Here is finally the epilogue of the story. I found it a bit difficult to write, but I hope you like it.

Epilogue

Henry had never prayed so much in his life as in the last 36 hours – excepting the time when Fanny had nearly died after the attack.

He had also never been so relieved in his life as when he finally heard the cry of his new-born son.
He looked at Fanny and saw how exhausted she was. He bent over and gently kissed her. "I am proud of you, my darling."
She smiled a tired smile but did not say anything.

Her pains had started nearly two days ago and Henry had not wanted to leave her for all that time, even though the doctor and the midwife had tried to dissuade him from staying. But when Fanny had begged them to let Henry stay, they conceded.
It had been very difficult for Henry to see his wife in such agony, but he also noticed that she drew strength from his presence.

The pregnancy itself had been very difficult. From early on Fanny had to take bed-rest. This was a very difficult thing, for in the past two years she had loved being active and helping with the horses.
But as with any other problem in her life, she had accepted the restrictions and borne them with endless patience. They knew that it could go wrong if she didn't follow the doctor's orders.

Henry found it more difficult. He missed her on daily rides and in the stables. He missed her quiet presence in his office when he was working –she normally would often come in when he was working and do some embroidery herself or read a book and he always enjoyed it.
Instead he had now started doing his office work in the chamber of his wife so that they could still be together while she was resting.
The most difficult thing had been that they couldn't make love. Her health was too frail for that.

But now, after more than two years of marriage, finally they could hold their son in their arms. The midwife had cleaned him and now brought him to his parents. Henry sat next to Fanny on the bed and when the child was put at his mother's breast, Henry couldn't help some tears escaping. He was proud of his own little family.
Now it would take time for Fanny to recover.

Even though it took Fanny three months to feel strong again, they couldn't be happier. Little William was a sweet, compliant baby and Henry sometimes teased his wife that their son had the same temper as his mother.

'Happily ever after' is something from fairy tales. Real life holds many troubles and sad moments. However, it is the way how a person deals with those troubles, which defines their level of happiness in life. Mrs Norris had reacted to her misfortunes by turning into a bitter, spiteful and jealous woman. While she was not at fault for her circumstances, it was how she handled them that made all the difference.

Her niece Fanny grew up in equally unfortunate circumstances, but she managed to rise above them, to fight for herself, but also to forgive. And to accept the friendship of her cousin and later of Henry. The latter's love and devotion for her was something she would never take for granted and it ignited a strong and passionate love for him in return.

Mary told them on one occasion that they seemed to have balanced each other out. Henry had lost his wild ways because of Fanny and Fanny had become more assertive and found a passion within herself because of him.

Speaking of Mary, it was about six months after the wedding of Mr and Mrs Crawford, that Edmund Bertram finally found the courage to propose to Miss Crawford. By then she had come to accept his profession and without hesitation had accepted his hand.

As a result of the attack on Fanny's life, the lives of many around her had changed.
Sir Thomas was much more concerned with the goings-on in his family and his wife also endeavoured to become a little more concerned with all that was happening around her.

Julia married Mr Yates and Maria found happiness with Mr Parker.

Tom had felt rather ashamed that time when Fanny gently had asked after his health. The truth was, that he was not healthy at all because of his indulgent lifestyle.
His gentle cousin was recovering from something that was not her fault at all – his father had explained him what had happened. She might even suffer from the consequences for the rest of her life, but there she was, concerned for his health, while his condition was completely his own fault.
Thoroughly humbled by this, he vowed to amend his ways. That proved not easy at all, but for once he showed some perseverance and devoted his time to have his father teach him the managing of the estate. Soon he found joy in finding ways to add to the income, rather than spend it all.
Some years later he married the daughter of a minor landowner in the area. She might not have brought in a large dowry, but she had a practical mind and when after fifteen years, she became the next Lady Bertram, Mansfield Park thrived under her hands.

As to Henry and Fanny, their life had its ups and downs.

Two years after the birth of William, Fanny had a miscarriage and when William was seven, they welcomed his little sister Susan. Finally, when Fanny was nearly forty, their youngest son Henry arrived.

Throughout the difficulties and joys in their life, their love stayed strong and only could grow deeper. They were happy together and with their three children and eventually died of old age, only a few days apart.

Henry's last thoughts before he closed his eyes forever, were of how blessed he had been to share his life with his beloved Fanny and how he would soon meet his angel again on the other side.

The end

So, what do you think? Did you like this story? It was a bit dark, but I hope there was enough sweetness in it as well.
Thanks for all who read and reviewed! x Jolanda