Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (Chapters 1-8)

Maria married to prosperous Sir Thomas Bertram from Mansfield Park, Miss Ward to a priest Rev. Mr. Norris from Mansfield, and Frances to an officer Price. Thirty years passed Mrs. Norris suggested an act of charity due to lack of money. She proposed that one of the Price daughters come to live at Mansfield Park. Fanny Price who was ten years old arrived and met her cousins Julia and Maria. However, only Edmund was good to her and helped her write a letter to her brother William. A few years later, Edmund went to Oxford. Fanny aged fifteen. Her Aunt Norris’ husband died. Edmund returned and became the man of the house. The old grey pony died, so Edmund traded one of his three horses for a suitable ladies mount for Fanny. After a time, Fanny passed the age of 18 years. Mr. and Miss Crawford arrived in Mansfield and joint their sister Mrs. Grant at the parsonage. They were interesting young people with a fortune. Edmund and Fanny talked over Mary Crawford and found her good-looking but very indecent. Edmund taught Mary Crawford to ride, so Fanny’s horse was appropriated and she had to share the mount. Mary kept Fanny waiting for her turn longer than arranged. It irritated Fanny. Mr. Rushworth, a man of large fortune, and his mother arrived for a visit. Mrs. Rushworth entreated Lady Bertram to join the party. The number of the party and the carriage arrangements were discussed. The party departed for Sotherton and the scenery was amazing. Julia was pleased to sit next to Henry and Maria was envious.