Fanny's rejection the first time was nothing to him. Henry was more than familiar with stories of young ladies being hesitant about an offer. When she continued to reject him, he was more determined to try to improve himself, but, of course, there was only so much a young man of fortune could be expected to endure to that end.
The former Maria Bertram had never been a serious object of his. Her flirtations were amusing, especially seeing her and her sister compete for his attention, but that was all. Still, now she acted as if she had been rejected.