Mansfield Park

Edmund returns to Mansfield Park, now a clergyman. He is pleasantly surprised when Mary greets him warmly and is also pleased to hear of Henry’s proposal to Fanny. He believes that Henry’s mistake was to scare Fanny with a sudden declaration of love instead of pursuing her more gradually.

Henry dines at Mansfield Park and, afterward, skillfully reads aloud from Shakespeare. Henry and Edmund discuss the importance of public-speaking skills when delivering sermons. Henry claims he has sometimes wished to be a clergyman but could only perform the role in London, where the congregation would appreciate him. He also adds that he would only preach occasionally. Henry guesses Fanny thinks him incapable of constancy. He promises he will prove her wrong by his continued devotion to her.

The Crawfords are soon due to return to London. Sir Thomas asks Edmund to try and persuade Fanny to marry Henry before they leave. Edmund suggests to Fanny that if she gave Henry a chance, she would start to love him. When Fanny asserts that she and Henry are incompatible, Edmund argues that contrasting personalities can complement one another in a marriage. Fanny clarifies that she has disapproved of Henry’s lack of moral principles since his improper behavior with Maria. Edmund suggests that Henry’s former character flaws were due to his upbringing, and Fanny is ideally placed to make him a better man. He adds that Mary is eager to have Fanny as a sister-in-law and is angry at her for refusing Henry. Fanny suggests that no man should assume himself irresistible to the woman he chooses. Edmund concludes that Fanny needs more time to get used to the idea.

Edmund and Sir Thomas agree that Fanny will come around to Henry’s proposal in time. Sir Thomas hopes she does not take too long, as Henry may change his mind.

Mary visits Fanny in the east room. After scolding her for rejecting Henry, she is quickly distracted, nostalgically recalling her happiness when she and Edmund rehearsed in Fanny’s room. Mary suggests that if Fanny came to London, she would understand how eligible Henry is, as many women are in love with him. She claims that, although Henry is a flirt, he is not inclined to fall in love more than once—a quality that recommends him as a husband.

Mary remarks on the effort it cost Henry to secure William’s promotion. She also suggests that Fanny must have realized Henry was the real giver of the chain for her amber cross. Fanny insists she would never have accepted the chain if she had known Henry was behind it. Mary bids goodbye, asking Fanny to write to her. The same evening, Henry calls at Mansfield Park, seeming in low spirits. Fanny feels sorry for him but hopes he will be married to someone else by the time they next meet.

William visits Mansfield Park and, at the end of his stay, Sir Thomas suggests Fanny should accompany him back to Portsmouth. He hopes that if Fanny stays with her family for a couple of months, she will appreciate the wealth and comfort marriage to Henry would provide. Fanny is delighted at the prospect of seeing her family and hopes that distance from Edmund will reconcile her to his inevitable marriage. Edmund tells Fanny that he will write to her with news once he has traveled to London and proposed to Mary.

On the journey to Portsmouth, William tells Fanny he wishes she would marry Henry. Arriving at her old home, Fanny is greeted by a rude maid, a noisy, chaotic household, and unruly children. Fanny’s mother resembles Lady Bertram in looks and character. She greets Fanny kindly but shows no real affection for her. Mr. Price smells of alcohol and barely registers his daughter’s presence. Only 14-year-old Susan thinks to offer Fanny tea. That night, Fanny shares a tiny bedroom with Susan, thinking wistfully of her attic room at Mansfield Park.

William returns to sea, and Fanny’s disappointment in her family grows. Her father is vulgar and ignorant, and her mother is lazy and disorganized. Fanny cannot help comparing the noise and disorder of the house with the propriety and peace of Mansfield Park.

Mary writes to Fanny, revealing she has visited Maria and Julia at the Rushworths’ fashionable London home. She regretfully reports Edmund is still in Northamptonshire, carrying out parish duties. Fanny is lonely in Portsmouth. Her only consolation is a growing bond with her sister, Susan. Although Susan often behaves improperly, Fanny senses that she wishes to improve herself. She sees an opportunity to help her sister, borrowing books from the library for Susan’s education. Finally, Fanny receives a letter from Lady Bertram revealing that Edmund has gone to London. She dreads receiving the news that Edmund and Mary are engaged.