Beginning , Section II

Chapter 15

Posted on September 18. 2008

The subsequent 24 hours were a time of agitation for more than one resident of Mansfield. Tom, Fanny and Mrs. Norris were constantly checking the time. Susan, though ignorant of any details, knew that something was going on. Even the servants seemed aware of an imminent event. They performed their duties in relative silence and avoided any unnecessary contact with the family.

Only Lady Bertram seemed unaware of the tension in the house. She ate a good breakfast; spent the morning alternately napping and working some unattractive piece of needle point; and was able to consume a mid day meal.

As the four o'clock hour drew near, a servant entered and announced that Sir Thomas' carriage had entered the park. The ladies all rose and went out to meet him.

Tom was already standing outside. Fanny approached him and touched his arm. He started and looked at her. She gave him a sympathetic smile and took his arm. He gave a grim smile and patted her hand.

The carriage pulled up to a stop in front of the assembled group. Tom opened the door and handed out his sister who immediately went to her mother. It was apparent to Fanny that Julia was distressed but was attempting to put on a cheerful countenance.

Sir Thomas descended from the carriage. He glanced at Tom and Fanny but greeted his wife first. He briefly acknowledged Mrs. Norris and Susan then turned to his son. The two stood for a minute simply looking at each other. Tom reached out first and hugged his father. Fanny heard him whisper his sorrow as they embraced. Sir Thomas turned to Fanny. She tried to offer her uncle a smile. He hugged her briefly and said softly, "dear Fanny."

The family then moved into the house. Sir Thomas excused himself and asked Tom to join him in his study. Julia stated that she wanted to freshen up before tea and withdrew to her room. The remaining ladies returned to the drawing room.

An hour passed and neither the gentlemen nor Julia appeared. Lady Bertram was anxious to see Julia so Fanny volunteered to check on her. As she started up the stairs, she met Julia coming down. They both stopped and just looked at each other for a few minutes.

Finally, Fanny spoke, "Lady Bertram was concerned; she sent me to check on you."

Julia nodded but did not speak.

"Shall we join the others in the drawing room," said Fanny turning to go downstairs.

"Fanny," said Julia.

Fanny stopped and turned back to face her.

She spoke haltingly. "I wanted to...thank you. For being here for mother and father...Tom as well. I have not been much comfort to them. I guess I have not been much of a friend to you either. Please forgive me."

Fanny smiled. "There is nothing to forgive."

"Father told me of your betrothal to Mr. Crawford. I hope you will be very happy." Her voice held no jealousy or regret, only sincerity.

"Thank you, Julia. I believe we shall be."

Julia smiled. "I am glad. Perhaps...perhaps we might...talk later. I should like to hear about your wedding plans."

"That would be very nice. I should like your opinion on some of the clothes my aunt and uncle have so generously purchased for me. I am afraid I am not current on the latest fashions."

"I would be happy to help you in any way I can."

They hugged awkwardly and went down the stairs. As they reached the bottom, the gentlemen appeared from the study. Fanny was surprised to see Edmund with them. But other than a nod, he did not greet Fanny or his sister.

Sir Thomas led the way into the drawing room. It took a several minutes for the room to settle. Lady Bertram needed time to exclaim over Edmund's surprise appearance. Then she needed to satisfy herself that Julia was well. Once everyone was seated, Sir Thomas began.

"My dear," he said, "I have news of Maria that, I am afraid, is unpleasant."

Her ladyship's eyes grew large and she reached out a hand to her husband.

He took her hand and continued. "Maria has left Mr. Rushworth."

"Left Mr. Rushworth," repeated Lady Bertram.

"Yes, she left Wimpole Street four days ago," he paused, the pain evident on his face. "She has run away with another man."

Lady Bertram paled and fell back against the sofa. Fanny immediately came forward with smelling salts. Tom rose and began to pace in an agitated manner. Julia wept softly into her handkerchief. Edmund remained stoic and silent.

As Fanny saw to her aunt, Sir Thomas asked Susy to fetch a glass of wine for his wife.

Lady Bertram, revived by the smelling salts, accepted the wine and sipped it slowly as her husband ordered.

Fanny moved back to her chair. As she passed by Mrs. Norris, the woman suddenly lashed out at her.

"This is your fault, Fanny Price!"

Fanny stepped back from her in stunned surprise.

The older woman continued. "If you had accepted Henry Crawford from the first, dear, sweet Maria would not have been ruined. She would not have run off."

Tom came to stand beside Fanny, but it was Sir Thomas who spoke. "Mrs. Norris," he said sharply. "How can you blame Fanny for Maria's foolish behavior? What difference would Fanny's marriage to Mr. Crawford have made?"

"If they were married, then Mr. Crawford would have stayed at home with his wife," she shot a sneer at Fanny. "He would not have enticed my poor, innocent Maria to run off with him."

"Madame," barked Sir Thomas, "hold your tongue. You know not of what you speak."

Mrs. Norris glared back at him. "I know that ever since this creature," she gestured to Fanny, "came into your house, she has done nothing but destroy the respectability of this family. She is willful, deceitful and evil---"

"That will do," exclaimed Sir Thomas rising from his seat and crossing the room to stand in front of her.

"Fanny has done nothing but prove her loyalty and affection to those who have scarce taken the time to acknowledge her goodness." Mrs. Norris opened her mouth to speak, but Sir Thomas pressed on. "The man that your ‘innocent' Maria deserted her husband for is not Henry Crawford. Maria fled London in the company of John Yates." By the time he ceased to speak, he was shouting. The room was silent and no one dared to move.

Finally, Sir Thomas said in forced civility, "I believe that you now find the society of this house no longer to your taste, Mrs. Norris. I would suggest, therefore, that you remove to your own dwelling. You have our best wishes for your future. Good bye, Madame."

Mrs. Norris gaped at him for several moments before rising and leaving the room. Once the door was closed behind her, there was a collective release as if everyone had been holding their breath.

Sir Thomas immediately returned to his wife and quietly comforted her, leaving Tom to assist Fanny to a chair. Susan was sent to request that tea be brought in and the others sat quietly, each contemplating the scene that had just played out before them.

Chapter 16

A week after Mrs. Norris' banishment from Mansfield, Tom entered the drawing room where his mother, Julia, Fanny and Susan sat. Fanny had been reading aloud to them as Julia worked a piece of needle work and Susan was untangling Lady Bertram's current project.

He paced about the room until Fanny came to the end of the chapter. "I say, Fanny," he began, "it is an unusually fine day today."

She glanced towards the window then back to him. "Yes, it is."

"Do you not think that a walk in the garden would be nice?"

She smiled slightly. "I suppose it would."

"Perhaps I should take a turn in the garden," said Lady Bertram.

"I do not think you would find it beneficial, ma'am," said Tom quickly. "And I was going to ask Julia to play the new song she has been practicing. I know you would not want to miss it."

"No," said her ladyship, "Julia plays so well."

Fanny and Julia shared a confused glance.

"Come along, Julia," said Tom. "Let us hear your song." Julia rose and made her way to the pianoforte. "And Fanny, I think you will find the roses quite pretty this morning," he added meaningfully.

He practically pushed her towards the door. "Remember," he said, "you should walk towards the roses."

She gave him an amused look and left the room. She stood outside the door wondering whether her cousin had gone mad. She was interrupted by one of the servants who brought her shawl to her.

Fanny was getting suspicious. She had half decided to return to the drawing room and demand that Tom explain himself when a thought came to her. With a smile, she hurried to the rose garden.

As she came around the corner of the hedgerow that led to the roses she was greeted by a very welcome site.

A small table was set with tea and cakes. Standing next to the table was Henry. As soon as he caught sight of her, he grinned and walked towards her.

She practically flew into his arms.

"I am so glad to see you, Henry. I have missed you so much." She buried her head in his chest and clung to him.

He held her tightly for several minutes then pulled back so that he could see her face. He gazed down upon her for a moment then lowered his mouth to hers. They shared a sweet kiss of lovers reunited.

"When did you arrive," she asked when they parted.

"Late last night. I was on my way to see you, when I met Tom. He told me about all that has happened in my absence and suggested that a private greeting might be just what you needed."

"He is the best of cousins," said Fanny smiling. "How was your journey?"

"It went quite well. I would have been back sooner, but my uncle requested that I stop to see him again on my way back."

"How did he react to our engagement?"

"He is pleased that I am finally to settle down and when I told him about you, he was happy that I found a woman who would be able to handle me."

They shared a laugh. "He was so pleased," said Henry reaching into his pocket, "that he sent you this." He pulled out a velvet pouch and handed it to her.

"What is it?"

"Open it and see."

She quickly opened the pouch and emptied it into Henry's hands. It was a strand of pearls with a small diamond clasp.

"It is beautiful," she said softly as she took it up in her hands.

Henry gently took it from her and fastened it around her neck. He traced the curve of the pearls, allowing his fingers to brush the soft skin beneath. "Now," he said, "it is beautiful." She blushed and dropped her eyes.

"And since I could not be outdone by my uncle," he said playfully, "This is from me." He handed her a small box.

She took the box from him, stopping to kiss him before opening it. When she opened the box, she gasped softly. It held a band set with alternating tiny pearls and diamonds. He took the box and removed the ring. He slipped it on her finger and bestowed a kiss upon it. She looked at the ring for a moment then raised her eyes to meet his gaze. "It is so lovely, Henry. Thank you."

He took her in his arms. "You are lovely, Fanny." He kissed her, softly at first but it deepened until they both drew back breathless.

"Perhaps we should have some refreshment," said Henry.

"Perhaps we should," she replied with a smile

Chapter 17

Posted on September 23, 2008

Henry's return should have meant that Fanny's wedding was only a few weeks away. But the situation with Maria had postponed the event.

Sir Thomas had spoken to the couple. He was apologetic, but until something was heard from Maria, he did not think they could move forward. He promised to make it up to them. They were disappointed but they understood.

Fanny wrote to her mother letting her know that there would be a delay and that she would write as soon as a date was fixed.

In the interim, Fanny and Henry spent time planning their future. Henry described Everingham in detail and spoke of the changes he hoped to make, both in the house and the surrounding lands.

After two weeks with no word from Maria or Yates, Sir Thomas decided that he could not ask Fanny to wait any longer. He called Henry and Fanny into his study.

"It would not be fair to ask you to put your wedding off any longer. You have both been extremely forbearing in this situation."

"Sir," said Fanny. "While we do wish to marry soon, we would be willing to wait a little longer."

He stopped her. "No, my dear. You have waited long enough. I will not have you and Henry inconvenienced any longer."

"It is no inconvenience, I assure you sir," said Henry.

Sir Thomas smiled. "I appreciate the offer, but it is uncertain if we shall ever hear from Maria." He sighed. "No, the two of you shall be married. Mansfield is in desperate need of some happiness and I believe that your wedding shall bring it."

After determining a date a fortnight away, they discussed a menu for the wedding breakfast. Fanny would have been perfectly happy with simple fare, but Sir Thomas insisted on something more. Letters were dispatched to the Prices in Portsmouth and to Henry's uncle in London. Henry refused to invite his sister. He was still angry with her and he would not subject Edmund to the pain of seeing her.

Fanny was secretly pleased with this decision. She too wished to spare Edmund pain. She also knew that Mary Crawford's attentions to herself were for the sole purpose of furthering Mary's suit with Edmund. Fanny had no desire to renew the acquaintance.

Fanny found a good friend in Julia. They had shared some awkwardness at first but they were now as close as sisters. They, along with Susy, spent many evenings in their bedchambers talking and laughing.

Two days before the wedding, the Price family arrived. Mrs. Price and Lady Bertram greeted each other affectionately. The grandness of Mansfield Park incited such awe in Mr. Price that he was on his best behavior. The younger children were conveniently whisked away by Susan to the gardens where they could run and play exhausting all the pent up energy which two days in a carriage can bring.

That same day, Henry's uncle, the Admiral arrived. He paid due respect to Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram and was all attentiveness to Fanny.

There seemed so much to talk of and so much to do that there was no time for the unpleasantness that Fanny had anticipated. Everything was going beautifully.

The evening before the wedding, Sir Thomas had arranged for a grand feast. The Bertrams, Prices, Crawfords and Grants were all in attendance. The formal dining room was laid out with the best china, silver and crystal that Mansfield Park could offer.

Sir Thomas was just about to invite his guests to dinner, when the door to the drawing room opened and the servant announced,

"Mrs. Rushworth."

Chapter 18

Posted on September 27, 2008

Even to those who did not know the details surrounding Maria, it was obvious that something was amiss. Upon entering the room, the lady was surprised to find so many people there.

Sir Thomas was in a quandary. His first thought was to drag his wayward daughter into his study and demand an explanation. But he remembered his guests and the purpose for the gathering.

Lady Bertram's eyes were wide and a look of distress appeared on her face causing both Julia and Fanny to go to her. Edmund stood by the fire, a stern look on his face. Tom who had also moved towards his mother shared a look with Sir Thomas.

Maria's courage almost faltered but at that moment, she saw Henry standing behind Fanny, his hand on her shoulder. When Fanny raised her left hand to clasp his, the ring she wore caught the candlelight and sparkled. It was suddenly apparent to Maria just what was going on.

Before Maria could say anything, her father stepped forward. Instead of addressing her, he turned to his guests. "Friends, please excuse me for a few moments. I should like a word with my daughter." He took Maria's elbow and moved towards the door. A glance at each of his sons was all that was necessary for them to follow him out of the room.

Julia and Fanny shared a worried look. Without being asked, Susy appeared with a glass of wine for her aunt.

Trying to dispel the gloom that had filled the room, Henry quickly engaged his uncle and Mr. Price in a discussion of the Navy. Fanny gave Henry a look of thanks and began to speak of the latest fashions. Julia quickly joined her and soon conversation once again filled the room.

Upon entering his study, Sir Thomas directed Maria to a chair. Once Tom and Edmund entered and the door was closed, Sir Thomas turned to his daughter.

"Maria, it is incomprehensible to me that after what you have done you would have the audacity to arrive at this house without any warning and I will have an explanation of your behavior." He took a moment to calm his temper. "As we have guests, however, that explanation will have to be delayed. You will retire for the night. I will make your apologies. As you may have deduced, tomorrow is Fanny and Henry's wedding. You will not attend. You shall remain in your rooms. They shall be leaving after the wedding breakfast. Once they have departed I will send for you. I would suggest that you exhibit more remorse than you do at present."

He quit the room without taking leave. After another stern look so did Edmund.

Maria watched them leave then looked at Tom. "Well," she challenged.

Tom merely shook his head and with a look of derision left the room.

Chapter 19

The Bertram men returned to the drawing room and Sir Thomas quickly invited everyone in to dinner. The evening passed better that anyone expected given Maria's unexpected appearance.

When the guest's had departed to their homes and bed chambers, Sir Thomas and his sons returned to the study. Surprising both his sons, Sir Thomas poured each of them a glass of brandy.

After a few moments of silence, he spoke. "I have been thinking of what to do about Maria." He rubbed his eyes. "I will not allow her to remain at Mansfield."

"Rushworth," questioned Tom.

Sir Thomas shook his head. "He does not want her back. He would prefer to divorce her quietly and forget this unpleasantness."

"Then where shall she go?"

"I thought to settle her in some small establishment, preferably far from here. I shall support her of course but I feel her continuing in the neighborhood would only make things worse."

Edmund finally entered the discussion. "Can you be sure she will not mismanage the funds you supply?"

"Perhaps Mrs. Norris would agree to go with her. Surely, she will manage things capably."

Tom had a hard time holding back a smile. "I believe my aunt would be pleased to fulfill such a role."

"I am counting on it," replied Sir Thomas.

The gentlemen finished their brandy in silence and retired for the night.

Though the hour was late, several pairs of eyes remained open. Sir Thomas felt the consequences of years of neglect of his children finally coming back to haunt him. He had failed with Maria and though there might possibly be the chance of some level of reconciliation some years in the future, he knew they would never be close. He had almost failed with Tom. It was but for the grace of God that Tom's life had been spared and Sir Thomas had been given the chance to finally take his place, not only as Tom's father, but as his guide and friend. In the darkness of his bed chamber, he committed himself to accomplishing the same with Julia and Edmund. He would not loose them because of his own failings.

Tom and Julia both felt the weight of Maria's behavior. Though Julia felt some degree of sadness, Tom felt none. His sister had shamed the family and she would have to answer for it. For Edmund, sleep would not come easily. Each time he closed his eyes, the beautiful face and figure of Mary Crawford appeared before him. Sometimes she was smiling in her coy, flirtatious manner. Other times, she would turn away with a look of disdain. Each time he would awaken, haunted by thoughts of what might have been.

Maria had been shocked to have been banished from mixing with the company assembled at Mansfield and forbidden from attending Fanny's wedding. Furthermore, she had learned from the servants that Mrs. Norris had also been exiled from Mansfield's society. She could only assume that her aunt had been sympathetic towards herself and had spoken as much to Sir Thomas. She was loath to admit it, but Mrs. Norris was most likely her only ally.

At the parsonage, Henry Crawford lay staring at the ceiling with a smile that would not leave his face. Tomorrow he would be joined to the loveliest, most perfect woman he had ever known. He could not believe his good fortune. He fell asleep with visions of Fanny at Everingham.

And in a little white attic, near the old nurseries, Fanny Price sat contemplating her circumstances. Mansfield had been home for most of her life. She had laughed and cried, learned and loved within its confines. On the morrow she would take the steps and say the words that would change her life forever. She would become Mrs. Henry Crawford.

A year ago her wishes and plans had been so different. She had been in love with Edmund, not unaware that the chances of the feelings being returned were low. As she thought of him now, she could say with certainty that he no longer held the same place in her heart. She would always care for him but it was more the love of a sister for her brother. Indeed she was closer now to Tom than Edmund.

Her thoughts turned to Henry and she could not stop the smile that came to her face. She loved him so completely. She could not imagine her life without him. There was no doubt in her mind that she would be a happy woman.

Chapter 20

Posted on October 1, 2008

The day of Fanny's wedding dawned bright and clear. The servants were up early preparing the house for the wedding celebration. Julia and Susy were already in Fanny's room. A few hours later, after much giggling and rustling could be heard through the door, Julia and Susy emerged. They went down to the drawing room where the rest of the family was waiting.

As the hour for the wedding drew near, the group was ferried over to the church; the carriage returning one last time for Fanny, her mother, and Lady Bertram. Both mother and aunt smiled as Fanny descended the stairs. Resplendent in her pure white gown, the pearls from the Admiral around her throat, she was the vision of perfection. Words were not necessary between the three women. The elder two kissed the bride gently before entering the carriage.

When they arrived at the church, Julia and Susy were waiting in the entry way with Mr. Price and Sir Thomas. Both men smiled as Fanny entered the church. Sir Thomas kissed her forehead gently before escorting Lady Bertram to their seats. Her father, however, seemed hesitant to come near.

He looked at her with a slight smile for several moments before taking her hand, kissing it gently and saying in a soft voice, "You are a fine lady, Fanny." He turned quickly and taking his wife's arm, he walked down the aisle.

The three girls shared one last hug before the music began and it was time for the ceremony to begin. Julia handed Fanny a bouquet of flowers then she and Susy made their way down the aisle.

Fanny took a deep breath and began walking. At first, she glanced nervously at the people in the pews; the Prices and Bertrams to her left and Mrs. Grant and the Admiral to her right. But her eyes soon locked on Henry waiting none too patiently at the front of the church. Tom was standing next to him smiling widely.

As she drew closer, Henry smiled lovingly and offered his hand to her. She placed her hand in his and smiled.

Dr. Grant spoke the words of the ceremony, the couple responded when necessary. Finally, they were pronounced man and wife. After an all too brief kiss, they turned and walked up the aisle hardly aware of the smiles of their guests. They had a few brief moments to themselves in the entryway of the church before the crush of people were upon them.

"Mrs. Crawford," said Henry with a happy countenance.

Fanny smiled widely. "I think I shall like that title very well, Mr. Crawford." They shared a brief kiss before Tom's happy voice interrupted them.

"Now, now," he said, "there will plenty of time for that later. You have people lining up to kiss the bride. And I shall be the first." He kissed Fanny's cheek then moved on to shake Henry's hand.

"Oh Fanny," exclaimed Susy. "You are so beautiful!" She hugged her sister tightly.

Julia approached next, holding out her hands to Fanny. "Susy is right, Fanny. You look lovely."

"Thank you, Julia." The two women hugged.

Julia looked at Henry. "Congratulations, Mr. Crawford. I wish you every happiness."

The couple received the best wishes of all their guests before returning to Mansfield for the wedding breakfast. After a few hours of celebration, Julia and Susy escorted the bride up to her bed chamber to change her clothes for the long journey to Everingham.

Susy went down to let everyone know the bride was ready. Fanny stood before the looking glass in her new traveling suit.

"You look quite fashionable, Mrs. Crawford," said Julia with a smile.

"I never dreamed I could be this happy."

"Even when you were in love with Edmund," Julia said softly.

Fanny met her eyes. A few moments were enough for each to convey their understanding. "Even then," replied Fanny with a smile.

"I shall miss you, Fanny. I hope you will write."

"I shall. And I hope you will agree to visit us once we are settled. You will be very welcome."

Julia smiled. "I should like that very much."

Susy returned to let them know that Mr. Crawford and the carriage was ready. The girls shared one last private farewell before they returned downstairs.

Tom and Henry stood by the waiting carriage.

"I hope you know, Crawford," said Tom, "You have the best that Mansfield has to offer."

"I am well aware, Bertram, I assure you," said Henry with a smile.

"I have come to care a great deal for Fanny. She is closer to me than my sisters. You will take care of her?" Tom's smile had disappeared and a serious almost anxious expression covered his face.

Henry put his hand on Tom's shoulder. "I assure you, Bertram, Fanny shall not want for anything as long as I draw breath."

The two men shook hands while the sounds of celebration spilled outside as the guests came out to bid farewell to the newlyweds.

Fanny stopped to hug her mother and receive a kiss on the forehead from her father. Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram were next. The latter exclaimed more than once about missing Fanny while clinging to her, the former smiled and gently tried to disengage his wife from his niece so he could say goodbye.

Fanny turned to Tom. "You will behave, will you not?" she asked playfully.

"I shall," he said with a smile, then more seriously, "Thank you, Fanny."

"For what?"

"For putting up with me, nursing me...but most of all for believing in me. I can not begin to tell you how much your faith has encouraged me. I do not think I would be as happy as I am with out you."

She didn't need to speak because Tom drew her into a gentle but firm hug. Holding her tightly he whispered, "I shall miss you terribly." Still unable to speak she hugged him more tightly.

Edmund was last in the line of well wishers. He stood before Fanny, holding her hand in both of his. "Well, Fanny, I guess this is good bye. I hope you will be very happy."

"I hope that someday you will as well, Edmund," she replied softly.

He looked as though he wanted to say something more but settled for "Take care," as he hugged her gently.

She returned his hug then watched with a sad smile as we walked away.

From the corner of her eye, she caught movement. She turned to see Henry standing a little way off. He had a somewhat nervous appearance having witnessed her parting from Edmund.

"My handsome husband," she said with a bright smile.

Henry's fears instantly melted away. "My beautiful wife," he replied coming forward to take her outstretched hand. "Are you ready, my love," he said.

She looked back at the house and those assembled in front of it. Turning back to him she nodded. "Yes, I am."

He escorted her to the carriage and helped her in. After seating himself next to her and bidding a last goodbye to the guests, they were off.

Chapter 21

The next day, the Prices departed early on their long journey back to Portsmouth followed by Admiral Crawford on his way back to London. Lady Bertram, Julia and Susan were all having a late morning after the busy day before.

Sir Thomas had risen early and spent much time in his study laying out a course of action for dealing with Maria. Once determined, he had sent a message to Mrs. Norris outlining his plan and asking whether she would be amenable. Her response was a terse but humble, "Yes, thank you."

He sent a maid to inform Maria that he expected to see her in half an hour's time then called for his sons to join him. Once Tom and Edmund appeared, he advised them of his plan to which they both readily agreed.

At the appointed time, there was a light tap at the door and Maria appeared. She was subdued if not actually penitent. She sat in the chair her father indicated, folded her hands in her lap and met his gaze.

"Maria," he began, "Mr. Rushworth has indicated that he wishes for a swift and quiet divorce. I assume you will agree to this." He paused waiting for her response.

She nodded once but remained silent.

"I have thought long and hard about what to do about you and I have consulted with your brothers."

She flicked a glance in Tom and Edmund's direction but said nothing.

"We have determined that the best thing for everyone is for you to remove to ------shire. There is a small cottage in that county that should suit your needs adequately. I will support you financially."

Her countenance brightened slightly.

"You will, of course, need to adjust your style of living to that equal with your new setting. In order to assist you to that end, your Aunt Norris had agreed to relocate with you."

Maria went pale and her eyes widened. She opened her mouth to speak, but her father cut her off. "This is not open for discussion. If you wish my support, you must agree to my terms."

She closed her mouth and after a moment, she said, "I understand."

"Good. I shall write to Mr. Rushworth and ask that he send your belongings to the cottage. You and Mrs. Norris shall depart in three days time."

She nodded.

Seeing that she was not going speak, he said in a quiet voice, "If all of you would excuse me, I have much to do."

The three siblings quietly exited the room. Edmund went up the stairs but Tom followed Maria into the library.

"Have you nothing to say for yourself, Maria," Tom asked.

"What would you like me to do? Fall down on my knees and declare that I should not have left my husband. I am sorry to disappoint you but I shall not beg for mercy."

Tom looked back in shock, unable to speak.

"Don't look at me like that Tom. Rushworth's a fool and you know it," Maria said.

"You knew it as well, yet you still married him."

"It was my only choice," she exclaimed.

"Your only choice! You could have remained at Mansfield."

"Mansfield," she spat, "Yes, I could have remained at Mansfield with a father who could have cared less, a mother who was rarely conscious and an aunt who was so overbearing I could hardly breath."

"I admit it was not perfect, far from it. But that does not forgive your behavior. What were you thinking taking off with Yates that way?"

"It was my only way out!" She stormed about the room. "Between a foolish husband and a dictatorial mother-in-law I had to leave."

Tom shook his head, a sardonic smile upon his face. "That's right, Maria, it is always someone else's fault. You know you and Mrs. Norris deserve each other. You are both selfish and self serving. "

"How dare you!"

"How dare you, Maria! You have had more than most young women can ever hope to have and yet you only want more. You have brought shame to Rushworth, show no respect to our parents, you have treated Fanny as little more than a servant and you have thrown yourself at Crawford every chance you could."

"You are not without faults, dear brother."

"No, I am not, but I have come to realize my deficiencies and I am trying to make amends. I do not claim to be a paragon, but I will strive to be a better person and make my father proud."

"And what will that get you, Tom?"

"Peace of mind in the knowledge that I have done my duty."

She gave a snort of laughter. "Duty? Peace of mind? Perhaps you should be a clergyman instead of Edmund. You give such entertaining sermons. I am surrounded by good little boys and girls. First Edmund and Fanny, then Henry Crawford and now you."

Tom's eyes narrowed. "That is what this is about."

Maria gazed back uneasily. "What?"

"Henry Crawford."

"What about him?"

"You wanted him."

"Why should I care about Henry Crawford?"

"Why indeed," said Tom walking towards the door, "He is only handsome, rich, independent," he paused, his hand on the door knob, "and he is desperately in love with Fanny." With a triumphant smile, Tom quitted the room shutting the door behind him. As he crossed the hall, he heard the crash of glass from behind the closed door. He smiled in satisfaction as he headed for the stables

Chapter 22

Posted on October 9, 2008

Henry and Fanny spent their wedding at a quiet inn. When they arrived, their host escorted them to a set of private rooms where a simple meal was waiting. They ate in relative silence, happy just to be out of the carriage. Once they finished, Fanny entered the bed chamber to change. She had refused the innkeepers' offer of a maid to assist her. She wanted a few minutes of solitude to compose her thoughts before Henry joined her. She took off her traveling clothes and hung them carefully in the wardrobe. She put on the silken nightdress and dressing gown and sat down before the fire. Undoing her hair, she began to brush it in long strokes.

Henry waited as patiently as he could. He was somewhat surprised at his nervousness. Though sometimes bearing the reputation of a rake, he had never truly compromised any young lady. It pleased him that he could present himself to his new wife as chaste as she was. His ear detected that Fanny had ceased to move about in the next room. He removed his coat, waist coat and cravat, laying them across a chair.

He stood at the door a moment before knocking lightly. He entered at her soft, "come in." He looked around the room but did not see her.

"Fanny," he said softly.

She rose from a chair facing the opposite direction and slowly turned towards him. The firelight flickered in the hearth and for several minutes they stood simply gazing at each other. As if by silent agreement, they walked toward each other.

Henry raised his hand to caress her cheek and she leaned in to his touch.

"Do you know how beautiful you are?" he said softly.

She smiled. "I love you, Henry. I never knew I could love anyone so much."

He slid his hand around to her neck and lowered his lips to hers. The kisses they shared previously had all had unspoken boundaries which one or the other of them would gently enforce. But now the boundaries were gone and they could express their love and passion for each other without fear or hesitation.

Fanny's hands slid up his chest to his shoulders and around his neck. Henry wrapped his arms around her delighting in the feel of her in his arms. They took their time, savoring every moment of this first taste of wedded felicity. Some time later, they lay sleeping in each others arms, exhausted from their wedding, their journey and their love.

The next morning, they traveled on to Norfolk, stopping only briefly mid day to stretch their legs and partake of a brief meal. Just as the sun was setting, Henry had the carriage stop. He exited and turned back to hand Fanny out. Taking her by the hand, he led her up a hill. When they reached the top, Everingham came into view.

Henry stood behind her wrapping his arms around her waist. "Welcome home, my love," he said softly into her ear.

Fanny took in the house, the grounds and the sunset all at once. "It is beautiful, Henry."

"Will you be happy here, do you think?"

"As long as you are here I shall be nothing else."

Epilogue

Dr Grant died the year after Fanny and Henry married, and Mrs. Grant was more than pleased to find that her sister simply couldn't do without her. Lady Hampshire, having found that her husband was more interested in hunting and drinking than his wife's company, was desperate for a sensible companion. The living at Mansfield was, of course, offered to Edmund. But a single year was not enough to erase the painful memories of Mary Crawford, so he refused the offer and remained at Thornton Lacey.

The new curate was a single man close to Tom's age and disposition and between them a strong friendship evolved. An even stronger bond formed when the curate's lovely sister visited. She and Tom were married six months later. The young Lady Bertram took an active interest in life at Mansfield Park. But her pursuits did not hinder her from producing not only an heir, Thomas, but three other children, Matthew, Frances and Margaret.

Julia was a frequent visitor to Everingham and one particularly lovely spring, she met a neighbor of Fanny and Henry's. Lord Melbury was several years older than Julia, but he was handsome, kind and very much in love with her. With such attractions, how could she resist? Julia found herself very happy as Lady Melbury which was evidenced by the seven children (too many to name) that gathered around the dining table.

Susan lived happily with Henry and Fanny until Sir Thomas' death five years later. To everyone's surprise, she chose to return to Mansfield to be of use to Lady Bertram. She never married but took up her elder sister's pen and published several novels which were very well received by those seeking literature in "a style entirely new".

Maria, who always believed that her father would relent and admit her back into Mansfield's society, was horribly disappointed to find that she was destined to live out her days in the suffocating company of Aunt Norris. At that lady's death, Maria was again disappointed to find that the new Sir Thomas would do no more than hire a companion for her. Her disappointment was increased further by the news that her former husband had re-married very well. Southerton not only had the most beautiful gardens outside of London, but one of the most beautiful and popular mistresses as well.

Fanny's parents chose not to leave Portsmouth, much to her delight, but they were convinced by their son-in-law to move to a larger house in a nicer part of town with better servants.

Henry and Fanny had many happy years together. They made many improvements to Everingham including the addition of three little Crawford offspring. Henry Thomas was the eldest, followed by Susan Frances and Julia Rose. Everingham became a haven of peace and tranquility. Even Admiral Crawford felt drawn to Norfolk. Fanny's goodness and spirit suited him and he visited frequently to spoil his great-nephews and nieces as much as their mother would allow.

It could have all happened very differently...

...but it didn't