The last chapter; an epilogue is still coming after this.

Chapter 27 Home at last

Mrs Norris was quiet for a while, but then continued: "When I woke up, I was in this bed, hardly able to move. No one will speak to me, not even my own maid. I have had a lot of time to think. I have no right to forgiveness. I nearly killed you. My life is over now and I deserve to die. You two I wish a long and happy life. I can see you love each other dearly. I have never seen a couple like you. You deserve happiness. And I almost ruined it.
I am so sorry."

Fanny tightly gripped the hand of her husband. She was utterly shocked at her aunt's tale. The misery that she herself had experienced in life, was nothing to her aunt's. For here she was, married to the man she loved. She had balanced on the edge of life, but was now getting stronger every day. And she looked forward to her future.

Her aunt had never had that. Being at best tolerated by other people, no one who had loved her. Such a tragic life.

"Aunt," she hesitated. "I feel sorry for you when I hear your tale. I cannot imagine what it must have been for you.
I… know my mother is cruel; she was to me when I grew up. But her behaviour towards you was appalling. I am sorry."

"Fanny, you are not to blame for your mother's behaviour. I have now realised you never did anything wrong. It was my jealousy and hatred that made me behave like I did towards you." She fell silent. "I… believe I need to rest. Excuse me."

"As you wish. Farewell aunt, tomorrow we will leave for Everingham."
"Farewell." Mrs Norris closed her eyes and turned away.

Henry put his arms around Fanny when they exited the room.
They went to their own rooms, where Fanny sat down with a deep sigh. Henry sat next to her and embraced her. They were quiet for a long time. Fanny cried silently for all her aunt had gone through. So much pain and disappointment.
"Oh Henry!" she whispered.
"I know, my love." He stroked her back soothingly and then pulled away slightly so he could wipe the tears from her face.

That night they both slept fitfully, the story strong on their mind.

The farewell the next morning was tearful, but both were also ready to start their new life together.
They rode for a while in companionable silence, both deep in thought.

"I really look forward to show you our house, Fanny," Henry said. "I think you will love it."
"I am sure I will, as long as you are with me." That reply earned her a kiss, one of those which took time to recover from.

The fourth morning after their departure from Mansfield Park found Henry looking upon a familiar sight. Since they had left the inn that morning, Henry had pointed out all sorts of things to Fanny that he thought might interest her. She was eager to learn about the area where her new home was. When they finally arrived, Fanny was surprised about the loveliness of the grounds, the way the house was situated upon it, and the way it was built. "Oh Henry, it is beautiful!" she sighed.

He smiled. "I am glad you approve of it. You know, if there is anything that you wish to be improved, you must tell me. I wish you to be happy and be at home in this place. You know I would do anything to make you happy."
"And I am happy, my love. With you by my side I wish for nothing else."
He beamed at this response.

When the coach stopped in front of the entrance, they were welcomed by the stable master in person, who took care of the horses.
"Mr Andrews," Henry spoke up. "I would like to introduce you to my wife. I have told her about you last year. She is the lady who is so knowledgeable about horses. Fanny, this is Mr Andrews, our stable master."

The man bowed. "Mrs Crawford, a pleasure to meet you at last! The master has spoken highly of you and I hope you will not be disappointed when you see the stables of Everingham."
Fanny smiled. "Delighted to make your acquaintance, sir. I have also heard a lot about you."

The horses were led away and Henry took Fanny towards the house. By the door they were greeted by the housekeeper, who was delighted to meet the new mistress at last. She asked how the journey had been and how Mrs Crawford was feeling. Fanny said she was a little fatigued, but happy to have arrived at last.

Then Henry surprised her by taking her once more in his arms and carrying her inside.
"Henry!" Fanny exclaimed.
Henry laughed. "You are my bride. I have the right to carry you over the threshold."
He set her down again and then asked: "Do you want to freshen up first and then have a tour of the house, or do you wish to rest for a while?"

Fanny thought for a moment.
"Perhaps a little bit of both? If you could show me the most important rooms and after that I do need to rest, I think."
"As you wish, my dear." He showed her the morning parlour and his own office. Then they went upstairs and he showed them their rooms.

"Love, I know it is often custom that a husband and a wife sleep in separate rooms. But since we have slept together from the beginning, I hope you will want to continue with that."
"Oh yes. I do not think I could bear to sleep away from you." They embraced.
"The rooms look splendid, Henry! I love it already." He smiled at her enthusiasm.
"Now, are you going to rest for a while? I will be in my office. I am afraid there is a lot of work to do and I hope to do part of it when you're asleep. After that I can give you a more extensive tour and maybe we could visit the stables."
"That sounds like a good plan to me."

They parted and Fanny was soon in her new bed. She was more fatigued than she had realised. They had travelled rather slowly and had been four days on the road. This had taken its toll on her body.
For two hours she slept and when she woke up, she first had to remind herself of where she was. She rang the bell and a maid answered it.
"Good day ma'am. My name is Lucy. I am your personal maid."
"Hello Lucy, it is good to meet you."
Lucy helped her to freshen up and to dress. They talked about what Fanny's wishes were and Fanny asked Lucy about herself and her family.
"My father works in the stables ma'am. He is Mr Andrews. My family lives in the village."
"Mr Andrews? I have met your father! And I had heard a lot about him. Mr Crawford always told me the latest news as to what was happening in the stables here."

When she was ready, Fanny went in search for her husband's office. Soon she had found it and saw Henry busy writing a letter. He looked up with a smile.
"Ah, love. You are awake! How are you feeling?"
"I am very well, thank you!"

"Excellent. Well, I have to finish this letter and then I'll come with you. Do you wish to wait here?"
She nodded and sat down in a comfortable chair. While she was waiting, she looked around. Even though she knew that Henry had not been here much in the past year at least, the room was by no means devoid of personality. It had lovely decorations and she saw a miniature of his sister on a shelf. On another shelf were his favourite books and plays. She smiled when she remembered him reading some of them in the drawing room at Mansfield Park, and later just for her when she was ill. It was also clear from ornaments that this was the office of a horse lover.

When Henry was finished, he approached her and soon they were on their tour through the house.
Henry told her about some of his childhood memories. He had lived here most of the time until his mother had died.
When his father had also died, he and his sister had gone to live with their uncle in London.

Fanny tried to imagine her husband as a little boy running through these halls, trying to escape from his governess to visit the stables. She smiled and then blushed.
"What are you thinking about, Fanny?" Henry's ever observant eyes didn't miss her change in countenance.
"I was picturing you as a little boy and then I wondered if we will ever have such a little one running around."
He embraced her. "I hope we will, love. But I want to make it clear, that even if it never happens, I will love you just as much."

Fanny sighed and leaned her head against his chest. She had been thinking about it. There was a possibility that, because of the damage caused by the attack, she would never be able to conceive a child. The doctor had told them this on his last visit. It pained her to think about it, but she was comforted by the assurance of her husband's love for her no matter what would happen.

They finished the tour in the morning parlour where they rang for tea.
"I think this will be my favourite room," Fanny said. "It is so light, and the view over the gardens is stunning. Also, the furniture is well-chosen."
Henry smiled. "You will be surprised that the furnishings are still mostly how my mother chose them. I have added some newer items over the years."
"Well, husband, you've surely got a very good taste!"

After tea they went outdoors and wandered around. In the house, as well as on the grounds, they had met with many servants and Henry had introduced her to all of them. It would take time to remember all the names.
Fanny loved visiting the stables. There were many beautiful horses and she also saw Ariel again, who had arrived here a few days earlier with their other things they had sent ahead.

The next few days Henry would work in the morning as he was a bit behind with his correspondence and there was a lot to do on the estate in this time of the year. He promised that as soon as the busiest was over, he would take some days to spend solely with herself, as they hadn't yet had a honeymoon.

Fanny spent the time that he was busy, by getting to know the house, talking with the housekeeper and finding out what her own role as mistress would entail.
She had not much experience in these matters, since neither of her aunts had ever taught her. Lady Bertram herself did not bother with the day-to-day running of Mansfield Park and Mrs Norris never found it necessary for Fanny to learn.

Speaking of that lady, the day after they arrived at Everingham, they got a letter from Sir Thomas, telling that Mrs Norris had died in her sleep on the previous day. Apparently she had not woken up after falling asleep after her conversation with Fanny and Henry.
Mainly Fanny felt some sort of sadness at this news. During their journey they had spoken about Mrs Norris and, while Henry could not forgive her for nearly killing Fanny, he did feel some empathy for Mrs Norris.

Their second night at Everingham gave Fanny an experience she had never before had in her life.
As usual they had gone to bed earlier, as they often did, for they enjoyed talking and cuddling in bed. After some talking, their kissing had become fairly heated and this time it didn't stop there. They both felt the need to touch each other everywhere and soon clothes were discarded. That feeling Fanny had felt before, became so much stronger and a pleasant ache developed in her lower abdomen.

She felt a little nervous, but when Henry asked if she wanted to continue, she firmly nodded her assent. Their love-making was magnificent and, although Fanny hurt for some days afterwards, she did not regret it at all.

It was as if Henry became a different person! He always had been a passionate man, but even more so in their bed. Yet he never lost his concern for her health and asked various times if she was alright.

After this night, their relationship reached another dimension. Their connection became even deeper and their love stronger.

Henry felt the happiest man on earth. His life was infinitely better than a year ago.
He could never have imagined when he first met Fanny, that she would become his wife, his lover, his best friend and his companion for life!

A.N. There's still an epilogue coming. I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. :-)