thought. Have a good day. We have SNOW – again!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Aaah, Mary. It is so like her to take credit where no credit is due. And to suggest that Captain Wentworth help the family financially–what gall!
And I think we all know where Mrs. Clay is….. 😉
I hope that we will see more of Anne and her captain–my one caveat about Jane Austen’s novels is that I feel that she doesn’t leave us enough time to rejoice in the engagements and marriages of her heroes and heroines; I want more time to bask in their love and regard for one another before the novels end. 😉
Thank you for this intriguing chapter. Mary will be Mary…. 😉
Warmly,
Cassandra 🙂
Thank you, Susanne-yes, Mary is a one-off, and I couldn’t resist having them think they could use the captain for their own gain. I think there may yet be a wedding scene so we will be able to bask a little more in Anne and Fred’s happiness!
How typical for Mary to think it’s all about her!
Yes, Susan-but she is a joy to write!