The BBC has released the second half of period drama The Other Bennet Sister, based on Janice Hadlow’s 2020 novel. The finale sees Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri) navigate her mother’s matchmaking and ultimately choose her own path.
Mrs Bennet (Ruth Jones) arrives in London determined to marry off Mary, arranging meetings with eligible suitors. Mr Ryder (Laurie Davidson) appears unannounced, apologising for endangering Mary and Miss Bingley at the Lakes. He reveals he has become Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s heir and proposes, but Mary declines, saying she does not love him and urges him to seek true happiness in Italy.
Mary later encounters Mr Sparrow (Aaron Gill), now a doctor and married with a daughter. He advises her to stop worrying about her mother’s approval. In a scene mirroring Pride and Prejudice, Mary refuses to reconsider Mr Ryder’s proposal, citing her joy in London life and her observation of many miserable marriages.
Mrs Bennet confesses her struggles to secure her daughters’ futures, and Mary acknowledges their differences while appreciating her mother’s efforts. Miss Bingley (Tanya Reynolds) thanks Mary for her help and asks her to leave Mr Ryder alone; Mary reveals she has feelings for Mr Hayward (Dónal Finn), who has disappeared.
The finale concludes with Mary finding contentment in her chosen life, knowing she is “good enough”. Mr Hayward unexpectedly returns, explaining he stepped aside after learning of Mr Ryder’s proposal. The pair reunites, suggesting a romantic future.
