Work Text:
Contrary to Mary, who needs disagreements to demonstrate her independence and intelligence – a cutting remark at dinner achieves Granny’s disapproval and Matthew’s amusement – Edith is bad at conflicts.
Mary excels, of course, at the art of wit and cruelty; replying in the same vein merely makes Edith feel the villain. Plain, wicked stepsister, opposite the true, beautiful princess.
Eras end, things change.
Some don’t. Mary, too, is still unmarried. Regardless, Edith realises she is no better or worse than her sister.
She can drive and has the right length hair. Suddenly, life seems much more exciting than finding a husband.