Chapter Text
Wordsworth had to be around here somewhere, a puzzled Tom thought. He had been to this library all but most of his university career and yet, he could not find his favourite poet. Seemed a bit odd but he never had to look for Wordsworth in this library before. Then again, his prized book of Wordsworth poetry never had coffee spilled on it before. He then came across this woman rolling a book cart about to put Byron back on the shelf, Tom thought that’s where Byron belonged.
“Excuse me miss, do you currently have any Wordsworth poems available here?”
The woman turned around, puzzled.
“Yes, we do. Is it not on the shelf behind you?”
They both turn towards the shelf to check it. Both of them double and even triple checking, a habit that Tom only thought he was accustomed to.
“Oh gosh sorry, we’ve put Wordsworth on a display out front, it’s for this annual poetry bash the library is throwing, I can take you to it if you’d like?” The woman offered.
“Yes please! Thank you so much,” Tom was elated. The young woman zigzagged through multiple bookshelves until finally at this small yet colourful display of poetry. Tom was in heaven.
“Thank you so much Miss…?”
“Bennet, sorry, Mary Bennet”.
Mary- she rather looked like a Mary. She had this elegant grace to her, something that intrigued Tom. He hadn’t seen her working there before, perhaps she was new. Although Tom hadn’t been back to this library for a few months, the law office keeping him busy day in and day out. He realised he had been starring at Mary a little too long than was necessary.
“Forgive me, I’m Tom Hayward”
“Nice to meet you Tom”. Her smile positively beamed light unlike any stars could shine. Tom felt some weird sort of feeling when looking at her, one he wasn’t sure of. Her face seemed to twitch staring at the poetry shelf.
“Do you like poetry Miss Bennet?” Oh my goodness, he called her Miss Bennet, who uses those formalities these days. It’s awfully charming, Mary thought, she also thought that he’s charming, something a recently arrived university student in London doesn’t need.
“No, Mr Hayward, I do not,” Mary giggled. A quiet, charming giggle. Who is Miss Bennet and why does she hate poetry? Is she an alien?
“Do you find not liking poetry funny?” Tom was genuinely confused, who hates poetry?!
“Sorry my laughter had nothing to do with the poetry.”
“You have no need to apologise although I am curious, why do you not like poetry?”
“Ahh the age old question. I just haven’t been able to grasp it. My forte specifically lies in non fiction”.
“Well do you have any non-fiction books you’d recommend? I’ve been looking for something new to read”. Mary’s face started to light up, she hadn’t had anyone ask her for recommendations before. She couldn’t mess this opportunity up.
“Actually yes, although, it has something in it for you as well?”
“Oh? For me? What do you mean for me?” Mary led Tom down to the back of the library and pulled out “The Illustrated Wordsworth’s Guide to the Lakes”.
“Now I’m not sure if you have read this book or not but it has great facts about such a breathtaking area, I’m sure you’ll have the best of both worlds in here.”
“You know I have read this book but thank you, this gives me a reason to reread it.”
“I could always find you another if you’d like?” Mary wondered why she would say that, most likely the high of having someone ask for your recommendation.
“Of course!” Tom regretted his rather animated behaviour but it didn’t seem to bother Mary. In fact, she smiled at him, fully, and what a smile she had.
“Okay, it’s just down here,” and down the aisle they went until Mary stopped grabbed a copy of “Turning the Stone” by Marcia Bjornerud.
“This book is about this wonderful geologist who grew up to study mountains, something of which will be found in your Wordsworth.”
“Do you have an interest in rocks Mary?”
“Yes I do actually, I study geology at Imperial College”
“Have you always enjoyed geology?”
“I’ve always enjoyed facts. Whatever books I could find when I was young, I read. Much to the chagrin of my mother,” God she brought up her mother, the one thing Mary said she wasn’t going to do. Now she’s just brought her up to a charming stranger.
“Well luckily you kept reading, talking about non fiction makes you light up so it must certainly make you happy.” She lit up? Well Mary was going to keep replaying this moment over and over, she knew it already. She couldn’t wait to talk to her Aunt and best friend Ann about this.
“Well thank you, anyways, happy reading, I hope you enjoy your books,”
“I’m sure I will, thank you very much Miss Bennet.”
“You’re very welcome Mr Hayward.”
Something about the way she said his name brought butterflies he never knew he had within him fluttering about his chest. Tom left to borrow his books hastily to get to reading. He was excited to see what this book was about and why it had intrigued Mary. Why was he intrigued by Mary?