Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Chapter Eight Posted on Wednesday, 21 March 2001
Mr. Crawford came to Mansfield within an hour of announcing his plan to his sister, and planned all he wished to say to begin his plot. But he was promptly disappointed. He was shown into the room where Fanny was, and found her hugging a young man and beaming with joy. Tom and Julia were also present, and their smiles faded slightly when seeing Mr. Crawford, who did not see it. He was introduced to the young man, who was the brother Fanny was so fond of, and decided he would befriend the young man to put himself in Fanny's graces.
If at first you do not succeed, try again with a different approach. Henry Crawford's motto on gaining hearts.
He soon decided that William Price was an agreeable young man and that he would enjoy knowing him even had he not a sister's heart to make a hole in.
Recognizing and appreciating goodness does not mean one will act good. Henry has no intention of the third at this time.
Observing a cross William had given Fanny and listening to Fanny's urging William not to spend all of his money on gifts for his sisters, Mr. Crawford began his attack. Unfortunately for him, Tom was ready and deflected part of the attack. Fanny gently brushed away the rest, and soon left the room with William and Julia. Mr. Crawford, upon being informed that Fanny and William would be spending the day together, decided to continue at a better time. He left after paying brief respects to Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram.
Tom found Julia watching Mr. Crawford leave from behind a curtain. Tom glared at the retreating figure, but Julia placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Remember, brother, that Fanny shall never fall under his spell. She has seen too much of his character and principles. We may have to attempt to prevent anyone seriously thinking that Mr. Crawford has good intentions towards her, but I think he will leave eventually."
Julia waited for her brother's response. It took long enough that Julia almost asked if he was well. "I have my doubts that he will leave that easily. I have seen men like him. They do not believe that there are girls they cannot woo with false flattery."
Julia could not think of a response. Instead, she asked him to come with her and rejoin Fanny and William. Their departure from the room was speeded by the sound of Mrs. Norris' approaching voice. Julia had no wish to hear her aunt berate her again for not catching Mr. Crawford.
Auntie Dearest still considered him Julia's, and would have been furious had she any idea that Mr. Crawford was attempting to "woo" her odious niece.
Within a week, the Mansfield Park residents were invited to the Parsonage for a pleasant evening. Enjoyment was expected all around.
Even Fanny, Julia, and Tom could expect some delight in the night.
The dinner itself was elegant and plentiful, according to the style of the Grants, and none but Mrs. Norris could find any fault in it. She found it advisable to remain silent on most of the subject, but could not refrain from making a few comments.
Which were largely ignored.
Soon the party began breaking into card games. Lady Bertram was advised by Sir Thomas to try Speculation
As he did not think it would be good to have her as a partner for Whist.
and Mr. Crawford offered to help her. This led to him sitting between Lady Bertram and Fanny, much to the displeasure of the latter.
Fanny could find no enjoyment in being in Mr. Crawford's company. Even listening to him read from a play would have little enjoyment anymore.
The game went well, but to Fanny was prevented by Mr. Crawford from cheating herself out of a win to allow William to win, much to her disappointment. Edmund observed as much, and Fanny took the task of putting the game away. Lady Bertram commented to Sir Thomas on the "very entertaining but a very odd game" Speculation was, and then sat down.
For Lady Bertram disliked standing for any long period.
William turned to Fanny, who was placing the Speculation box back in its place, and said, "Are you fond of dancing, Fanny?"
Fanny smiled. "Yes."
Her brother stood, walked over and took her hands as he said, "I should like to go to a ball and see you dance. We used to dance in the street when the hand-organ came around, remember?" As Fanny laughed at those fond memories, Mr. Crawford decided that a fortnight was not enough. There was such a bloom in her face with her brother around; his presence showed she had genuine feeling, and he decided his stay would be longer, for it would be something to be loved by such a girl, to excite the first ardours of her young, unsophisticated mind!
He did not think, because of her retiring nature, that she was a very intelligent girl. He could not know how much she did know, and that Julia and Tom were helping Fanny be less intimidated by speaking.
As he was thus distracted, William hugged Fanny and then asked Sir Thomas "is not Fanny a good dancer, sir?"
The nervous look Julia and Tom saw on Fanny's face went away when Sir Thomas answered with a smile, "I would not know because I have not seen Fanny dance since she was a little girl, but she danced well then, so I have no doubt she dances well now."
Tom saw Mr. Crawford thinking of a compliment to pay Fanny on her dancing, and spoke, both to prevent Mr. Crawford from doing so and as a cousin who cared. "I have had the pleasure of dancing with Fanny, and I can assure you that she is very light on her feet."
Trust the new Tom to curtail the types of men he used to know.
The conversation continued and Mr. Crawford had to endure another setback to his plan. He could say anything about how Fanny danced, but he had never actually observed her dance and had previously taken her presence for granted.
And Fanny knew that.
Soon Sir Thomas announced that he was now thinking about having a ball within a few weeks. Mrs. Norris was vexed. A ball at such a time! Her dear Maria absent, and herself not consulted!
As you, my dear readers, may know well, Mrs. Norris fancied herself the advisor of her brother and sister, and the boss of her nephews and nieces. What her nieces had done in standing by Fanny was hard enough for her to swallow, and Sir Thomas' forcing her to back out of being the instructor of Maria and Julia was an even more bitter pill, but this was to her mind intolerable.
She spoke, desperate to have a say in the matter and to prevent one in honor of the Price children from happening. "My dear Sir Thomas, what of Mrs. Rushworth? Should not she be here for such an event?"
"My daughter," he replied in his usual grave voice, "has her pleasures in Brighton, and I hope is very happy, but the ball I am thinking of giving will be for her cousins. Could we all be assembled, our satisfaction would undoubtedly be more complete, but the absence of some is not to debar the others of amusement. And why should William not see Fanny dance," he finished with a smile.
Mrs. Norris now had to be quiet or else she might be forced to quit Mansfield forever.
Sadly, as some would say, she had enough sense to know when she absolutely had to keep her lips sealed.
Her nephews and nieces were delighted. Fanny was soon to have her first ball! The delight that could be looked forward to was on the minds of all the young people.
While William and the remaining Musketeers' thoughts were rather similar, the rest all had other thoughts about that day.
It was not long after that Mrs. Norris noticed it was soon time to leave, and she said so before Sir Thomas could. Fanny's final disappointment of the evening was her shawl, which Edmund went for, being seized by the quicker hand of Mr. Crawford and she was obliged to be indebted to his more prominent attention.
Tom had tried to make sure she not have to be, but Edmund went for the shawl first, and Tom viewed it best to not make anyone think he could have intentions towards Fanny. She had become a sister to him.
Julia looked on her clothing selection with delight. Since her becoming Miss Bertram, she had decided to change the style of gowns she wore. Maria, upon her marriage, had given over half of her old wardrobe to Julia, and the rest to Fanny.
She had decided to practice being charitable, and what better way to start than with her Miss Bertram clothes? It did annoy Mrs. Norris to no end.
Julia herself had given Fanny some things that would look better on the latter, but all that became Fanny's had to be altered to fit her form as she was shorter than her cousins.
Since Sir Thomas' declaration that there would be a ball at Mansfield, a date had been set for December 22, which was now the next day. It was short notice, but he still was able to receive enough responses to ensure over a dozen couples for dancing. Julia and Fanny focused on what the latter would wear. One of Maria's altered gowns, a white silk dress adorned with carefully placed pearls, was selected, and proper shoes were found. But the question of what else should adorn Fanny was harder to resolve. Julia went through her jewelry cases, and Fanny's one case (with Fanny's permission), to see what would go best. The one problem was that Fanny wished to wear William's cross, but she had not one suitable chain for it and he had been unable to afford one. And so Julia attempted to find one out of her collection that went well with William's cross. Fanny could not help because she had been obliged to call on Miss Crawford.
The task took Julia some time to complete, and she had just finished when she faintly heard Tom ask a servant "has Miss Price returned," and was answered in the affirmative. She set a few items into good places for Fanny to compare them, and stood to learn how her visit went.
She was half expecting to hear some ideas for Fanny's appearance that would look wrong with her gown.
She came out of her room to find Edmund walking towards the stairs with a delighted smile. Julia nearly froze. Lately, only some good news regarding Miss Crawford could place that sort of smile on his face. As his direction had been coming from the East Room, Julia wondered what Fanny had let slip. She waited for Edmund to be out of sight to hurry to Fanny.
Julia heard soft crying inside the room, and Tom's voice attempting to soothe Fanny. She opened the door without knocking, and saw Fanny crying into Tom's shoulder, his arms around her like a protective elder brother. Two small jewelry cases, one prettier than the other, were on her table, and there was a partial note on the top paper on her writing table. Julia promptly closed the door,
Tom did notice her presence.
and examined the paper. The writing was in Edmund's hand, and read, "My very dear Fanny, you must do me the favor to accept" and no more. He must have been writing this as Fanny came in. But what happened? With the paper in her hand, she pulled another chair around the table and placed it next to Tom. She sat, and waited for Fanny to calm enough to tell the tale.
The wait was long, and by the time Fanny pulled away from Tom, Julia had lost all track of time. Fanny was a little startled to see her, but was grateful to have her support. "Tell me, Fanny," she said once Fanny could speak steadily, "what has caused these tears? Was it something Miss Crawford did, or something Edmund said? And what are this note and these two little cases doing here?"
Fanny took several deep breaths, and responded when she found her strength. "I shall tell you both, for I am in need of advice. I feel I should do one thing, but Edmund... has urged me not to do it."
"Do what," Tom asked.
"I shall tell you both presently...
"I was walking along the path to the Parsonage when I encountered Miss Crawford. It seems she was going to call on me. She urged me to come back to the Parsonage with her. Her brother was out hunting, I am happy to say. We went to her room and discussed the ball. I told her about my dress, and once we finished talking of my dress in its grander parts, as she said, she opened a discussion about necklaces.
"'But what shall you do for a necklace? Shall you wear your brother's cross,' she asked.
"I replied in the affirmative, but my tone became such that she guessed that William could not afford a chain. She opened a case of hers and said, 'I was hoping to show you this.' It was a large collection of chains and necklaces; the largest I have ever seen. 'You see what a collection I have; more by half than I ever use or think of,' she continued. 'I do not offer them as new. You must forgive the liberty and oblige me.'
"I was inclined to refuse. You, Julia, were going to give me one if you found one suitable with William's cross. But as I started to refuse, she said, 'Nay, I insist,' and began showing me some of them. She soon pulled one out, a pretty gold one, and said, 'But this is, I think, the prettiest. Shall you accept?' I hesitated, thinking I should instead take a plainer one, but she was adamant. She placed the necklace around my neck, and I confess it did look well. Confused by this sudden act of kindness from her, I decided to say that whenever I wore it I would always think of her and how kind she was.
"Then, as she was preparing a little case to put it in for me to take it home, she said, 'You must think of somebody else too when you wear that necklace. You must think of Henry, for it was his choice in the first place. He gave it to me, and with the necklace I make over to you all the duty of remembering the original giver. It is to be a family remembrancer. The sister is not to be in your mind without bringing the brother too.'
"I was astonished, and pulled off the necklace at once, placing it back on her table. I know I have accepted things that were given to someone by another, but to accept something that had been a gift from Mr. Crawford! I would have hesitated over merely taking what had been a brother's gift a few months ago, but now my concern was over the look in Miss Crawford's eyes. I could not help but wonder if her brother knew about this, and had even encouraged it. I told her I was resolved to take another or none at all.
"'My dear child,' said she, laughing, 'what are you afraid of? Do you think Henry will claim the necklace as mine, and fancy you did not come honestly by it? Or are you imagining he would be too much flattered by seeing round your lovely throat an ornament which his money purchased three years ago, before he knew there was such a throat in the world? Or perhaps,' and she looked archly at me as she spoke right then, 'you suspect a confederacy between us, and that what I am now doing is with his knowledge and at his desire?'
"I wished to believe that the last was not the case, and I could not believe the others as at all possible. I had to protest at such a thought. 'Well then,' replied she more seriously, but without at all appearing to believe me, 'to convince me that you suspect no trick, and are as unsuspicious of compliment as I have always found you, take the necklace and say no more about it.'
"I could not make any further opposition, however uneasy I felt about the situation. With renewed but less happy thanks I accepted the necklace again. I left soon after, and as soon as I knew I was out of the Parsonage's view I hurried back to Mansfield. I needed to consult with you two about what to do.
"So as I nearly burst into my room, what do I find but Edmund sitting at my table writing a note. Such a sight having never occurred before, was almost as wonderful as it was welcome. 'Fanny,' said he directly, leaving his seat and pen, and meeting me with something behind his back, 'I beg you pardon for being here. I came to look for you, and upon being told you had not returned from a call on Miss Crawford,' and there was a glow in his eyes that pained me all the more because I had just come from her, 'came here to make use of your inkstand to explain my errand. You will find the beginning of a note to yourself; but I can now speak my business, which is merely to beg your acceptance of this little trifle: a chain for William's cross.'
"He pulled a small box out from behind his back and handed it to me. I promptly opened it. It was simple and perfect for the cross. He said more, but I was too overwhelmed to remember it. He was about to leave and I asked him to stay and consult. Had I not just come from Miss Crawford I would have thought about it more and not said anything except thanks, but after praising him for the necklace, I showed him Miss Crawford's necklace. He was struck by it, and went into a reverie. I got his attention when I asked if I should return the necklace.
"He was adamant that I not, and he could not understand my not wanting to on the brother's account. I cannot honestly recall all that was said (my thoughts ran far too rampant for that), but I could never forget that last things that he said.
"'Wear the necklace, as you are engaged to do, tomorrow evening, and let the chain, which was not ordered with any reference to the ball, be kept for commoner occasions. This is my advice. I would not have the shadow of coolness between the two whose intimacy I have been observing with the greatest pleasure, and in whose characters there is so much general resemblance in true generosity and natural delicacy as to make the few slight differences, resulting principally from situation, no reasonable hindrance to a perfect friendship. I would not have coolness arise between the two dearest objects I have on earth.'
"He left right after pressing my hand. I stood in shock right where he left me. That I am one of his two dearest must comfort me, but the other... The first! I have never heard him speak so openly before on the subject. His views are now decided. He will marry Miss Crawford; I am sure of it! I confess it is a stab to my heart, despite that I have never dared entertain a notion of his feeling that way about me. Could I believe Miss Crawford to deserve him, it would - it would be far more tolerable! But he is deceived in her; he gives her merits which she has not; her faults are what they have ever been, but he sees them no longer."
Fanny could not speak any longer. The strain of keeping her voice steady was too great, and she cried again. Tom held her again, and he and Julia struggled to think of what to say when Fanny regained her composure.
For how does one comfort a young lady with such strong and tender feelings? A young lady who has been imposed on far too often?
Tom, appearing calm on the outside, was fuming on the inside. I ought to shake you, brother, for the pain you have unwittingly given Fanny. Oh, would that invitation Miss Crawford received from her friend come sooner, and that Mr. Crawford would leave and never come back!
Julia tried to be calmer in her thoughts. So, Mr. Crawford, you have gotten your sister to help you? How many others has she helped you with? And stupid, stupid Edmund! How could you become blinded to Miss Crawford's faults? Is it just because she is so different from what you are used to? She and Fanny are very different.
(Collective Dwiggie/RoP'er thought:) Edmund, I believe your senses are overdue to be returned to your head.
At last, Fanny finished shedding her tears. Taking a few breathes, and sniffling, she asked, "I need your opinions. What do I do with the necklace? Should I return it, or keep it, or do something else with it? And what shall I do about..." She was forced to pause; her emotions nearly pushed through to the surface again. "What shall I do about my feelings?"
Another pause filled the room. Tom broke it. "Fanny, I am convinced that Mr. Crawford has a part in the necklace. Miss Crawford never concerned herself much with you until after Maria left. This act of kindness does not fit with what I have seen. But I think you have a problem as you have accepted the necklace."
"I agree," Julia added, turning the object in question over in her hands. "However, I already found some necklaces that look much better with William's cross and with your dress." She then thought of something. "Fanny, did you give your word that you would wear the necklace tomorrow night?"
Fanny thought. "I never said it, but I think in taking the necklace it is understood that I did agree to wear it."
Julia nodded slowly. "What is your feeling about it? Do you think Mr. Crawford had a role in this? What do you think you should do with the necklace?"
One of the things Julia stressed in Fanny's education (and which Maria and Tom helped reinforce) was that Fanny rely more on her own judgment.
"I... am concerned about the look in Miss Crawford's eyes. I hope her brother knew nothing of it, but I now firmly suspect he did, and that I was tricked into accepting the necklace. I am distressed over what Edmund said but to wear the necklace may send the wrong message to several parties. I do not think Miss Crawford will let me return the necklace, but I have no wish to keep it." She paused, and her cousins waited for her to continue. "I could sell it and its case (and be done with them), but it might look bad if I sell them anywhere around here. If I sell them, I must do it where they are not likely to know about it."
"Fanny," Tom began, clearing his throat, 'I think you are right. Put the necklace away, and when we travel we make sure we stop at a place where they are not likely to want to go to, and bring the items. And then we find someone willing to purchase them. If Miss Crawford or Edmund say anything about your not wearing it then Julia and I will help you explain, if you wish us to."
Fanny finally smiled. "Thank you, cousins." She took the offending case and placed it in a corner with objects she intended to attempt to sell one day. That done, she turned back to Julia, and took off her coat. "Now, Julia, you said you had some pretty things to show me?"
"Yes, and I want us to agree on them now so that I may set them aside to be easily found when you need them."
With that, the girls left for Julia's room, and Tom went off to the library to find a book. The former were soon delighting in discussing what "coming out" was and how to properly behave, and the latter was reading a favorite Shakespearean play to relax.
He did not say any of the lines aloud. He contented himself with a broad smile and laughs at favorite lines.
Chapter Nine: The Ball Posted on Thursday, 22 March 2001
The all-important night came, and Fanny was nervous. Julia assured her that she would not have to talk a great deal if she did not want to. Another thing Julia urged was for them to be ready early. She doubted the Grants and the Crawfords would arrive early, and so coming down early would allow Fanny to be introduced and gain a number of partners; she believed that they would be the two most sought-after girls of the ball.
For who can doubt that the daughter and the niece of Sir Thomas would not be sought for dances? But, are you, my readers, thinking of a certain "gentleman"? Patience. You shall see what happens.
The only event prior to going to dress was when Edmund came from the Parsonage to ask Miss Crawford for the first two dances. He had said things that alarmed both Fanny and Julia, but had also indicated (quite unintentionally) that the chances of his marrying Miss Crawford seemed to be much less than before.
His words were a happy source of relief to both, but one cannot doubt that Fanny felt it more.
Both had promised William, Tom and Edmund dances, and William had secured Julia for the first two. Tom did the same for Fanny.
His motives were to allow Fanny an agreeable partner for her first dances, and to keep Mr. Crawford away.
As the girls approached Julia's room to dress, they were surprised by Mrs. Chapman coming from the other direction. Lady Bertram had thought of her niece and sent Mrs. Chapman to help Fanny dress. Fanny was deeply touched by her aunt's kindness, and Julia smiled at the deed.
Ellis, Julia's maid, and another maid were there to help the girls. Their dresses looked very well on them. Julia had chosen a white dress with a little pink in it, in a similar style to Fanny's. Simple styles were chosen for their hair, but each had selected a few pretty ornaments to be placed when their hair was done. All ornaments were kept as simple as possible while still going well with their gowns. The last ornament Fanny put on was William's cross, with Edmund's chain.
Once each had looked in Julia's vanity mirror
Which Julia thought was horridly named.
they went to look in her full-length mirror. A few moments of examination made them think something was missing from their appearance. It was then that Julia noticed the sashes that had been laid out on her bed. She chose a pink sash for herself and an emerald sash for Fanny. As they were placed around their waists, Fanny thought about the last time she had handled such a sash. It had been the night of the Sotherton ball, where Maria had been introduced to Mr. Rushworth. Once the sashes were in place, each knew they were ready.
They walked down together into the ballroom. A number of guests had arrived, and to Julia's satisfaction, the Grants and Crawfords had not arrived yet. She took advantage of this to introduce Fanny to ladies and gentlemen whom Julia had not seen in months.
Sir Thomas observed that both looked very well, Lady Bertram delighted in having thought to send Mrs. Chapman to Fanny, Mrs. Norris tried to be delighted about both of the girls,
The truth was she found it hard to praise Julia given her intimacy with Fanny.
and the three young men in the house were pleased by how well Julia and Fanny looked.
It was during Julia's introducing Fanny to a number of different families that the Grants and the Crawfords arrived. They were among the last to show,
Dr. Grant had been feeling a little unwell and Mrs. Grant had been reluctant to leave unless he was well. But his ill feeling soon passed.
The Crawfords both saw Fanny and well pretty she looked, but as she was surrounded by others Miss Crawford knew they would not get to even speak with her for some time. This did not stop Mr. Crawford from approaching, but before he could reach her he ran into a young lady he had once met in town. He found himself obliged to dance with her and later speak to many others, and was unable to find a good time to be anywhere near Fanny until late in the ball.
He could not walk away from them without behaving in an ungentleman-like manner, and he had to have his manners universally approved of. It served his vanity well.
Then it came time to open the ball. Fanny was asked by Sir Thomas to do so, and was nervous. Should not Julia do it? But Julia and Tom convinced her that as the ball was in her honor (and William's) it was proper for her to open it. Fanny soon calmed as the dancing began. It was a pleasure to dance with Tom, who during the dance gave her a few extra pieces of advice on speaking during a dance. Julia took pleasure out of her dances with William, and their conversation went very well.
Fanny's greatest delight came out of the dances with Edmund; one cannot doubt that. It was only two dances and not one word was spoken between them, but it was the most relaxing part of the night for Fanny.
For we all know such a girl's feelings on dancing with the man she loves cannot be easily expressed with words.
True to Julia's expectation, neither she nor Fanny was without a partner the whole night, and the best part was Mr. Crawford not finding a chance to dance with Fanny.
(Collective Dwiggie/RoPer thought:) Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray!
The girls danced the night away until nearly half past three, when during an active dance Fanny showed signs of exhaustion. William, her partner for that dance, saw it and led her off the dance area. Tom and Julia
Who were dancing with each other for that dance, BTW.
saw and hurried to Fanny's side. She was led to where Sir Thomas and Mr. Crawford were standing. When Fanny was guided to a seat, Mr. Crawford sat down as the rest did. "Poor Fanny!" William exclaimed. "She is quite fagged out, and the sport had just begun. I hope we shall keep it up two hours yet. How can she be tired so soon?" He took Fanny's fan and tried to cool her, and Julia did the same with hers.
Tom was between Mr. Crawford and Julia, who was naturally sitting next to Fanny.
"So soon! my good friend," said Sir Thomas, producing his watch with all necessary caution; "it is three o'clock, and your sister is not used to these sort of hours."
"Well, then, Fanny, you shall not get up tomorrow before I go. Sleep as long as you can, and never mind me."
Fanny was protesting through the end of his words when Sir Thomas spoke. "What! Did she think of being up before you set off?"
"Yes, sir!" Fanny declared it with all the eagerness of a determined sister. "I must get up and breakfast with him. Julia and Tom have planned on it as well."
"Sir," Tom broke in, "Fanny does not know when she shall see William again. The lack of sleep is a small matter to her, and I too wish to see him off before Mr. Crawford comes to take him."
"At half past nine," Mr. Crawford said, "and I shall be prompt. For there will be no kind sister to get up for me. I shall have only a desolate house to depart from." He shook his head and looked down at the last words.
Make no mistake: Fanny, Julia, and Tom suspected he was playing at Fanny's emotions. But was he was actually envious of what Fanny would do for William? Yes, but not as a brother. For an idea was coming to mind, but none of our three good young people suspected it.
Sir Thomas made the decision to invite Mr. Crawford to breakfast with William; it was the least he could do to thank him for taking his nephew to town. Mr. Crawford was delighted. "It would be a most agreeable arrangement." This was only further proof to what Sir Thomas had been suspecting; that Mr. Crawford was in love with Fanny. He had a pleasing anticipation of what would be.
Fanny, Julia, and Tom suspected it not. They were displeased at the arrangement, but none raised an objection. There was a protest when Sir Thomas advised Fanny to go to bed, but he repeated it, and it was the advice of absolute power. Julia decided to retire as well, and with Mr. Crawford's very cordial adieus, the two girls passed quietly away, saying their goodnights to those they passed. They stopped at the entrance door, like the Lady of Branxholm Hall, "one moment and no more," to view the happy scene, and take a last look at the five or six determined couples, who were still hard at work; and then left, considering the ball a complete success despite their tiredness and Fanny's exhaustion.
In thus sending Fanny away, Sir Thomas was thinking not only of her health. He had noticed how long Mr. Crawford looked at her during the night, how long he sat near her; and Sir Thomas meant to recommend Fanny as a wife by showing her persuadableness.
Had Tom any inkling of what his father was thinking, he would have tried to tell him what had happened from the start of Mr. Crawford's coming to Mansfield.
The next morning, William and Edmund were both gone. Mr. Crawford had been very punctual, and short and pleasant as had been the meal. Fanny began shedding tears when William was gone. Julia and Tom felt the loss of both men, and grieved for Fanny's sad spirits. Sir Thomas had left them alone, conceiving, perhaps, that the deserted chair of each young man might exercise Fanny's tender enthusiasm, and that the remaining cold pork bones and mustard
Excuse me. (runs off to avoid puking) Sorry. I just hate the smell of mustard.
in William's plate, might but divide her feelings with the broken eggshells in Mr. Crawford's. She sat and cried con amore as her uncle intended, but it was con amore fraternal and no other. She felt she had wasted some of his time at Mansfield by not being with him as often as possible. Her cousins did not counter that feeling, as there had been events they wished Fanny could have avoided.
Edmund was soon gone as well. He took a small breakfast, and then rode off to Peterborough. He and his friend Mr. Owen were to be ordained together. His goodbyes were a little less emotional than the ones William received, but he would be missed.
Sir Thomas would soon observe as much about both young men.
The house was very quiet for many days afterwards. Fanny, Julia, and Tom were glad to have each other.
And they would need each other for support very soon...
Chapter Ten Posted on Saturday, 24 March 2001
Fanny, Julia, and Tom handled Edmund's absence well. Fanny found actual comfort after several days without him. The pain of the days prior to the ball were fading to the point of forgetting about them. The promised week of Edmund's absence passed quietly and peacefully at the great house in Mansfield, but it had a different character at the Parsonage.
A series of rain and snow had confined the occupants of both houses to their homes, and while the Mansfield residents had much they could do to pass the time, Mary Crawford was vexed. That she could not go out for days was only part of the reason. The main was Edmund's absence. Angry as she was at him for adhering to his own notions, and acting on them in defiance of her,
And she had been so angry that they had hardly parted friends at the ball.
she could not help thinking of him continually, dwelling on his merits and affection,
For she did suspect some strength of feeling from him.
and longing for the almost daily meetings they lately had. His absence felt too long, too close to her leaving Mansfield. Then she began to blame herself. She wished she had not spoken so warmly in their last conversation. She was afraid, nay certain, she had used some strong, some contemptuous expressions in speaking of the clergy, and that should not have been. It was ill bred; it was wrong. She wished such words unsaid with all her heart.
No, I am not making this up. Nearly a hundred percent of what you just read can be found in the novel. And nearly the entire last paragraph is directly from the text. I myself can feel a little sorry for Mary, but not enough to really like her.
Her vexation continued when more than a week passed and Edmund had not returned. She was able to hear that he had written to his family saying he would remain for several more days. If she had felt impatience and regret before - if she had been sorry for what she said, and feared its too strong effect on him - she now felt and feared it all tenfold more. She had, moreover, to contend with one disagreeable emotion entirely new to her: jealousy. His friend Mr. Owen had sisters; he might find one of them attractive. She became impatient to hear news of him, and so undertook a walk to Mansfield as soon as she could. Approaching one of the lanes, she was delighted to see Fanny, and then noticed Julia was with her. She quickly joined them for their walk.
Once they were a good ways from where others could overhear them, Mary began her inquiries. "So, Mr. Edmund has delayed his return for several days, I hear! Does his longer stay surprise either of you?"
"I had not expected it," Julia began, "but I can only suppose he wishes to stay a little longer with his good friend. They did go to school together."
"Perhaps he will always stay longer than her talks of. It is the general way all young men do.
Fanny replied, "No, he has never done so. He only stayed once before with Mr. Owen and returned when he said he would."
Mary was silent for a little, and then continued, "He must find the house more agreeable now. He is a very - a very pleasing young man himself, and I cannot help being rather concerned at not seeing him again before I go to London, as will undoubtedly be the case. I am looking for Henry every day, and as soon as he comes there will be nothing to detain me at Mansfield. I should like to have seen him once more, I confess. But you must give my compliments to him. Yes; I think it must be compliments. Is not there a something wanted, Miss Bertram and Miss Price, in our language - a something between compliments and - and love - to suit the sort of friendly acquaintance we have had together? So many months? acquaintance! But compliments may be sufficient here."
Julia and Fanny were not blind to the wistful tone in her voice as she spoke of Edmund. Both realized that Edmund was not safe yet.
After another long pause, Mary decided to begin the questions she was almost dreading to ask. "How many Miss Owens are there?"
Julia answered. "Three grown up."
"Are they musical?"
"I do not know. I never heard anything about them."
Though Julia wished to know what they were about, her brother had never obliged her with an account of the sisters. What little she knew about the family was a few years old.
"The is the first question, you know," said Mary, trying to appear gay
No, not in that sense, MP2 viewers. Gay as in happy.
and unconcerned,
And failing badly, but she would not know it. For no young lady unaccustomed to the aches of love is prepared properly for jealousy.
"which every woman who plays herself is sure to ask about another. But it is very foolish to ask questions about any young ladies - about any three sisters just grown up; for one knows without being told exactly what they are: all very accomplished and pleasing, and one very pretty." Noticing Fanny's questioning look, she replied, "There is a beauty in every family; it is a regular thing."
"I always thought," Julia mused, "that every family had more than one beauty. My family was known for being a family of beauties, and still is called such."
For if there is A beauty in every family, then how does one explain the Bennets?
"Two," Mary continued, "play on the pianoforte, and one on the harp; and all sing, or would sing if they were taught, or sing all the better for not being taught; or something like that."
This from a witty girl about town? Cannot she make up her mind? Although perhaps it is for the best in the case of Edmund Bertram, but I digress.
"I know nothing of the Miss Owens," Fanny finally said calmly.
"You know nothing and you care less as people say. Never did tone express indifference plainer. Indeed, how can one care for those one has never seen?"
Oh, how about the Price family? Sir Thomas has never seen most of the family, and he cares about their well-being. Miss Crawford, you deny the proper credit that many around you deserve.
"Well," Mary said to Fanny, "when your cousin comes back, he will find Mansfield very quiet; all the noisy ones gone, your brother and mine and myself. I do not like the idea of leaving Mrs. Grant not the time draws near. She does not like my going."
Fanny felt herself obliged to speak.
If only to be polite; for that is the only way you can explain her next words.
"You cannot doubt your being missed by many. You will be very much missed, I am sure."
Julia briefly looked up to see the look in Fanny's eyes as she spoke, and was satisfied with the look of saying what was proper.
For while Julia had a low opinion of their visitor, she was versed in good manners as well as Fanny by now.
Mary turned her eye on Fanny, as if wanting to hear or see more,
Which Fanny's usual retiring manner did not allow.
and then laughingly said, "Oh yes! missed as every noisy evil is missed when it is taken away;
To the minds of Julia and Fanny, truer words were never spoken before.
"that is, there is a great difference felt. But I am not fishing: don't compliment me.
I can just see her with her brother and aunt and uncle by a lake. Is that not a pleasant image?
"If I am missed, it will appear. I may be discovered by those who want to see me. I shall not be in any doubtful, or distant, or unapproachable region."
Too bad.
Not one word was uttered by either of her companions, and this disappointed and clouded her spirits. "The Miss Owens," said she, soon afterwards; "suppose you were to have one of the Miss Owens settled at Thornteon Lacey, how should you like it?
She did not see the looks on her "friends'" faces as they were both looking down at their needlework. Fanny was uncomfortable with the idea, but hoped that if Edmund did chose one of them that she would be deserving of him. Julia just hoped that if a Miss Owen did catch Edmund's eye, she had a better taste in remarks and hats.
"Stranger things have happened.
Like a wealthy girl looking for an heir falling for the younger brother.
"I daresay they are trying for it. And they are quite in the right, for it would be a pretty establishment for them. I do not at all wonder or blame them.
Lier.
"It is everybody's duty to do as well for themselves as they can. Sir Thomas' son is somebody; and now he is in their line. Their father is a clergyman, and their brother is a clergyman, and they are all clergyman together. He is their lawful property; he fairly belongs to them." Her tone betrayed her real feelings about the possibility.
Never let it be said that she has no proper feelings.
Then she noticed the silence. "Fanny, Julia you don't speak; Miss Price and Miss Bertram, you don't speak. But honestly now, do not you rather expect it them otherwise?" The need for information was too great for her to bear.
Fanny knew not how to answer, and Julia had to think of one quickly. "No. We do not expect such an alliance, nor do we think he is close to the marriage state. I could be mistaken, but he has not communicated anything to the contrary to myself to or anyone in the family."
Perhaps a little lie, but she could hardly speak the truth.
Mary looked at them keenly, and, gathering greater spirit from those words, only said, "He is best off where he is," and turned the subject.
Mary Crawford's newly lightened spirits would have lasted nearly another week had they been put to the proof, but the very next day brought her brother to the Parsonage. She was in the sitting room writing a letter to Mrs. Fraser when he entered. Mary was surprised, but did not look up. "Henry, are you returned already? I did not hear the carriage."
Instead of answering her, he asked, rather impatiently, where the Grants were. "My sister is out seeking where her bantams lay, and Dr. Grant is in his root cellar." She then looked up to see him standing by the fireplace, his hat in hand. "Had you a pleasant journey? Is all your business done in town?"
He had been so secretive about it that Mary was frustrated. When had Henry ever not told her about his plans?
"Yes, and I have made a decision." Henry placed his hat onto the top and turned, hands clasped behind his back, to face her. "You know with what idle designs I began, but this is the end of them. I am quite determined. My mind is made up."
Mary gave a snort. "To what?"
She had seen him like that many times before, and so her thinking was, "What this time"
"Will it astonish you? No; I am sure you are aware. You must be aware." His sister's expression did not change.
Mary: "No, you dimwit. Tell me before I must shake you."
A smile spread across Henry's face. "I am quite determined to marry Fanny Price."
"Marry Fanny Price!" Mary gasped. "Why! Henry!" A delighted smile quickly came onto her face. "So this was your business. This was what took you to London; you chose to consult the Admiral."
Henry shook his head. "No, Mary, you are quite mistaken there. I know our uncle too well to consult with him on anything he despises. But when Fanny is known to him he dote on her. She is exactly such a woman as he thinks does not exist in the world; the very impossibility he would describe if he has now delicacy of language enough to embody his own ideas. But till it is absolutely settled - settled beyond all interference - he shall know nothing of the matter. You have not discovered my business yet."
Mary smiled knowingly. "Well, I know now who to whom it must relate and am in no hurry for the rest. But Fanny Price!
Her letter was quite forgotten. The joy of a brother in love was too much for her to handle.
"It's wonderful! quite wonderful that Mansfield should have done so much for - that you should have found your fate in Mansfield! But" she added with a more serious look "you are quite right: there's not a better girl in the world, and as for her connections, they are more than good. She is niece to Sir Thomas Bertram. That will be enough for the world. But go on," her smile returned. "What are your plans? Does she know her own happiness?"
"No."
"What are you waiting for?"
"Very little more than opportunity."
Which he has been denied far too often for his taste, but I doubt he would want an angry Tom on his case.
"Mary," Henry began more seriously, "she is not like her cousins, but I think I shall not ask in vain."
Think?! He does not doubt he will get her! His attention span has forgotten all the harsh looks Fanny gave him. What planet is he from? Philanderous?
Mary was just as certain. "No, you cannot. But from my soul I do not think she could marry you without love - if there is a girl in the world capable of being uninfluenced by ambition, I believe it to be her - but ask her to love you, and she will never have the heart to refuse."
Mary, how well do you know the real Fanny? What makes you think any girl would love simply because she is asked to?
Henry sat next to Mary and began dwelling on his sensations, on Fanny's charms and merits. Mary was quite happy to listen to him speak this way for more than half an hour.
Henry had sense enough to appreciate good principals in a wife, but had so little patience for the serious reflection needed to know them by name.
"I could so wholly and absolutely confide in her, and that is what I want."
"The more I think of it," Mary cried happily,
When have we heard her cry in any other fashion?
"the more am I convinced that you are doing quite right; and though I should never have selected Fanny Price as the girl most likely to attach you, I am now persuaded she is the very on to make you happy. You wicked project turns out a clever thought indeed."
Henry sighed. "It was bad, very bad in me against such a creature; but I did not know her then, and she shall have no reason to lament the hour that first put in into my head.
You don't realize, Henry, that she knows you and already laments that hour.
"I will make her happy, Mary; happier than she has yet been herself, or ever seen anybody else. I will not take her from Northamptonshire. I shall let Everingham, and rent a place in this neighborhood; perhaps Stanwix Lodge. I shall let a seven years lease; I am sure of an excellent tenant at half a word. I could name three people right now, who would give me my own terms and thank me."
"Ha!" cried Mary;
Is it just me, or does she cry out a lot when she's happy?
"settle in Northamptonshire! That is pleasant! Then we shall all be together." When the words left her mouth, she wished them unsaid and nearly blushed, but Henry saw it not. He saw her only as the supposed inmate of Mansfield Parsonage, and replied to invite her to divide her time between the Grants and himself and Fanny. Mary gave general assurances; but she was now very fully prepared to be the guest of neither brother nor sister many months longer. "You will divide your year between London and Northamptonshire?"
"Yes."
"And in London, of course, a house of your own; no longer with the Admiral. My dearest Henry, the advantage to you of getting away from the Admiral before your manners are hurt by the contagion of his, before you have contracted any of his foolish opinions,
Who is to say he has not already?
or learned to sit over your dinner, as if it were the best blessing of life! You are not sensible of the gain, for your regard for him has blinded you; but, in my estimation, your marrying early may be the saving of you. To have seen you grow like the Admiral in word or deed, look or gesture, would have broken my heart."
One of the few good principals she has. How sad it is that she, complaisant as a sister, is careless as a woman and a friend.
"We do not think quite alike here. The Admiral has his faults,
Faults my blimey behind!
"but he is a very good man,
If that is the example of a good man Henry has, then no wonder he is what he is! Oh, for Fanny's sake had his father lived!
"and has been more than a father to me. Few fathers would have let me have my own way half so much. You must not prejudice Fanny against him. I must have them love one another."
Mary, for all her ignorance about Fanny, knew that what Henry wanted was impossible. For if Mary, with all her bad habits and faults, disliked him, what chance was there for good Fanny to like him even though he got her brother promoted?
"Henry," she said after a reflection on what she could say, knowing he would not back down on the subject of the Admiral, "I think so highly of Fanny Price that if I could suppose the next Mrs. Crawford would have half the reason which poor ill-used aunt had to abhor the very name, I would prevent the marriage, if possible; but I know you: I know that a wife you loved would be the happiest of women, and even when you ceased to love, she would yet find in you the liberality and good-breeding of a gentleman."
An even greater pity she does not know how much grief such a marriage would give Fanny.
Henry protested against that very idea, and gave an eloquent, lengthy answer. Mary at length cried in joy, "My dearest Henry, how glad I am to see you so much in love! It quite delights me." Then her expression became serious with a hint of teasing. "But will Mrs. Rushworth and Julia say? Or, for that matter, Tom?"
"I care neither for what they say or feel. The ladies will now see what sort of woman it is that can attach me, that can attach a man of sense.
Try a man of flirtation.
"I wish the discovery may do them good. And they will now see their cousin treated as she ought to be, and I wish they may be heartily ashamed of their own abominable neglect and unkindness." Mary was about to interject with a protest, but Henry continued, with an almost evil smile, "They will be angry. Mrs. Rushworth will be very angry. It will be a bitter pill to her, but like all other bitter pills it will be swallowed and forgotten; for I am not such a coxcomb as to suppose her feelings more lasting than other woman's, though I was the object of them. As for Tom, I hope he too feels regret at all those years? treatment of Fanny." Again, Mary tried to object, but Henry was paying no heed. "Yes, Mary, my Fanny will feel a difference, indeed; a daily, hourly difference, in the behavior of every being who approaches her, and it will be the completion of my happiness to know that I am the doer of it; that I am the person to give the consequence so justly her due. Now she is dependant, helpless, friendless, neglected, forgotten."
Is anyone interested in gathering a "Beat some sense into Henry Crawford" group? Oh, now Coleen and Tabbi, don't look so shocked. It would do him good.
Mary could stand it no more. "Nay, Henry, she is none of the above. For as you seem to have forgotten, Julia befriended her soon after you pushed her out of the play; Mrs. Rushworth backed out to regain the friend she once had to and gain a new one; and they all treated Tom at his sickbed, and once he recovered he is close to Fanny as well. Why, they are closer to her than Edmund has perhaps ever been, and he has been kind to her ever since she came to Mansfield. Mrs. Rushworth writes to her frequently. Fanny can hardly be called dependent and helpless, for I have observed a spark in her of late: a willingness to stand up for herself. Only Mrs. Norris neglects her, forgets her, but it does not seen to hurt Fanny."
"True, I believe Edmund is, generally speaking, kind to her,
He cannot know what neglect Edmund has done on the alter of pleasing Mary.
"and so is Sir Thomas in his way; but it is the way of a rich, superior, long-worded, arbitrary uncle. Perhaps her cousins have been trying to make up for all the years of neglect. But what can they do, what do they do for her happiness, comfort, honour, and dignity in the world, to what I shall do?"
You would be surprised, blockhead.
Chapter Eleven: The Start of Trouble Posted on Wednesday, 28 March 2001
<>A little warning about this chapter: Henry got out of my control - well, when has he ever listened to anyone? - and I had to take drastic measures to get the situation back under control. That's why it goes a little off in the middle of the chapter. But I think it's a little warning about what he is capable of. But it may still fall in line with what I've got planned.
Henry Crawford was at Mansfield Park the next morning, at an hour earlier than common visiting warrants. He was shown into the breakfast room where Lady Bertram and Fanny were finishing their breakfast.
Julia and Tom had sadly already finished and left.
Lady Bertram had just stood, and upon seeing Mr. Crawford greeted him. "Mr. Crawford."
"Good morning, Lady Bertram."
"So you are come. I am glad to see you well, but since I have risen from the table, I think you may excuse me from doing so again. You know I am waited for."
She said it with a motion to Pug, who was - where else? - in her arms.
"Indeed."
This isn't right! He said something I agree with! What is this world coming to?!
"And here is Fanny to entertain you." She did not see the look on her niece's face; Fanny was looking at her plate.
Fanny: "I thank you, aunt, for leaving me alone with such a jerk."
"Baddeley," Lady Bertram said to the servant who brought Mr. Crawford in, "pray tell Sir Thomas that Mr. Crawford is here." With a nod from her, and a returning nod from Mr. Crawford, she was gone and the doors closed.
(groan) Showtime.
Henry was overjoyed at having Fanny alone, and approached her. "My dear Miss Price, I must acknowledge myself infinitely obliged to any creature who gives me such an opportunity of seeing you alone: I have been wishing it more than you can have any idea. Will you allow me," he asked, motioning to a chair next to her. Fanny motioned him to sit, but did not speak.
She wished to say as little to him as possible; for that would, hopefully, get him to leave her alone. I am so sorry for her that it will not.
"Knowing as I do what your feelings as a sister are, I could hardly have borne that any one in the house should share with you in the first knowledge of the news I now bring." As Fanny was not looking at him, he did not see that she did wish another were present.
But even if he did see her look, he would have paid no heed to it.
"He is made!" That declaration made Fanny look at him. "Your brother is a lieutenant! I have the infinite satisfaction of congratulating you on William's promotion. Here are the letters which announce it, this moment come to hand. You will perhaps, like to see them."
Fanny could not speak. She could only think, How can this be? How can he...? But William a lieutenant! Henry did not want her to speak. To see the expression of her eyes. the change of her complexion, the progress of her feelings, their doubt, confusion, and felicity was enough. She took the letters as he gave them. "Here, you may read. The Secretary of the First Lord writes to my uncle the Admiral, delighted to have such an opportunity to prove his regard. This is a note from his lordship himself. All this," he added as he held a third letter, "tells you that you must be assured, Mr. William Price's commission as Second Lieutenant of His Majesty's Sloop Thrush, being made out, has spread the greatest joy to a vast circle of people." He handed her that letter in the middle of his sentence.
His interest was, for once, unfeigned. He had joy in doing such good for William, but his motives were two-fold. But even had he said such, Fanny was too overwhelmed with joy to be sensible of it.
He watched as the various emotions continued to conflict with each other. She finally turned back to him. "Is it true?"
Despite the letters and the dear wishes of a sister, Fanny could not believe that Mr. Henry Crawford would do such a good deed.
"My uncle exerted himself, as I knew he would after seeing your brother. He was delighted with him. This was my object in asking William to go with me to Town"
"Is all this your doing then?" She had to look back at the letters.
He nodded. "I breathed not one word of it to my sisters, but I had the deepest interest in securing the promotion of William, founded by two-fold motives. I cannot say how views and wishes more than could be told influenced me, but you may be assured that he is made."
Can a guy be more obvious? Ugh, he makes my skin crawl.
Fanny heard none of his drift.
If she had, she would have fled that instant. Oh, run anyway, Fanny!
Her heart and mind were too full of joy to hear him perfectly, but she still not quite grasping that he had exerted himself such. "Good Heaven! How very, very kind. Was it really by your desire?" she turned to briefly face him; "I beg your pardon, but I am bewildered." Then pure joy enveloped her, and she cared only that William was a lieutenant. "Oh! Mr. Crawford, we are infinitely obliged to you. Oh, dearest William!" She jumped up. "I must go to my uncle and cousins. They ought to know of this at once."
Hurry, Fanny, hurry!
But the opportunity was too fair for Henry. He jumped up and prevented her from leaving. "Oh pray do not."
Fanny was astonished. "What?! Mr. Crawford, I must go at once!"
(insert your choice of favorite expletives of Mr. Price.
"You must allow me a little longer." Fanny could find no way of refusing, but as she was led back to her seat she felt this was cause for alarm. Her colour was still heightened with joy, but a wary look crossed her eyes. Henry saw none of that as he sat down. "Forgive me, but I must speak a little of what I feel. If you are grateful, believe me when I say it was not done for William alone."
"Not done for William?" Fanny had not quite caught on to what he meant, but her worries were increasing.
And here we go!
Henry could not believe what he finally saw: a complete lack of recognition of his meaning. "It must be. It cannot be that you are wholly unaware of what I feel for you." Fanny's eyes widened in horror, but he only saw it as embarrassment. "You have created sensations in my heart that no one else has that were unknown to me till I knew you."
Because you thought no woman could touch your heart - the misguided beast within you, you.... (beep)
Fanny turned away. "Pray, don't," she breathed, suddenly unable to think straight. What? What does he think he's doing?
"And ever since the ball, I could no longer deny what I feel."
"I pray you, Mr. Crawford," she tried to interrupt.
"All that I have done," he continued, heedless of her protests,
Which he thought was proper female behavior upon receiving a proposal.
"all that I feel, is for you and you alone. And so I offer you my heart -"
"Don't, pray don't," Fanny interrupted, finding the firmness to answer yet unable to keep the active feeling of being imposed on from making her voice soft. He kept trying to speak, but she continued, "I beg you do not. This is a sort of talking which is very, very, unpleasant to me. No, I cannot bear it. You cannot be serious."
"Cannot bear? I cannot be serious?" Henry was incredulous.
(gathers several cans of "Raid for Philanderers" to use in case Henry does not let Fanny leave when the scene's over)
"Can you then not offer anything in return for what I bring you? Have pity.
Pity?!?!?! Pity?!?!?!?! I'll show you pity!!!!!!
Do you understand? I offer up myself - hand. fortune, everything - to your acceptance, and with it all my heart."
"No! No, no, no! This is nonsense! I cannot hear any more."
"But Miss Price -"
Fanny held up a hand. "Your kindness to William makes me obliged to you. But I cannot, no, I bear no more." She jumped up.
He jumped up, cried "Stay, I beg you," and grabbed her arm.
Why, you...
But Fanny turned and slapped him across the face. As he reeled from the blow, but did not let go, she punched him in the jaw. That sent him to floor, but did not damage anything.
Save for perhaps his ego, but who cares? Anyway...
GO FANNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"You are not," Fanny nearly screamed, "thinking of me! I know it's all nothing! I know what you are and cannot believe you!" With that she fled out a back door.
Henry tried to get up to after her, but suddenly, a young lady in a modern light blue shirt and jeans appears, with a black bag hanging from her left shoulder and one of her "Raid" cans in hand. She lets one spray into Henry's face, and he falls, nearly unconscious. She snaps her fingers and he freezes.
"Sorry, people. It's me, Kendra. I just lost control of this guy, and I had let Fanny have some time with her cousins. And I need to heal the bruises and swelling he'll get from those two blows. I don't want Fanny to get into too much trouble. In case you're wondering, I've just frozen all action in this story."
(murmurs from the readers:) "Hey, cool!"
"This should be fun to watch!"
Tabbi and Coleen: "Can we join in?"
Kendra looks out at the readers. "Sorry." She hears Tabbi and Coleen start to grumble and says, "Now aren't you two supposed to me working on Pride in Space!?"
Tabbi and Coleen: "We'll get on it right after reading the rest of this, Madam President!" (both give crisp salute)
"Thank you."
Kendra kneels next Mr. Crawford and pauses to look at him with a critical eye. "Ugh! Calling him plain is being generous."
(a few groans, but not whole-heartily enough to make Kendra look up)
She opens her bag, and digs through it. "Come on, I've got something in here to fix what he'll have." Soon she eyes go wide. "Oh, no! I lost it!
A smile appears on her face. "Wait. Maybe my potion will make him go away once I've healed him." She pulls out a small bottle and holds it up for every reader to see. It's a small purple, crystal-like jar that appears to have come out of The Dark Crystal. "This is my 'Love-in-Idleness' cure. You may know the name from A Midsummer Night's Dream, but this works a little differently. You put a drop of it into each eye of whomever you wish to pull out of love with another, and it makes them receptive to spells that make them go for another person.
"Sadly," she sighs, "it has its limitations. I discovered this when I got into the universe of Marriage is a Mistake Every Man Should Make to make Mr. Collins and Miss Smart (or whatever her name is) ready to fall in love with other."
Shem: "Hey, wait a minute!"
Kendra looks at her. "Hey, you're the one who made Kitty have to deal with the embarrassment of being kissed and held by Mr. Collins, and having to see him not fully dressed! Thank you very much for those mental images."
Shem: "Okay, I'll be quiet too."
"Anyway, I found that it does not work if the current affection is serious, or if there has never been any kind of attachment to the person you wish them to fall in love with. This is why it won't work on Edmund and Mary."
(crowd groans)
"I know." She opens the jar, and the lid is revealed to have an eyedropper. Kendra draws a few drops into it, puts down the bottle, and carefully places the drops into Mr. Crawford's eyes. She leans back on her heels and waits.
Soon, a purple gas seems to come out of his eyes. Kendra slaps the floor. "Shoot! He is serious about her!"
(shouts of disappointment and frustration from the crowd)
She sighs, gathers her things back into the bag. "Okay, I'm going to trust this magic I haven't mastered yet to take me to where I can find what I need. I must have complete silence." She gets it, and begins to chant:
Oh, you spirits with your mighty powers,
She snaps both her fingers and vanishes.
Kendra reappears in a... well, what can only be called a futuristic hallway. She groans, recognizing the place. "Great. The very show I've got a love/hate relationship with."
Erin H.: "Tell us, tell us!"
Kendra glares at her. "Nope."
She walks towards a door and it slides open. She runs into a tall, blond man, sending him to the floor. A dark-haired woman following him opens her mouth to yell and raises a fist, but Kendra, realizing what she failed to do the second she arrived, snaps her fingers and everyone from the other world freezes.
"The first rule of going to any alternate universe is freezing people the moment you arrive." Then she looks at the two frozen people next to her. "Well, I always did want to see the people from here in person, but not like this," she mutters as she walks in and pulls out a green ball.
Kerry and Julie P.: "What's that?"
Kendra just holds up the ball and a beam is emitted. "It's a detector. It'll help me find what I'm looking for." She turns around slowly, letting the beam touch every area. Soon, the beam flickered. "Yes!" She runs to the drawer the beam flickered at and opened it. Two objects are quickly pulled out, and then she digs in her purse. A smile appears as she pulls out two small containers. "In case you're wondering, these are to provide me with copies so I don't have to take them from this universe."
She opens both, places each device into one of them, and closes them. She then looks at her watch. "We've got to give it thirty seconds to work."
(groans and grumbles)
Soon, a blue glow comes from inside the boxes. But it fades as Kendra's timer goes off. She opens each, pulls out the devices, and places them back where she found them. Then she pulls out of the containers devices identical in shape, but not in color, to the others. "Now I have working duplicates of the originals," Kendra announces as she puts it all in her bag. She glances at the older man who appears to have been in charge. "I'm glad he keeps a full stock."
She walks towards the door, but stops when she re-encounters the two she ran into. Her gaze travels from the man on the floor, to the woman standing like a frozen fury, and back and forth again. A thoughtful expression crosses her face. "I wonder if my potion would work on these two...?"
Coleen: "Kendra, what are you doing? You need to get back to getting the story on track! I want to see how Sir Thomas reacts!"
Kendra kneels again. "Coleen, the people are frozen in place; I have lots of time if I need it. And Sir Thomas won't know about the slap and the punch because Henry won't remember them. As for what I'm doing,? she said as she pulls out the potion, "this won't effect the 'real' universe of the show - sadly, in my not so humble opinion - but if I can affect how this universe will turn out, then I will. I do love meddling in characters? love lives; when I think it would be good for them."
She collects a few drops, and manages to get them into the woman's eyes. She waits to see if it will work. She watches, and nothing happens. "I knew it! I knew it would work on her," she whispers. Then she leans towards the woman and says,
Be true to your needs and to yourself,
Kendra backs off again and looks out at the crowd. "Okay, it sounds like a bunch of stupid words, but that's how a spell has to be cast. Oh, and I'm not even thinking about the computer, okay?"
(several people:) "We didn't say anything."
Kendra watches the crowd a little, then kneels next to the man. After placing the drops, and seeing no cloud, she speaks to him:
You can make a change, for 'tis never too late.
(snickers)
"Okay," Kendra said, standing and putting back the closed potion, "I'm coming." She hurries a little down the hall until no one's in sight. She snaps her fingers, and the noise returns. She quickly and quietly chants,
Spirits, now that I am on track,
Another double snap, and she vanishes.
Kendra reappears in the breakfast room of Mansfield. She promptly kneels and pulls out the devices to treat the now appearing bruises of Henry Crawford. As she does, she hums "Doctor Love." Quickly, the bruises disappear and the swelling decreases, and Henry looks like he just fainted, but didn't hurt himself falling.
Putting away the rest of her things, she stands and gives another chant.
When asked of this moment, you shall recall
Kendra raises her hands and announces, "We're back on track in five, four, three, two, one, and..." She snaps both her fingers twice, and disappears just as Henry began to wake.
(rushes to the computer) Okay, I'm back where I belong. Now onto the story!
(cheers from the readers)
Henry slowly got up, not sure of how he got on the floor, and in shock over Fanny's words. This cannot be. She must have affection for me. She cannot mean to refuse me.
He picked up the fallen letters and the main door opened, and Sir Thomas entered. "Ah, Mr. Crawford."
Henry turned, smiled, and extended his hand. "Good day, Sir Thomas."
"I was told Fanny was with you."
"Yes, she was." He turned his head in the direction Fanny left, a confused frown on his face. "Miss Price has just now left me." He thought quickly, and decided to wait till the morrow to ask Sir Thomas for his approval. The extra day will give Fanny time to think and consult her heart.
SHE doesn't need to consult her heart to decide what to say to you, dumbbolt!
"I fear she may have been a little overwhelmed by the happy news I brought her."
Sir Thomas looked interested, and a little disappointed at the same time. "News?"
(sigh) He was actually hoping to hear of a proposal.
"Indeed, Sir Thomas, of her brother William." He handed Sir Thomas the letters.
Julia and Tom were together in her room while Fanny was having her trouble with Mr. Crawford.
And while my troubles started.
They were in the middle of a discussion of a visit Tom had made to the village the previous day when they heard someone running up the stairs. The sound made them confused until a hurried knock came on the door. "Come in," Julia said.
Fanny burst into the room, and would have collapsed had Tom not been there to catch her. "Fanny! Fanny, whatever is wrong, dearest," Tom asked as he led her to a big chair, standing beside her. Julia hurried to close the door and to sit in a chair nearby Fanny.
"Fanny, calm yourself. What happened," Julia asked.
Fanny took a few deep breaths, and started to calm. "A good piece of news, and a bad speech."
Ha! I'd call it by something worse.
Julia and Tom looked at each other. "What is the good news," Tom inquired.
"William is a lieutenant."
Her cousins smiled. "That's wonderful news!" Julia declared. "But what of the bad speech?"
"Mr. Crawford tried to convince me that he had fallen in love with me and offered himself in marriage!"
A deathly quiet fell over the room. Disbelieving looks crossed their faces. Tom started blurting out his thoughts. "Mr. Cra... Mr. Crawford... proposed... to... to Fanny?! That... that ought to be impossible!"
It should, I know, but sadly it's happened.
Julia pulled out of her stupor to ask what happened. Fanny told them, barely remaining coherent the whole time. "You punched him," Julia nearly cried out.
"I had to; he would not let me be. But how could he possibly say such things? He must know I knew he was not serious!"
I see you're never met a "Can't Take a Hint Even if it Was Slapped Onto Their Face" man until now, have you?
Tom sighed, running a hand through his blond curls. "I do not know, but this is a little crazy even for him. I am convinced he will never marry for love. Maybe he thinks proposing is the only way to get you to like him."
The subject kept them thoroughly confused despite several attempts to figure it out. They kept on in this manner till they had to go down for dinner. All hoped Mr. Crawford would not be there.
They would be disappointed.
Chapter Twelve
Posted on Wednesday, 28 March 2001
As Fanny, Julia, and Tom came down, they were hoping that Mr. Crawford would not be part of the dinner party. They were sadly disappointed when Mr. Crawford was in the room, and even more so when they learned he was to sit at the right hand site of Fanny.
Arghh!
The disappointment was felt by all three, and the painful sensations that were to come from it were certain. But Fanny's feelings were quickly intruded upon. Mr. Crawford was soon close to her. He had a note to deliver from his sister. Fanny could not, would not, look at him, but there was no consciousness of past folly in his voice. Fanny thought about opening the note at once, but decided to wait a while; she wished to be in a clear state of mind before reading the note.
A little concern about being too confused to understand the note was the dominant thought.
Fanny was distressed whenever Mr. Crawford spoke to her, and he spoke to her much too often; and she was afraid there was a something in his voice and manner in addressing her very different from what they were when he talked to the others.
Fanny: "Why does not he do this? Did my punch not say enough to him?"
Hmm... Maybe I should have risked it. Oh, well.
Her comfort in that day's dinner was quite destroyed: she could hardly eat anything; and when Sir Thomas good-humouredly observed that joy had taken away her appetite she was ready to sink with shame, from the dread of Mr. Crawford's interpretation; for though nothing could have tempted her to turn her eyes to her right hand she felt that his were immediately directed towards her.
She was more silent than ever. She would hardly join even when William was the subject, for his commission came from the right hand too, and there was pain in the connection.
To have to be obliged to such a man is a horrendous thing!
Tom, who sat nearly across from Fanny, and Julia, who sat to her left hand, watched the downturn of Fanny's spirits and color, and the lack of an appetite. Soon, Tom could not take anymore. Something had to be done!
Well, don't think! Do something!
He stood suddenly, and rushed to Fanny's side. "Fanny, are you unwell?"
Fanny would have denied it, but knowing what Tom was doing for her, she admitted to being so. Tom quickly helped her stand, and Julia handed Fanny's drink to her. Sir Thomas was sorry Fanny took ill; it might not look well to Mr. Crawford, but Sir Thomas had no reason to fear that. Mr. Crawford was concerned and spoke a wish she would be better soon.
He had not been able to see the looks on her face, and he hoped her well enough for his visit on the morrow.
After Fanny bid good night to the others, Tom led her to the East Room. They said nothing till she had sat down. "I could not stand to see you look any more unwell than you did at that moment. He does not see that he is the cause."
"Think nothing of it, Tom. I am better already, and I think my appetite is coming back."
Being away from Auntie Dearest and Mr. Vanity does much for the appetite.
"I will send for some dinner to be brought to you directly. I would stay longer with you, but I must return to dinner. And Fanny," he added before opening the door, "if you read Miss Crawford's note, do not make a hasty response. Julia and I will find a time to come back here and consult on your reply; if you so desire."
"Thank you." Fanny raised her glass to him, and with a smiling nod her cousin left.
To face the unpleasantness of the company of Mrs. Norris and Mr. Crawford.
After taking a few sips, Fanny felt equal to reading Miss Crawford's note, and pulled it out of her pocket. The note read:
"MY DEAR FANNY -
No, that's how she wrote it. I didn't make that up.
for so I may now always call you, to the infinite relief of a tongue that has been stumbling at Miss Price for at least the last six weeks; I cannot let my brother go without sending you a few lines of general congratulations and giving my most joyful consent and approval. Go on, my dear Fanny, and without fear; there can be no difficulties worth naming. I choose to suppose that the assurance of my consent will be something; so you may smile upon him with your sweetest smiles this afternoon, and send him back to me even happier than he goes. - Yours affectionately,
"M.C."
Mary is imagining things, too! But, to her credit, not so much as her brother.
Fanny read the letter over and over, trying to understand what Miss Crawford's meaning could possibly be. She was happily interrupted by a servant bringing her dinner plate to her.
Not long after Tom return to the table, the meal was completed and the gentlemen and ladies parted according to custom.
And we know Sir Thomas was a stickler for custom.
Julia went to work on a drawing while her mother and aunt finished the subject of William's appointment, in their own style.
Mrs. Norris seemed as much delighted with the saving it would be to Sir Thomas as with any part of it. "Now William would be able to keep himself, which would make a vast difference to his uncle, for it was unknown how much he had cost his uncle; and, indeed, it would make some difference in her presents too.
Julia, knowing Mrs. Norris rarely sent anything to any member of the Price family, could not resist rolling her eyes. "Come now, Aunt, and stop this speech!"
She was very glad that she had given William what she did at parting, very glad, indeed, that it had been in her power, without material inconvenience, just at that time to give him something rather considerable; that is, for her, with her limited means, for now it would all be useful in helping to fit up his cabin. She knew he must be at some expense, that he would have many things to buy, though to be sure his father and mother would be able to put him in the way of getting everything very cheap; but she was very glad to have contributed her mite towards it."
Considerable sum, Julia thought. I bet it wasn't "considerable" at all. You do pinch every penny except to spoil Maria, and even myself at times. Thankfully, not anymore.
Yes! That is a very good thing indeed! And all of it through me!
"I am glad you gave him something considerable," said Lady Bertram, with most unsuspicious calmness, "for I gave him only ten pounds."
I don't know how to produce the symbol for that, so I'll have to make do with spelling it out.
"Indeed!" cried Mrs. Norris, reddening. "Upon my word, he must have gone off with his pockets well lined, and at no expense for his journey to London either!"
"Sir Thomas told me ten pounds would be enough."
Julia knew her aunt would not question that, but she would take the matter in another point soon enough.
She was not to be disappointed.
"It is amazing," said Mrs. Norris, "how much young people cost their friends, what with bringing them up and putting them out in the world! They little think how much it comes to, or what their parents, or their uncles and aunts pay for them in the course of the year. Now, here are my sister Price's children; take them all together, I dare say nobody would believe what a sum they cost Sir Thomas every year, to say nothing of what I do for them."
Which is what, pray tell?
"Very true, sister, as you say. But poor things! They cannot help it; and you know it makes very little difference to Sir Thomas. Julia, William must not forget my shawl, if he goes to the East Indies; and I shall give him a commission for anything else that is worth having. I wish he may go to the East Indies, that I may have my shawl. I think I shall have two shawls, Julia."
Julia could only smile at her mother's simple-mindedness. It was very welcome to one who had an aunt such as Mrs. Norris and "friends" like the Crawfords to deal with.
Soon the ladies were joined by the gentlemen. Tom went straight to Julia's side, and the other men stayed near the other ladies.
To the infinite relief of Tom and Julia.
"I hope the conversation provided you with amusement, Tom," Julia whispered.
"Not at all. I was focusing more on trying to discern what Mr. Crawford is about."
How can that me so hard?
"And?"
"I do not know what to think. There is a genuine delight in getting William promoted, but it has too strong a look of delight. I think he got that promotion for William because he thought if he did something for Fanny (or a family member) then she would do something for him." He glanced at the object of their disgust.
For an object of disgust he would always be.
Julia shook her head. "How little he and his sister understand Fanny."
"It may be a good thing."
They continued so until they at last heard Mr. Crawford begin to talk of going away. Then he turned to them and said, while the rest were distracted, "Has your cousin nothing to send to my sister? No answer to her note? She will be disappointed if she receives nothing from her. Pray ask your cousin to write to her, if it only be a line."
Julia and Tom stood. "We shall see if she has written anything, but Miss Crawford must be prepared to face disappointment if my cousin needed to rest." Before he could say anything more, they gracefully quit the room.
And not a moment too soon!
Fanny, having finished her meal some time earlier, had retuned to reading the note. Her confusion mounted until a gentle knock came at her door. "Come in." A smile came onto her face when her cousins entered.
"Forgive us for taking so long," said Julia, "but we were unavoidably detained."
"I understand, but I am glad you are here. What do I possibly say to answer this?" She handed Julia Miss Crawford's note as all three sat down. Fanny watched as their eyes widened in disbelief.
What? How can one not understand Miss Crawford? What is there to discern.
"Fanny, it seems that she somehow is trying to convince you that whatever her brother is doing he is serious about and earnest towards you. Whether she actually believes it or not I cannot be sure, but it appears she does. I think your answer must be firm."
"Speaking of which," Tom added, "Mr. Vanity has asked if you have something for his sister. Shall you write it now or wait?"
"No, I shall write it now." With that, Fanny went to her inkstand to write. She thought about what address she should give to Miss Crawford, and soon decided what to say. In rather calm spirits, she wrote:
I remain, etc.,
Fanny was surprised by her own boldness in writing such a note. "Is this too harsh?"
Heavens, no! Write a harsher one!
"No. I hope it will cause whatever they think they are doing to cease," Julia answered. Fanny then closed the note.
Mr. Crawford was still with the others when Tom and Julia returned. He was standing, and when the others began speaking amongst themselves, he approached Julia, who held the note in her hands. "I did not mean to rush Miss Price," he began.
But Julia was not going to allow him to speak. "No, indeed, sir. There was no rush in the matter." She handed the note to him. "Now, as Fanny said, would you be so good as to give that to Miss Crawford?"
He could only nod, and visit ended shortly thereafter. Julia and Tom hoped that Fanny's note would ensure that she would not be further imposed on by Mr. Crawford's attentions.
Never had there been a day our three favorite young people wished to cut a good part of out!
None of the three had by any means forgotten what His Vanity
Yet another name they were starting to call him by. (Lydia snorts)
had done when they awoke the next morning. All three simply hoped the Crawfords would be gone soon.
Tom had to leave early on an errand to the village, and so Julia and Fanny would be left to themselves most of the day. Having been so convinced that Fanny's note had settled everything, they were astonished to observe Mr. Crawford coming up to the house again, and at almost the same hour as the day before.
Blimey!
His coming, they hoped, had nothing to do with Fanny, but they thought it wise to retreat to the East Room, as neither was likely to be wanted. They hoped that Mr. Crawford would leave without having to see either of them.
It took them several minutes to calm down; the feelings from the previous day intruded into their thoughts.
"If Mr. Crawford would but go away!" Fanny exclaimed after a while. "That is what I wish; go and take his sister with him, as he is supposed to do. Why it has not already happened I do not know, but Miss Crawford certainly cannot wish for a delay."
"I do not know what to think," Julia replied. "He did not give a date for their departure and that vexed me."
They were by them quite comfortable, but it was disturbed by the sound of someone approaching. Both knew the person from his footsteps. It was Sir Thomas.
What they feared would prove to not be what he had come for.
Allow me to help Fanny, my good friend.
I must heal him before the passing of hours,
I need to find the object with which to mend!
But this relationship is, you know, a mistake.
You wished him part of your personal wealth,
But you two have only sadness in your wake.
Let him go, and turn your eyes back upon
The man you always did love true.
For you know this man's heart was won
By the strong woman of eyes deep blue.
You know you were not thinking with your mind
When you chose this woman for your mate.
But you would one day realize that you were blind.
Renounce these urges you had called affection,
And turn again to thy former lady, the Irish lass.
And from this day forth, in your recollection,
That in these days, thou was the ship's ass.
I now must finish the job I started.
So please allow to me to go back,
And continue where the story parted.
Nothing of the punch or slap that you got.
And now Sir Thomas shall come and you tell all
Of William, but not yet of your love plot.I am very much obliged to you, Miss Crawford, for your kind congratulations as far as they relate to my dearest William. The rest of your note I do not understand; for I know your brother's "addresses" mean nothing, and that would, I believe, make the rest of your note mean nothing. I have seen too much of Mr. Crawford not to understand his manners; if he understood me as well, he would - I should hope - behave differently. I would be very much obliged if you and Mr. Crawford never mention the subject again. I also ask you the favor of not calling me by my Christian name; I am not comfortable, under the circumstances, with calling you by yours, and so I would be grateful if you cease on that score.
Miss Price
© 2000, 2001 Copyright held by the author.