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Prologue

Posted on Friday, 21 April 2000

What if...

Those two words have sparked the imaginations of fanfic writers of all genres. What reader or writer can resist finding out what might have been?

Loud cheering from the Dwiggies and RoPers.

Okay, I was inspired by Gennette. Hey, can you blame me?

After reading Mansfield Park, I always wondered what would have happened had Julia realized - after Mr. Crawford turned completely to Maria - the wrongs of her actions and what went wrong in how she was raised.

Ohh! What a thought!

But let us take this one step further. What if she also realized the true worth of Fanny? And even became her friend and advocate?

Dramatic music starts. Shocked gasps heard all around the world...

After all, Fanny saw through the Crawfords' manners and sees their faults. Among them being Mary's being a fortune hunter, and Henry's careless flirting. But her timid nature coupled with how she's been taught to think of herself prevents almost all at Mansfield from properly appreciating her. It also prevents her from explaining herself to Sir Thomas when she refused Mr. Crawford. But Julia would teach Fanny a great deal about asserting herself, and Fanny would teach her about real values and the ability to make sacrifices.

Cheers from the Fanny lovers. I am not sure how the rest will react.

And now think of the reactions from the rest of the Mansfield characters. Mrs. Norris is sure to have a fit over Julia's actions. That we all know. But to have Julia defend her "odious" cousin...

Oh, imagine her sufferings. Who can feel sorry for such a lady? If you can call her that...

But what would happen to Mr. Crawford in such a case? With someone who will stand up and defend Fanny's decisions, how could the rake hope to even have a chance?

Cheers from those who aren't Crawfordites. Grumbling and booing from the Crawfordites.

Ahh, but one expects such a reaction.

Anyway, here it is. Some text is taken from the book. My story departs from the novel between chapters 17 and 18. I am basing this on both the book and on the 80s version of MP. I have not yet seen the new one. And have no intention of seeing it until it comes out on rental.

Chapter One

Posted on Friday, 21 April 2000

Julia Bertram walked in the gardens of Mansfield Park, brooding. For the past several weeks, she had hoped that Mr. Crawford would choose her as his bride. Now, he paid her hardly any attention at all. Instead, he was focusing all of his attentions - some discreetly, some not so - to her sister, Maria, who was an engaged woman!

But we all know that Mr. Crawford once said that an engaged lady is always more agreeable.

Worse yet, Maria was responding to his attentions, leaving Mr. Rushworth sad and jealous. Julia did not have a high opinion of her future brother-in-law,

(gasp!) Shocking!

but she felt for him, and was grieved that he had to endure this ugly situation.

Ugly, indeed. This is a very sorry situation. Maria, Tom, Mr. Yates, Mr. Crawford, Miss Crawford, Aunt Norris... They all care only about their own pleasure. In Aunt Norris' case, she only cares about making sure her darling niece gets all the pleasures life can give you.

Oh, that's a big surprise.

Edmund...at least he is trying to keep the others in line and keep the theatrical matters quiet, but he has been duped by Miss Crawford and her brother. As was I. That admission was hard to make, even to herself.

After all, when you have been spoiled all your life, you expect to have everything come easily to you. Difficulty and disappointment are two things foreign to the Miss Bertrams until now.

All her hopes had crumbled. Now, looking at Mr. Crawford from a distance, she realized that he was not worth having.

In the words of Mr. Rushworth, "Handsome? He is not five foot nine!"

I only hope Maria sees that soon. Everyone was being duped by the Crawfords, even her mother, who admittedly did not have much sense.

Yes, it doesn't take much for one to come to that conclusion.

Now she looked at how she'd been raised, Julia knew that she and Maria had been indulged far too much. They had been allowed to think they could get whatever they wanted and nothing bad would come of it. I know better now. Mrs. Norris had been no help. She indulged both of them, but Maria got much more of it. In Aunt Norris' eyes, Maria could do no wrong. Which explained why she did not object to Maria's playing Agatha in "Lover's Vows."

Oh, yes. Auntie Dearest, loved by all.

To comfort herself, Julia had toyed with the idea of allowing Mr. Yates to pay his attentions to her. But she could tell that he was only somewhat better than Mr. Crawford. After careful consideration she decided it was best to remain alone and wait for a better man to come along. I shall not marry just for fortune and status. I shall find a man who will truly love me, and whom I can truly love.

Yes! The true romantic spirit!

As she continued with her walk, Julia remembered that her cousin Fanny had not seemed at all impressed with Mr. Crawford, and that she seemed to have doubts about the merits of Miss Crawford. While Julia and Maria had gone from thinking Mr. Crawford absolutely plain to eventually thinking him handsome, Fanny did not think him at all handsome.

He also paid hardly any attention to her. So what reason does she have to think him handsome? (grin)

She was also kind to Mr. Rushworth when almost no one else was. And most importantly, she held firm to her beliefs and would not take a part in the Mansfield theatricals.

Yes, keep your kindness and stick to your purpose, Fanny. We shall like you the better for it.

Aunt Norris always made us believe that Fanny is only a little better than a servant, but look at how many times she was wrong. I always knew that Fanny is good-natured, sweet, kind, and gentle, but could she have more worth than Aunt Norris will allow her to have? Indeed, is it possible that she might have more worth than the rest of us do?

(Shocked gasping) Upon my word!

It was a startling possibility at first, but Julia was willing to consider it. And the more she did, the more likely it became that the possibility might be true.

I have been lonely and in want of someone to really listen to me. Fanny does seem to be a good listener. That's another problem I have. I have been too desperate for love and attention. If I have Fanny as a friend and confidant, I will have someone who shall really care about me. Then I will not feel the need to do things that I might regret later.

Filled with a resolve she did not recall ever having, she decided to cut her walk short and have a talk with Fanny that she should have perhaps had with her long ago.

The fact that her actions would more than annoy Mrs. Norris was a bonus. Payback, if you will.

Chapter Two - Seeking Forgiveness

Posted on Thursday, 4 May 2000

I am so nervous, Julia thought as she walked up the stairs to the East Room, which had been the schoolroom until Fanny made it her own.

To the East Room!

I know she has a very forgiving heart, but will she really forgive me for all the times I neglected her over the years? Will she forgive me for be selfish and not making sacrifices on her behalf? And will she be my friend?

Julia, Julia, you worry too much. Calm yourself or you will need Mrs. Bennet's smelling salts!

The closer she got to the East Room, the more her heart pounded. This would mark the start of a new path in her life. She had renounced her old beliefs and behaviors, but she was yet to be a better person. Fanny would be a good teacher in that regard. If she is willing.

Julia, stop that right this instant or I shall have to smack you on the head with Lady Catherine de Burgh's cane!

Finally, she reached the East room. Gathering all her courage, she knocked gently on the door twice.

"Come in," she heard Fanny say. Julia took a deep breath and entered. She saw Fanny at her desk, writing a letter. No doubt to her brother William. I wish I had that kind of devotion to my brothers.

"Am I interrupting something important?"

"Oh, no. I can finish this letter later." As she spoke, Fanny put down her pen and stood up.

Ah, Fanny. *Always* making sacrifices for others. I must make you a little bolder and livelier!

Julia closed the door and then asked if they could sit down to talk. Fanny agreed, and the two sat next to each other in the little chairs.

"You still use the old schoolroom chairs? Do you not find them uncomfortable," Julia asked as she sat down.

"Perhaps a little, but it is nothing as I am used to it. And there are so many fond memories from moments I sat in these chairs that I do want to lose them." Fanny smiled at the memories that came to mind, but she was at a loss as to why her cousin was here.

Oh, shall you be surprised, Fanny!

Sensing her cousin's thoughts, Julia said, "You are must be wondering why I am here." When Fanny nodded, Julia continued, "I was walking in the garden, thinking about the past week. I have realized that I have behaved selfishly almost all my life. My education and Maria's was lacking in such important matters as sacrifice, true morals, and real charity. I have also realized what a rake Mr. Crawford is and I am heartily ashamed to have been deceived by him. If he had any sense of what is right, he would not do what he has done and what he is doing, regardless of what he learned in the admiral's house. His sister is also lacking in principals, although not as much as her brother. And I also know that Tom's education was seriously mismanaged. Had it not been, he would not be working on performing "Lover's Vows." Another play, one by Shakespeare, would have been far more appropriate. But one involving rakes and abandonment is not one that respectable ladies' should perform. You know what kinds of women perform in the theatres.

But most of all, Fanny, I want to apologize to you. You who have been mistreated by almost everyone here ever since you got here. You who have far more worth than any of the rest of us. Aunt Norris is forever setting you down, treating you like an unpaid servant. Mother while she is kind to you, she taxes you with all her requests. Father has always been kind yet cold and distant to you. He does not see you for what you are, and so do Aunt Norris and Mother. Tom is kind as well, but he too could do far more for you and never bothered. Edmund was always the kindest to you, but he has been neglecting you on the altar of pleasing Miss Crawford. I can only imagine what missing all of those rides must have done to your health. Maria and I, while we both thought you good-natured enough after a few weeks, we always gave you far less than your due as our cousin. You may be poor, but you are a cousin and deserve far more than what you have been given. My eyes have been opened, Fanny, and I wish to be a better person. I have walked away from all of my past behaviors, but I have much to learn. I hope you will be willing to teach me and be the friend, confidant, and even second sister I always wanted - and am now in need of - and I shall be the same for you and will defend you and your rights. I will teach you anything you wish to know and I shall learn along with you anything I do not know. What do you say, my dear cousin?"

Whew! I think that competes with the lengthy speeches of Miss Crawford in the book!

Fanny was so moved by Julia's words. She could not believe that Julia thought that she, Fanny, was far more worthy than herself. She could not believe the offer she had been given. Julia's eyes and face showed the depths of her sincerity, and Fanny could not contain her emotions and tears escaped her eyes. Julia leaned forward to give her a hug, and she started crying along with Fanny. Julia's tears were the release of the fear she had held ever since making the decision to talk to Fanny. They represented the last of the old Julia. In that chair, holding Fanny, was a new Julia, who would be a far better person than the old one ever was.

The two girls cried for some time before pulling away. Their faces were streaked with tears, but each felt happier than ever before.

Well, now that is out of the way. On with the story!

"Julia," Fanny said, when she was finally able to speak, "It makes me so happy to know that I shall have such a good friend. Edmund has...neglected me in the past few weeks, and I have wished for someone to confide in."

Julia could detect uneasiness when Fanny spoke of Edmund and his trying to please Miss Crawford. She wondered why Fanny was so uneasy about it, but the answer suddenly came upon her.

"You are in love with Edmund."

SHE KNOWS!!! What now?!

It was said very quietly, but its effect on Fanny was immediate. She colored, then went pale, and started crying softly, turning her head away.

"Oh, poor Fanny." Julia pulled Fanny into another hug. This one tighter than before, and more comforting. "How much you must have suffered these past weeks." All she could do was whisper soothing words to Fanny until her tears dried. It took a while for that to happen.

When Fanny had calmed down, Julia said, "I shall help with deal with that, too, Fanny. That is what a true friend is for. Shall you and I take a walk and continue our talk in the garden? Perhaps the exercise would do you good." Fanny was only too willing to accept, and she collected her bonnet. They went to Julia's room to collect one of hers and then went downstairs.

To being a wonderful friendship. What could go wrong?

Before they could go outside, they were intercepted by Mrs. Norris and Maria. Each was carrying some fabrics.

Oops. I spoke too soon. Ah, but I can do something about that...

"Ah, Fanny," Mrs. Norris said with a thoroughly insincere smile, "We need some sewing done for the play." But before she could continue, Julia interrupted.

"Aunt, Mrs. Chapman will handle that sort of job far better than Fanny. She has many more years of experience. Come, Fanny. We must be on our way."

Score one for the Auntie Dearest-bashers!

"Where are you two going," Maria asked.

"We are taking a walk," Fanny answered.

"A walk! No, Fanny, you have things to do for us -"

Here Julia interrupted again, with far more force. "Fanny is not a servant, Ma'am. I wish you would get that into your head. She is your niece and deserves your respect and far better treatment than any of us have ever given her. I shall not allow you to treat her like a servant any longer. If this makes you angry, then you shall have to get over it, for I do not care what you think about my making her my friend."

Strikes two and three!

With that, she and Fanny hurried out of the house, leaving Mrs. Norris and Maria gaping, the former in astonished anger, the latter in astonishment bordering on awe.

Hmm...maybe it won't take so much to bring her around as I thought.

Chapter Three - A "Battle Plan"

Posted on Wednesday, 24 May 2000

Three weeks had passed since Julia's set-down to Mrs. Norris. While preparations for the play continued, Fanny and Julia's friendship bloomed. The two were soon confiding in each other completely. Julia spoke at greater length about the situation with Mr. Crawford, and Fanny talked about how she felt about Edmund and Mary. The latter subject was talked over a great deal after Fanny helped the two rehearse a scene between Anhult and Amelia that made Fanny very uncomfortable. It was the scene in which Amelia practically made a declaration of love to Anhult.

As one might expect, those talks were *long.*

Having someone to confide in made life easier to deal with for both of them. Together, they were prepared to face the world.

(Fanny and Julia): Here we come! Watch out, world! We hope you're ready for us!

They took walks or rides everyday the weather permitted. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the play relaxed them and let their conversations be even more open then they already were.

Today's ride was no exception. Fanny had overheard Mrs. Norris talking about the preparations and knew that she would try once again to order her into doing some of the work. So Fanny escaped to Julia's room with her riding clothes, and from there the girls hurried out to the stables.

And not a moment too soon!

Now they were a good distance from the house, admiring the view.

"I see Maria is still under Mr. Crawford's spell," Fanny commented after they exhausted the topic of Mrs. Norris' mean behavior towards Fanny.

Another lovely topic, don't you agree?

Julia grimaced. "I know. I keep wishing there was a way to free her from it, but I cannot think of one that is not reasonable. I keep finding problems with every plan I think of."

Silence prevailed for a few minutes. Then Fanny had an idea. "I remember her looking a bit awe-struck at what you said to Aunt Norris three weeks ago. Since then, I have at times seen her look at us with an envious look in her eyes. Perhaps she misses what she had with you until that day at Southerton, and is beginning to want it back. Maybe she will be willing to listen to you."

Julia pondered the thought. She had her doubts about Maria giving up Mr. Crawford at the urging of the sister who had had hopes of his choosing her, but if she and Fanny slowly worked on her...

She'll be safe!

"I do not think she will simply give up her hopes just because I ask her to, Fanny. But...if you and I keep showing her how well we get on without him, she might listen to us. The question is, will she listen to you?"

"Perhaps she will not," Fanny acknowledged, "but it is worth a try, is it not?"

Her friend nodded, and they continued their ride. They agreed to begin their efforts tonight.

If Auntie Dearest didn't prevent them.

Later that night, while Lady Bertram sat on her couch, with her Pug in her lap,

Of course, where else would Pug be? She's always at Lady Bertram's side!

Fanny and Julia sat at the pianoforte. Julia had started teaching Fanny how to play ever since they started their friendship, and she enjoyed teaching. She planned to help her learn the harp once she had learned the basics of the former instrument. Fanny was quite surprised at how quickly she caught onto the basics and even beyond, even though she had always been a quick learner. She also got help with singing, although at first they did that out-of-doors as not to be heard until Fanny had been made into at least a decent singer.

They did not want to alarm anyone with Fanny's untrained voice. They wanted to surprise *everyone* with her new, excellent talents.

The girls had been on the instrument for nearly two hours and were working on creating a piece of their own creation when Maria, Mrs. Norris, and the others entered. Mrs. Norris held materials to work on for the play - her project for the past week was a green curtain. Lady Bertram was to work on some of her own needlework projects for the play.

Mrs. Norris cast an angry look as Fanny and Julia, but said nothing. She was completely furious that none of her plans to end the closeness of Julia and the "odious niece" had worked. They had deflected nearly every single one she came up with, and the others were stopped by Edmund, who at one point told her, "Ma'am, if they do not care to participate in the play in any way, it is good that they have each other to keep them company."

Ah, he pulled himself from pleasing Miss Crawford long enough to defend Fanny and Julia. Well, at least he is not completely blind to what is going on.

At the table, the other young people sat to practice lines. Fanny was unhappy to see Edmund sitting next to Miss Crawford, but the sight was becoming a little less painful than it had been.

(smiles) I'm happy for her. How about you guys?

Mr. Yates sat on the other side of Miss Crawford, Mrs. Grant sat next to him, Tom on her other side, Mr. Rushworth sat next to him, then Maria, and finally Mr. Crawford. Maria's seat allowed her a view of Fanny and Julia at the pianoforte, and once again, she felt a twinge of regret over losing her close friend. She had been surprised at Fanny's becoming a little more lively and Julia's becoming more humble. Part of her did wish to have the kind of closeness to a friend or sister that her sister and cousin enjoyed.

See? They haven't done anything and already they've made progress on her.

Edmund looked up from his book long enough to see Fanny playing with Julia. "Fanny, I did not know you could play. Whatever that tune is sounds quite wonderful."

"I have been learning these past three weeks. Julia is an apt teacher," Fanny replied, pride in her voice at the first praise she got from someone other than her Aunt Bertram. "We are playing something of our own invention. The best thing about them is that they can never be played wrong."

The warmth in her heart had surprisingly little to do with her feelings for him.

The lively tone did not go unnoticed by the others. Mrs. Norris thought Fanny was putting herself too far forward,

What do we expect from her?

Mrs. Grant and Mr. Rushworth were pleasantly surprised by it, Miss Crawford and Mr. Yates were just surprised, Edmund and Tom were delighted at the agreeable change in their cousin, Mr. Crawford was intrigued, and Maria noticed the expression on Mr. Crawford's face, which made her wonder how much of his attention she really had.

First score for "Operation Free Maria from Mr. Crawford!" Yay!!!

"Miss Price, I must confess to being surprised," Miss Crawford said. "I do not remember you ever being so lively as you are now."

Julia smiled. "I have been teaching her, and, in return, I am learning about making sacrifices for the sake of others. Also, I am learning about treating people - of all situations in life - better." While everyone looked at them with astonishment,

With the obvious exception of Auntie Dearest.

Julia said, "Well, I suspect you all would like a some quiet to practice, so we shall leave you." As she stood, she asked, "Fanny, is there a book you want to discuss tonight?"

Fanny appeared to think for a moment, then replied, "Let us pick a Shakespeare play; one on hasty and/or bad judgments in romance. We shall try to understand why the characters did what they did."

This, you see, was all part of their battle plan.

As they started to leave, Mrs. Norris said, "Fanny, you must help me with this curtain. I have a great deal of work to do on it and I shall never finish it if I do not have help."

You have to do that, don't you?

Fanny glanced at it and saw that it was in fact almost done, and that once again, Aunt Norris was trying to set her down to the level of a servant. She quickly chose a response. "I am sorry, Aunt, but I fear I would do a very bad job on it and then it will not work as a curtain. And it looks quite well done already. Too much more mending and its pretty look shall be ruined."

Mrs. Norris could only look at Fanny in shock, not having realized what sharp vision Fanny had, and underestimating her quick mind.

Hee, hee!!! Another score for the ADB - the Auntie Dearest Bashers! Yours truly is its president. Fanny and Julia are now members. Who else wants to join?

With that, Fanny and Julia left for the library and than Julia's room, barely keeping the smiles off their faces until they left the sitting room. Mrs. Norris was once again seething with anger, most of the others were surprised at Fanny's standing up to her Aunt - though some were pleased at it, Mr. Crawford - for the first time - found that Fanny was becoming intriguing to him, and Maria - noticing where Mr. Crawford's attention lay - began to wonder how much she wanted to continue letting him pay attention to her.

It's working! Just a few more pushes.....

Later, Maria was walking up to her room. She had barely been able to pay attention to the lines, and the play was becoming more than a bit distasteful. Also, seeing Mr. Crawford's visual attention going to Fanny reminded her of how quickly he turned his attentions from Julia to her. I am beginning to think that he is as I have heard Fanny and Julia call him: a rake.

All right! One or two more things should do it!

Passing Julia's room, she heard faint conversation between Julia and Fanny. Curious about what they were talking about, she walked up to the wall next to the door and pressed her ear against it. When she did, she could make out what they were saying.

Oh, she'll pay for eavesdropping...

"Did you see how Mr. Crawford's eyes were on me after what I said down there," she heard Fanny say. "I think he is almost ready to turn his vain, selfish attentions to me!" She could hear the indignation in Fanny's voice.

"Fanny, you have nothing to fear. You know what a rake he is. You saw it when the rest of us were blind. You are safe; he shall never succeed with you. You have seen too much of his character to be taken in as Maria has been and I was."

Too much of his character? Rake? I have been taken in? The words rang in Maria's ears. She wanted to deny them, but deep down, she knew that they were true.

(smiles evilly) One more blow and I shall have done with her.

"I know, Julia, and that is a great comfort. I only hope that Maria will see his real character in time to save herself from being hurt too much. How can any person with any sense of right and wrong think well of a man who sports with any woman's feelings?"

"I told you before, Maria's education was as mishandled as mine was. We never realized that you do not get everything you want in life, and that disappointment is an important part of learning to deal with life. What I hope is that she will remember her duty as Mr. Rushworth's fiancée. Or, if she realizes that she will be very unhappy in marriage to him, she will ask her father to help free her so she can find someone with intelligence, character, and principals, who can make her happy."

"Which is just what we want," Fanny agreed. "We are not the kind of women who can be duped by such men as Mr. Crawford."

Neither realized that Maria had heard every word. Neither heard her ran to her room, throw herself onto her bed and cry her heart out.

(rubs hands together) Well, that's one job done, and many more to go...

Chapter Four

Posted on Friday, 2 June 2000

The next morning, when Fanny and Julia came down for breakfast, they were surprised to learn that Maria had asked for her breakfast to be brought up to her. The maid who had brought it to her later admitted to the girls that "Miss Bertram looked as if she 'ad been cryin' for some time last night, an' 'ad left word 'hat the players should start without her. She felt tired an' would come down later if she felt able."

Hmm...I wonder why...? (grins)

After they learned that, Fanny and Julia went to the sitting room to practice on the pianoforte again. The weather looked a tad threatening and so they decided not to ride. Instead, they worked on a piece that required singing. Despite the fact that is had only been three weeks since Fanny began to learn to play and sing, she was already proficient at both. Soon, Julia had recently predicted, Fanny would impress everyone with her skills.

Of course, she'll never impress the Auntie Dearests of the world no matter how hard she tries. Not that she should even bother. (grins)

Nearly two hours into their practice, they chose to stop for the time being and take a walk. They did keep near to the house even though the weather seemed to have cleared. The players did start practice without Maria, but Tom chose to take a ride after over an hour's rehearsal, which was about an hour into Fanny and Julia's time spent on the pianoforte. The others continued to practice. Mr. Rushworth was of course having difficulty with his two and forty speeches,

(small smile) We all expected that, did we not?

but was receiving help from a few of the others - even Fanny and Julia helped him when he asked for their help.

The old Julia would never have done that. You can see how much she has improved in just three weeks.

The walk started out uneventfully. The girls talked over where to take Fanny's playing skills. It was decided that she should start learning to play the harp as she had progressed so far with the pianoforte and singing that she only needed to practice to become better at both.

*Delighted cheering and clapping* "Yay, Fanny! Yay," go the Dwiggies and RoP'ers

After they exhausted that topic, they began on Maria's odd behavior. "Could she be ill," Fanny wondered aloud.

"It is possible, but it must not be so severe or she would not have said that she would come down later if she felt able to," Julia replied. "But it looked like she ate all of her breakfast. Usually when Maria becomes ill, it is a cold and she is unable to eat anything except soup. Soup was not brought up to her. That makes me wonder if something is bothering her."

You hit it right on the nail, Julia! But does she or Fanny realize it?

"I suppose it might have to do with the way Mr. Crawford looked at me last night, but I somehow doubt that she could be turned around so quickly."

Well, the answer to my question is yes, and no.

They passed by the sitting room, where Edmund and Mary were rehearsing another scene. Fanny felt uneasy watching how close Edmund and Mary were getting, but she was aware that if he did marry Miss Crawford, she would have to find another to love. What surprised her was how the uneasiness of seeing Edmund and Miss Crawford together was lessening over time. Julia did assure her that she would find someone else, who would make her very happy.

Hopefully someone **rich** and with a title. Wouldn't that make Auntie Dearest mad? (big grin)

Feeling tired of watching the scene, Fanny and Julia continued on.

While the others were all actively employing themselves,

With the obvious exception of Lady Bertram, one of the Austen Self-Proclaimed Invalids.

Maria was pacing in her room. The words she had overheard Fanny and Julia say the previous night were ringing in her mind. Also in her mind were all the occasions she had seen Mr. Crawford; how he had behaved towards her, Julia, and others was foremost in her mind. And a dream she had had last night based on Lover's Vow's kept coming into her mind.

About darn time, I say!

Yes, she had been aware that her engagement had made him in equity the "property" of Julia. Yes, she had known that she should take care with her behavior. And yes, she had been aware of how she was paining Mr. Rushworth with her behavior. Yet she had ignored all of it. Why, she found herself asking. Why?

That's what all of us want to know, Maria. So... please tell us the answer to that.

She thought back to early times of their acquaintance. The first time she saw him, he was absolutely plain, black and plain; but still the gentleman, with a very pleasing address. The second meeting "proved" him not so very plain; he was plain, to be sure, but then he had so much countenance, and his teeth were so good, and he was so well made that one soon forgot he was plain; and after the third meeting, after dining in company with him at the parsonage, he was no longer allowed to be called so by anybody. He was, in fact, the most agreeable young man she had ever known, and the sisters had been equally delighted been him.

Until he turned some of his attentions to me, Maria thought. Julia seems to have someone let go of thinking him handsome. How has she done so?

Try putting yourself in her shoes, Maria!

Maybe if I imagine myself in her place, in her shoes, I shall understand why she has done what she has done.

(throws hands up in the air and groans) Would someone please tell me WHAT is WITH these characters?!

Let me think...I would be a girl who has been severely slighted by the man I was expecting to one day marry... I would be all alone and in want of someone to talk to...no one I usually talked with would listen to me... Suddenly, it made perfect sense why Julia had gone to Fanny. She was a good listener. Julia must have also wondered how much real worth Fanny has. It looks like she has far more worth than I - or anyone else ever gave her. Julia said so three weeks ago and ever since then.

About darn time she realized that! I was starting to get tempted to "borrow" Lady Cat's cane - you know, the one she uses on Mr. Collins when things don't go her way?

She recalled how much Fanny and Julia had changed since they became friends. How Julia had become far more charitable, kind, and patient about everything and everyone; how Fanny had become more lively, bolder, and had learned to play and sing - quite well, Maria had to admit. The changes in Fanny showed something else: an innate intelligence that Maria had never realized her cousin had. The way she had been standing up to Mrs. Norris reminded Maria of how her aunt had tried her patience over the years.

It had been at her aunt's persuasion that she gave Mr. Rushworth every encouragement, at her aunt's persuasion she agreed to marry him; her aunt who had indulged her at every point in her life. I always thought I could get whatever I wanted as I am a Miss Bertram. But...Julia was raised the same...however she was not Aunt Norris' favorite as I have always been. Is that part of the reason she turned to Fanny?

Come on, Maria... Come into the light and join your sister on the path of redemption.

Still in Julia's shoes mentally, she pictured Mr. Crawford, trying to imagine how Julia and Fanny saw him. At first her image of what Mr. Crawford was what kept coming up. She still continued to see him as handsome. Yet as she tried to imagine Julia and Fanny's image of him, she slowly saw him becoming less and less handsome, and less and less charming. It was as if he had been in a mask, and she was now seeing the real him: a plain, vain, self-centered man, who could turn on the charm at any time he pleased. Then, when she thought of him again - pushing Fanny and Julia out of her mind - she saw what she knew her sister and cousin saw him as. And the last part of Mr. Crawford's hold on Maria's mind broke; though she had not broken his hold on her heart, she had lessened its effect on her.

I know what I have to do...but I must gather my strength first. There will be much protesting at what I shall tell the others. Although Edmund will likely be happy to hear it. And I cannot let this go any further than it already has.

Whew. Now I can really say that that's another job done.

Fanny and Julia's walk was interrupted over an hour after they set out, when clouds returned and started to pour heavily. They hurried in after the first drops fell. After handing their cloaks to a maid, they went to the library to read. They had been informed that some of the players were in the sitting room - and that Mrs. Norris was with them. Wishing to avoid having to put her in her place again,

You always had to keep doing it as the old bag never learned her lesson.

they chose to read and talk in a quiet place. Nowadays, the library or one of their rooms was the best place for that. Fanny pulled out a copy of Twelfth Night for another one of their Shakespeare debates. The topic had been moved to the Bard's comedies after they talked Romeo and Juliet and tragedy to death.

How did they manage to do that, you ask? By staying up late to have their debates.

The girls sat next to her other so they could both read the text. Once settled, they began reading passages and debating on the Bard's meaning and what the characters should have done differently - despite the fact that had they done so, the play would have been far less interesting.

*sigh* The truth is that the difficulties the characters go through is what makes a story catch our interest. We may complain about what an author makes characters go through, but we would not be complaining of we did not care about the characters. Usually that means the author has done a good job of creating characters one can connect to.

After she had finally summoned all of her courage, Maria came out of her room. She had required a maid's help to clean her face so she would not look as if she had had hardly any sleep and had cried a great deal. Once Elis had helped her, Maria gave her a big smile and thank-you before letting her go back to other tasks.

Like preparing to clean up the mess left by Mrs. Norris once she learns of Maria's plan.

Coming down the steps, she had to take deep breaths to keep her strength and courage strong, and to calm the sadness that she was about to make the final break with Mr. Crawford - which should have happened a while back, she had admitted to herself.

(bites lip to keep "I told you so" from coming out)

When she entered the sitting room, the player were deeply involved in reading their lines they did not see her when she came in. It was Lady Bertram who saw her first. "Maria, I am glad to see you are well."

Except for the name, that is probably Lady Bertram's most used line.

Mrs. Norris turned quickly. "Ah, Maria, is it high time you came down! What kept you upstairs?"

"I was tired and had some important things to think about, Aunt."

"What did you need to think about? Some part of the play?" Mrs. Norris heard the slightly hard tone in Maria's voice. It was the same tone Julia had used three weeks earlier when she started defending Fanny. Something told her that she would not like what was about to happen.

Oh, is she ever going to be right! Members of the ADB: you are about to receive another treat!

"I have been thinking about the events of the past several weeks, and of things I have heard others say, and I have decided not to participate any further in the play."

Mr. and Miss Crawford and Mr. Yates closed their books in shock, Edmund was pleasantly surprised, Mrs. Grant looked surprised, and Mr. Rushworth was not sure whether he should be happy that he would not see her performing with Mr. Crawford anymore, or sorry that the play might end because of her backing out. Lady Bertram stopped stroking Pug's fur, and Mrs. Norris? She was slowly turning red with anger.

All of the work on her precious green curtain might be wasted! That's why she was angry! Well, that and the detached tone Maria used to speak in.

"Maria," Mrs. Norris began, in a not very calm voice, "we have done so much work that it would be a shame to have to call off the play now. We would have to because so much of it now depends on your being Agatha."

"And I now think that we have gone quite far enough with this. Last night, in a dream, I made a discovery about myself and the path I am taking with my life. After a great deal of thinking, I have decided that I do not want to go any further on this path. I am sorry to disappoint you all, but I cannot continue in the play. I am aware that this means the play is likely to not continue, but I do think we are getting a bit noisy." While everyone was looking at her in shock, she curtsied and left, but not before giving Mr. Crawford a look that was mostly indifferent; although she could not completely hide what she still felt for him, which gave him the satisfaction of knowing that he was still the object of her affections. He was disappointed that it would be over; he had been having such a pleasant time.

Doing what he ought not have done. But Maria will soon be safe; that is something.

Mrs. Norris would not be defeated and got up after her niece. "Maria, what has changed your mind? You were having such a time. What happened last night to make you think differently?"

"Let me put it this way, Aunt: I have realized that there are much better things I could do with my life than work on a play such as this. It is time I considered the consequences of my actions and thought of other's feelings and welfare, and not be unfeeling and unkind to others."

Whoa! Go Maria! You tell her!

Mrs. Norris turned very red.

It looked like she might explode from anger.

Maria, sensing that if she stayed she would be yelled at, quickly walked away. Her aunt remained rooted to the spot she had been left at for nearly a minute before she collected herself and went back to her seat and work, reminding herself to make sure she got the green curtain into her home as soon as possible.

She did not want anything to happen to it, as you have probably figured out by now.

For several moments after Mrs. Norris sat down, no one said anything. Finally, Miss Crawford said, "Well, we did have a good time while it lasted. I suppose she is right in one sense: we were getting quite noisy." No one responded to her statement.

They were either to wrapped up in their own thoughts to hear her, or did not know what to say.

Lady Bertram looked at a clock. "Edmund, when did Tom go out on his ride?"

Edmund looked at it, and grew alarmed. "He went out nearly three hours ago and it has been raining for almost an hour." He was standing when a servant came in, also looking alarmed. "Sir, My Lady, Mr. Bertram's horse just returned without him."

Oh, boy. What did he do this time?

Edmund and the servant hurried out, calling for the best riders amongst the servants to join in a search for Mr. Bertram. The guests decided to stay a bit longer and keep Lady Bertram and Mrs. Norris company.

What a task that must be, eh?

After a little over half an hour, Fanny and Julia had chosen to move their talk to the East Room as the noise from the sitting room was reaching and distracting them. Once they got there, they could resume the debate without much of the noise of the players bothering them.

"I hope it all ends soon," Fanny had muttered after she had closed the door.

"We can only hope they will be quiet at least," Julia had responded.

Oh, they will be!

They were in the midst of pondering what is would be like to dress and act like a man in order to protect yourself in a land you did not know,

It included them standing before Fanny's mirror and practicing postures, bring a great deal of laughter to both of them.

pealing with laughter, when someone knocked at the door. Both hoped it wasn't Mrs. Norris because if it was, they would very likely have to be hard with any refusals they would have to make.

As I said, she doesn't know when to quit.

Fanny bade the visitor to enter, and Maria opened the door. That surprised both of them. Has she already come around, they both wondered. "May I come in," Maria asked.

"Of course." Fanny motioned for her to sit in a chair next to Julia. Maria did, after she closed the door. "What brings you here, Maria," Julia asked.

Maria hesitated, and Fanny recognized the look on her face as the same look Julia had when she was uncertain of whether she would accept her offer of friendship. "Does it involve...Mr. Crawford?" When Maria hung her head at the name, Fanny knew she had her answer.

Yeah, Maria should be hanging her head over what she's done!

It took Maria several seconds to find her voice. "I...have some confessions to make." Her sister and cousin waited when she paused again. At length, she started again. "Ever since you first defended Fanny against Aunt Norris, Julia, I have realized that I no longer have a friend to confide in, and I have been growing lonely because of it. Last night, when I saw the look on Mr. Crawford's face when he looked at you, Fanny, I started to wonder how much I really wanted his attentions. And then, when I was heading to my room, I eavesdropped on you two. You are both right. I have behaved very wrong towards nearly everyone almost all of my life. I have informed the others that I shall no longer be in the play."

"That must have made Aunt Norris angry," Fanny commented with a smile.

"Oh, that it did," she smiled. "I thought she would explode from her anger, so I left before she could yell at me."

Good move on her part, don't you think"

Julia smiled herself, then said, "Tell us more. I sense you are not done."

"Yes. I have seen that you have changed quite a bit, Julia and Fanny. I see now that I have missed out on a great deal by not getting to know you sooner, Fanny. Can you forgive me?"

"I do."

"And do you both forgive me for eavesdropping on you?"

Julia archly commented, "I believe it is not an uncommon behavior for girls,

You don't believe her? Check out other stories and tell me how many female characters have done so. :-)

but yes, we do forgive you there. And while I am disappointed in you, Maria, I am no longer morning losing Mr. Crawford's attentions."

"I need to learn to do without him, and to move on. Shall you both help me?"

"Of course." Fanny held her hand. "We are both here for you."

Maria looked at her for a moment, and then pulled her into her arms and hugged her, crying as she did so. Fanny returned the hug fully. Julia put a comforting hand on Maria's shoulder.

Thinking things are going too smoothly? Just wait...

Finally, when Maria stopped crying, she said managed a light smile and said, "So what were you two finding so amusing before I came in?"

Fanny stood back up. "We were talking about Twelfth Night, and wondering what each of us would have to do in order to pass as a young man, like Olivia did. We have already figured out that we would likely have to cut our hair and try to undo the curls in the front."

You all remember how all the ladies had the hair right in the front curled, right? I wonder how often they had to wear curlers to manage that look - particularly if they did not have curly hair....?

"We have just been trying out walks and postures we have seen our brothers and male acquaintances in," Julia added. "The attempts have been..." Here she had to pause because of a laugh. At length, she continued, "rather amusing."

"Really? Let me try," Maria said as she stood up and walked to Fanny's mirror. Soon all three were totally immersed in imitating the men they knew and imagining how they themselves would look as men. Laughter and silliness ruled the room until a shriek from Lady Bertram cut through their amusement.

"TOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!"

Chapter Five

Posted on Friday, 13 October 2000

Julia, Fanny, and Maria bolted out of Fanny's room when they heard Lady Bertram's inhuman scream. They raced down the stairs, wondering what had happened to Tom.

Calm down, Sania, and other Tom lovers. I'm having trouble focusing with you guys screaming in my ear.

They made it to the top of the stairs leading to the entryway when they saw a wet Edmund and a wet servant carrying a soaking and unconscious Tom up the stairs, a frantic Lady Bertram and a calling-out-orders Mrs. Norris behind them.

That's just like her, isn't it?

Maria and Fanny ran to get blankets while Julia followed Edmund and the others up to Tom's room directly in case she was needed. For the first time in all of her and her sister and cousins lives, they truly knew fear.

Even Mrs. Norris has her limits as to how she affects people.

The girls soon learned that Tom had been thrown from his horse on his way home. He had hit his head, and was wet through when he returned.

I'm sure those of you who saw the first MP movie don't mind that image despite the circumstances.

Edmund assumed that it had been frightened by something, although neither him nor the servants could think of anything that would have done it as there was no lightning.

To the surprise of everyone in Mansfield, the three girls insisted on tending to Tom. They would hardly leave his side, to the dismay of the doctor who saw to Tom. He had declared that it would be too dangerous for them, but they all insisted that "they were in excellent health and could handle the care of Tom quite well."

(Dwiggie and RoP'er collective cheer): YOU SHOW THEM, GIRLS!!!!

Tom's illness firmly ended the play. Mr Yates left in two days of Tom's accident for fear that he would catch whatever the young master had caught.

Some friend, eh?

Mr. Crawford departed early for Bath. He was not expected to return for some time unless his sister sent for him.

(collective thought of the anti-rakes): Go then, and never come back!!!

Miss Crawford and the Grants visited on a regular basis. The Grants were a great source of comfort to Lady Bertram, a thorn in the side of Mrs. Norris, a glimmer of sunshine for Edmund,

ONE member was, to be sure.

and a way for the girls to be able to be left to the care of Tom. Maria was unable to tend to Tom as often as she would have liked for the Rushworths came frequently to console the family. Maria, while she knew full well that she would never love Mr. Rushworth,

Would someone please tell me what kind of woman would be good for him? I'm dying to know that.

knew that she needed to treat him well from now on. She had much to make up for, and she was uncertain about how her father would view the match once he came home. He would want the connection to be sure, but would he be happy about Mr. Rushworth being a son-in-law? She hoped not, but was preparing herself in case the connection outweighed the downsides in Sir Thomas' mind.

Something I am sure you are all eager to know. Patience, my dear readers.

Julia and Fanny were mostly left to care for Tom. Edmund helped a great deal, but as he saw that Tom was in good care under Julia and Fanny's direction, he felt able to see to the estate matters and deal with the company Mansfield's family received.

Most of the time he was not handling estate affairs, his attention was with Miss Crawford when she was over. She made all the right expressions of sadness, gave hope for a recovery,

For although she wished for a large income, she did not want Tom to die. The consequences would be too severe for the family, she was sure.

and her tete-a-tetes with Edmund allowed him some hope for the future.

As in the novel. (grumble)

Fanny felt pain whenever Maria or Julia told her of what happened between Edmund and Miss Crawford, but she considered it better to deal with the pain than to avoid it. It was slowly looking certain that Edmund would marry Miss Crawford no matter what happened to Tom. Julia admitted to them that one of the less important reasons she hoped Tom would recover was that he would marry and have sons, thereby insuring that Miss Crawford would have no chance of becoming the next Lady Bertram.

For if she was truly mercenary, it would serve her right!

For two weeks, Tom's condition went back and forth between improving and worsening. Just when it seemed that he would make a full recovery, he came down with something that threw his recovery off. His family could not tell if he was aware of them most of the time, although he did awaken a few times. It was a surprise to him to see his sisters and cousin doing most of the sickbed duties,

He had been expecting the older maids, you see.

But he was grateful to be in such excellent hands.

During those two weeks, the bond between the three girls strengthened. Mr. Crawford's absence helped Maria begin to forget about her feelings towards him. She saw them as a foolish infatuation that could have caused a great deal of harm had she not stopped it when she did, although she could not deny that it already had caused some pain.

But enough of that. It is something we do not need to discuss for some time.

While they tended to Tom, they read to him, continuing the debates Julia and Fanny had carried on prior to Tom's illness. Maria participated, and the three hoped that if Tom could hear them, he would feel that his opinion was wanted and would fight to live. Fanny wished she had been a little more braver and open with her mischievous cousin, Maria and Julia wished they had had a better bond with him, and all three hoped that he would become a better person as they all had. If he recovered.

Yes. *If.*

Julia and Fanny were discussing how everyone was coping when Maria came in. She sat in the free chair next to the bed while Fanny finished telling Tom about "Aunt Norris' latest angry fit."

I shall not bore you with the details.

When Fanny finished, Julia turned to Maria and asked with a small, playful smile, "I see Mr. Rushworth let you come back."

Maria gave a small smile in return. "He's worried about my becoming ill, but he sees that I find comfort in caring for Tom. I think as my old treatment of him has returned he is inclined to be more relaxed and less concerned about what I do."

No more worrying for him about where her heart is. He now feels certain that he will not have to worry about that anymore.

"The absence of a certain gentleman must help him in that regard," Fanny commented. Maria simply grimaced in response.

A few seconds passed as they tried to think of a different subject. At the moment Fanny thought of one, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," she answered.

The door was opened, and Mrs. Chapman entered in a bit of a hurry. She curtsied and said, "Begging your pardon, my ladies, but Sir Thomas has returned. He has asked to see you. I will take care of Master Tom so he is not alone."

All three felt nervous. Fanny's fear of her uncle returned, and her cousins worried about how their father would react if he heard about how they had behaved. He might not even take into account that they were changing their ways. They nodded and left Tom in Mrs. Chapman's care. As they went down the staircase, each wondered what would happen now.

Many answers are about to be given.

The girls heard Sir Thomas greeting the Rushworths, the Grants, and Miss Crawford as they came towards the sitting room. They entered to a scene they had expected. Lady Bertram was lolling on her couch with Pug in her lap, Sir Thomas was in his favorite chair, Mr. Rushworth was in that chair's match, the Grants sat at a table with Mrs. Rushworth, Miss Crawford and Edmund, and Mrs. Norris was sitting on a stool by Lady Bertram.

With her beloved green curtain? No. That was at home. She was working on something else, but nearly just as trivial.

Sir Thomas was the first to see them. "Ah, my daughters and niece." He rose to greet them.

The girls promptly came over, although Fanny did so nervously, her old fear of her uncle returning. Maria and Julia managed to hide their own nervousness as they went to welcome their father back. Their welcome was brief, as they had their own fear of their father.

A fear compounded by their concern over how he would react to learning about their behavior.

Sir Thomas was also welcomed by Fanny, who he was delighted to see had grown into a fine young woman.

Rest assured, viewers of MP2, none of the thoughts you are concerned about crossed his mind.

After begin urged to sit down, the girls did. Then they noticed how grave Sir Thomas' face was. They soon learned he had been promptly told of Tom's illness, but he was willing to wait a little too see his son as the invalid's condition seemed to be stable.

And so he told the party about what transpired in Antigua. Fanny asked the most questions of him, and Maria and Julia asked their own as well.

Not just because they were curious about what happened, but also to encourage Fanny.

The party continued in this manner until a maid-servant burst into the room, panting for breath. She took a few breathes to make sure she could speak, and then announced, "Sir Thomas, Master Tom is awake and the fever has broke!"

Chapter Six

Posted on Saturday, 6 January 2001

Sir Thomas went promptly to see his recovering heir. When he arrived in Tom's room he was very surprised by how changed his son was, and after Tom expressed the deepest regret over the pain her given his father over the years, he thanked his sisters and cousin for tending to him and teaching him aspects of family loyalty he had previously not paid proper attention to.

The comfort Sir Thomas felt upon returning from Antigua in Tom, who gradually regained his health, without regaining the thoughtlessness and selfishness of his previous habits is difficult to express in words. Tom was the better for ever for his illness. He had suffered, and he had learned to think; two advantages that he had never known before; and the self-reproach arising from the deplorable (as he quickly came to call it) events surrounding his sisters and Mr. Crawford, to which he felt himself accessory by blindness to the events around him and by the dangerous intimacy of his unjustifiable theatre, made an impression on his mind which, at the age of five-and-twenty, with no want of sense or good companions, would be durable in its happy effects. It was certain before he was well enough to leave his room a week after Sir Thomas' return that Tom became what he ought to be: useful to his father, steady and quiet, and merely living for himself.

Here was comfort indeed! But perhaps not so much for one lady... I leave it yourselves to determine that.

Tom would not lack for comfort. He was now closer than ever to his two sisters and Fanny, and the new intimacy proved that he could still laugh and make sport but was tempered by manners and prudence.

When he was acquainted with the entire story of Julia's befriending Fanny and of Maria's awakening, he made a vow to be careful around Mr. Crawford. He was uneasy when told of the look at Fanny that had made Maria doubt Mr. Crawford's sincerity towards her (which he had not seen himself) and did not voice his concern that when Mr. Crawford returned, he would set his sights on Fanny.

For having conquered (in his mind) her two cousins, he cannot be satisfied without making a hole in the poor relation's heart.

The theatre business was not forgotten easily however. Though pleased by the strong repentance of his children (and more so by Fanny's not engaging in any of it and Julia's joining her in that regard), he was exceeding displeased

To borrow a phrase from Lady Cat...

with Mrs. Norris. He felt prior to his return that the engagement between Maria and Mr. Rushworth had come about far too quickly, that she had not managed his daughters well, and her part in the theatre business was very bad. It resulted in his giving a series of very strong words to her and informing her that he would pay greater care to the further education of his daughters.

He even forgave Julia over her words to Mrs. Norris (although it did inspire a few words on proper behavior). And his making Mrs. Norris back out of his children's lives quite a bit made all the young people of Mansfield breathe a little easier.

With Tom sufficiently recovered and his mother forgetting about the event (the first where she ever knew real fear), the matter of Maria and Mr. Rushworth became of the utmost importance. One night Fanny sat with her cousins, and Tom and his sisters watched with mild amusement as Edmund told Fanny of his father's observations on how she had changed while he was away, and all tried to calm her reactions. The conversation moved briefly to the occupants of Mansfield Parsonage not having been to Mansfield in several days

At Sir Thomas' "request."

and Fanny was the one to bring the conversation away from whether Miss Crawford would find the winter months dull. She began to speak of the next day when Maria briefly left the room. "Tomorrow, I think, my uncle dines at Sotherton and you and Tom and Maria too. We shall be quite a small party at home. I hope my uncle may continue to like Mr. Rushworth."

"That is impossible, Fanny," was Edmund's response. "He must like him less after tomorrow's visit, for we shall spend five hours in his company. I should dread the stupidity of the day, if there were not a much greater evil to follow - the impression it must leave on Sir Thomas. He cannot much longer deceive himself. I am sorry for them all, and would give something that Rushworth and Maria had never met."

Tom fixed his eyes to the paper he was reading and Julia and Fanny turned their attention firmly to their needlework. None of them knew how to contradict him, and nor did Maria, who overheard him as she was coming back into the room. She knew her brother's words to be the truth and was pained by what would happen afterwards. She waited several seconds before returning to give some semblance of not having heard Edmund's prediction.

In this quarter, indeed, disappointment was impending over Sir Thomas. Not all his good-will for Mr. Rushworth, not all of Mr. Rushworth's deference for him, could prevent him from soon discerning some part of the truth - that Mr. Rushworth was an inferior young man, as ignorant in business as in books, with opinions in general unfixed, and without seeming much aware of it himself.

He had expected a very different son-in-law; and beginning to feel grave on Maria's account, tried to understand her feelings. His observations there soon made him uncertain what to think. Her behavior to Mr. Rushworth was everything that was caring and civil and warm, but there was an emptiness in her eyes and paleness in her color that he could not discern whether she truly liked Mr. Rushworth. Sir Thomas resolved to speak seriously with her. Advantageous as would be the alliance, and long standing and public as was the engagement, her happiness and well-being must not be sacrificed to it. Mr. Rushworth had, perhaps, been accepted on too short an acquaintance, and, on knowing him better, she was repenting.

With solemn kindness Sir Thomas addressed her that evening once they returned to Mansfield; told her his fears, enquired into her wishes, entreated her to be open and sincere, and assured her that every inconvenience should be braved, and connection entirely given up, if she felt herself unhappy with the prospect of it. He would act for her and release her. Maria had a great inner struggle while listening to Sir Thomas, but made certain he suspected none of it from her appearance. Part of her mind screamed to accept his offer of help and be free. Another reminded her of her decision just prior to her father's return; that she would go through with the marriage because after all that had happened she doubted she would find the happiness she believed Julia and Fanny would one day find. When her father ceased, she was able to give her answer immediately, decidedly, and with no apparent agitation. She thanked him for his great attention,

However little of it she truly felt he had given to his children.

his paternal kindness, but he was quite mistaken in supposing she had the smallest desire of breaking her engagement, or was sensible of any change of opinion or inclination since her forming it. She did acknowledge that if she was repentant of anything it was her treatment of him in the few months prior to Sir Thomas' return. There had been an scene not favorable to Mr. Rushworth, and a mistake in judgment (further encouraged by the play) had led to not behave as she ought towards him. Having seen the error of some of her judgments

Those judgments having been encouraged by Mrs. Norris, and she admitted as such to Sir Thomas.

her opinion of her fiancé had returned to the highest esteem of his character and disposition, and could not have a doubt of her happiness with him.

Sir Thomas was satisfied; too glad to be satisfied, perhaps, to urge the matter quite so far as his judgment might have dictated to others.

Which Maria believed would make him insist on the alliance had she asked for his help in breaking it.

It was an alliance which he could not have relinquished without pain; and thus he reasoned. Mr. Rushworth was young enough to improve: Mr. Rushworth must and would improve in good society; and if Maria could now speak so securely of her happiness with him, speaking certainly without the prejudice, the blindness of love, she ought to be believed. Her feelings, probably, were not acute; he had never supposed them to be so; but her comforts might not be less on that account; and if she could dispense with seeing her husband a leading, shining character, there would certainly be everything else in her favor. A well-disposed young woman, who did not marry for love, was in general the more attached to her own family; and the nearness of Sotherton to Mansfield must naturally hold out as the greatest temptation, and would, in probability, be a continual supply of the most amiable and innocent enjoyment. Such and such-like were the reasonings of Sir Thomas, happy to escape the embarrassing evils of a rupture, the wonder, the reflections, the reproach that must attend it; happy to secure a marriage which would bring him an addition of respectability and influence, and very happy to think anything of his daughter's disposition that was most favorable for the purpose.

Had Sir Thomas taken the time to seriously consider his state of mind and consider any mistakes he made in his children's upbringing he would have pressed the matter further. But he had not made any mistakes. He was Sir Thomas Bertram after all!

To her the conference closed not as satisfactorily as to him. Her state of mind was not what she had led her father to believe. Part of her mind was glad that she had secured her fate beyond recall; that she had pledged herself anew to Sotherton, but the rest knew that she would endure some misery in this marriage. She knew what Mr. Rushworth was about but felt this was the only course available to her. Breaking the engagement would surely bring greater grief than marriage would; there was hope for some happiness with Mr. Rushworth; guided properly on views and opinions he would make a tolerable companion and there was no chance that he would do anything to hurt her. She would be a little more careful in her behavior and appearance so that her father might not again be suspecting her. She feared that if he knew the true state of her heart, that she knew she would be miserable because she did not love and barely respected Mr. Rushworth, there would be far greater misery to endure.

Not one thought of gaining independence from Mansfield or being certain that Mr. Crawford would not think that he had destroyed her happiness entered her mind. She would recover her happiness however long it took, but of far more importance was to protect any other girls she might know from Mr. Crawford. With that in mind, she soon applied to Mr. Rushworth to not continue his acquaintance with Mr. Crawford and to ban the man from all of their houses. The persuasion did not take long, nor did it take long to persuade him to accept marrying as soon as possible.

Delay in marrying seemed an evil to Maria, and Mr. Rushworth himself could not hardly be more impatient for the wedding than herself, but for different reasons. She merely wished it to be over with; she felt this was a suitable punishment for her past actions, and she had given her word to Mr. Rushworth; Maria vowed to never break her word if she gave it. The preparation of new carriages and furniture might wait for London and spring, when her own taste could have fairer play.

She merely wished that her surroundings be agreeable to her, and wanted to ensure that she had a firm hand in the future appearance of her homes.

The principals being all agreed in this respect, it soon appeared that a very few weeks would be sufficient for such arrangements as must precede the wedding.

Mrs. Rushworth was quite ready to retire, and make way for the fortunate

As far as nearly everyone involved was concerned.

young woman whom her dear son had selected; and very early in November removed herself, her maid, her footman, and her chariot, with true dowager propriety, to Bath, there to parade over the wonders of Sotherton in her evening parties; enjoying them as thoroughly, perhaps, in the animation of a card-table as she had ever done on the spot; and before the middle of the same month the ceremony had taken place which gave Sotherton another mistress.

It was a very proper wedding. The bride was elegantly dressed; two bridesmaids were duly inferior; her father gave her away; her mother stood with salts in her hand, expecting to be agitated; her aunt tried to cry; and the service was impressively read by Dr. Grant. Nothing could be objected to when it came under the discussion of the neighborhood, except that the carriage which conveyed the bride and bridegroom from the church door to Sotherton was the same chaise which Mr. Rushworth had used a twelvemonth before. In everything else the etiquette of the day might stand the strictest investigation.

It was done, and they were gone. Sir Thomas felt as an anxious father must feel, and was indeed experiencing much of the agitation which his wife had been apprehensive of for herself, but had fortunately escaped. Mrs. Norris, most happy to assist in the duties of the day, by spending it all at the Park to support her sister's spirits, and drinking to the health of Mr. and Mrs. Rushworth in a supernumerary glass or two, was all joyous delight; for she had made the match; she had done everything and no one would have supposed, from her confident triumph,

Excepting Tom, Julia, and Fanny, of course.

that she had ever heard of conjugal infelicity in her life or could have had the smallest insight into the disposition of the niece who had been brought up under her eye.

The plan of the young people was to proceed, after a few days, to Brighton, and take a house there for some weeks. Every public place was new to Maria, and Brighton is almost as gay in winter as in summer. When the novelty of amusement there was over, it would be time for the wider range of London.

Julia had decided to remain at Mansfield with her brothers and cousin. Tom was not completely recovered, and Fanny could use a good female companion; Miss Crawford would not do as a friend however much Edmund might think otherwise. However, exchanges of promises to write between the sisters, Tom and Fanny

In our modern times the four would be called "The Four Musketeers" at this point.

were given. While Julia and Fanny quite admired the idea of seeing new places, they were needed at home and Maria knew she had to practice having only Mr. Rushworth as her company. She would quite depend on letters from her three dearest friends, and each of them would take turns in receiving Maria's letters and responding to them.

Maria's departure made another material change at Mansfield, a small chasm which required some time to fill up. The family circle became slightly contracted; and though Maria had latterly added little to its general gaiety, she could not but be missed. Even her mother missed her. But her eldest brother, her sister, and her tenderhearted cousin missed her sorely. They would wander about the house, the grounds, and think of her, and feel for her, with a degree of affectionate regret which she had only recently begun to deserve!

And so the family continued, completely unaware of the events to come...

Chapter Seven

Posted on Sunday, 7 January 2001

Letters between Maria and her three confidants at Mansfield came and went frequently. She acknowledged that while she was not happy she was not miserable either. Every imaginable comfort was at her disposal, and she described the sights and sounds of the places she had been to for the sake of providing Julia and Fanny with entertainment as well as to bring smiles to her own face. Having chosen her fate largely because she knew her father placed almost no value on a woman's loving her husband but instead on respect and duty, she had no one to blame but herself for any uneasiness she felt.

Still, she was fighting the regret she felt at not risking her father's disapproval, and so she depended on hearing the latest news from Mansfield. It helped her resolve the unsettled state of her mind, and helped her be extremely kind to her husband.

She had learned a great deal about patience from Fanny and from tending to her brother on his sickbed.

No mention of Mr. Crawford passed in any of her letters, but there was a mention in one of her letter arriving in early December that alluded to the theatre business and lamenting that it had happened and yet being grateful that it had happened because it gave Julia, Tom and herself the best friend they could ask for.

Tom and Julia also had the same feelings about the events, and admitted it to Fanny.

One Thursday night, Julia took her turn to write a letter to Maria. The usual descriptions of Mansfield's events were given as much attention as was needed, and then Julia continued by writing of the events of that day. That part of her letter, went as follows:

Today holds the most important intelligence I can bring you. Fanny had to go on an errand to the village for Aunt Norris, and on her way back she was caught by a sudden heavy shower near the Parsonage and took shelter under a tree. Dr. Grant came out to bring her inside to warm herself, and I own that Tom and myself were concerned for her safety when she did not return soon after the shower started. Finally, Edmund went out to the Parsonage and came back with Fanny and an invitation from the Grants for all four of us to dine with them tomorrow. Mama was nervous over doing without Fanny for a night, but my father assured her that she would do well. Aunt Norris attempted to ensure that Fanny could find no pleasure in the night, but was happily prevented from doing so by my father. Fanny and I, as you know, have been going to the Parsonage frequently as Miss Crawford has decided that it is worth befriending us, though I confess to wondering what she thinks of me and how I think of her brother. I hope my behavior tells her that I have forgotten what it felt like to think as I did of him. But I digress. Today Fanny was entertained by Miss Crawford and her harp with a tune that is a favorite of Edmund's. Fanny confessed a wish to leave soon after the performance was over, but was pressed into taking a walk through the shrubbery. Fanny regaled Tom and me with her spoken musings while looking around there; of Miss Crawford saying that she felt something like the Doge at the court of Louis IV; of the past five months being the quietest of her (Miss Crawford's) life; and a few comments regarding your marriage that Fanny did not like (and Tom and I agreed with her feelings on the matter). She also added what happened when Edmund and Mrs. Grant came out to get them. I shall have to tell you about that in full in person, as I cannot fit it all into this letter. I must conclude, as it is late. The dinner should be enjoyable, I think. The Grants are good people, and Miss Crawford can be good company at times, but I fear Fanny endures the most unwittingly inflicted pain of us all. I believe we may accept your offer to take us to town far sooner than we had thought.

Yours ever,
Julia

The day of the dinner saw the coachman drove round to a minute; another minute brought down the gentlemen, and as the ladies had, by the younger's most scrupulous fear of being late, been many minutes seated in the drawing-room, Sir Thomas saw them off in as good time as his own correctly punctual habits required.

Not very far from the Parsonage, Edmund observed that Wilcox was "as punctual as ever" and then turned to Fanny and, with a smile of an affectionate brother said, "Now I must look at you, Fanny, and tell you how I like you; and as well as I can judge by this light, you look very nicely indeed. What have you got on?"

"The new dress my uncle was so good as to give me on Maria's marriage, and a few small items Maria herself gave me. I hope it is not too fine; but I thought I ought to wear it as soon as I could, and I might not have another such opportunity all the winter. I hope you do not think me too fine, although," and she gave a teasing smile at Julia, "Julia insists that I look very well, fine or no."

Edmund laughed. "A woman can never be too fine when she is all in white. No, I see no finery about you; nothing but what is perfectly proper. Your gown seems very pretty. I like these glossy spots." He paused, and Julia and Tom could see in his eyes what he was to say next. "Has not Miss Crawford a gown something the same"?

(collective Dwiggie/RoP'ers thought:) Get your mind off her and take a cold bath! It would do you much good!

In approaching the Parsonage they passed the stable-yard and coach-house. Edmund observed Mr. Crawford's barouche being pushed back into its old quarters. He declared himself glad to see him again, but the others refrained from commenting.

Fanny found herself receiving far more distinction than she was used to, but she was not required to contribute much to the conversations. So she felt content to watch, and after the dinner listened as Edmund and Dr. Grant discussed the former's upcoming ordination and on money. Tom contributed to that conversation and Julia felt comfortable looking out a window. Little attention was paid to her by Mr. Crawford and she was glad; however he was talking to Fanny far more than ever before, clearly determined to get her to talk to him, but Fanny answered his questions in as short and indifferent manner as civility required. Soon he went over to his sisters to receive a cup of tea from Mrs. Grant. Julia was close enough to hear the conversation that ensued.

"What are those three gentlemen talk of," Miss Crawford asked. "It seems very interesting."

"The most interesting subject in the world," her brother replied. "They were talking about it in the dining room parlor: how to make money! Dr. Grant is instructing Mr. Edmund Bertram on the living at Thornton Lacey, which will soon be his."

"Indeed? How soon?" Miss Crawford's voice betrayed her full dislike of the clergy and her unhappiness over Edmund entering that profession. Julia tried not to feel triumph over it.

Mrs. Grant told her sister that Mr. Edmund was to be ordained next month. "Next month?! Oh, that is soon. That is soon then." And the hurried tone made Julia feel that her brother might yet be safe thanks to Miss Crawford's disrespect of clergy. Her loss and Edmund's gain, was the only triumphant thought she would allow herself to have.

Julia became briefly lost in the view from her window when Mr. Crawford's addressing the brother she was thinking of brought her attention back into the room. "Mr. Edmund Bertram, I shall make a point of coming to Mansfield to hear your first sermon. I shall come on purpose to encourage a young beginner." A little laughter followed, but the three people, disenchanted with the Crawfords, barely smiled for good measure. Mr. Crawford handed the cup to Fanny. "Miss Price, will join me in encouraging your cousin? We must bring tablets and pencils. When is it to be?"

"I shall keep clear of you as long as I can, Crawford," said Edmund. "I promise you only that." Now everyone smiled, although the other people not residing at the Parsonage inwardly shook their heads.

Miss Crawford handed her brother a new cup, and they began speaking, with Mr. Crawford speaking also to Fanny, and Julia wondered if the words were also meant for her; but both saw the significant smile on the brother's face and it made them hate him all the more. "So, the players are now dispersed. Rushworth and his fair bride are at Brighton, I understand; happy man!"

"Yes," his sister replied. "They have been there for well over a fortnight. We hear nothing of Mr. Yates."

Mr. Crawford smiled again. "Poor Rushworth and his two-and-forty speeches. I am much mistaken if his lovely Maria will ever want him to make two-and-forty speeches to her." Miss Crawford smiled and shook her head as she walked off. Mr. Crawford sat next to Fanny, and spoke quietly, but not enough so that Julia could not hear. "You were Mr. Rushworth's best friend along with your cousin here. Your kindness and patience can never be forgotten - in trying to give him a brain which his nature had denied." Julia could not see his face as the back of his head was towards her, but she could still see the smile on his face. Fanny remained silent, though Julia could also see Fanny colour a little.

"It is as a dream, a pleasant dream!" he exclaimed after a moment's musing. Julia moved just a little closer to be certain she heard every word. Unaware of her, Mr. Crawford continued, "I shall always look back on our theatricals with exquisite pleasure. There was such an interest, such an animation, such a spirit diffused. Everybody felt it. We were all alive. There was employment, hope, solicitude, bustle, for every hour of the day. Always some little objection, some little doubt, some little anxiety to be got over. I was never happier."

With silent indignation Fanny repeated to herself, Never happier! - never happier than doing what you must know was not justifiable! - never happier when behaving so dishonourably and unfeelingly! Oh! what a corrupted mind!

Julia's silent musings were a bit different. I wonder if you even know what you did was wrong. No, you knew on some level; you just did not care. All you care about is yourself, and I wonder how much you really care about your sister's wishes. You did not agree to live at your own estate with her because you disliked anything like constancy even though she asked you too! Corrupted, wicked mind!

"We were unlucky, Miss Price," he continued in an even sorter voice, trying not to let her cousins overhear, but Julia was still close enough to barely hear him. "If only your cousin had not withdrawn and your other cousin fallen, we would have indulged ourselves for some time."

He seemed determined to be answered, and Fanny said to him, "As far as I am concerned, sir, my cousin Maria did the right thing by backing out. My uncle disapproved it all so entirely, that in my opinion everything had gone quite far enough even had Mr. Bertram not fallen."

She then turned away, coloured with anger and the feeling having had to say so much so forcefully to him. Mr. Crawford looked at her with the same sort of look that made Maria start to come around. Julia and Tom saw it, and promptly Tom brought Mr. Crawford into the discussion with Edmund and Dr. Grant. Julia brought Fanny over to the window, and it was not long after that the evening was over. Fanny and Julia were able to leave without saying more than a few words to Mr. Crawford.

Unknown to them, but suspected by Tom, Mr. Crawford was forming a new plan.

Mary Crawford was looking out the window the next morning following breakfast as her brother finished a letter. He sealed it and blew out his candle. "There," he announced after checking that the coast was clear of the rest of his family. "I have written to our uncle, the Admiral, to inform him of my new plan. I have decided to remain at Mansfield another fortnight. And how do you think I am to amuse myself, Mary, on the days that I do not hunt? I am grown too old to go out more than three times a week; but I have a plan for the intermediate days, and what do you think that is?"

"To walk and ride with me, to be sure."

"Not exactly, though I shall be happy to do both, but that would be exercise only to my body, and I must take care of my mind. Besides, that would be all recreation and indulgence, without the wholesome alloy of labour, and I do not like to eat the bread of idleness. No, my plan is to make Fanny Price in love with me."

Mary had turned her head to face him during his speech, but she turned completely when he finished. "Fanny Price! Nonsense! No!" At his smile of determination, she said with more conviction, "No! You ought to be satisfied with her two cousins!"

It was far more feeling than she had felt in the story which we are all familiar with. Edmund's influence made her feel more for his family, and there was something about Fanny that made her feel very uneasy about Henry's paying his flirtatious attentions to her.

"But I cannot be satisfied with Fanny Price, without making a hole in Fanny Price's heart."

His way of going on is apparent to anyone who has seen the older MP production. Needless to say, it is disconcerting. Even Mary felt uneasy, which was quite a change from her usual feelings over his flirtations.

Henry continued, "You do not seem properly aware that she is quite a different creature than she was when I left all those weeks ago. In that soft skin of hers, there is now a decided beauty; and from what I observed from her eyes and mouth I do not despair of their being capable of expression enough when she has anything to express." Mary glared at her brother, but knew there was no stopping him. "And then, her air, her manner, her tout ensemble, is so indescribably improved! She must have grown two inches at least since I first saw her."

"Phoo, phoo! That is only because you have one less taller woman to compare her with. I have always thought her pretty enough, but if you set about a flirtation with her, you will never persuade me it is for her beauty, or from anything but your own idleness and folly."

Her brother only gave a smile to this accusation, and soon afterwards said, "I do not quite know what to make of Miss Fanny. I could not tell what she would be at yesterday. What is her character? Is she solemn? Is she prudish? Why did she draw back and look so grave at me and then walk away with her cousin? I never was so long in company with a girl in my life, trying to entertain her, and succeed so ill! I must try and get the better of this. Her looks say, 'I will not like you,' and I say she shall."

"Foolish fellow! So this is her attraction after all! That she does not care for you gives her such a soft skin and makes her so much taller!" Mary laughed again as she walked towards another part of the room, rubbing her arms because of a slight chill. Then she stopped and turned around. "But I do desire, Henry, that you will not be making her really unhappy; a little love, perhaps, may animate and do her good, but I will not have you plunge her deep, for she is as good a little creature as ever lived and has a great deal of feeling."

"It can be but for a fortnight," said Henry; "and if a fortnight can kill her, she must have a constitution which nothing could save." He ignored the glare this produced from his sister. "No, I will not do her any harm, dear little soul! I only want her to look kindly on me, to give me smiles as well as blushes, to keep a chair for me by herself wherever we are, and be all animation when I take it and talk to her; to think as I think, be interested in all my possessions and pleasures, try to keep me longer at Mansfield, and feel when I go away that she shall never be happy again. I want nothing more."

Mary laughed harshly, showing the anger she felt. "Moderation itself! I will have no scruples only if you limit it to making her look kindly on you and give you smiles. If you try for anything more than that, I will have to guard her; but I think you will have a hard enough time as it is with Julia and Tom around."

But even had Fanny's heart not been already engaged, we know she would not fall for his charm. Though his behavior might be such that she could not dismiss, she had by no means forgotten the past and had two very strong protectors with her.

"I suppose you are right; they will probably prevent me from reaching what I wish; so I will go by your wish. But in any case, I see my way." He then picked up a newspaper. "And bless my uncle, the Admiral, for bestowing upon me this excellent journal, which brings the earliest naval intelligence; for here, it is announced, that His Majesty's Sloop, The Antwerp, has returned from the Mediterranean and is docked at Portsmouth. So, brother William must soon be here."

Mary could only smile at the all-too familiar twinkle in her brother's eyes.

Which is more than most could do.

Continued In Next Section