Here is the continuing story of all the children of Mansfield now all grown up. I hope you like it, if the characters confuse you just go to the end of the epilogue of 'Susan'
Jump to new as of June 14, 2000
I
The large, luxurious room was swathed in the glow of candlelight, tinkling laughter and tasteful music filled the air; it was in short, perfect atmosphere for a ball. Indeed, the balls at Mansfield Park were quite well renowned for not only being tasteful and fashionable but also for being jolly good fun. A great deal of the merriment which accompanied the soirees was provided by the children of Mansfield, more specifically the offspring of Sir and Lady Thomas Bertram and Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Bertram. The aforementioned group had managed to corral off a section for themselves and the various friends and cousins that were visiting over the holidays.
A portly young man of about 25 approached the table and requested the hand of one the young ladies. As she arose it was evident that this particular young women was rather extraordinary; with her aunt's golden curls, her father's stature and warm smile, and her mother's countenance and grace, Susan Bertram was the most stunning woman at the ball. Yet, a few turns later, another fascet of her nature became painfully clear to the portly young gentleman, Susan was incredibly shy (hmmm... I wonder which parent she inherited that trait from). After the dance she wandered to the edge of the room (partly to recover after the gentleman so unceremoniously tread upon her feat) and was content to watch the scene for a good while.
"Why are you not dancing child!" exclaimed her Aunt Susan as she found her namesake huddled in a corner of the room.
"ihbntbnaked,ndIshedaning" came the muffled reply.
"Dearest, I am no suitor, you can speak up to me" came the exasperated reply of her aunt.
"I haven't been asked my dear Aunt, besides I just finished dancing with Mr. Rushworth."
"That was over an hour ago! I shall not let my favorite niece want for partners at my own ball." She turned and called, "Tom darling, do come here." Two gentlemen appeared at her elbow, they were quite similar in appearance; however, the dark curls of one were tinged with gray. "Oh, dearest, I did not mean you" she said to her husband Sir Thomas Bertram as he stared down lovingly upon his wife. Taking her husband's arm she turned to her son, Tom and said "Tom, I want you to ensure that Susan is not without partners for the remainder of the ball." Then smiling kindly at her niece she said, "Although why the most stunning girl at this party would need held finding a partner is beyond me."
Susan took her cousin's proffered arm. Her cousin Tom was quite handsome with a pleasing countenance and bright expressive eyes, and an altogether charming demeanor. Although a year her junior, Tom had assumed the role of elder brother to her and her sister, Mary, after her elder brother, Edmund or rather Captain Edmund Thomas Bertram had left on his last tour.
"So how are you Tom dear" said Susan as she affectionately patted her cousin's arm. "What are you thinking of?" Recently Tom thoughts had often rested on his cousin Mary. Inseparable since birth; Tom and Mary (Tom a mere 6 days older than his cousin) were the best of friends. With her mother's small stature she wasn't as conventionally breathtaking as her sister, yet on closer inspection one would find Mary Bertram to be an uncommonly pretty girl. She was the possessor of a sweet and open nature and good heart, with a rather liberal dash of her Aunt Susan's spunk. Throughout their childhood Mary had led him through mischief from one scrape to the next; yet, she had also stood by his side as they had reset his shoulder as a child and when they're grandfather had died. When he had returned from Oxford he had found his Mary to have blossomed into a beautiful young lady but her smile had reassured him that she was still the same girl he had left behind. Yes indeed, his cousin was not an unpleasant topic for his thoughts to rest on. His attention was drawn back to Susan's question.
"I was just thinking of your devilish little sister." He said as he absent mindedly patted her hand on his arm.
"oh" said Susan with a knowing smile. The entire family was quite confident of the attachment between Tom and Mary; yet, Susan alone was perceptive enough to realize that the cousins themselves were unaware of their feelings for each other.
When they arrived at the table Susan was immediately accosted by the one person Susan sought to actively avoid. Her sweet nature found little fault with her group of acquaintances in general; however Sir Stuart Smyth-Barnes was a determined exception.
"Ms. Bertram I have been actively searching for your hand all evening, your ravishing appearance is in contrast with your very delicate constitution. It is shocking to see young ladies such as yourself be overexerted in this taxing business of dancing. Allow me to fan you and bring you refreshments." Susan politely declined his invitation stating that she was quite well and rather rested after her break. "Well, then let me escort you to the floor. I am always in favor of a little exercise for young women, nothing is more appropriate for their constitution." With this he took her small hand in his large sweaty one, Susan attempted a small polite smile. What she saw over her shoulder nearly caused her to leap with joy. She quickly extracted her from Sir Smyth-Barnes grasp and almost ran to the door and into the arms of a rather tall sailor...
II
"I wanted to surprise you, I see that I have succeeded." He said smiling at her excitement as he held her at arms length. "You've gotten so beautiful, I hardly recognize the Susan I left behind." Susan blushed a very becoming shade of pink, her blush only intensified as she remembered her manners and turned to greet the rest of her guests.
"Susan, I believe you might be acquainted with Lt. William Price," said her brother with a teasing smile as he motioned to a smaller yet very handsome young man with a mop of flaxen curls.
"Yes, I believe we have met." She said as a bright smile spread across her face.
"Susan, It has been too long since we last met." Replied William as he took her hand.
Susan brushed the hand away and laughed as she embraced her cousin, "You need never stand on ceremony with me William Price!"
"You haven't changed a bit, Suzilu." He said laughingly using his childhood name for his older cousin. Their youth had been spent in marvelous mischief and adventure at Mansfield. William and his sister Meredith, now Lady Martindale, had spent many a happy summer at Mansfield with their cousins playing make believe and getting in all sorts of scrapes.
"May I present my other Lieutenant, Lt. Alexander Knightly." Lt. Knightly was a handsome young man who took after his mother a great deal. With her sunny disposition and mop of golden curls, the young Lieutenant had already begun to turn heads in the ballroom.
"Lt. Knightly it is a pleasure to see you again, I feel as if I almost know you for your mother speaks of you quite often." Indeed, the Knightlys, especially Lady Knightly (affectionately known around Mansfield as 'Aunt Emma') were a somewhat permanent fixture at both the Park and the Parsonage. The Bertram and Knightly families had been connected in friendship for quite a few generations and this generation had only strengthened the bond.
"Aaah, my mother and sister have no little praise of you Ms. Bertram, I do believe I hear the phrase 'Well, Susan said...' fall from my sister's lips a good twenty times a day. Replied Lt. Knightly good naturedly as he flashed a brilliant smile at Susan.
"Edmund, you have come at last. I shall not speak to you for staying away so long." Came the impassioned speech of Mary as she leapt into her brother's arms.
"Who is this lovely young lady, it can't be my Mary, no Mary was a little hoyden!" laughed Edmund as he held his baby sister. They were soon joined by the their families who were sufficiently overjoyed at the arrival of their favorite naval officers.
III
"How is your sister Lieutenant Knightly, she is visiting her cousins in London is she not." Asked Susan as Lieutenant Alexander Knightly led her to the dance floor.
"She is quite well, and rather anxious to return home, my elder brother, John, shall convey her home next week"
"Oh, I am so glad, I have missed her a great deal."
"She shares your sentiment, our party of sailors visited her for a few days before coming here and all she spoke of was you and Mary."
"Yes, she is a great favorite with us both." Susan was uncharacteristically animated as she spoke of her dearest friend. She soon returned to her naturally shy state, a cause of concern to the young Lieutenant.
"Miss Bertram, I do hope I'm not boring you?" inquired a slightly worried Lieutenant Knightly
"Oh, I'm not bored Sir" said Susan blushing shyly.
"Well, then let us discuss you, you are obviously quite beautiful, so much so that I need not compliment you on it like I would a plainer young lady; therefore we shall discuss your accomplishments."
"Sir, I do not understand..."
"You must ride or paint or something of that nature do you not."
"Indeed, I do like to paint..."
"Excellent, may I come see some of your work tomorrow then?"
"It is hardly worth a viewing Sir, I do not know why you would like to see it"
"Actually I would simply like to better make your acquaintance."
A small "oh" died on Susan's lips as the dance ended and he led her back.
The next few days brought the three officers into contact a great deal either at Donwell Abbey or Mansfield, consequently throwing Lieutenant Alexander Knightly and Edmund's sisters together a great deal as well. Lieutenant Knightly was in earnest as he sought to draw out Susan from her shell, but her quiet nature stunted most conversations. Susan was enthused about the prospect of a relationship with the handsome, debonair Lieutenant as propriety would allow. She recognized the dissimilarity of temper but she had never had an agreeable suitor before. Most of the local gentlemen who had courted her had been uncouth and unfeeling and quite frankly were a tad dull. Although Susan was insufferably shy she had a sharp mind, which although tempered by a sweet nature, was unleashed with those she was closest with. Yet, try as she might she could not break her reserve with this young sailor, she simply wasn't comfortable enough with him to talk freely without feeling self-conscience.
Her sister Mary on the other hand was talkative and adventurous, with such similarity of nature between Lieutenant Knightly and Mary she had soon had begun to occupy the entirety of his time. They planned riding excursions and had long chats about their favorite literature and music. Sharing a great passion for both, their heated discussions drew attention to all and Lady Emma Knightly was quite sure of an attachment between her younger son and Miss Mary Bertram. Susan didn't begrudge her sister his friendship because she realized that she didn't like the Lieutenant, she just liked being admired by him. However, she felt the loss keenly; it was a realization that prince charming, for charming the Lieutenant was indeed, would not be riding out of the mist to rescue her. Infact, she would probably marry a portly, dull country squire more interested in her looks than anything else she could offer. It would be in her best interest to allow Mr. Rushworth to pay his attentions to her; Susan contemplated this with a great deal of resignation but realized that many opportunities at single men interested in marrying a very shy young woman would not be coming her way.
IV
"Aaah, I do confess I am quite taken with her she is lovely and witty and so full of life," replied Alexander as a rather dreamy look glazed over his eyes. Edmund entered the room and taking one look at the love stricken look of Lieutenant Knightly turned to his cousin and asked "Who is it this time? Not a scullery maid or is he still pining for that married Countess we met in town last week."
"Neither, you'll never guess who"
Edmund sighed, "I've always found that expression rather tedious, since I'll never guess you might as well tell me."
"Mary"
"He's getting married...Is he off his rocker" exploded Edmund as he leapt from his seat
"Not, marry ... M-A-R-Y, your sister, old man" calmly explained William, enjoying the rather stricken look on his cousin's face.
"My SISTER!" exploded Edmund again, once again upsetting the foot stool he had righted after his last outburst.
"Calm yourself Edmund, I think that I love her." Came the passionate reply of Lieutenant Knightly.
"I shall NOT calm myself, this is the same line you gave me about the cobbler's daughter in Plymouth and Miss Marguerite Samuels in Bath and Lady Arianna Rothdale in London and ...."
"I get the picture Edmund, but it's different, I can't get her out of my head, she is perfection itself and I think that she is the one."
"The one what?"
"The one I want to marry.
"That's marry, M-A-R-R-Y, Edmund" came the mock serious snicker from William.
"Oh be quiet Price" replied Alexander and Edmund simultaneously.
"Do you believe she reciprocates her feelings?" asked Edmund as his thoughts flew to Tom, for he recognized his quiet cousin's affection for his sister. He also recognized that Tom's almost shy demeanor was no match for the impassioned nature of Lieutenant Alexander Knightly.
"I believe she cares for me, yes." Stated Alexander head held high.
"Well, if you are confident in her affections perhaps you will agree to share your rather chequered past with her in order to enlighten her of the situation in which she is placing herself. For although I am your friend, I am her BROTHER and would rather die than have anyone, and I mean ANYONE hurt her." A certain steeliness entered Edmund's voice as he spoke and Lieutenant Knightly realized the depths of affection between brother and sister.
"Do not forget that I too have a sister Bertram." This statement brought a deep blush from Edmund as he recalled that Lieutenant Knightly did indeed have a sister, a very charming one at that.
"I know that you would never act in an ungentlemanly fashion, I just don't want you to engage her heart and then move on to greener pastures."
"I assure you that I mean to engage her heart for good Edmund." At this Edmund let out a deep sigh for he realized that Lieutenant Alexander Knightly was the perfect person to engage the rather untamed heart of his sister. Whether he was best suited for her was another question altogether, he must first ascertain Mary's feelings towards Lieutenant Knightly before proceeding further.
Meanwhile, Susan and Mary were enjoying a brief moment of solitude in order to do exactly that, ascertain Mary's feelings towards Lieutenant Knightly.
"Susan, I feel as if I've never met a man so vigorous and so full of adventure and spirit. Now he is a man to be revered and lauded, for he scoffs at danger and revels in life." Exclaimed Mary as she clasped her hands in glee.
"Mary, you sound like you are describing a hero in a romance novel, don't you think that 'dashing' and 'charming' aren't the most important qualities to seek in a life partner."
"Susan, you are as romantic as a pile of stones, I want someone who can keep me entertained and amazed."
"Madam, I remind you that some of the world's finest, and most romantic structures, have been formed from a pile of stones, like the Parthenon or the Taj Mahal. I personally respect a man who is kind, dutiful, and loving far more than a rugged adventurer," replied Susan as she thought of Tom, a man she considered perfectly suited to make her slightly wild sister perfectly happy in the years to come.
"That is where we differ my dear, Lieutenant Alexander Knightly has captured my imagination and I daresay my heart with his merely 'dashing' ways as you state it." Then looking at her sister in earnest, "Susilu, I do believe that I...that I care for him, I don't know if he returns my affection but...I feel that he and I are well suited in manners and feeling. He is a good man" said Mary with a blush creeping up her cheeks.
Susan was not the only one who heard this quiet but impassioned speech, her cousin Tom had chosen this moment to enter the Parsonage to ask them to accompany him for a ride but he immediately turned and left the room. Of the two young women, only Susan noted the pain in his eyes as he left...
V
Along the lawn of Donwell Abbey, a young girl walked languidly, her blond curls brushed back from her face as a cool breeze filled the air. She was lovely; with a tall, handsome build and delicate features she appeared almost a figure from a painting rather than a living, breathing creature. At least she appeared as such to her admirer. He crept behind her and tapped her arm lightly.
"Miss Knightly, I had not realized that you had returned from London."
"Captain Bertram, what a pleasure!" she said covering her delight with a demure smile.
"The pleasure is all mine, I have...I have been eager to seek a better acquaintance with you after we met at your cousin's home." At this she could merely blush. Sensing her discomfort, Edmund shifted the conversation; "I brought my sisters with me, they are in the house conversing with your younger brother."
"Wonderful," she said as her face was lit up with a bright smile.
"How is your elder brother faring?"
"He is somewhat better, but I think that is merely a front for Mama and Papa. I am so worried about him. I rue the day I introduced him to CiCi, I can't believe that my own friend would allow John to fall in love with her and then run away with someone else."
"They were engaged were they not?"
"Yes, the announcement had already run in the papers, so when CiCi left, all of London looked upon John with pity. And if there is one thing John cannot bear it is pity."
"So he escaped to Highbury"
"Yes, normally I would be so happy to have him here, but I cannot bear to see him so much pain, he really loved her a great deal."
"Perhaps the ball at the Park might serve to lift his spirits"
"A ball?"
"Why yes, that is why we came today, it's honor of a very felicitous return of friends to the neighborhood" he said as he looked at her pointedly.
"Really, I was unaware that your family valued the return of John and Alexander so much" she said as she began walking towards the house. She felt a light pressure on her arm as Edmund held it, "Do not forget how much your presence is valued Miss Knightly"
"Yes, I value Mary and Susan's friendship exceedingly as well." As the corners of her mouth turned up, she was baiting him.
"They are not the only ones." Replied Edmund his voice a little shaky.
"Really" she said looking up at him so earnestly, her blue eyes shining.
"Really" replied Edmund as he bent his tall frame to brush his lips with hers.
They were interrupted by the sound of a horse galloping in the distance, it was her older brother John and their father Sir Knightly. At that the moment was lost and they returned to the house, one heart filled with joy and a little apprehension and the second overjoyed in knowing that her affection was returned.
A pair of dark eyes smiled down upon him as they sat in the park, "Oh John will you never be serious?"
"My dearest girl if you wanted a serious husband you should have accepted Reverend Sheffield" he said as the referred to their 80 year old minister.
"John you are truly a fool" she said as she kissed his nose.
"There is one thing I can say with all seriousness", he said bringing his head close to her face.
"And what is that Sir" her breath blowing lightly on his cheek.
"That I love you" he said kissing her lightly. She turned from him and said, "And I you, John"
Now he realized that she could not look him in the eyes and lie.
His reverie was broken by the entrance of his sister Emily, "John" she said shyly "may I come in"
"When have I ever refused you anything Em," he said as his perpetual frown was broken by a small smile for his sister.
"I'm so sorry John this is all my fault..If I hadn't introduc..."
"Stop right there Em, first of all it is not, nor ever will be your fault, secondly I'm thankful I met her and was blessed to love her. I would never regret making her acquaintance, my only regret was that she chose the path she chose. And that is something I can't do anything about," he said bitterly turning to his glass of brandy.
Emily rose and went to his side, removing the glass from his hands and taking both his hands in hers she looked into his pain filled eyes. "John, you must start returning to life. Just because you've been hurt doesn't mean that you should withdraw completely into your shell. I can't allow you to give up just because of this...The Bertrams are having a ball in two days time and I want you to come." He began to protest, but she merely held up her hand indicating that she was resolved on his attendance, "You are coming, and you will enjoy yourself." She rose and kissed her elder brother's forehead brushing back his dark hair. "I love you very much, John"
"I love you too, Em," he said his deep blue eyes smiling back at her.
VI
"Susan you cannot wear that tired gown, it is perfectly dull."
"Mary, I have no Alexander that I wish to impress." To which she received a pillow stuffed in her face from her younger sister.
"Seriously Susan, I insist that you wear this" she said as she laid out a lovely pink gown that complemented her sister's coloring beautifully.
"It is all the same to me Mary." She said with a sigh, "Now run along and get dressed, you silly girl," as her sister threw another pillow at Susan.
The young men had no small apprehension concerning the evening. The scene at Donwell Abbey was quite similar to that at the Parsonage, one sibling rather intent upon their overall appearance, the other dripping with apathy.
"Oh, buck up man, you should at least pretend to be enthused about this venture," said Alexander as he fixed his cravat.
"I would not even be going had I not promised Emily," said John with a deep sulk.
"Mark my words you'll go to this ball and find a pretty young thing and forget all about CiCi."
"I wish I had your...ahem...short-term memory concerning the ladies."
"Very amusing, now go get ready, I intend to be on time for this event so I can claim the first dance with Miss Bertram."
When Captain Edmund Bertram descended from the stairs and kissed his still lovely mother on the cheek he called out to his sisters. He too was rather eager to engage the hand of a certain young lady. When Susan came down the steps, all train of thought stopped in Edmund's mind. 'My little Susan is all grown up' was the only thought that ran through his mind, he had always envisioned her as the little girl who had run about the fields following him and William. Before him stood a vision of beauty, her gown made her skin glow and Edmund couldn't help but tear up a little.
She was followed by Mary, who rather flounced down the stairs into her brother's arms, "So how do I look Edmund" she asked with a playful smile on her lips. She was indeed, stunning but very much the same playful child she had always been.
"I cannot believe that I am escorting the three loveliest women in England to this ball."
At this his father entered, "I do believe that I shall share this honor," he said after complimenting his daughters. "You, of course, get your looks from your beautiful mother," he said as he bestowed a tender kiss on his wife's lips. Their children had long been accustomed to shows of affection between their parents, indeed they had a deep respect for the love that their parents shared.
Susan Bertram brushed the tears from her face as she ran through the garden. Through her pain she managed a small smile, 'I doubt many women have responded to a proposal in this manner.' Mr. Rushworth had accosted her after their dance, proceeded to slobber all over her hand, profess his undying love, and assure himself of her affection in a matter of minutes. She had mumbled some unintelligable answer about 'time to think' and ran as fast as propriety and a ball gown would allow.
The ball had been going so well, at least she was afforded with some consolation in the way of her siblings. She had left Edmund dancing with dear, dear Emily; the deliriously happy grin pasted on the face of Miss Knightly was not only mirrored but magnified on the face of her brother. Mary had danced as much with Lieutenant Knightly as propriety would allow, and even the few dances she had danced with another were with William and Edmund. Poor Tom had managed to keep up a brave front by accompanying the Miss Smythe-Barnes and Miss Leyton a great deal. Yet, the joy that radiated from him as he led Mary to the floor was tell-tale to all but the lady herself.
'At least they have found someone to love' she thought without bitterness but with an intense sadness and resignation. 'I had better accept him, but how can I marry a man I cannot be in the company of without cringing. Yet, my dowry is paltry so there is no attraction there, and I am not a tenth as lively or charming as Mary...this may be my last offer, and I do wish to have children'. Yet, the thought of producing a multitude of little Rushworths made her shudder. Stopping in the center of the dark garden she said aloud "So the question remains, should I aim for happiness or settle for security."
A voice from behind her in the darkness made Susan jump in surprise, "If I were you I would go for happiness, so very few of us get a chance at it."
VII
"Do not be alarmed, I just came out of the ball for a brief moment of respite." Said the rather melancholy voice.
"I'm...sorry if I'm intruding, I'll leave." And Susan moved to do just that.
"No wait, sit down, you obviously have a very pressing question on your mind and are escaping from something or rather someone." Susan sat down next to the figure, yet the darkness prohibited her from making out his features, yet his voice was unfamiliar. "I myself am escaping from my past and you are escaping from..."
"Rushworth, a Mr. Rushworth" the moment the words slipped from her lips Susan was shocked to find herself confiding in a stranger. She who had never even been able to make conversation with people she had known for a lifetime.
"Aaah, Rushworth he owns an estate not far from here, a rather dull fellow if I remember correctly."
"Careful Sir, I might marry him."
"Oh, I'm quite sorry, so you love him."
"No, not really"
"You admire him."
"No, not really."
"You're marrying for money?"
"No!"
"Then may I inquire why you are considering marrying a man whom you do not admire, want, or love."
"Because I may learn to love him...in time...Because, I may never get another offer...because I sincerely doubt I'll find a man who loves me." She said her voice quivering. Her voice quieted and she said asked him, "so what are you escaping from in your past?"
"The memory of the only woman I ever loved."
"Did she...Is she...did she die?" asked Susan almost in a whisper.
Her partner let out a melancholy chuckle, "no she left me for my best friend."
"Oh, I am sorry... but if you don't mind me saying, you are quite privileged."
"Privileged, to be abandoned by the one you love," he scoffed.
"But, you have loved," she said shyly, "you can never have that love taken from you, regardless whether the object of your affection returns it or not." Then turning away, "some of us had never even had the opportunity to love at all." With that she rose and ran from the garden.
Susan entered the ballroom after composing herself, from the corner of her eyes she saw the portly figure of Mr. Rushworth approach her, she went directly to her cousin William and whispered in his ear "ask me to dance." Lieutenant Price bowed to the lady with whom he was conversing and began to lead his fair cousin to the dance floor when she was met by Emily who was fairly dragging a young man along with her.
"Susan, allow me to introduce you to my rather wayward brother, John," she said as she presented a young man of 5 and 20 who was the spitting image of his father, Sir Knightly, with the exception of having his mother's deep blue eyes. The effect fairly took Susan's breath away, he was far and away the most handsome man she had ever met.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Bertram," he said solemnly. Susan froze, at the sound of his voice. 'Lovely', it had to be the first man she had found attractive, just her brilliant luck.
"Mr. Knightly, I believe we have already met."
VIII
"Miss Bertram, excuse me but, you are hardly at all what I expected" stated Mr. Knightly as he gazed upon Susan.
"Sir, I do not comprehend," she said shyly.
"Well, in the garden I expected someone a little...well...a little plainer, you are one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever had the pleasure of acquaintance with." The tone this was uttered in was hardly that of an ardent lover, it was said in a very matter of manner as if he was appraising her for her worth. His manner was so unaffected, that it irked her.
"Well Sir, you are hardly what I anticipated, you hardly look the part of ..." stopping herself abruptly.
"Of what Madam"
"Of a jilted lover." She said half fear and half glee. At that the staid and morose Mr. John Knightly of Highbury threw back his head and laughed out loud. The effect that it wrought on his countenance was amazing, the smile he revealed dazzled Susan with his pearly white teeth and hearty laugh. She soon found herself laughing along side him.
"Mr. Knightly, in the garden... I wish to assure you that I spoke plainly because I was under the blanket of anonymity, I usually do not do that."
"Do what?" he said his eyes searching her countenance as she lowered her eyes almost in shame.
"Speak, or rather speak plainly."
"You should madam, it suits you well." The totality of his compliments were uttered in such an indifferent manner that Susan was lead to believe that he actually meant them. It was as if he actively disliked complimenting her and his doing so was prompted rather by performing his duty to speaking to the truth than enjoyment. Thus, his words were heartfelt, especially in comparison to the artifice usually levied her way by the likes of Mr. Rushworth and company.
The silence that ensued gave further proof to his suspicions, Miss Susan Bertram was amongst those few, incredibly beautiful women who were positively unsure of themselves. 'She has a lively mind, she has a sweet nature, she is obviously beautiful. Why would such a woman sacrifice herself to the likes of Rushworth. It is obvious she has no idea how exceptional she is, or rather how exceptional she has the capacity to become once she is drawn from her shell.' He thought to himself, 'she merely needs someone to ease her transition, perhaps helping another shall ease my own pain' his mind wandered back to those laughing dark eyes that looked down upon him, 'no I rather doubt that spending time with her or anyone shall do THAT. But at least it is a diversion.' With that John Knightly had resolved that fate had thrown Susan Bertram in his path so that he may lead her to some happiness, 'perhaps he could give her that which had been denied to him.'
As their dance ended, and he moved to escort her to dinner, he leaned over, "Miss Bertram, If I may be so bold, a word of advice' at that Susan looked up at him, "Do not marry Rushworth."
Mary stood apart from the crowd and surveyed Lieutenant Knightly with no little interest. He was charming, and courteous; at present he was engaged in speaking to Miss Leyton and she would every so often laugh merrily at his wit. He was utterly devoted to her and the pride Mary felt at his charming nature was somewhat lessened by the jealousy that had begun to gnaw at her. After completing their dance he had scarcely glanced at her way for the remainder of the evening. His manners with her had mirrored those he employed with Miss Leyton. 'Could it be I have mistaken the strength of his regard?' she wondered uneasily, her eyes brimming with tears.
'He must care for me, he couldn't have misled me so. I am mistaken' her thoughts smarting with denial. Dinner was announced. 'This shall test it, he shall excuse himself and escort me in.' Miss Leyton bestowed her arm upon her brother, Mr. Leyton. Yet, instead of returning to Mary, Lieutenant Knightly took Miss Leyton's arm from her brother and proceeded to escort her in. Mary felt as if someone had knocked the wind from her and was entirely unconscious of the utterly stricken look on her face.
"Mary" said a familiar voice at her side. Mary turned to towards it, her lip trembling with emotion. Tom had seen the entire scene, he had to actively bite his tongue to avoid censure of the gentleman in question. He wanted to call out Knightly's lack of worth, he wanted to profess his own unconditional love, he wanted to assault Knightly for injuring his beloved. Yet, all he did was offer his arm and tenderly brush away a tear that threatened to slip down her cheek, saying softly, "shall we?" and proceed to lead her to the dining room.