‘The Other Bennet Sister’: Does Mary Choose Hayward or Ryder?

The Other Bennet Sister has successfully enchanted us all the way back into Jane Austen’s era. We already knew Elizabeth Bennet, but the Britbox series — based on Janice Hadlow‘s novel of the same name — delivers a “fresh and relatable” perspective from the eyes of Mary Bennet, actress Ella Bruccoleri exclusively told Hollywood Life at the New York City premiere.

“She’s kind of existing in this world where she doesn’t understand the social protocol or the rules of the game,” Ella exclusively told Hollywood Life. “And the main crux of it is that the more she’s in touch with who she really is, rather than trying to change herself to appeal to other people, the more people are drawn to her and love her.”

Although the show emphasizes autonomy, especially for a woman in 19th-century England, viewers still root for Mary while two eligible suitors fancy her: Thomas Hayward (Dónal Finn) and William Ryder (Laurie Davidson). She may not catch onto their hints right away, but Mary, as viewers now know, realizes that she has some stirrings for both of them.

At the North American premiere, Dónal told Hollywood Life that he learned a lot about courtship and how it’s changed, [and] the strengths of what it used to be” from playing his character, Hayward. Meanwhile, for Laurie, the actor explained what he’d advise modern male audience members.

“Guys, get yourself out the gym, stop watching those toxic men on YouTube, and do yourself a favor. Watch our show, read some Austen,” Laurie said, before pointing to the series’ message on self-love. “The greatest love story in our show is with Mary and herself.”

So, who does Mary choose in the end? Hollywood Life has the breakdown on season 1 below! (Warning: spoilers are ahead on the season 1 finale of The Other Bennet Sister). 

What Does Ryder Tell Hayward on the Hike?

In the penultimate episode, viewers see Ryder pull Hayward aside at the top of Scafell Pike during the group’s hike after Hayward was about to — presumably — propose to Mary. Shortly after speaking with Ryder, Hayward becomes quite cold toward Mary, visibly hurting her feelings.

Although Hayward is a gentleman for staying behind to make sure Mary recovers from the fever she caught, he still leaves without a word. So, Mary settles into life as a governess and a single woman.

It turns out that Ryder told Hayward he had been named Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s heir and wanted to propose to Mary, evidently having more security to offer Mary. This hurt Hayward and caused him to back away from his proposa.

Who Does Mary Choose: Ryder or Hayward?

Mary ends up with Hayward. In the season 1 finale, Mary and Hayward unite, he confesses his feelings and proposes to Mary.

Does Mary Get Married in The Other Bennet Sister?

Yes. Mary ends up marrying Hayward, but she does not relinquish her life as a governess. In fact, the couple seem quite supportive of each other as they settle into married life in a new home.