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Mary Bennet: A Novella in the Personages of Pride & Prejudice Collection
Now that all her sisters have left home, long-neglected Mary Bennet finds herself the focus of her mother's attention. Mrs. Bennet intends to find the perfect match for her bookish, socially awkward daughter, and Mary wants nothing more than to please her mother. But when Mary receives the gift of a large dowry, Mrs. Bennet is no longer content to find her daughter an ordinary husband. He must be rich as well as landed. Now the center of Meryton society, Mary realizes her dream of being noticed, but will she find herself ill-equipped to handle the attention? Will her moralizing ways scare away her mother's choice of suitor? But more importantly, can Mary please her family without losing herself in the process? Mary Bennet is a novella of approximately 33,000 words. Other Works in the Personages of Pride & Prejudice Collection Charlotte Collins (A Novel) "Maria Lucas" (A Short Story) Caroline Bingley (A Novel) Personages of Pride & Prejudice (Includes Charlotte Collins, "Maria Lucas," and Caroline Bingley.)
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 5, 2019
As I finish up the last of the author's connected stories featuring the Personages of Pride & Prejudice, I thought it fitting that it was Mary Bennet's tale. The last daughter remaining at home and the last to come into her own.
Mr. Darcy gives his new sister in law a substantial dowry which plunges Mary into a world that she had only observed from the outside looking in. Mary is now the belle of the ball, so to speak. She has convinced herself that feelings and tender emotions are not sensible reasons to enter the state of matrimony so she ignores the friendship and meeting of minds she feels with her uncle's law clerk and seeks to win her mother's approval with a marriage that will bring her a husband with an estate and high standing in the neighborhood.
Mary is something of a hot mess through a good deal of this novella and I delighted in seeing her at a crossroads and forced to reassess everything she thinks she knows and desires. I sympathized as she agonized and stumbled and hoped that she acknowledged the truth including what her father's guidance really meant instead of what she thought it meant.
Again, I applaud the author for not being afraid to write a character, flaws and all, much as she appeared in Austen's novel and also making her a worthy heroine. It didn't hurt that the hero was a man who saw Mary as attractive before she had a dowry, thought her parents were amusing and likeable and was there for her even when it went against his own feelings and interests.
The epilogue left me smiling.
I can heartily recommend this story and the whole collection.
Mr. Darcy gives his new sister in law a substantial dowry which plunges Mary into a world that she had only observed from the outside looking in. Mary is now the belle of the ball, so to speak. She has convinced herself that feelings and tender emotions are not sensible reasons to enter the state of matrimony so she ignores the friendship and meeting of minds she feels with her uncle's law clerk and seeks to win her mother's approval with a marriage that will bring her a husband with an estate and high standing in the neighborhood.
Mary is something of a hot mess through a good deal of this novella and I delighted in seeing her at a crossroads and forced to reassess everything she thinks she knows and desires. I sympathized as she agonized and stumbled and hoped that she acknowledged the truth including what her father's guidance really meant instead of what she thought it meant.
Again, I applaud the author for not being afraid to write a character, flaws and all, much as she appeared in Austen's novel and also making her a worthy heroine. It didn't hurt that the hero was a man who saw Mary as attractive before she had a dowry, thought her parents were amusing and likeable and was there for her even when it went against his own feelings and interests.
The epilogue left me smiling.
I can heartily recommend this story and the whole collection.
September 12, 2015
Listen to Your Heart, Mary!
I’ve long ago determined that one of my favorite types of Austenesque novels were ones that focused on minor characters. Jane Austen created characters that are interesting, accessible, likable, and full of personality. It is no wonder that readers find these characters so memorable and captivating. Even Jane Austen’s own family would press her with questions about the Bennets, Knighleys, and other characters. And she would in turn divulge the fate of these characters and the unknown particulars of their lives.
What did Jane Austen say about Mary Bennet? Merely that she “obtained no higher than one of her uncle Philip’s clerks, and was content to be considered a star in the society of Meriton [sic].” Skilled Austenesque author, Jennifer Becton, has decided to flesh-out a story about Mary Bennet from this little quote shared by Jane Austen’s nephew, James Edward Austen-Leigh in his Memoir of Jane Austen. And after reading her fabulous works that highlighted Charlotte Collins and Caroline Bingley, I was most eager to see what she would do with poor, forgotten Mary.
In this sequel novella, we visit upon the Bennets as Mrs. Bennet decides to focus all her attention and energy on marrying off her plain, moralizing daughter. After settling upon Mr. Philip’s new clerk as Mary’s ideal future husband, the Bennets receive word of an extremely generous dowry from Mr. Darcy for Mary which causes Mrs. Bennet to abandon her original plan of Mr. Hardcastle and aim for higher, wealthier prospects. Forbidden to “moralize” and share pre-constructed quotes from her readings, poor Mary is finding the world of courtships, conversations, and engagements quite overwhelming and confusing, especially now that she is heiress! And with no sisters at home to guide her, Mary is left to follow Mrs. Bennet’s reasoning and council instead of trusting her own instincts and heart. And as a dutiful daughter who was taught to always obey one’s parents, that is just what she does…
One of my favorite aspects of this tale was seeing how Mary evolved from the pedantic and showy sister in Pride and Prejudice to a heroine that captures our admiration and sympathies. I think this version of Mary Bennet is very endearing, she notices her short-comings, and she no longer has such an elevated opinion of herself and her talents. I also enjoyed witnessing the development of Mary’s relationships with both her parents – especially Mr. Bennet who several times invited Mary into his inner sanctum and treated her questions and disappointments with care and kindness. And lastly I greatly approve of the hero of this tale; I found him to be likable, intriguing, and a perfect match for Mary. Wish we saw more of him!
If I were name a fault with this book, it would have to be that it is a novella and I would have dearly loved for it to be a novel. (This opinion is completely biased and coming to you from a person who prefers novels over novellas. ;)) After seeing and loving the development and treatment Ms. Becton gave Caroline Bingley and Charlotte Collins in their full-length novels, I sort of wish she did the same for Mary. While the story is engaging, well-constructed, and satisfying, events and feelings do progress at a rapid pace and I would have loved to spend more time with the Bennets, Randalls, and Hardcastles. Despite my preference for a longer work, I thoroughly enjoyed this charming story of how Mary Bennet married one of Mr. Phillip’s clerks. What a happy ending for this plain, sermonizing, and neglected Bennet sister!
I’ve long ago determined that one of my favorite types of Austenesque novels were ones that focused on minor characters. Jane Austen created characters that are interesting, accessible, likable, and full of personality. It is no wonder that readers find these characters so memorable and captivating. Even Jane Austen’s own family would press her with questions about the Bennets, Knighleys, and other characters. And she would in turn divulge the fate of these characters and the unknown particulars of their lives.
What did Jane Austen say about Mary Bennet? Merely that she “obtained no higher than one of her uncle Philip’s clerks, and was content to be considered a star in the society of Meriton [sic].” Skilled Austenesque author, Jennifer Becton, has decided to flesh-out a story about Mary Bennet from this little quote shared by Jane Austen’s nephew, James Edward Austen-Leigh in his Memoir of Jane Austen. And after reading her fabulous works that highlighted Charlotte Collins and Caroline Bingley, I was most eager to see what she would do with poor, forgotten Mary.
In this sequel novella, we visit upon the Bennets as Mrs. Bennet decides to focus all her attention and energy on marrying off her plain, moralizing daughter. After settling upon Mr. Philip’s new clerk as Mary’s ideal future husband, the Bennets receive word of an extremely generous dowry from Mr. Darcy for Mary which causes Mrs. Bennet to abandon her original plan of Mr. Hardcastle and aim for higher, wealthier prospects. Forbidden to “moralize” and share pre-constructed quotes from her readings, poor Mary is finding the world of courtships, conversations, and engagements quite overwhelming and confusing, especially now that she is heiress! And with no sisters at home to guide her, Mary is left to follow Mrs. Bennet’s reasoning and council instead of trusting her own instincts and heart. And as a dutiful daughter who was taught to always obey one’s parents, that is just what she does…
One of my favorite aspects of this tale was seeing how Mary evolved from the pedantic and showy sister in Pride and Prejudice to a heroine that captures our admiration and sympathies. I think this version of Mary Bennet is very endearing, she notices her short-comings, and she no longer has such an elevated opinion of herself and her talents. I also enjoyed witnessing the development of Mary’s relationships with both her parents – especially Mr. Bennet who several times invited Mary into his inner sanctum and treated her questions and disappointments with care and kindness. And lastly I greatly approve of the hero of this tale; I found him to be likable, intriguing, and a perfect match for Mary. Wish we saw more of him!
If I were name a fault with this book, it would have to be that it is a novella and I would have dearly loved for it to be a novel. (This opinion is completely biased and coming to you from a person who prefers novels over novellas. ;)) After seeing and loving the development and treatment Ms. Becton gave Caroline Bingley and Charlotte Collins in their full-length novels, I sort of wish she did the same for Mary. While the story is engaging, well-constructed, and satisfying, events and feelings do progress at a rapid pace and I would have loved to spend more time with the Bennets, Randalls, and Hardcastles. Despite my preference for a longer work, I thoroughly enjoyed this charming story of how Mary Bennet married one of Mr. Phillip’s clerks. What a happy ending for this plain, sermonizing, and neglected Bennet sister!
December 5, 2018
In this sequel of P&P Mary Bennet is the last of the sisters living at home (Catherine is unmarried and staying at Pemberley) and becomes the focus of her mother's matchmaking. This is made complicated when she is given a dowry of 10,000 pounds from Mr. Darcy. Can she finally awaken to romance and marry for love by following her heart, and not spend her time trying to do what her mother believes to be the best. Can she evolve from her pedantic nature.
Very enjoyable re-read of this well-written story, I just wish it had been a lot longer
Very enjoyable re-read of this well-written story, I just wish it had been a lot longer
May 1, 2019
4.5! Yea Mary and Mr Bennet!
September 18, 2025
Oh my giddy aunt…..Mary falls in love! So much fun to read about Mary’s foray into romance.💕
“Can you not?” he asked again. “Perhaps you are unaware of the ‘symptoms of love’ as you call them. Consider your time with Mr. Hardcastle. Have you not felt a certain quickening of your heart? A heating of your skin as if his gaze alone could set you aflame? A flutter in your midsection?” Mary looked away, willing her face not to flush. She had experienced those very sensations with Mr. Hardcastle. Was that love? She could hardly believe it to be true. Mary Bennet did not suffer love for Mr. Hardcastle. She felt an absurd attraction and nothing more. “The symptoms you describe could be signs of bilious fever,” she said flatly.”
“Can you not?” he asked again. “Perhaps you are unaware of the ‘symptoms of love’ as you call them. Consider your time with Mr. Hardcastle. Have you not felt a certain quickening of your heart? A heating of your skin as if his gaze alone could set you aflame? A flutter in your midsection?” Mary looked away, willing her face not to flush. She had experienced those very sensations with Mr. Hardcastle. Was that love? She could hardly believe it to be true. Mary Bennet did not suffer love for Mr. Hardcastle. She felt an absurd attraction and nothing more. “The symptoms you describe could be signs of bilious fever,” she said flatly.”
February 28, 2019
It was ok.
Not quite worth the 2.99 but I'm sure I'll read it again. The books I've read by this author seem to be pretty much formatted. I like them well enough,but, the are very much similar in the way in which the plot or storylines go along. As with the others, they just kind of end with very anticlimactic. She writes well, which makes these frustrating. She could go a bit more into the endings, not rely on epilogue as the end. I personally don't think its worth what I paid. We're on a very tight budget and was a but of a spree for me. However, as I (believe) I now have all in this series & will read it again I decided to buy it.
Not quite worth the 2.99 but I'm sure I'll read it again. The books I've read by this author seem to be pretty much formatted. I like them well enough,but, the are very much similar in the way in which the plot or storylines go along. As with the others, they just kind of end with very anticlimactic. She writes well, which makes these frustrating. She could go a bit more into the endings, not rely on epilogue as the end. I personally don't think its worth what I paid. We're on a very tight budget and was a but of a spree for me. However, as I (believe) I now have all in this series & will read it again I decided to buy it.
March 15, 2020
Best yet
Of the author’s four follow ups on minor characters, I enjoyed this one the most with Caroline Bingley in second place. Now that I think about it, all of these characters experienced a change of heart through the hard learned lessons of adversity.
Of the author’s four follow ups on minor characters, I enjoyed this one the most with Caroline Bingley in second place. Now that I think about it, all of these characters experienced a change of heart through the hard learned lessons of adversity.
May 27, 2017
This was a sweet and entertaining romance in an extended Pride & Prejudice universe.
April 15, 2019
Lovely
An interesting variation continues after the events of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. A short but sweet story of Mary
An interesting variation continues after the events of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. A short but sweet story of Mary
Read
December 9, 2019Mary Bennet struggles between what she thinks is expected of her and the friendship of a law clerk.
September 15, 2020
Of all Jennifer Becton’s Pride & Prejudice spin off stories, I liked this one the best.
So well done. Mary’s personality and the situation created by Becton is spot on. Loved it. Loved it.
So well done. Mary’s personality and the situation created by Becton is spot on. Loved it. Loved it.
June 26, 2021
One of my favorite Mary Bennet novels to date. I love the tension between Mary and Simon Hardcastle. Her experience in coming into herself was also a joy to behold.
November 22, 2021
A short, good read of Mary Bennet gaining a husband.
May 18, 2022
The language is wrong (too modern), and Mary is too smart, but it’s cute. I like happy endings.
July 5, 2023
I loved Mary's characterization in this novella. I liked also Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their relationship with their daughter Mary.
February 23, 2024
Sweet. Fun to see what an author thought Mary Bennet could become.
November 28, 2024
I loved the other ones but this story was kinda meh.
December 8, 2024
Mrs. Bennet is just like she was in the orginal book with her daughters and this is all in all a very accurate variation.
March 24, 2015
J’ai retrouvé avec plaisir la plume de Jennifer Becton qui donne la part belle au personnage de Mary ( la sœur oubliée) qui réussit enfin à trouver sa place et à vivre ! J’ai apprécié le fait que l’auteure prenne en compte ce que Jane avait écrit dans une ses lettres (citation des mémoires de Jane) pour développer le destin du personnage. La mère de Mary est fidèle à elle-même dans cette histoire (j’adore la façon dont elle s’enflamme à cause de la dot offerte par Darcy) et j’ai bien aimé le personnage du prétendant de Mary. Idem pour les discussions entre Mary et son père, j’ai apprécié les remises en question de Mr Bennet et la façon dont Mary a pu, secrètement, envier la place occupée par Lizzy. Je suis plus réservée quand à la demande en mariage annulée, j’ai trouvé ça un peu too much, trop chick lit pour coller à l’univers de Jane ( l’histoire du prénom pas conforme est vraiment limite…) mais dans l’ensemble j’ai apprécié le développement du personnage de Mary, tout comme sa résistance aux choses de l’amour ( le tout nourri de citations…).
Ce que j’aime : le développement du personnage de Mary, la façon dont l’auteure s’est basée sur les remarques de Jane Austen. Mrs Bennet, fidèle à elle-même, la relation de Mary avec son père
Ce que j’aime moins : tout le côté « mariage » annulé, le personnage de Mrs Philipps que j’ai trouvé trop raisonnable pour le coup
En bref : Une agréable lecture qui permet de mettre en avant la sœur méconnue de Jane & Lizzy en dépit de certains rebondissements « too much »
Ma note
6,5/10
Ce que j’aime : le développement du personnage de Mary, la façon dont l’auteure s’est basée sur les remarques de Jane Austen. Mrs Bennet, fidèle à elle-même, la relation de Mary avec son père
Ce que j’aime moins : tout le côté « mariage » annulé, le personnage de Mrs Philipps que j’ai trouvé trop raisonnable pour le coup
En bref : Une agréable lecture qui permet de mettre en avant la sœur méconnue de Jane & Lizzy en dépit de certains rebondissements « too much »
Ma note
6,5/10
September 28, 2014
I was really excited that Jennifer Becton wrote a new P&P side-story for Mary, but it wasn't as good as some of her other sequels, especially Caroline Bingley.
Overall 2.5 stars.
Overall 2.5 stars.
July 16, 2016
I really liked this short story. I think that becton stayed true to the spirit of mary bennet.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews