A/N: You'll never believe this but I'm back on track with this story now. I can't believe I just stopped and I'm so sorry guys! I started college and everything was just so tough the first year that I simply had no imagination left. But now I feel like I should start writing again so here goes.
I think we need a quick summary: Henry sort of proposed to Fanny who sort of accepted him, but she changed her mind the next day. Tom and Elizabeth Andrews are engaged. Edmund and Mary are home and Mary is a bit of a bitch. Also Julia is involved with the mysterious Mr. Seul. And Henry has something he wants to ask Fanny.

More sinned against than sinning

Sir Thomas Bertram was not completely oblivious to what was going on in the house. In fact, he took a great interest in finding out as much as he could about his children and Fanny's relationships that he could. He knew that a lot of people would have been upset if they had had Tom as a son, especially considering that he was in fact marrying someone who was socially beneath him. Sir Thomas had taken some time to find out everything he could about Tom's future wife. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with the girl herself, and to be honest, Sir Thomas thought she was just the person to make Tom into a better man, but these things needed to be investigated anyway.

So for the past few days he had been holed up in his study, reading all the papers he had found on Elizabeth Andrews. It had made for interesting reading. Eliza's father had been one of the lucky men who rose to fame in the navy, earning quite a lot of money and being made into a gentleman. Her grandfathers however were working men. One was a lawyer and the other a doctor. Not especially disgraceful, but not a merit either. Eliza had attended a boarding school with a classic education. She had not married despite being very pretty and kind. She had many friends who were middle class and was well liked among them.

Sir Thomas did however, after a lot of research, find something to discredit her. Her sister had eloped a few years ago with a man. It had all been a waste as the man in question had never intended to marry her. But there had been a child and the sister had never married. Eliza's parents had not disowned their daughter, something Sir Thomas would have been forced to do because of social conventions, but had welcomed her back and let the mother and child live with them. At the time Elizabeth had also been living at home. When the socialites in London found out about this all hell would break loose. They would argue that her sister's character had corrupted the pretty Eliza and Tom would have to work very hard to get her into the parties he was used to attending. Sir Thomas only hoped his son was up to it, and that he was aware of the situation.

Henry brought Fanny out into the garden, to the bench where they had watched the stars together. He was a bit nervous and didn't know how she'd take the news he had to tell her.

"Fanny?" he said hesitantly and permitted himself to take her hand between his.

She looked really nervous now, probably scared of another proposal. He smiled slightly.

"I had a letter today, Fanny, and I think I should tell you about it."

She nodded slightly.

"Well about this letter, it was from a good friend of mine in London, a Mr. Hearst. He wonders when I'll be back there to visit the next time."

Fanny was clearly puzzled now. She had no idea where this was leading.

"Mr. Hearst has a sister, considerably older than he is, who also lives permanently in London. She moves in all the right circles and she loves new acquaintances. Anyway, she has written to Ms. Andrews to ask her to visit for a week since they're old friends."

Fanny looked even more puzzled.

"So Ms. Andrews is going there in a few days to purchase wedding clothes. Tom and Sir Thomas know. And the letter from Mr. Hearst has to do with that. Ms. Andrews wants to ask you to come with her since you've never seen London, but hasn't had the time yet. And Mr. Hearst writes to tell me he'll keep an eye out for you since, if you get along with his sister, you can stay on for another three weeks before the wedding."

He tried to read Fanny's expression. She didn't seem too averse to the idea.

"What do you think, Fanny?"

She thought for a moment.

"I think I need the night to think about it but... I'm not sure, but, maybe... Yes, I think I'd like to go."

Henry smiled. His Fanny was getting spontaneous. She smiled but seemed hesitant.

"Henry? Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I don't really know how to put this, but that's not the only reason Mr. Hearst has written. I'll be escorting you up. And then I'll have a meeting with him about... about an opportunity."

Fanny was looking worried now.

"Tell me what it is, Henry."

"Well, like I said it's hard to put it into words but... Well you see, he's in charge of recruiting people for a few diplomatic stations in different countries. And he's asked me if I'd be interested in going to Jamaica for a year."

Fanny stared at him and went completely still.

"Fanny? Fanny, my dear?"

"So what does that mean," she asked quietly.

He laughed. "Well I wasn't planning on leaving you behind if that's what you're worried about."

"Henry, be serious."

He sobered up.

"Sorry, Fanny, I'll try. I would have to leave in three months, and before that I need to get ready. It's a wonderful opportunity for me, and a chance for me to do something good."

He looked at her imploringly. She stared into the distance.

"I don't know about this, Henry."

He sensed her shutting herself away emotionally. He needed to make sure she realized what he was asking of her.

"If you need a few days to think about it I'll understand. I just want to tell you, before you make up your mind, that I love you and want to marry you before. I want you to come to Kingston with me."

"I don't know what to say..."

He took her other hand in his as well.

"Take a few days, Fanny. Don't feel any pressure. But think of how it would feel to escape from this place."

She nodded slowly.

"I'll think about it, Henry. That's all I can promise for now."

"That's more than enough, my love."

He took her arm and escorted her in. After a few minutes Fanny complained of a headache and retired. Henry desperately hoped he had been right in telling her, and that he'd told her in the right way.

A/N: So hopefully this is a promising reboot of this story. I'll try to continue and keep the creativity flowing.