Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Part 7
They soon left for Mansfield, and arrived in good time. Mr. Rushworth had not arrived, but all of the Bertrams were downstairs. Henry was cordially welcomed by the Bertram girls and was pulled along with them, to Melissa's displeasure. Edmund was there to take her things and smiled warmly at her.
"It is good to see you again, Miss Crawford."
"It is good to see you as well, Mr. Bertram. But where is Miss Price?" she asked.
"She is not downstairs as of yet, as Mr. Rushworth has not yet arrived."
"So I see . . . "
Suddenly, Mr. Bertram came into the room and walked over to Melissa and Edmund.
"Miss Crawford," he said, coldly bowing, "how do you do? I am glad to see that you are with Edmund."
"Oh yes," replied Melissa with an icy laugh. "I would never think of forcing my company upon you, Mr. Bertram. Poor Mr. Edmund suffers it admirably."
Edmund looked confused. "Suffers? No, upon my word, I am honored to be able to talk with you, Miss Crawford," he said artlessly.
Melissa smiled with her lips, but her eyes were still haughtily focused on Tom.
"I apologize if my remark offended you, Miss Crawford," he said. "I assure you that it was not meant to be impertinent." His look was so honest, and his tone so sincere that Melissa almost believed him. Tom uncomfortably glanced at his sisters and Henry, and with one more look at Melissa, excused himself to go upstairs.
"Well," said Edmund, "I cannot see what is the matter with him."
"Is he changed?"
"Yes, very much," answered Edmund with a sigh. "He used to be different: noisy, amusing, and careless. We would rarely see him in the house-he would be off with his friends so much-but now he never leaves Mansfield."
"How strange! Can you think of any reasons why he has changed so?"
"No, unless he was so greatly influenced by my father when he talked with Tom before sailing, but truthfully I cannot believe that that could have made such an impact on my brother. And even so, his behavior seems more affected than reformed."
"Well, I wouldn't worry, Mr. Bertram," laughed Melissa. "Perhaps your brother, like so many other men his age, is a victim . . ."
"A victim, Miss Crawford?"
"Yes; victim to a young lady's charms."
Edmund shook his head. "No, that cannot be it. I have never known Tom to be in love before, and who would be the young lady? He has not been to a town for weeks."
Melissa could not believe Edmund's blindness. Hasn't he noticed?
"Maybe it is someone who lives close by, then," she said. "Miss Price, for instance. I have heard her say that Mr. Bertram is often with her."
"You think that Tom is in love with Fanny?" Edmund raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "No, indeed that is impossible." The idea seemed to disturb him, and his look grew even more concerned as he saw Tom leading in a sweetly-dressed and slightly nervous Fanny Price. She smiled upon seeing Melissa, but Tom, who apparently did not wish to converse again with the latter, gently led Fanny to sit with him over by the rest of the group.
"Perhaps you may be right," admitted Edmund. He sighed and smiled at Melissa. "I will have to watch him."
Melissa, who had been watching Tom and Fanny and the others, turned back to Edmund with a laugh. "That might be a good idea. You are a very good brother, Mr. Bertram."
Fortunately, she was not required to stand alone with Edmund much longer, as Mr. Rushworth was shown in, and everyone proceeded into the dining room.
As she entered in, she found reason both to smile and to frown. She could smile as she found Fanny to her right, but could frown as she perceived Tom to her left.
"Poor Mr. Bertram!" she exclaimed. "It seems you cannot escape me."
"And neither can you, Miss Crawford. I feel your pain excruciatingly."
Melissa nearly burst out laughing, but quickly recovered herself and bent her head over her wine. She soon raised her head, and looked around her. Both Julia and Maria sat next to Henry and were occupied in trying to keep him entertained while Mr. Rushworth kept polite conversation with Lady Bertram and also tried to engage his fiancée at the same time. She also noticed that Fanny and Edmund were talking together, as he carved her some meat. She heard Tom clearing his throat, and turned to see him with some meat ready for her.
"Thank you, Mr. Bertram," she said, taking some from him and beginning to eat.
The meal was rather silent as Melissa merely watched everyone else (but Tom) talking. What greatly amused her to watch was Henry's expression. His face was impassive, but often he would catch her eye and smile at her, showing feelings of irksomeness. She would smile and look away for a moment, and then survey the group before looking back. Once she looked at Tom Bertram, and noticed he was looking at her. She quickly looked away and was careful not to look at him again.
When the dinner party broke up, Edmund took the arm of both Fanny and Melissa and escorted them into the drawing room. He led Fanny to a seat and took Melissa over to the piano.
"I believe, ma'am," he said, "I warned you last time that I should ask you to play the pianoforte, and you see I remembered."
She smiled. "Of course, Mr. Bertram!" She turned back to the instrument and thought-what song to play? Suddenly, she thought of The Music Man and decided to play "'Til There Was You". She played the piece creditably and everyone clapped, but she noticed that Tom was sitting straight up.
She rose and curtsied to her audience, and took a seat. Tom quickly came over and sat next to her. His look was more suspicious than it had ever been before, and he quietly asked her if he could speak to her away from everybody else. Melissa agreed, endeavoring to cover her anxiety with an easy laugh. She took his offered arm and quietly walked through the room with him, but they still caught the attention of everyone they passed, excepting Lady Bertram, who was sleeping. Henry, who was admittedly very bored talking with Julia, glanced up at Melissa and shot her a teasing, reproachful look. Melissa broke into real laughter. She playfully shrugged her shoulders over the helplessness of her situation, all the while realizing the irony of it.
Once they were in the hallway, Tom closed the door and turned to Melissa.
Part 8
"Well," he mused, "I have always thought Mary Crawford to be worldly, but this is beyond anything I've ever imagined!"
Melissa coughed with surprise and begged him to explain.
"Well, Miss Crawford always keeps up to date with fashions-sometimes starts them, I am sure-but I don't see how she can be hundreds of years ahead." He took out a small box from his pocket with obvious pride, and handed the item inside to Melissa.
"My ring!" she exclaimed, blushing. "I threw this down days ago. It only looks modern-it must be foreign."
"Then why is it dated 1998?" asked Tom, unable to keep back a smile.
"A mistake, I'm sure!"
He sighed. "Perhaps, but the other day you played a song that also sounded a little modern."
"I do not think it was," said Melissa slowly, keeping her eyes upon the floor. "I believe that 'Think of Me' is from an old opera; even Edmund affirmed it."
"Edmund!" laughed Tom. "Well you have explained two things away, but can you tell me how you happened to play a Beatles song tonight?"
Melissa quickly glanced up at him. "Oh, no, no," she exclaimed, "I draw the line there. The song was in The Music Man long before the Beatles ever heard it, and I can tell you right now that Shirley Jones sang it better than they ever did!"
Tom looked at her for a moment and then broke into laughter. His laugh was so loud and infectious that soon Melissa found herself joining in, despite her great confusion regarding the matter and her annoyance that she had been found out.
"So who are you anyway?" asked Tom, though not without a smile.
"Melissa Carrington; Hartford, Connecticut. Please to meet you, Mr.-I don't believe I know your name!"
"Tim Brookston," he said with a laugh, "from London-of the 1990s-I'm surprised you never noticed it before now!" Melissa blushed, but was glad to find that things were right after all. She explained her discovery to him, finding that Tim also woke up to find himself a character in the book. A long-time fan of Fanny Price's, he had determined to use his situation to bring Fanny together with the only man who really loved and appreciated her: Henry Crawford, though Tim did not fail to mention that he never cared too much for Crawford.
"How can you not like Henry Crawford?" Melissa asked. "He's so funny, and adorable!"
Tim smirked. "Well I wouldn't think that! The Crawfords always annoyed me-Mary, too."
"So is that why you treated me so awfully?" laughed Melissa. "I was looking forward to the amusing Tom Bertram, and only found him to be a cold, offensive man!"
Tim, with a smile, apologized for every disagreeable thing he had ever said to her, and they both proceeded to put their plans together.
"Our course of work is obvious, you know. We must keep your sisters from Henry, and that boy from Fanny. I am sure that Henry can be trusted to do the rest," she said confidently.
"I don't know about that, Melissa. He sure wasn't all that successful in the book."
"But there he was working from grave disadvantages, from her positive ill-opinion! I have it on the best authority she does not wish to see him leave anytime soon-even Jane Austen said that Fanny would have married Henry but for the fact that Edmund never married and the scandal hit. Now that Henry is rather enchanted by our dear Miss Price and she knows no ill of him whatsoever, the story will be different."
"I don't know . . . Edmund seems to be paying Fanny attention . . . maybe her hopes will be upheld!"
Melissa looked at Tim scornfully. "Why must you consist in putting up meaningless blocks to my hopes? Edmund is merely a callow boy; nothing to Henry. Besides, I don't think that he is completely indifferent to my charms, either. He wasn't dancing attendance upon Fanny when I was there, you notice."
Tim's face screwed up in a large smile, and he began to chortle. "I see now! I see it all completely! Forgive me for ever suggesting Fanny could be preferred to you! Of course, you are the superior."
Melissa gave him a look. "Of course I didn't mean that! but I am sure that he is still not thinking of Fanny in the manner that would be dangerous to Henry. Besides, conquering Edmund isn't anything I brag about to Henry or anything. I'm supposed to be conquering you, according to Mrs. Grant."
Tim gave her a shocked look. "Well, I have no intention of being conquered for my great fortune, so you can forget that!"
"And I assure you, I have no intention of conquering you! although, actually, that might motivate Edmund to be interested in me, and that might keep him away from Fanny . . ." She began to briefly consider this while Tim began waving his arms about wildly.
"No, no, no, no, and NO! Forget that idea, Melissa Carrington!"
She gave him a look, and straightened up. "Am I really so horrible? Do I smell funny? Am I not as witty as my namesake?" She began to drop her head, and made her voice sound sad.
She had not mistaken her prey-Tim did have a chivalrous nature, and quickly began to utter soothing phrases. "Well, I have nothing against you . . . you're really not bad looking or anything . . . you are funny and all . . . it's just . . . well . . ."
"It's not like we would be involved or anything . . ." she said quietly, not looking at him. "Not engaged, I assure you!-just an innocent flirtation; and what could be more Crawford than that?"
Tim smiled despite himself, and dropped his hands. "Oh, all right!"
She immediately raised her head, a large smile gracing her face. "Thank you! I knew you could see things my way! Really, with you and me working together, there's no way we can't prevent Maria Rushworth from becoming Maria, mistress of Henry Crawford! Now, you realize there is something you're forgetting . . ."
"What?"
"Well, some time after Sotherton, there is the acting . . ."
"Yes?"
"Well, you should be gone at this time! You are the person that brings in the man that introduces Lovers' Vows-Mr. Yates!"
"Mr. Yates? Who is he?"
Melissa gasped. "Mr. Yates! Mr. Yates is the funniest character in the book besides Rushworth! Yates is the ranter! the fop!-don't you remember his words about Ecclesford and his love of dramatics? You have to bring him in!"
Tim raised his eyebrows. "Are you sure that's wise? What about the damning influence of theatricals on your darling brother?-won't Fanny have disgust for him when he acts? Won't that bring her back to the very Edmund you are determined to keep her from?"
"Oh, we'll change that, of course. I'll make sure that Henry is good-no more flirting with Maria. We can change the parts or even change the play!"
"Well, you're confident enough about this," said Tim, obviously amused.
"And you should be too!" laughed Melissa. "Seriously, we'll give Henry the role of a great hero, and I'll make Edmund settle for some dull, Edmund-ish part. The boy won't have a chance!"
Tim good-naturedly agreed with her, but Melissa did not fail to start reminding him of his own part.
"Yes, I know," Tim interrupted, "I will flirt with you, and I'll be sure to go get Yates."
"Good," Melissa happily said with a nod of her head, "but there's more you can do. You see Maria every day, and I don't want to talk with her, so maybe you can try to persuade her a little. . ."
Tim sensed a disagreeable task coming on. "About what?"
"About the charms of Mr. Rushworth; you know, to take away some of Maria's Crawford-feelings. Frequently praise James Rushworth's handsome qualities-make him out to be an Adonis."
"Have you seen Rushworth?" laughed Tim. "He's more like the boar than he is like Adonis."
Melissa sighed. "Well, then at least praise his house."
They soon walked back into the drawing room, where, to Melissa's disappointment, Mrs. Norris was sitting with her nieces and the two gentlemen. It was apparent from their faces that the old woman was boring them, and Maria seemed especially annoyed.
"Tom, Tom," Mrs. Norris cried, looking up at her nephew, "we have just settled on a plan. Good Mr. Rushworth here has told us all about his very grand estate, Sotherton, and we all are to go see it! You see, Mr. Crawford is very accomplished at making improvements, and has proved to be just the man Mr. Rushworth was looking for to change the grounds of Sotherton. As my dear niece pointed out, why should he hire Mr. Repton when he can have the advice of a disinterested friend? That would be a pleasant plan, indeed, but then I thought-why should not the rest of us go? We can perhaps be of use, and we would make a most delightful little party. What think you of it? Edmund has already decided to go with us."
"I apologize, ma'am," answered Tim, "but I will not be able to attend. I am afraid that business calls me away."
Melissa smiled at him approvingly before looking back at Mrs. Norris with a hopeful glance. The woman understood right away.
"I suppose that Miss Crawford would wish to go?" she asked.
"Oh! if you have room, I would be delighted. My brother may need my help."
"Then are you interested in improvements also, Miss Crawford?" asked Edmund as he handed Melissa her pelisse.
Henry laughed. "Mary cares nothing for the manipulating of grounds, but of people, I'm afraid, she could never tire."
"Quiet, Henry!" cried Melissa, laughing. "What will you have Mr. Bertram think of me?"
"You know that I think very well of you, Miss Crawford," said Edmund, grave-faced and sincere. He smiled and sighed when Melissa left, much to Tim's amusement.
"How do you like Miss Crawford?" he asked casually.
Edmund turned to him in surprise. "I like her very much, as I am sure you do also."
"Me? Why should you think that?"
The subject obviously made Edmund uncomfortable, but he still answered in his calm voice, "You talked with her for quite some time. We all noticed-I think that I did especially."
"Did you?" Tim could not help smiling. "We were talking for a long time, I suppose. But then we have a great deal in common."
Edmund looked at him silently. He clearly did not know what to say, so he soon retired for the night. Tim laughed, looking around the room for someone else to talk with. Fanny was already upstairs, but Maria and Julia were still in their same places, engaged in conversation. As Tim walked closer, he heard that the subject was Mr. Crawford. With a congenial look that was rather surprising to the two ladies, he made his way over and sat down by them.
"You obviously find Mr. Crawford an agreeable man," he said bluntly. He felt his face reddening a bit. He felt very uncomfortable talking with these two girls. He had watched them cautiously for a while-both girls were elegant and as pretty as he had been led to believe. Both were fair and tall, but both also had eyes that were rather calculating and keen.
They showed their natures not only through their eyes, but often in their close speech as well. "Mr. Crawford is a very amiable man, Tom. His manners are calculated to please, surely," said Maria carefully.
"Indeed, Maria. Both Crawfords contrive to make themselves agreeable, and I believe you certainly find Miss Crawford so, do you not?"
This made him redden a little. Melissa and Henry were vastly different, he knew, with even different motives, but he could hardly explain it, and certainly not to the smug faces he saw before him.
"There can be no harm in liking an agreeable person, can there be, Tom?" said Maria somewhat sarcastically.
"Certainly not, Maria." He then smiled a bit. "I am of a mind to say that Mr. Crawford would agree. He seems to find many of us here agreeable-especially Fanny."
Maria's eyes snapped open and she looked at him, seemingly annoyed. "Fanny?" She stopped for a moment, and her face showed her to be pondering something but apparently deciding against it. She smiled again. "I believe that Mr. Crawford is merely a very agreeable man."
Tim smiled. "Of course-agreeable to everyone, but I suppose you are right. He does not appear to be especially agreeable to anyone."
Maria became silent, then appeared to lose herself in thought.
Tim then spoke again. "Mr. Rushworth seemed very pleased tonight. I understand you are going to go to visit Sotherton?"
Maria seemed somewhat revived at this. "Yes, we plan to see it soon. It is a very grand estate, you know. Much larger than Mansfield."
"So I am told," Tim said uncommittedly. He then got up and walked away, pleased at having done so well in battle. At least Maria would give a second thought to the worth of Crawford's attentions, and that was all that was needed.
Meanwhile, Melissa found herself in deep conversation with her brother.
"Mary, I issue you my sincerest congratulations. You have made quite a conquest. Pray tell, when is the wedding?"
She looked at him, mildly surprised. "What?"
He smiled. "Well, my dear, I begin to believe I must soon ask Mr. Bertram his intentions, especially when you disappear for so long a time. Surely this is a sign that I will soon have need to wish you joy?"
Understanding, she laughed. "Hardly so, dearest Henry. I was merely enjoying exercising my talents in manipulating people, I believe." She gave him a measured look. "A talent we both seem to enjoy exercising."
He laughed. "I have never said anywise, have I?"
She hesitated for a moment, trying to think of how to phrase what she wished to say. "Henry, I do not mind you 'exercising your talents,' but I hope you will not let them get you into trouble. I also desire that you will not greatly hurt Miss Price, if those are your talents again. She is as good a little creature as ever lived; very innocent and open."
He gave her a smile. "My dearest Mary, you need not worry. I always know what I am about, and you know very well that I do not hurt the innocent. You need not fear for me or anyone."
She sat back. "All right, Henry."
"And how could I hurt Miss Price?" continued Henry, seeing that she was unconvinced. "Did not you already tell me that she is in love with that boy?"
"Yes," Melissa recollected, "I did, and I still believe that she is, but. . ."
"Don't tell me that the younger boy is in love with you too now!"
"No, only the oldest!" Melissa laughed. "But Mr. Edmund is really quite attractive. He is so agreeable in his attentions to me as well as to Miss Price. However, I will not bring this up now, knowing how much you dislike the poor boy."
Henry smiled. "I never said that I disliked him-what is there to dislike him for? I am going to bed. Knock on my door if you wish to tell me anything about your wedding plans."
Melissa laughed. "Dearest, I told you that I was only manipulating again!"
"Poor Mr. Bertram!" exclaimed Henry, smiling, "-and poor Mansfield Park: I'm afraid that it will find its future mistress much different than its current! Well, good night, my dear Lady Bertram."
Melissa laughed as she watched Henry walk out to the stairs. Now alone in the dark room with only one candle by her couch, she started thinking about the evening with rather mixed feelings. She was glad to have found another person in her situation, and a good ally for her cause. How amusing it was that cold, haughty Tom had really been the good-natured Tim! He would be of great use to her. Melissa hoped he would remember to talk with Maria, for she had unhappily noticed that Henry had talked with her for most of the evening. Mr. Rushworth hadn't helped anything, either, because he seemed happy enough describing his estate to Mrs. Norris and Lady Bertram. He was not a jealous lover, and his easy-going stupidity prevented him from getting too angry over another man flirting with his fiancée. Melissa sighed. Then it is up to me; I must keep Fanny and Henry together at Sotherton, and away from Edmund and Maria.
Part 9
The next morning when Melissa, Henry, and the Grants were all at the breakfast table, the servant announced a visitor, "for Miss Crawford - a gentleman, miss."
Melissa took her napkin from her lap and turned into the hall. She smiled when she saw who it was.
"Tim!" she cried loudly, then laughed and put her hand to her mouth in a self-reproachful manner. "I mean Tom! - dear Tom, how are you? No, I won't ask. Come meet the Grants! - they're really very nice; the doctor is a bit of a glutton, but friendly at that." She pulled his hand around to the dining room, not giving Tim a chance to take his hat off. He protested, but finally succumbed to Melissa's amusing determination.
"Dear sister, Dr. Grant," Melissa said, fairly pushing Tim forward to their chairs, "this is my good friend, Mr. Bertram-Mr. Tom Bertram." Tim politely shook their hands, uttering a confused, but friendly laugh when the happy Mrs. Grant quietly made a comment to him and looked up at her sister. "Mr. Bertram," Melissa continued, "this is my sister and the great Dr. Grant, and of course you have met my brother." Seeing that there was nothing more to say, Melissa glanced at Tim to inquire what he came for.
"I thought that perhaps you would care to walk about the orchard with me," he said, not made any more comfortable by Mrs. Grant's continuously widening smile.
"Of course," agreed Melissa. "Maybe you can get a chance to talk with my family some other time."
"Oh yes," interrupted Henry with a sly smile, "I imagine that Mr. Bertram will soon be with us all of the time."
"Do you want to scare him off, Henry?" laughed Melissa. She quickly took Tim outside.
"What was he talking about?" asked Tim once they were on the path, "-does he know? You didn't tell him who I really am, did you?"
"Of course not! He just thinks we're engaged."
"Engaged!" Tim threw down Melissa's arm in frustration. "You said that we wouldn't be involved, and now I find that I've asked you to marry me!"
Melissa burst into laughter and shook her head. "Tim, Tim, don't worry! I promise that I never said anything like it. He just suspected it when we were talking for so long last night-as he probably will now, but no matter. I don't mind-do you?"
Tim sighed, and finally muttered that he did not.
"I'm glad. "Here," Melissa said, putting her arm back in his, "you came to tell me something, and I want to hear all about your talk with Maria."
He gestured to a bench nearby, and they sat down. "It was nothing, really . . . I think I put into Maria's mind the idea that perhaps Henry was not serious to anyone, but I have to worry about Fanny . . . I kind of suggested that Henry was after her; she shrugged it off, but I wonder what bad turn she'll serve Fanny."
Melissa thought for a moment. "I don't know . . . I'll keep my eye on her, now. But what have you come to tell me?" she asked, turning to look at him.
"I wanted to tell you that I'll be leaving for Weymouth soon. I hope you can keep things in order without my presence - I am sure Edmund will be delighted to have me out of the way."
"What?"
"Edmund and I have been talking about you. He said to me that 'he liked you very much' and he also assured me that I talked with you for quite some time. 'We all noticed - I think that I did especially.' I felt he wants me off the ground . . . he's rather gone on you, you know."
"Really? I wonder if he has talked about my frivolity or my bad manners with Fanny . . . I hope she doesn't dislike me."
"Well, if she does, she won't show it," said Tim bluntly, a smile on his face. He then rose, and bowed to her. "I must be going-I just wanted to take leave of you, and I was told by Edmund to give you his compliments." He winked, and then headed along his way.
Henry looked up at her when she came in, and Mrs. Grant jumped up.
"Mary, I can't believe it! Only so far, and already he is enchanted with you! I knew how it would be! My congratulations-I have no fear of losing you now!"
Mary laughed. "My dear sister, I fear you think too much. He merely informed me he was going to visit Weymouth and came only to take his leave of me."
Mrs. Grant laughed. "Well, my dear, you may be extraordinarily modest, but I know he is in love with you, or will be! Tell her, Henry!"
Henry smiled. "I am sure she has charmed Mr. Bertram extraordinarily well, yes."
"Charmed! Well, that is fine!" exclaimed Mrs. Grant, happy over this added advantage to the match. "So Mr. Tom Bertram is in love with you, Mary?"
"I don't know-perhaps both Mr. Bertrams are!" carelessly laughed Melissa.
Henry shook his head in mock disappointment. "Such vanity she has, my dear Mrs. Grant," he said, coming dangerously close to imitating Edmund. "Bertram and the boy? And to think that she has attributed that vanity to me!"
"What my dear brother is too humble to say," said Melissa, addressing herself to Mrs. Grant, "is that he also has two Bertrams in love with him-the Miss Bertrams, who are two very silly girls."
"And one of them engaged!" cried Mrs. Grant, who took the news as a proper clergyman's wife would. "Indeed, Miss Bertram is foolish if she is falling in love now, but Miss Julia is not so silly. I have always thought her a keen, intelligent girl. What do you think of Julia, my dear brother?"
"I suppose she is agreeable enough for the time being, but I doubt that her powers will last for long."
Melissa laughed. "Then what kind of girl does attract you, Henry?"
He was about to reply, but then decided not to, and laughed to himself. "I will not even answer," he said with a smile, "for I already know that you want me to describe Miss Price, and I have not found her to be so very entertaining either."
"Well, if Miss Price cannot capture you, then no girl can. You have hardly been with her-you are not familiar with half of her charms."
"How can I? She is always with her aunt."
Melissa was beginning to grow frustrated. "Her aunt is not going to Sotherton-you can talk with Fanny there. Perhaps you can ride with her in the box. Fresh air can only do her constitution good, and such winning conversation will only do you good."
Henry paused, but finally broke into a grin. "All right, all right. I will see how charming your Miss Price is. Do you see how forceful our sister is?" he asked the confused Mrs. Grant. "I don't see why I even listen to her!"
Part 10A
On the Wednesday morning of the Sotherton trip, Henry drove Melissa and Mrs. Grant to Mansfield Park, where they met up in the drawing room with the Bertrams and Mrs. Norris. Maria and Julia, who had been arguing with their brother, put on smiling faces once they saw Henry, and went over to him. Soon Edmund followed them, walking over to Melissa.
"Good morning, Miss Crawford. I hope you will forgive the noise here; we still have not decided who is to go and who is to stay."
"But you are coming, are you not, Mr. Bertram?"
Edmund smiled and shrugged and pointed to his mother. Lady Bertram's voice was heard from the sofa:
"Edmund is to stay here with me-I do need him to stay and help me. Fanny is going now, and I do not know what I will do without her."
"But that is what I came for, ma'am," said Mrs. Grant, going over to her with a cordial smile. "I will stay with you for the day, and perhaps Dr. Grant can join us for dinner. Now Edmund can go with the rest of the young people!"
Lady Bertram was overjoyed at this proposal-"Yes, I think you will be of as much use as Fanny, and really you do have a little of Fanny's look about you"-and the rest of the party was in good spirits, but soon the question of who was to ride where came up.
"Well, Edmund can ride his horse," said Mrs. Norris, "and the rest will fit in Mr. Crawford's barouche. Certainly there will be enough room with the box, but who will sit there?" she asked, facing Henry. "Shall it be Julia?"
Henry looked thoughtful for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I don't think that that will work. I know how close my sisters are, and I am sure that the Miss Bertrams are also, and would not want to be separated for the world." Upon hearing this, Maria and Julia exchanged glances that expressed the opposite, but kept to their ladylike ways and did not protest. "Mary," Henry continued, "why don't you sit with them inside? I would love to have you get to know my dear friends better." He turned to them with a smile, lessening their hurt feelings somewhat, but still leaving them to wonder who would get the prized seat. "I know!" Henry went on, "-how about Miss Price?"
Fanny, who had just come down the stairs, looked from Edmund to Henry in confusion.
"Would you like to sit in the box with me?" Henry asked her in a gentle voice with an entreating smile. "I think that the air will be of great benefit to your health."
Fanny hesitated for a moment, thought it over, and finally agreed to it with a surprised smile.
"Then it is settled," said Henry before Mrs. Norris could protest. He offered his arm to Fanny and led everyone out.
Maria and Julia followed the pair right behind, feeling furious but merely looking somewhat catty.
Edmund and Melissa followed, giving farewells to Lady Bertram and thank-yous to Mrs. Grant. Edmund offered his arm, and Melissa took it as they walked through the hall.
Melissa observed Maria and Julia whispering together, giving jealous glances at Fanny. She looked over at Edmund, who was also looking at the leading couple with an unreadable face. She smiled, and gave a little laugh, attracting his attention.
"Your sisters seem out of spirits today . . . I hope they will not be adverse to a long carriage ride," she said in a mild tone.
Edmund looked at her. "I believe Maria and Julia are merely in low spirits at the moment, but they will recover . . . I believe both harbored expectations of being favored with the seat on the box."
"So I should have imagined myself-I dare say they were quite surprised that the favor was granted to Fanny . . . she is a very different sort of creature from themselves, I would dare say."
Edmund said nothing, but as she looked at him, she could read unspoken agreement in his face. She realized that even at this point he was aware of his sisters' folly, but that he had a respect for his family that he could not say anything against them. She found herself feeling a little more respect for him as she entered into the carriage and headed off to Sotherton.
She looked carefully at the Bertram girls, and over her side to Mrs. Norris. The girls smiled at her in a way that made her feel rather funny, and she did not press conversation. Her attentions, instead, were focused upon the box, which she had the happiness to see from her seat. She could observe it perfectly, and once in a while would catch a phrase or a laugh from its occupants. Fanny sat nervously at first, her head down, and her eyes down cast. Eventually, however, the novelty of viewing nature from such a vantage point, and the entertaining conversation of her companion tempted her to lift her eyes, to make observations aloud about the streams and hills along the way, and to apply to Henry for answers to her simple, interested questions. Henry, pleasantly surprised, would always have a reply, often drawing a laugh from Fanny, and a satisfied smile from Melissa inside the vehicle. Twice, Edmund rode up alongside her window with a concerned look.
"Are you well, Miss Crawford?" he asked. "Does the carriage jolt about too much? These roads are much too narrow."
"I am fine, Mr. Bertram, I assure you! You forget that I am used to this carriage, and the roads are nothing worse than a dirty London street or a crowded way in Bath. This is quite pleasant."
Edmund smiled with a little embarrassment, and asked her how his sisters, aunt, and cousin were to make his attentions look not so marked.
"The Miss Bertrams are well also, as is Mrs. Norris, and Fanny-well, you can see that she is enjoying herself," she smiled, looking at the girl, who had not noticed Edmund, and was at the moment pointing out a row of flowers to Henry.
Edmund agreed with a grave nod, then fell back to follow the barouche after he had checked after Melissa's safety once more.
"Well," said Julia," turning to Melissa for the first time, "my brother does seem to be paying quite gallant attentions to you."
"No, no," blushed Melissa. "I am sure that he is considerate to every young woman."
"Considerate, yes. . ." Julia smiled and glanced at Maria to attempt to lift her out of her gloom. "My brother is always considerate," she went on, "but he is quite charming to you! I have never seen him so. He is not one for idle flirtations."
Melissa tried to laugh it off. "Well, then he is not like my brother. Henry flirts quite shamelessly, with no object in mind but to enjoy himself. Why, you observe him now, Miss Bertram, with your cousin; how much he seems to enjoy her company, yet I know that she will soon only be added to his list of flirtations." Melissa said this lightly enough, but Maria seemed to be distressed by it. She turned her head to the window with a sigh. Mrs. Norris had been listening to Melissa attentively, and could not remain silent for long.
"Of course," she agreed, "-flirtations are normal for any young man, but surely he will get married some day. Indeed, he was telling us all about his estate, and he will settle there some time, I am sure."
"No," answered Melissa. "I doubt that Everingham will ever be enough to his liking-nothing is for long. He will stay in London, or in Lyme, or wherever there are sufficient diversions, which will only eventually lead to boredom. Yes, I have long since resigned to his never marrying."
There was not a reply to his. Even Mrs. Norris was discouraged, and Julia and Maria turned their heads from both Melissa and the view of the box. They continued this way for a while, giving Melissa silence to happily think over her victory, but soon Maria's countenance grew brighter, and she began to point out various houses and roads along the way.
"How lovely that cottage is," warmly praised Melissa in response. She had guessed that they were entering Sotherton, and she wanted to point out its beauties enough. Maria seemed to have forgotten her anger, and proudly smiled in return.
"And that is only the steward's house," she said. "You must wait until you see the Great House." Her happiness increased upon driving closer to the house, and was only lessened a little when she saw her fiancé waiting at the door.
Chapter 10B
"My dear Maria! friends!-welcome to Sotherton!" he said gleefully, helping Maria out of the carriage, and all the other ladies.
When Melissa dismounted from the carriage, she looked at the place with widened eyes. Sotherton was very large, but also very Gothic and gloomy in architectural style. She was repelled by the pointed arches and the awful gargoyles, but knew that his house was also rather fashionable.
"Your house is quite . . . awe-inspiring, Mr. Rushworth. You must be very proud of it."
This simple praise nearly made the buttons of his coat pop off, so proud was he. "Sotherton is very fine, but will be much better after we have had some man to it."
Melissa nodded, and stood next to Fanny. "I myself am not a fan of the Gothic; are you?" When Fanny nodded no, she continued, "If this 'man' is less in power than his Almighty above, then nothing would be able to save this place from vulgarity."
Fanny was barely keeping herself from giggling when Edmund came over. "What have you been saying, Miss Crawford?"
"Oh, I was merely telling your cousin Miss Price how delighted I am with Sotherton! how it has very great potential." This was accompanied by such a wicked smile as made Edmund nearly laugh himself.
It was at that moment that Mrs. Rushworth came over. "Should you all like to see the house now?" Everyone dutifully nodded, and Melissa took Edmund's arm, as she happily watched Henry offer his arm and had it accepted by Fanny. She also saw out of the corner of her eye Maria silently fuming on Rushworth's arm as they entered the house.
They walked through the house dutifully. Melissa listened half-heartedly to Mrs. Rushworth's long explanations, but more carefully observed everyone in the group. She especially watched Maria. She glowed every now and then as people exclaimed at the surroundings, obviously taking pride in her fiancé's fine home and his £12,000 a year.
Eventually, they reached the place Melissa had been waiting for . . . the chapel.
"This chapel was fitted up as you see it, in James the Second's time. Before that period, as I understand, the pews were only wainscot; and there is some reason to think that the linings and cushions of the pulpit and family seat were only purple cloth; but this is not quite certain. It is a handsome chapel, and was formerly in constant use both morning and evening. Prayers were always read in it by the domestic chaplain, within the memory of many; but the late Mr. Rushworth left it off," said Mrs. Rushworth.
"It is a pity," cried Fanny, "that the custom should have been discontinued. It was a valuable part of former times. There is something in a chapel and chaplain so much in character with a great house, with one's ideas of what such a household should be! A whole family assembling regularly for the purpose of prayer is fine!"
"Quite so, Miss Price, but yet I cannot completely wish for a return of the tradition in every household. Ceremony is all well and good in its place, but when it is just ceremony-and I fear in too many homes it would merely be ceremony-it is a positive evil. Not every chaplain enlightens his parishioners, and to force people to engage in prayers is a waste of time-'Words without thoughts never to heaven go,' as is said," said Melissa after a little consideration.
Edmund looked serious. "Neither could I wish for such an eventuality. People, when forced to any activity, must feel some aversion toward that activity, but I believe that both Fanny and I hope that the people involved would go to prayers happily. Also, I would hope that a clergyman could inspire some emotion in an open-minded person."
"But Mr. Bertram, are all people so open-minded as you and Miss Price? I sadly must disagree with you, sir, although I must say that if all the people in your scene went to church and prayed with all their hearts, there could be no better scene imaginable."
She began to feel Edmund's gaze on her, and she turned to look at the altar, blushing. She knew that she had to expect him to look at her, especially when she was trying to charm him, but she did not want him to be too charmed. Where is the line between a flirtation and an affection? Henry really has played a very dangerous game all through his life.
She then noticed that Maria and Rushworth were standing by it, and Henry was approaching the couple. Knowing exactly what he was going to say, she called him over.
"Henry!" she cried, making him turn and come over.
"Yes?" he asked her.
She began to look around, trying to think of what to say. She espied Fanny out of the corner of her eye admiring a stained glass window, and turned to look at her. Henry followed her line of sight, and sighed softly, a small laugh under his breath.
"You will never stop, will you?"
"No, I don't believe I ever will."
Henry then smiled, and raised his eyebrows pointedly as Edmund came over to stand by Fanny and whisper a few words in her ear. "And do you feel any overwhelming desire to interrupt that tête à tête, sister? or are you confident that he raves over your charms alone?"
Melissa laughed. "I think the worry should be yours, lest he steal a march on you and you should lose such a valuable flirtation. You seemed to be amusing Miss Price very well."
"At your request, remember. I only do you a favor, and I shall ask one in return, I warn you."
Melissa felt her stomach get a little queasy for a moment. "And what might that be?"
"I love you very much, Mary, but I wish you would be less active in taking a part in my affairs."
"I only worry for you, Henry-I have taken a measure of Maria Bertram's character, and I warn you well-if you want a mild flirtation, go right ahead. Your considerable talents will find a willing victim in her, and she will easily fall in love with you. However, she will not take it easily when you drop her, and I would not be surprised if she enacted a revenge when her plans for you go awry. Henry, recall-'Hell hath no fury like that of a woman scorned.' Heed me well-and venture forth at your own risk."
He smiled. "Mary, you have a most active imagination-out of which novel did you take this little plot? Maria Bertram is a very careful girl, and knows where her interests lie. Besides, her affections, I doubt, will be that much engaged-though I should be the object of them. The vanity that I do not possess has limits, although I must thank you for such a charming compliment to my abilities."
She shook her head. "And one should never underestimate the enemy," she murmured, as Julia began talking about having the wedding right there, with Edmund to officiate.
"You are a clergyman?" she asked Edmund, mock surprise.
"Not yet-after my father arrives home, I shall be ordained-probably around Christmas."
"Perhaps you will be able to improve the men of the profession," she replied.
It was at this moment that the group headed outside. Henry moved to the side of Maria and Rushworth, and Melissa let him go without a word. She happily took the arm of Edmund, and with Fanny, the picturesque three headed off down the avenue.
Chapter 10C
The beauty of the wilderness and its natural loveliness, as opposed to the gaudiness of the house and its grounds, lifted Melissa's spirits a great deal. She decided to put Henry's comments out of her head for the moment, and to enjoy the walk with her two placid, quiet companions. Of course her plan did not leave her mind, and she still was determined to charm Edmund, finding that the task was not so very disagreeable.
"So you are to be a clergyman, Mr. Bertram," she said, turning to him. "I was rather surprised to hear it."
Edmund looked agitated. "Why should you be surprised? You did not think I had another profession, did you?"
"No; I thought that perhaps you had been provided for by a relation."
Edmund shook his head. "I am afraid that we can not all be provided for. Men like your brother are fortunate for being benefited by that praiseworthy practice, but I am afraid that I am an exception."
"Even if Henry had to seek a profession," mused Melissa, "I do not think that he would ever choose to be a clergyman."
"It is a noble profession," said Edmund in defense. "I can think of no greater job than to influence morally and to secure eternally. It may not be an attractive profession in the eyes of the ton or by worldly standards, but all in all, a clergyman's is the greatest situation, for he has the charge of all that is of the first importance to mankind."
"I do not doubt that, Mr. Bertram," said Melissa, rather taken aback. She smiled to calm him. "I was only saying that my brother would not be a fit clergyman, for his heart would not be in it, and the most damaging thing for any church is hypocrisy. One who speaks to so many must be ardent and true in his beliefs."
"And you were surprised that I am to be a clergyman?" asked Edmund.
Melissa paused, laughing under her breath. "No," she said, "I am not now; I don't see why I was. Surely if any man is fit for the church, it is you."
Edmund was evidently pleased with this, and was lost among his own thoughts when Fanny spoke for the first time, wishing to sit and rest. He apologized for his neglect, and led them all to a bench. Ah, here is the gate, thought Melissa, looking at the door by the ha-ha. Henry and Maria will be going though there soon if I don't stay here.
Without a complaint of boredom, Melissa sat with Edmund and Fanny until she heard footsteps and familiar voices.
It was as she expected-Henry, Maria, and Rushworth coming up the path.
"Well met!" cried Rushworth as he saw them.
"Indeed!" said Melissa. "Have you made any plans so far as to what you plan to do?"
"Nothing has been decided upon," answered Maria. "Mr. Crawford has many admirable ideas, but we came in this direction to get a fuller view of the park, so as to get a better idea of what effect the plans, if carried out, would have."
"I see a knoll past the gate not half a mile off-there would give us the perfect view of the park, I am sure," said Henry.
Melissa watched as Mr. Rushworth reached into his pockets, and found no key.
"Oh! I meant to bring the key this time . . . I was sure I had . . . next time, I will make sure I have the key," he said fretfully.
"That is all very well and good, but we do not have the key now," observed Maria pointedly.
The lightbulb in Rushworth's head came on. "Oh! I could go fetch it!"
"Then do!" said Maria, and Rushworth quickly trotted off.
Melissa sat anxiously, watching as Rushworth disappeared from view, and looked back at the two standing. She needed to interrupt them, she needed to keep the symbolic moment of Henry and Maria crossing the locked gate into the unknown from happening . . . but she had no idea what she could say.
She watched hesitantly as Maria looked out the gate, tapping her foot impatiently.
"Waiting is undoubtedly the best thing we can do now, as we are so far from the house already," said Mr. Crawford, when he was gone.
"Yes, there is nothing else to be done. But now, sincerely, do not you find the place altogether worse than you expected?"
"No, indeed, far otherwise. I find it better, grander, more complete in its style, though that style may not be the best. And to tell you the truth," speaking rather lower, "I do not think that I shall ever see Sotherton again with so much pleasure as I do now. Another summer will hardly improve it to me."
Melissa's cheeks burned as she listened to that low confidence, and she looked at Fanny to notice that the girl was staring at the couple, with a very cryptic look on her face. She felt Edmund stiffen beside her, and he quickly rose.
"I believe I am perfectly refreshed now; and you, Miss Crawford?" he asked, a searching look.
"I am more than willing to continue to wait, if Miss Price is not ready."
Fanny's enigmatical look disappeared, and a pretty smile that did not meet her eyes lifted her lips. "Oh, yes, Miss Crawford! I am quite refreshed now! Thank you so kindly for asking!" Melissa quickly offered the girl her arm, and forced a smile at the two standing.
"May you have a good view once you go up there-I hope for your sake that Mr. Rushworth is not over-long with the key," and with those words, took Edmund's arm and guided the party far away from the pair.
She glanced back at Fanny to perceive that the girl's thoughts were distracted, and looked back at Edmund to find him staring carefully at her. His eyes conveyed to her his complete sympathies, and she looked ahead, thinking now that at the very least they could surely not leave without passing messages on to Rushworth-Perhaps they are checked after all, though I rather doubt that. Henry would not let such trifles stop him, I am sure, and nor would Maria.
The rest of their walk was relatively quiet-Edmund and Melissa merely keeping up polite conversation.
Part 10D
Soon they met up with Mrs. Rushworth, Mrs. Norris, and Julia on the terrace.
"I am glad to see you three," said the lady of the house. "I forgot to tell you that you are welcome to go inside whenever you wish. There are couches and newspapers enough in the room off the dining room to keep you occupied until dinner is ready."
Edmund thanked her, and was about to go when Julia told him to wait, and asked her aunt if she might not go too.
"Why, to be sure not," answered Mrs. Norris with a look of surprise. "I'm sure you are enjoying yourself with us, and you have not yet seen the wilderness. Besides, who will help me carry the plants that good Mrs. Rushworth has given me if you are not here? Your cousin Fanny appears to be too idle to be of much use."
"No, indeed, ma'am . . ." Fanny hesitantly let go of Edmund's arm to go to her aunt, when Edmund shook his head and motioned her to come back.
"Ma'am," he said, addressing Mrs. Norris, "Fanny is not idle, but tired she is. If you will excuse us. . ." He led them into the house without another word, leaving poor Mrs. Norris not a little mortified that she could not control all of her nieces and nephews. She angrily pulled Julia's hand and told Mrs. Rushworth that they were ready to walk some more.
Melissa was surprised at Edmund's boldness when it came to Fanny, at the great care he showed for her. And yet he hardly spoke a word with her when we were walking, she mused. He is more than kind to her whenever he remembers she is there. At the moment he did not seem to remember anyone's presence, for he was silent and meditative as they walked through the long, dark corridors. Melissa, however, was now rather inclined to silence, and found a strange interest in looking at the dozens of old paintings on the walls-portraits of Rushworths from the time of Elizabeth. These noblemen and women, most of them rather heavy in their exaggerated costumes, wore proud, but somber faces. How dreary it would be to know that you were to be added to this collection, thought Melissa, and all just for money. She thought of Maria, and almost pitied her, not blaming her for her flirting with Henry. However, Melissa's feelings changed when she walked into the sitting room and saw Miss Bertram deep in conversation with Mr. Crawford. Henry looked up with a start, appeared a little guilty, and then smiled convincingly.
"Ah, Mary, how was your walk?"
"Very nice," Melissa answered, going to a couch and silently instructing Fanny to sit by her. "And how was yours, Henry? Did you ever get through the gate? You waited for Mr. Rushworth, did you not?"
"Yes; Rushworth came just as we were about to go through without the key," replied Henry honestly.
Edmund seemed upset. "Where is Mr. Rushworth now?" he asked his sister, as if to inquire why she was not with him.
"Oh, he is in the dining room-he said that we must wait out here. I think he means to surprise us." She started to laugh, apparently provoked by a joke of Henry's.
Melissa wished to speak, but could not think of anything more to say, and even if she could, was still too much influenced by Henry's warning to dare to do much else that day. However, she saw no harm in drawing Fanny into a conversation so as to take her attention away from Henry's further flirtations.
"Do you miss your cousin, Miss Price?" she asked, affecting to smile.
"Oh yes, of course. I wish that he did not have to go to Weymouth."
"Do you?" laughed Melissa. "Yes, you must want to see him sooner, but it will be for the best." She let her eyes wander over to Henry and Maria, unwillingly overhearing their conversation.
"I was hoping that I would have been able to sit in the barouche box," Maria said subtly, raising her eyes from the floor.
Henry smiled. "And why was that?"
"So I could . . . I wanted to see the country," Maria stammered. "I am sure it would have been a pleasant ride."
"So it would have," agreed Henry. "However, it is not too late; you can perhaps ride with me on the way back. Of course your view of the country may be obstructed because of the dark, but it may be pleasant all the same . . ."
"How will it be?" asked Fanny quickly, startling Melissa.
"How will what be?"
"How will it be for the best that my cousin is away? I cannot imagine that Weymouth will help him at all."
Melissa laughed with relief. "No, but perhaps he will bring back a friend or two. Does not he usually do that? It will enliven our society."
Fanny did not look any more pleased. "I do not think that Mansfield Park needs to be enlivened."
"To be sure it is nice as it is," remarked Melissa, "but a little more spirit cannot hurt it. There is nothing more agreeable to a house than a lively addition-and the more humorous, the better!"
To her surprise, she noticed that Edmund was paying attention to her after watching his sister and Crawford. It was apparent that he was disappointed, and he did not put on a smile for her.
"I think I agree with my cousin," he said. "Too much gaiety is always a bad thing." He looked over at Henry and Maria again. "Some may like to be amused, but I am more comfortable with what is admirable and right."
"Of course," agreed Melissa, trying not to show the effects of the reproach she felt.
After another quarter of an hour, Mr. Rushworth ran in, telling them with excitement that the dining room was ready, and begging them to tell him whether or not he had it fitted up exactly like Blaise Castle.
Melissa had never seen Blaise Castle in her life, and really did not care how like the place it was-the dining room was rather dreary with too much walnut paneling and too few windows. She felt tired, cross, and was pretty sure that Sotherton was not only demoralizing Henry, but demoralizing her friendship with Fanny. At this rate, she decided, they'll put me between Mrs. Norris and Mr. Rushworth, with inanities to one side and too much economy to the other. Luckily, she was between Fanny and Edmund, with both Mr. Rushworth and Mrs. Norris far away.
She was rather tempted to continue talking about gaieties. She remembered that she did have to make Edmund a little disgusted with her in order to forestall any plans of marriage on his part, even if it would damage her with Fanny.
"Miss Price, I have been thinking of our previous words, and I still have to wonder what would be wrong with having a guest at Mansfield. Excessive gaiety is wrong, yes, but gaiety in itself is not an evil unto itself."
"Yes, but among many young people, naturally excitable, any addition can lead to too much excitement and can easily lead them to excessive gaiety."
Melissa's eyes widened the tiniest bit. How prophetic you are, Fanny! she thought. "Hmm . . . yes, I can see your point, but I believe well-educated people can judge wisely enough."
"I believe my cousin fears that young people, already excited, would be in no position to judge the situation," interjected Edmund.
"Perhaps you are quite right . . . but I would hope better. I cannot see that gaiety in itself is harmful."
"Gaiety has the potential to be damaging, but it is mostly bad when used for motives."
"Gaiety is a purpose unto itself, Mr. Bertram, and as most people have motives when they are gay, and considering this I should think that gaiety is evil-but I admit that I have not a speck of Puritanism in me. I am too much of a pleasure seeker to criticize people wanting to have fun."
Edmund gravely looked at her. "You purposefully misunderstand me."
"But I should not like to admit I was wrong," she said mildly.
Edmund said nothing further, and was engaged by Mrs. Rushworth into conversation. He replied politely to her, though he was made uncomfortable when Mrs. Rushworth expressed her happiness over the engagement. Edmund could see what the old woman's short-sighted eyes could not, and he found it hard to agree with her convincingly while observing the actions of his sister. Maria was situated between Mr. Rushworth and Mr. Crawford, not at all acting the part of an engaged woman dining in her future home. Edmund was distressed by the sight. As much as he wished to please the respectable lady, he found that he could not lie cunningly enough, and soon turned back to Melissa.
She met his glance with a surprise, inquiring with her eyes what else he wished to say.
"You said that my brother was bringing back a guest," he began after a moment. "And do you know who it will be?"
"Oh, no. How would I? I was merely wondering."
Edmund looked at her once more before falling into thought. His brow creased as he pondered, and he seemed disturbed by something.
"Are you fond of visitors?" he finally asked.
Melissa could not help but laugh at the strange, earnest question. "Am I fond of them?"
"Yes; do you enjoy the novelty of having a new addition among your society?"
Melissa began to see what he was getting at.
"Yes;" she answered, "meeting and getting to know a new person is most often pleasant-especially when the person is lively and agreeable (though I fear you disagree with me). However, it takes a very great guest to take the place of an old acquaintance."
Edmund seemed quite relieved by this, much to the amusement of Melissa, who could not imagine that any man would ever be jealous of Mr. Yates.
"Miss Crawford," said Edmund, "I know that we may not agree on every subject, but I hope that we can still be friends?"
"Yes, of course-surely I would not have wished otherwise!" She returned Edmund's smile with one so assuring that Edmund was not put out of temper again for the night. Even Maria's flirting did not annoy him, though it greatly distressed Melissa. The only way she could stop it was to stop it for herself, so she did her best to ignore the flirtations at the table; to keep her eyes away from the box when riding home; and to try to forget about it all when in her room that night. Things can only get better now-soon enough Henry will be tired of her, I'm sure. She tried to focus on her happier achievements of the day, though she was not so sure that she wanted to be friends with Edmund. Despite all of the cares in her mind, she did sleep relatively peacefully.
Part 11
When she woke the next morning, she picked out a handsome pastel yellow dress and went downstairs to be regaled with all the details of how a green goose Dr. Grant had wanted was gone to spoil and he could not bear to eat a mouthful of such a paltry dish. Melissa really could not stomach this sort of talk, especially when dear Mrs. Grant looked so worn and harried, but she quickly buoyed her spirits and spoke as cheerfully as possible.
Dr. Grant could not be comforted. "I know that we have many other dishes on the table, dear sister, but a goose! I had so longed for one, especially after the many fatigues of the week, what with spending such time on my sermon for this week, and to have the goose miserably done-!"
She tried to be sympathetic, but really had a desire to strangle the annoying man. If all Mary Crawford saw of clergyman was the Dr. Grant side, I can't really blame her for condemning the entire race of them!
Her spirits failed to be improved when Henry came downstairs for his own breakfast. He was looking very refreshed and cheerful-thinking about his behavior at Sotherton, she could not feel any pity for him when Dr. Grant spent a full five minutes talking to him about the goose. He tried to catch her eye throughout the speech, but she refused to look in his direction.
After a few minutes of eating, Henry rose and came to her chair. "My dear Mary, you look quite fatigued! Should you like to talk a mild walk?-perhaps that would restore your spirits."
Her gratitude was evident when she caught a twinkle in his eye, and she quickly took his arm and made her getaway.
As they walked along, Henry looked her over carefully. "My idle words in the dining room hit the mark, I perceive. Mary, does anything trouble you? You look quite wan."
"It is nothing, brother-nothing at all. Perhaps the excitement of Sotherton fatigued me yesterday-we all were out in the sun for quite a time, and then to entertain the Rushworths-!" She smiled, looking at him in her most enchanting fashion.
He refused to smile. "Perhaps your beloved Miss Price, but you are not such a poor-spirited creature, Mary, as to have me believe that a little walking had disturbed your sleep." His mouth twitched for a moment. "Or could it be, dear sister, that perhaps missing someone has affected you? Mary, I beg you, please do not tell me your lack of spirits this morning is due to having no Tom Bertram to flirt with! If you must marry a Bertram, I would beg you to take Edmund. I have listened to him and he does not lack sense, only he is so very dull I would rather have you not marry him either."
Melissa laughed. "Tom Bertram? Edmund?-Henry, dear, could you really expect me to marry either? Besides, it would hardly be comfortable to marry into a family that includes a former flirtation of yours. Maria Bertram would not make a charming sister after you have flung her to the side and she has ruined you."
Henry looked stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered himself. "What a horrid future you prophesize. Your imagination is quite active, but I see your point. Maria would not make the kindest of relations after she is married safely to Rushworth."
"Are you so sure that you will always be able to escape unharmed from your scrapes?"
"Of course. I am careful, and I flirt only with girls well aware of the rules."
She smiled rather cynically. "It only happens to other people, of course. No such disaster could happen to one's self, everyone believes."
Henry stood for a few moments quietly, then spoke in a sharp voice laden with sarcasm. "My dear Mary, I must take back my words. You would deal extremely well with Edmund, I believe. You have lamentably taken his habit of moralizing, and my dear, considering your history, it really does not become you well. But as soon as you marry your paragon, of course, I am sure that your record will automatically become expunged, and you will soon be far above my touch."
She looked over at him, shocked. She stood open-mouthed for a few moments, and wordlessly walked away as quickly as possible. She could not believe he could be so ruthless. He was already heading after her, but she merely increased her pace. She did not want to talk to him, she did not want to talk to anyone-except Tim. She realized she would love to talk to Tim now, to remind her of the unreality of this. But it felt so real-their talk felt so real, and it deeply hurt her that he could say such a biting thing to her.
Even though he was short, he was faster than her. "Mary, I am sorry. I cannot believe I just said that. I must beg your forgiveness for saying such things-you are quite right. I should not flirt so with Maria Bertram-" he continued, repentance writ broadly on his face.
She forced a smile, interrupting him. "I must beg your forgiveness, for interfering in the most conspicuous way. You are an adult male and are capable of handling your own flirtations."
He smiled. "Mary, that is ill done of you! I make a proper apology for my vile comments and all you can say is that it is your fault! My dear, I have acknowledged you right, and I will try and be more guarded for your sake."
She smiled, and nodded. "I accept your offer most cordially, Henry, although I wish you would do it for your sake rather than mine-" She looked away from him, feeling confused. "If you would excuse me, I am feeling rather fatigued and would like to retire for a small nap, if you please."
He embraced her warmly, and kissed her on her forehead. "Do take care of yourself, and do not let me fret you. Do you know, you worried me less when you did not worry about me?" She laughed slightly, and retired from the battle.
She walked up to her room rather despondently and looked around with a bored yawn. She was not tired enough to sleep, not ambitious enough to dress her hair, which was only plainly braided and pinned up. She sat at her bed, only to find that leaving her mind unemployed led to a flooding of her confused, unsure thoughts regarding her plan. No, this would not do either. Melissa grabbed her shawl and walked into the parsonage's small, cold, and often-unused library. A copy of Evelina was perused, but this time the monkey scene did not draw a laugh from her as it had always done before. She walked out into the hall and peered through the window, seeing Henry in the garden. Conversation would be the best thing for her; and though she did not wish to enter into another disagreement with Henry, Melissa knew that talking with him would be far pleasanter than talking with the Grants in between the goose argument.
"I thought you were going to sleep," was Henry's comment upon seeing her.
"Yes, but I wasn't tired. I couldn't sleep."
Henry looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, then handed her a yellow daffodil he had been holding.
"Good," he said, "then I can give you this while it is freshly picked. I guess you could say it is a peace offering-I hope you forgive me?"
Melissa smiled to show that she did. She smelled the flower and put it into her hair. "And what is your opinion, my future lady's maid?"
Henry laughed and walked around her, viewing her hair from all angles.
"Lovely," he remarked with a smile, "-and certainly fine enough for an evening at Mansfield Park. Will you give me the pleasure of allowing me to be your escort?"
"What, you would rather go there than stay at the parsonage to hear more about the green goose?" She smilingly agreed, and they started on the pleasant walk to Mansfield.
Melissa was happy just to be reconciled with him, and hoped that perhaps her words would have some impact on him.
Part 12
The group at Mansfield Park was especially glad to see them, and quickly made sure that tea was ready. The Miss Bertrams pleasantly excused themselves, and soon came down again with new gowns on and freshly-touched blonde curls.
"I fear that I am not half fine enough," Melissa said, turning to Henry as they watched Maria and Julia coming forward.
"I told you that you look lovely," laughed Henry, "and I should know!"
"But my dress and hair are so plain today," said Melissa, smiling as she saw Fanny coming in after Edmund. "I would never think of going about like this in London-even Cheapside society would cast me out, for everybody knows that men only like the most extravagantly dressed women."
"How would you know?" asked Henry with a serious look. "Some men prefer pretensions, but not all."
Melissa smiled obligingly at him and turned to her hosts.
"Mr. Bertram, I am glad to see my good friend again! Miss Price, you look as lovely as ever."
Fanny blushed and Edmund smiled happily. He led them to the table in the parlor, pulling out a chair for Melissa first, then sitting next to her. Melissa was about to invite Fanny to the place on the opposite side of her when she saw Henry coming near.
"I think Miss Bertram may be offended," he said to Melissa with a sly smile as he sat down by her, "but I told her that I could not sit with her today, as I had treated my dear sister so ill earlier that the only decent thing I could do was to sit with her. That is, if you don't mind my sitting by you?"
Melissa took his hand with affection, and smiled.
"You really are the sweetest brother," she murmured. "I don't see how anyone could resist you."
As they were drinking their tea, Mrs. Norris rushed in with papers in her hand. A proud smile crossed her wrinkled face.
"I have just received the post," she began, "and what else do you think I saw but a letter from Sir Thomas?" At hearing this, Maria, already scornful in her chair, sighed angrily. "Provided that there will be no storms, delays, or bad passages, he is to be home in November! Certainly this will be the beginning of many things."
"Indeed," agreed Edmund, gravely. "Miss Crawford, are you aware of all of the changes my father's homecoming will bring about?"
"Yes, your sister is to become Mrs. Rushworth, and you are to take orders. I hope you will not think me wicked," she laughed, "but the situation does remind me of the old heathen heroes, who after performing great exploits in foreign lands, offered sacrifices to the gods on their safe return."
"Well I see no similarities between my father and a heathen hero, and certainly there are no sacrifices involved. My sister is marrying on her own accord."
"Of course," said Melissa, amused at Edmund's anger. "I was merely joking!" She managed to keep a straight face as she said it, but she screamed and started laughing when she felt a jab in the ankle from Henry. Trying to calm herself, she kicked Henry back, only losing more control once Henry burst out laughing.
Edmund did his best to politely ignore the display.
"And my taking orders is my own choice as well," he said. "I hope that you know that."
"Yes, I do," laughed Melissa, vainly trying to recover herself.
"I think that it is a good time for me to get up," smiled Henry. "Will you and your sister give me the honor of hearing you play the pianoforte?" he asked Julia as he helped her out of her chair. She agreed happily. "Tell me when you wish to leave, dear Mary," he said, giving her hand a painful squeeze and quickly taking his leave of her.
Melissa laughed. "I apologize for my brother's high spirits, Mr. Bertram. I am sure you are not used to people like us."
Edmund shook his head. "No, I do not mind. I only hope that you do not see a problem with my becoming a clergyman."
"I told you that I do not," said Melissa, agitated, and wishing to change the subject. "Now, when is your brother to come back to Mansfield?"
"We do not know, Miss Crawford, the exact particulars, but he sent us a letter today and said he would be home soon," said Fanny. She then exclaimed, "Oh! and he said to tell you he was well and had not met any people yet as tall exactly she is . . ."
Melissa was first puzzled by the unsensical sentence, then put it together. He hasn't met Yates yet! Of course! "I collect your brother must not have seen any horses as high as the one you were kind enough to lend me, Mr. Bertram. He once took me around your stables and we had a small discussion of horseflesh that bored me greatly, but please, never tell him that." She flashed him a conspiratorial smile that seemed to ease his mind well.
"And what else have you been up to today, except reading your cousin's letter?"
"Well, I also chanced to have a letter from my brother William that I responded too, I cut roses in the garden for my aunt Bertram, and I did some services for my aunt Norris."
"And saved me the trouble of having to walk back to my house! which you know, I should not have minded, but Fanny must needs go to the White House for some recipe that the cook wanted-sadly, she forgot to bring the recipe and was obliged to go the way back again."
"Twice to the White House?" asked Melissa, stunned. Now having walked, she realized that the White House was no short distance away, and having remembered that feat, felt a little more annoyed at Mrs. Norris than she had in the book. "Are you all well, Miss Price? You do not have the head-ache or any such thing, do you?"
Edmund, seeing to catch the flow of conversation, quickly offered to get a glass of wine and water for her, but Fanny resolutely refused.
"I am quite well, cousin. Thank you."
He insisted that she should go upstairs and perhaps rest, but this was also refused.
"Perhaps, Miss Price, what you might prefer is a nice walk. The night air is quite refreshing, and there are many stars out tonight. Do you often stargaze?"
Fanny smiled. "As often as possible. I confess that the idea sounds quite delightful." The two girls then went outdoors, in company with Edmund.
Edmund and Fanny began to identify the various constellations: Cassiopeia, Orion, Andromeda, and the like. Melissa smiled and took a deep breath of the air, just looking about as she had never been able to find any of the things from the star charts at school.
"Does not one feel so very insignificant when looking at the sky? The vast multitude of stars burning in the distance billions of miles away is enough to make one overawed at the sight."
"Yes, quite," said Fanny quietly, herself quite awed as well. They all stood with craned necks, watching the sky in silence.
Suddenly, a light fell on Melissa's face: someone opening a door to the outside.
"Edmund? Fanny? Miss Crawford?" They all looked up, dismayed to hear Mrs. Norris' shrill voice coming out at them.
"My dear children, what are you doing? It is so cold, and I am sure Miss Crawford is not amused by this as you two are." Not letting them speak, she herded them all inside.
Melissa walked in and observed Henry, Julia, and Maria singing together at the piano. Henry's tenor was very smooth, and she listened with delight at they performed several more songs, but quickly whispered a discreet word into Henry's ear, and if disappointed he manfully took her home without complaint.
Part 13
"I am sorry that I took you away from your agreeable Miss Bertrams," Melissa said when they were almost to the parsonage. She glanced at Henry's face, trying to observe his expression through the dark.
Henry looked at her with a little surprise, then smiled.
"Don't be. I should be with my sister anyway, since I am to go away so soon."
Melissa started. "You're leaving? When? Where to?"
"To Everingham," he said, "-in September. I would rather stay here, but there are duties that must be done. I'm sure it will be a rather disagreeable fortnight."
"Yes," agreed Melissa; "for everyone here especially." She had forgotten all about Henry's short absence, and predicted that there would be two very dull weeks in September. "Cannot I go with you to Norfolk?" she asked with an entreating smile.
Henry laughed. "Mary, you always hate to be shut up at Everingham without any society. You will be happier here; and is not Bertram to come back from Weymouth soon?"
"Yes, I suppose so," sighed Melissa. She looked up at the sky, at the stars which she had been watching earlier with Edmund and Fanny. "Look, I can see Arcturus now," she said, pointing to it.
Henry laughed. "Yes, yes. I did not know you were interested in astronomy."
"I was never before, but aren't the stars just lovely? Mr. Bertram, Miss Price, and I had the most marvelous time stargazing."
"It seemed like you did, coming in with your flushed faces while we were at the piano." He looked up at the stars and laughed.
They walked into the parsonage in high spirits, and were rather surprised to see Mrs. Grant still up with her needlework. She had a small package and letter in her hand, and wore a frown upon her face.
"Mary, can I speak with you?"
Henry shook his head with amusement and left them alone.
"Yes, sister?" Melissa asked as she went to sit by her.
"You received a letter earlier today, Mary. It is from a gentleman." Mrs. Grant spoke slowly, putting emphasis on the last word.
Melissa glanced at the address with a smile. "It is from Mr. Bertram! How kind of him to write to me from Weymouth."
"-And improper," added Mrs. Grant. "Mr. Bertram should know better than to correspond with young ladies."
"Then should I not read it?"
"Oh! you must read it!"
Melissa smiled and tore open the envelope, reading the letter to herself.
MC,
I am in Weymouth now, and have finally found your Mr. Yates. He is by far the oddest-looking man I have ever seen, but I will not describe him, as you will immediately know what I mean once you see him. I hope you're doing well? How does Miss Price get on? Well, I will be back as soon as I can, because I don't want to be alone with this Yates any longer than I have to.
TBP.S.-The gift is an apology for behavior towards you before-I hope it will be more suitable than the old one.
She opened the box and smiled when she saw a small, ornate ring.
"Well, what is it?" asked Mrs. Grant. Whether or not she thought the gift was improper, she was interested in seeing what it was.
"It is a ring," laughed Melissa.
"Sister!" exclaimed Mrs. Grant with a smile. "I congratulate you!" She happily walked off, leaving Melissa to her amusement before retiring for the night.
Once alone, Melissa slid the ring onto her finger, and twisted it about a little. She smiled, surprised that Tim should send her a letter, but pleased. She remembered the words about Mr. Yates, and wondered what he would be like.
Suddenly, there was a knock on her door, and she heard Henry's voice outside. He came in, and she smiled at him.
"Henry!"
He grinned in return. "Now, don't play coy with me. What did Mrs. Grant have to say to you?"
"Nothing that you should hear, Henry," she said coyly, and turned away. She then heard him clicking his tongue against his teeth, and he took her hand.
"My dear Mary, where did you get this? I did not know that the Boy's attentions were so forward! Really, it is quite improper to receive such gifts from him!"
She gasped, and withdrew her hand. "I did not take any rings from Edmund Bertram! if you know, that improper Tom Bertram sent me a letter and this ring, which I mean to return when he comes back!"
Henry gave her a look. "Oh my, dear sister! And you have reproved me for my actions!" He laughed softly. "I fear that when he comes back, I really must ask him his intentions!"
"No!" she cried, surprised. "Henry, you mustn't dare do such a thing! I will reprove the man appallingly when he returns, and I assure you that the ring will be flung at his feet with the ultimate coldness possible. I will make sure he dare not take such liberties again."
Henry's face remained impassive, but he agreed not to say anything to Tim. He soon left, leaving Melissa quite tired. She quickly went to sleep, to rise well on the next day.
The days continued much in the same way, with daily visits to Mansfield Park or small dinner parties at the parsonage, events vexing to Mrs. Grant, who had the additional task of making enough food for the fine family from Mansfield. Henry was to leave soon, and constantly having the duty on his mind, had determined to make the most of the month, filling every day with engagements and every evening with flirtations. To Melissa, this was distressing; Henry, though more than agreeable to her, never listened to her, never fell in with her schemes. With a laugh or a charming smile, he would dash away her hopes-this to Melissa, whose ambitions still remained strong. Still, having a conversation with Henry was one of the most enjoyable pleasures the place afforded, and no matter how angry Melissa got with him, she could never remain at odds with Henry for long.
Tim came back to Mansfield Park in the middle of August, and the moment he was out of his carriage, he summoned the servant to inform Miss Crawford of his arrival-"Kindly ask her to come to the house," he said. He paused, and added, "and her brother, too, if he wishes."
Melissa was more than happy to hear the news. She quickly went up to exchange her dress for a silk of deep green, touching up her black curls before going out of the parsonage.