The weather was magnificent, with its soft sun and gentle breeze. The Earth had decreed Susan as worthy of its most brilliant day, the day of her wedding in the gardens of Mansfield.

The ceremony had been simple, yet elegant. There were simple flowers from the neighboring fields in priceless vases. Glass decorations caught the sun rays, sending beams of colorful light out. The wedding was at the estate chapel and the wedding breakfast was held at Mansfield.

There was a dream-like semblance to the small chapel, Edmund himself performing the ceremony. Fanny accompanied her sister, remaining by her side as she shook with nerves and excitement. Henry stood opposite of her, at Tom's side. Edmund spoke beautifully, his words bringing tears to every eye, especially Mrs. Price.

Afterwards, felicitations were in order, taking Susan and Tom from Fanny and Henry. Fanny stood back, graciously, allowing everyone to greet her beloved sister.

Susan was the most stunning bride that had ever been. Her dress had been commissioned by Lady Bertram to a highly regarded French tailor. It was at the peak of fashion, with lovely lace gloves and mother of pearl necklace, gifts from the groom. Even more beautiful than her apparel, the young bride was brimming with happiness.

Fanny smiled at her sister and her joy. It was this sight that verified the choice she made was a good one.

"What are you grinning at, Mrs. Crawford?" Henry bent his head, to tell her this.

She tightened her grip on his arm, fighting off a shiver.

"Does Susan not look completely stunning?" Fanny said.

"My opinion is nothing compared to Mr. Bertram's," Henry mumbled.

Fanny laughed good-naturedly. Tom was spell bound to Susan. He looked dashing and gallant, although he cared nothing for the happenings around him, except for Susan. He could not be pried from her side.

"How I hope they will always look at each other that way," Fanny said wistfully. "That they will always be happy."

Henry pulled her away from the crowd, deeper into the gardens.

"There is no guarantee of their future, my love," He said as he brought her closer. "Then again there is no guarantee of ours."

"You are quite the realist, darling," Fanny placed a gloved hand on his cheek. It was amazing that she was in a place that she could do so. "There is a guarantee that we will do our best. I promise to work my hardest for you and Everingham. To make our world as happy, and fulfilling, as possible."

"You are quite the optimist, love," Henry leaned down to press a soft kiss on her lips. "How can I possibly do anything else but promise my love and work? How can I not dedicate myself to you when you look at me with those large eyes of yours?"

"Do you still believe this is all for nought?" Fanny looked back toward the engaged party goers. She referenced the conversation they had had ages ago, it was a reoccurring topic with them. "That all our efforts are pointless in the grand scheme of things?"

"Of course," Henry smiled down at his pretty wife. Who else could he converse with so? "I am but a small organism in this world, yet I am a married, the happiest of organisms. I have created my own pointless purpose."

"Am I your pointless purpose?" Fanny laughed, letting her head fall back. He held his arms around her.

"I know you are my dreams and purpose, pointless or not," He said teasing her. "Perhaps my dream would like to come with me… out of the country?"

"A trip?" This caught Fanny's attention.

"An adventure," Henry corrected. "The sort that you read to the village children. Perhaps Paris, so you can see the glittering city, although it smells awful. Or to Scandinavia, there language is so harsh, but they are wonderful people. We can go to India, I want you to see the elephants and the bright dresses."

"That sounds absolutely delightful," Fanny was filled with excitement at the prospect of having adventures with Henry abroad. Yet there was a technicality. "However, we may have to postpone our adventure for a time."

"Postpone it?"

Fanny nodded. She pushed herself away from her husband, standing proud. She lowered a hand to her stomach.

"I believe I will be unfit for travel for some time, darling."

Henry was completely frozen, not processing the situation.

"A baby, Henry," Fanny clarified, speaking louder. It had actually been three months since she had known. She had wanted to share the information after Susan's wedding, not wanting to spoil any attention her sister deserved. It was pure luck her husband was not very perceptive.

"A-" He snapped back to the present. With a single bound, he had her in his arms once again. "Fanny Crawford, I am absolutely in love with you." He kissed her then, a passionate kiss of a honestly happy man. He left her with her lips burning.

"I should hope so," Fanny embraced her husband in return. Could she possibly be any happier?

This was another beginning, perhaps?


A/N: Hello my beloved readers. I wanted to take the opportunity to thank every reader, and especially reviewers. This was my first official fanfic and your constructive criticism was immensely helpful in my writing. As I stated before, I am not a writer (I am an economics major) so it is particularly difficult for me to be descriptive and get my ideas across correctly, so I thank you all for that.

I will continue writing, however, because it is fun challenge. My next fanfiction will be a Persephone/Hades story from Greek mythology and I am very excited about that. I will probably post it mid-May to get finals and such out of the way.

Thank you again, and continue to be brilliant people.