[ Mary quickly ascends the stairs to the room she and her sister are sharing and sits before the vanity. Taking a slow, cleansing breath, she tells herself to be calm and sensible. There is no reason to put herself into a state over her feelings. From the outside nothing has changed between herself and Mr. Cartwright and so it shall remain. It doesn't take her long to convince herself of it and she's about to stand when she catches her reflection in the mirror and leans in to examine her appearance.

There have been periods where Mary scrutinized her every feature and just as many where she refused to look in a mirror. There have been times when she cursed her ill luck and times when she scolded herself for her vanity. Today Mary's eyes take in her features and conclude that she is nothing more than just plain. It is a good reminder to remain as she is and to not let the recent understanding of her heart give her grand ideas of things that shall never be. Satisfied that things will be the same moving forward, she returns to the group, a little annoyed to see Mr. Hickinbottom has not yet returned to his work but also pleased that Mr. Cartwright has yet to leave. ]

I apologize for my sudden departure. All is well.

[ Her little cousin stands from her seat and returns it to her, saying: "Mr. Cartwright was just about to tell us of his extensive travels." Mary's eyes travel to the man and a brief smile touches her lips. ]

I always enjoy hearing of the places he's been. It is good I have not missed it.

[ Robert is excited to hear about it and Kitty beckons him over to share her seat with her, scooting to one side of it. As the slimmest one here, it makes sense to her to share.

"Have you been to Corfu?" he asks, hands resting on his knees. "I read about a siege that happened there." ]