Spring has officially sprung, and luckily for us, it’s arrived hand-in-hand with The Other Bennet Sister. Like the rest of the UK, we’ve been completely swept up in this Pride and Prejudice-inspired period drama. Based on Janice Hadlow’s 2020 novel, the series revisits familiar territory but shifts the spotlight onto the often-overlooked Mary Bennet.
The BBC has now dropped the second half of the series, and somehow, it’s just as compelling, romantic, and quietly devastating as the first.
So, how does it all wrap up? Here’s your The Other Bennet Sister ending explained, including the all-important question: who does Mary Bennet end up with?
BBC/James Pardon
The Other Bennet Sister, ending explained
Does Mary Bennett marry Mr Ryder?
The tenth chapter of The Other Bennet Sister sees Mrs Bennet (Ruth Jones) arrive in London, determined to marry off her youngest daughter, Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri). She even arranges a gathering of eligible suitors, hoping Mary will make a suitable match.
But the predictable plans are upended when Mr Ryder (Laurie Davidson) appears unexpectedly, requesting a private conversation with Mary. He finally apologises for his past mistakes, admitting he was entirely to blame for putting both her and Miss Bingley (Tanya Reynolds) in grave danger at the Lakes.
Then comes the bombshell: Mr Ryder has unexpectedly been named Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s heir and, now armed with a fortune, intends to propose. (An unexpected inheritance and a proposal? Consider us seated.) He even seeks the blessing of Mr Hayward (Dónal Finn) before going through with it.
But Mary surprises everyone by turning him down. Calmly, she explains that she doesn’t love him and that he deserves to find “true happiness.” Still, she cherishes their friendship and encourages him to travel to Italy, where, she suggests, happiness may await. Honestly, who wouldn’t be tempted by that?
BBC/James Pardon