"Susan," Fanny touched her sister's arm. Ever since she had returned from her walk, she had seemed distant.
Susan faced, her slowly returning her focus.
"How are you feeling Susan?" Fanny made a quick glance around the room, making certain they were alone. "Truly, how are you feeling."
"I…" Susan paused seeming to struggle with speaking. Her troubled eyes met Fanny and Fanny was seized with fear. She should not have disregarded her sister so easily yesterday.
"There is something I must tell you," Susan reached out to take her hand.
"Madam, a guest for the masters." Mrs. Allen announced.
"Why, Mrs. Allen." Fanny stood. "Mr. Crawford gave everyone leave today so they could go to the Summer Festival."
"I am far too old to be prancing about at festivals," Mrs. Allen smiled at her kind mistress.
"Regardless," Fanny insisted. "After we attend this guest, you have the rest of the day to yourself."
"Yes, madam," Mrs. Allen bowed deeply and retreated to the room to prepare the inevitably called for tea things.
"Susan," Fanny turned back to her sister, but paused. Her sister's face had become as pale as the moon.
"Susan, what is the matter?" Fanny knelt in front of her sister taking her cold hands.
"I believe this guest of yours will explain…"
"Mr. Tom Bertram," Andrew announced at the door.
Surprised, Fanny stood to receive her cousin, Susan following suit. He stood tall as ever, with an imposing presence, but something was different. His eyes were wary and his stance was tired. However, there was a determination in his address.
"Lady Crawford," He gave a bow, missing of any mischief or disregard.
"Mr. Bertram," Fanny greeted in return, unused to such formalities with her eldest cousin.
Without having to be asked, Andrew stood at the door. He was a relatively new butler, but he could read his mistress's confusion.
The open door, the astute butler and her married sister's presence did nothing to soothe Susan's mind. She felt it was a breach of propriety just looking at Tom.
Tom took a seat across from the sisters.
"To what do we owe this pleasure, Mr. Bertram?" Fanny asked, seeing that she would have to lead the conversation.
"I have come to make amends, Lady Crawford," Tom said in all seriousness.
Fanny was taken aback. "Is there a need to make amends?"
"Not in your part, Lady Crawford, but I have treated you most ghastly over the years. I came to ask forgiveness," he bowed his head most humbly. "I never treated you as you ought to have been treated. Not as a servant or plaything, but as a family member."
"Mr. Bertram, there is nothing to forgive." Fanny said gently. "And do call me Fanny, I am your cousin after all and we have known each other for many a years."
""You are too kind, you always were...Fanny," Tom smiled sadly. "Then call me Tom. Although perhaps it will not matter when you find my intentions are not entirely selfless."
Fanny became aware of Susan stiffening at her side.
"What-" Fanny was interrupted by the sudden entrance of two men. Andrew as well seemed mildly surprised, quickly reverting to his black expression.
Henry and William assessed the room quickly. In no time, William was at his sister's side and Henry was at Tom's.
"I do apologize for interrupting, but I would like to have a word with you in my office, Mr. Bertram. Along with Mr. Price." Henry said most politely.
Tom's eyes strayed first to Susan and lastly to Fanny. With a start, Fanny recognized the look. She stood, her movement causing all to look at her. With a careful eye, she assessed the situation. Tom was frightened, but determined. Henry and William were angry. Susan was also frightened.
"Perhaps…" Fanny stepped across to her husband. She gently put a hand on his arm. "You may speak here?"
Her husband looked at her incredulously.
"I…" Fanny paused, thinking of how to word it. "I believe Susan is an important part of this situation. She must be present. And I stand by my sister."
Henry looked at William and placed a hand on Fanny's hand.
"Let us take a seat," Henry indicated that they all sit. Fanny returned to her sister's side. William pulled a chair to Susan's other side. Henry remained by Tom.
"William will you tell what you related to me this morning to Lady Crawford." Henry began his pacing.
"Fanny," William claimed her attention. "I was given leave and by direction of our mother, I visited Mansfield Park to see how Susan was faring in her new position. I come to find," here he paused, glancing at all of the members of the room in turn. "Please excuse any offense. I come to find Mr. Bertram seducing Susan."
Susan gasped, and Fanny quickly took her hand.
"Sir Bertram, had also noted changes in his son since the accident. He was suspicious and he asked me to bring Susan to Everingham. He hoped any budding romance would vanish with distance and time, as did I." William looked at Tom accusingly.
Fanny schooled her expression and turned Tom expectantly.
"Fanny, I have not been a good man," Tom began, looking at her with pleading eyes. "But when I became ill, I thought I was lost. I was sure that I was going to perish in that bed." Fanny concealed her shudder. "But Susan," He looked to her, even the way he said her name was soft. "Saved me. Does that sound ridiculous? Like those novels Julia and Maria were so fond of."
William grunted in disbelief, but he did not interrupt.
"I came today to ask your forgiveness. Not only for selfless reasons, but to ask that you stand with me. It seems the whole world is against me. They do not believe I can love or treat a woman right," Tom shook his head. "Yet here I am, completely in love and yearning to treat her right for the rest of my life."
Both women here massively blushing now. Susan because she had never heard such words before, Fanny because she felt this should have been a private conversation between the two.
"I believe that is enough," Henry interjected. As romantic as a public declaration was, it was mostly awkward for the audience, especially if said audience was against the match.
Fanny rose and curtsied to the men. "I will have a private audience with my sister now," Fanny hurried from the room, pulled her sister by the hand.
Alone, the men finally relaxed. At least William and Henry did. Tom did just the opposite.
"Mr. Bertram," Henry began, finally taking a seat. "I assume you are aware that both your father, Miss Price's father, and brother are against the match.
"I am aware yes," He answered, growing immensely more tired.
"And you are aware that any dowry would be denied to you should you push the issue," William added.
"I am also aware," Tom managed one of his old smiles, "I do not need the dowry."
"You are aware that given your reputation, the price family is upset. And given Miss Price's status, the Bertram family is upset." Henry continued."There has been no indication of either family wavering from this stance."
"It has a familiar tone does it not?" Tom asked.
Henry and William exchanged glances.
"You are a very stubborn man," Henry sighed.
"All the best men are," Tom smiled again.
