A/N: Hello readers! I would like to dedicate this chapter to user: my-spirit-animal-is-the-impala (great username btw). As you requested- more fluff.


The kitchen had become a mess. Fanny found that she could not quite recall how to cook properly. The years she had lived at Mansfield Park had kept her from the kitchen and there was no need to cook at Everingham.

Feeling confused and lonely, Susan had come in search of her sister, finally finding her in a state of her own confusion.

Laughing, Susan had joined was massive teasing and laughter coming from the kitchens. The scents of food only added to their joyous experience.

"It will not taste as wonderful as your cooks', but it will suffice." Susan sampled the stew. She coughed.

Fanny followed suit, coughing as well.

"It is much too rich," Susan explained, laughing. "I am unused to these spices."

"I am ashamed to say I have little to no knowledge over these spices." Fanny laughed, adding water to the concoction.

"They could be… the freckles of toads and powders of exotic plants that only bloom in the moonlight!" Susan giggled.

"Why, Susan!" Fanny sprinkled water in her direction. "That would make witches from fairy tales."

"Not witches," Susan shook her head. She lowered her voice to a childish whisper. "Sorceresses, powerful enchantresses."

"And we are enchanting handsome gentlemen to marry us," Fanny whispered back.

The paused a bit horrified of the irony and then burst into a fit of laughter.

"What are you ladies scheming?" William entered the kitchen. The trials of the day disappeared at the sight of his beautifully happy sisters.

"Dinner," Susan answered, giving him a sample of the stew.

"It's delicious," William smiled at the almost familiar taste of home.

"We shall only have one course tonight, with pie for dessert," Susan explained. "The staff is absent, enjoying their holiday."

"Splendid," William clapped his hands. "I shall round up the household."

Dinner was a bright affair. Even the troubles with Tom were forgotten, as they all pretended he was just another guest at Everingham. His persona complemented Henry's and William's charming extrovertedness and had he no designs for Susan, he would have fallen into an easy and deep friendship.

"I was completely toppled over!" William was saying, waving his hands, frantic to illustrate his predicament. "My comrade continued talking, not noticing I was sprayed on the deck!"

"Did he notice?" Henry asked between laughter.

"No!" William laughed as well. "I stood so quickly that when he turned back, I was standing and listening."

"Did no one notice your quick descent?" Tom asked, helping himself to a second bowl of stew.

"Only a lady on shore," William blushed.

"She saw you from shore?" Tom could not contain his laughter.

"It was absolutely ridiculous!" William protested. "How she could see from that distance! She met my eyes and was laughing!"

The whole company was laughing as well.

"What did you do?" Susan ventured to ask.

"What could I do?" William sighed. "I saluted her and avoided the shore until we left."

The high spirits carried on to the drawing room. Neither lady was absurdly accomplished in musical abilities, but Susan could play happy tunes to dance to.

Fanny danced first with William. Her brother danced comically for her sake and her heart was bursting with joy.

The danced ended and her brother was replaced with Henry. The smile on her face faded. It was not because she did not wish to dance with him, but because she wished to dance with him so much.

The music became more formal, more serious and Henry guided her through the steps. He was an accomplished dancer and it seems he swept them both away to another land.

Her heart pounded with the timing of the music, but the music almost was forgotten. Most suddenly, she was in his arms… closer. He had changed the dance to a waltz, a dance she did not know. But her hand was in his and his arm around her waist. Heat radiated from every place he touched her. Curiously, she realized she had not worn gloves.

She felt his breath, it scattered the loose hair on her forehead. She rose her eyes to meet those of her partner. He was so very close. She could see the shadow of hair on his strong chin and the slight curve of his lips. She finally reached her eyes and they locked into place.

His eyes were so soft and just for her. As if he could not possibly see something better.

She felt heat rise to her cheeks, and she took a breath to calm her shaking nerves. The breath from her lips touched his face and he closed his eyes.

With a quick motion, he reopened them, and glanced over her head. He lowered his head so that he was but an inch from her, a question in his eyes. With a smile, she gave her answer. He closed the space between them from a warm, sweet kiss. It was not long, but she could feel the impression of his lips when he pulled away.

In a single motion, they both turned to their guests, who were preoccupied. The two shared shy, secret smiles.


Susan had seen Mr. Crawford approach her sister so she had changed the rhythm of the music, choosing a slower tune. She hoped her sister would appreciate her scheme.

It was only a few moments, when William touched her shoulder. He indicated that she stand.

He replaced her on the piano, but not before shooting a warning look over his sister.

"May I have this dance?" A voice asked from behind her.

Susan stiffened, looking for her brother's eyes, but he refused to look at her. The only indication that he knew what was happening was a slight nod before he began playing. She had not even known he played the instrument.

Resigned, she turned slowly to face Tom Bertram. Her heart reacted more than she had anticipated. How different he looked upright and with a healthy face. How different he looked with his hand extended to her.

She gingerly placed her hand in his, a wide smile on the man, as he pulled her closer… and closer. Her waist was encircled by his long arm and her hand was laced through with his fingers. Was this a waltz? Was this how it was danced?

He towered over her, but he ducked his head so he could see her face better. She sucked a breath when she looked up at Tom.

"May I ask a question, Miss Price?" Tom asked, leading her through complex steps. She nodded. "Do you find me repulsive?"

"No!" The answer jumped from her lips in surprise.

"Well," He smiled even wider. How beautiful his smile was. "I may have hope yet."

Blushing deeply, Susan wished he would inquire further, yet she was terrified if he did.

They were content to dance, close together, watching, studying one another, as their budding feelings began to blossom.

Fanny and Henry across the room observed their guests. A stiff backed William at the piano and two starry-eyed friends absolutely entranced with each other.

"Perhaps, it is not a horrible idea," Fanny said softly, studying her sister and cousin. She stood close to her husband, a hand through his arm.

"It is not," Henry smiled, unable to completely process his wife's hand on his arm so casually. Would he ever become accustomed to this? "He is completely head over heels in love. After talking to him, it is very obvious. I imagine that is why William allowed them to dance. Men can be sympathetic for one another sometimes."

"Truly?" Fanny leaned her head on her husband. She was tired from the day and the dance. "I am glad. I do hope my sister can be happy as I am."

Henry very nearly flinched at such an admission. He looked at his wife intently. "Are you...happy?" It seemed as if it was the question that had always hug over their heads since their marriage.

"...Very much so…" Fanny ducked her head, embarrassed.

Henry would have none of that, and lifted her head again with a gentle hand.

"Are...you happy?" Fanny asked, avoiding his eyes.

"...Very much so," Henry said, with all his mind, body, and soul. He was happy.

She finally did meet his eyes.

"I must tell you something," She said seriously.

"Now?" Henry looked at their guests. Mostly, however, he was afraid of what she might say. THe icy hand of fear touched his burning heart.

"Yes," She looked at her guests as well. "They will forgive us."

With that, the couple slipped from the room, not unnoticed but unmentioned.

She lead him to her rooms, the place where she was the most comfortable in the house. Although she had grown accustomed to such large living situation, she did not consider it all completely hers as it belonged to her husband, and the servants as well.

There was a small balcony that hung out of her room and there she took him.

"Fanny, will it be difficult to hear?" Henry asked, already on his guard. Perhaps she did love Edmund and wanted to let him know. Perhaps she wished to return to Portsmouth with her parents or Mansfield Park with her sister. In all his worst nightmares, she wanted to leave.

She did not respond, instead she looked over the vast expanse of the Everingham grounds. They glowed under the sparse moonlight.

"Do you require anything?" Henry asked fitfully. "Dresses? Maids? Jewelry? Anything you desire. I do not wish for you to be lacking in anything. Would you like pets? Companions? We could invite your sister to live here. Or your other family members?"

"I believe…" Fanny said softly, he may have missed her voice had he not been hyper aware of her. "No… I am certain…" Henry's stomach constricted. "I love you."

"Wha-" Henry was completely taken aback. He just looked at Fanny.

She burst into a smile at his shocked face. Did he truly believe that she could never love him? How could he think otherwise when he invaded her mind at every hour of the day?

"Truly?" Henry asked, the fear melting off of him at an alarming speed, quickly replaced by uncontrollable happiness.

"Truly." Fanny said, gaining confidence. "I believe I have for a time now. It grew without my notice."

"May...may I kiss you?" Henry asked, surprisingly shyly.

Fanny smiled, closing her eyes.

He came slowly, feeling her face and lips with his fingers. Cupping her face, he brought her close, meeting her lips gently. It was a longer version than when they had danced.

She stood on her toes and deepened the kiss, surprising him. With a grunt he complied and circled her waist to bring her closer. She was lost, completely lost in his taste and smell.

"I love you," he spoke into her lips. With a rush of heat, she reached her hands to his head and buried her fingers in his hair. It was softer than perceived.

With a sweeping motion, he cradled her in his arms and took her into the bedroom.

They fell on the bed, in a tangle of bodies. With consent, Mr. Crawford finally took Mrs. Crawford as his own. Loving her so sweetly and beautifully, the starlit night would forever be ingrained on either of their minds, binding them as husband and wife.


A/N: Hello again! I would just like to comment that I have forgotten what I rated this story or what that entitles so its better to be safe. Also, I have always felt a close relationship with characters so I like to give them a little privacy. :D