This chapter is more of a filler. But I hope you enjoy it nonetheless!

Chapter 9 Absence

Fanny hardly saw anything from her surroundings. This day, a few days after Mr Crawford left, she was deep in thought during her ride. She was still out of spirits but felt some improvement.
Even though it had been scary to talk, she did acknowledge that it had been a good thing to do. She felt a bit lighter because of sharing her burden. It didn't take away her problems and fears, but at least she had friends whom she trusted and who looked after her.
Edmund had been very apologetic. He felt awful for failing to see her troubles and for not protecting her. He also tried to apologise for his family's neglect, but Fanny didn't want to accept that. He was not responsible for their actions!

Yesterday they had been talking whether Edmund should warn his father, so he could call off Rushworth's engagement to Maria. If Rushworth was such a rake, Edmund did not want to see his sister married to the man. But this proved a very difficult thing. For how could they persuade Sir Thomas, and consequently Maria, from ending the engagement, without telling exactly what for? Under no circumstance must they know of what Fanny's involvement was.
They could not come to a solution for now. Fanny was still not recovered from the ordeal and emotionally not able to talk long about it. Edmund was still too shocked about it all. They resolved to remain vigilant, especially whenever Rushworth was around. They hoped to find some other grave character fault in the man, that could serve as a reason for Maria not to marry him.

Her thoughts went to Mr Crawford. It was surprising how much she missed him. But then, in the past few months he had become such a good friend and really a part of Mansfield, that it was strange that he was not here. She would not meet him on her morning rides or in the village. He was not there to invite her to have tea with his sisters. And he was not there to dine at the great house, subtly keeping an eye on her and sharing some basic silent conversation with her. Her life had improved with him being around.

Mary had invited her twice already since his departure and told she would share with her if there was any news.
She smiled. She still did not understand why he would want to be friends with her. They were so dissimilar in their temperament and station in life. Yet he truly seemed to enjoy her company. And if they were given the chance they would be able to converse about horses for hours. It was such a joy to have a friend with a shared interest!

Henry, despite being quite busy while at Everingham, found himself very often thinking about Fanny. On the ride there from Mansfield and now, when working or walking through his house or the stables, he caught himself imagining what Fanny might have to say about such and such a thing. There were plenty of stories he could tell when he would be back. Seeing certain horses, he would think that Fanny would quite like them, and how she would laugh at some of the names.

In the past weeks, a few times during rides, he had told her names of some of his horses, and let her guess what breed they would be and she was generally quite accurate.
With some pride he mentioned her as his friend to his stable master and told him about how knowledgeable she was. Mr Andrews said he hoped Henry would bring the lady for a visit one day so he could meet her. "She sounds like the perfect sort of woman, sir," he said.
Henry had smiled: "She is remarkable!"

Although he enjoyed being at his own home, he equally wanted to be back at Mansfield. He missed his friends, most of all Fanny. He even missed his sisters. And he missed the tranquil life. Everingham was of course also in a quiet country area, but because he was here for business, he didn't take the time to rest and enjoy. He knew he would do that in the future again; he wished above all to share it with Fanny. Would she miss him right now? Would she remember their conversations? He hoped she was safe and was glad that Edmund was there to protect her if needed.

"Fanny! I received a letter from my brother!" Mary sounded quite enthusiastic, when she approached Fanny as soon as the latter entered the parlour at the parsonage. Fanny smiled. "Is he well?"
"Oh yes, I think so. Although he says he misses us all. Here, you may read it."
Fanny looked at her open-mouthed. "But, the letter is for you! I cannot possibly read your correspondence!"
Mary smiled. "Oh do not worry. There are no secrets mentioned. And besides, a lot of what he writes might be much more of interest to you. I do not care much for his horses."
Fanny sat down and was given the letter.

In a fine, masculine hand-writing was written the following:

Dear sister, I hope this letter finds you in good health. I arrived here on the Thursday and have been busy ever since. There was an issue with the steward which I had to take care of. We are progressing steadily and I hope it will be resolved soon.

I can guess you all miss me dearly, although I know you have Edmund and Fanny to entertain you. Have you been riding a lot with them? I do hope they are in good health.

I promised Fanny that I would write you news that you could then tell her and as I know you don't care for my horses, the next part is mainly news that will interest her. All horses are growing well. We had the last foal of the year, just two days ago. I was glad to be present and able to assist. The mother is one of the older mares I have and this will be her last foal. We have named the filly Kaïffa, which means slender. And now you may let Miss Price guess what breed she is. You could then write me her answer in your next letter and I will let you know if she was right. I am quite certain she will guess right.

Is there any news as to when Sir Thomas might be back? I cannot remember how long he has been gone now, but they must miss him at the great house. Before I left, Edmund asked me some advice on some estate matters. I hope he is managing well. Between you and me, I think he would be a better manager for the estate than Tom would be. But I am quite certain he will gladly leave the role behind whenever his father and brother return.

Now I have no more news to tell you besides that I am in the hope that I can finish my business within the time I set for it. So if all goes well I hope to be back in ten days, for I do miss being at Mansfield.

Give my regards to Sophie and Dr Grant, and our friends.

Yours etc., Henry.

It was strange for Fanny to read this letter. Mr Crawford wrote as he talked, so she could nearly hear his voice. He freely mentioned her given name, as he did with Edmund. She thought it must be his style and it was likely that he and his sister talked about them in this way when amongst themselves.

She loved the filly's name. He had told her there was one more horse in his stables that had not foaled yet. She tried to remember if he accidentally had mentioned the breed, but could not recall. The name was unfamiliar to her and within her mind she tried to link it with something she knew. It sounded exotic, Middle Eastern. Then she remembered reading about Napoleon's conquests and the mentioning of a town in Palestine. That same name. So, if they chose a Middle Eastern name, that must mean the horse's descent might be of that area. The answer must be that Kaïffa was an Arab.

Now she looked up to see Mary's amused face. "I guess you must have been thinking about that horse. Did you come up with an answer?" Fanny laughed. "You are right. It took me some thinking but I believe the answer you may give your brother is that the filly must be an Arab."

"Well, I shall tell him when I write," was the light-hearted answer.

A.N. So far I've managed posting one chapter a day. But I am only a few chapters ahead in writing so I don't know how long I can keep it up. I've noticed it takes me more or less two days to write a chapter. We shall see how it goes! I hope you're still enjoying the story. And please, please, please, may I have some reviews? Thanks. :-)