Chapter 26

[mansfield1814]

Librivox audiorecording of Mansfield Park

William’s desire of seeing Fanny dance made more than a momentary impression on his uncle. The hope of an opportunity, which Sir Thomas had then given, was not given to be thought of no more.

Comments

[elliejgirl]

Another Mrs. Norris smackdown!! Goodness, she's a loathsome woman -- intent on making William and Fanny feel inferior. Telling William to thank his uncle for being willing to have a ball if his daughters were present, but that he and Fanny alone weren't worthy of it. Heh. I would have loved to see the look on her face when Sir Thomas contradicted her.

I don't know if I want to smack Edmund or just give him a hug. He just doesn't understand Miss Crawford very well at all. Yes, she's charming and relatively nice (I don't think she's mean -- she's just perhaps careless of what's going on with other people), but she doesn't strike me as being a very deep person. I really think that they would end up making each other miserable.

[kcobweb]

I love that Sir Thomas knows how to take the wind out of Mrs. Norris' sails Every. Single. Time. :)

[verrucaria]

Where would've Fanny even have a chance to learn to dance (unless all children, rich and poor, learned to dance when they were 5 years old or so)?

[feech]

She would have learned at Bertrams'. It wouldn't be considered too much to do for her-- she just would have been the least-attended-to pupil amongst her and her cousins. They would have had music and dancing sometimes starting in their pre-teen years, I believe. It would be a normal part of upbringing, as you say. Fanny would have to be socially able to handle a dance as any other young woman would.

[lennonrocks4eva]

i'm pleased that now sir thomas is back mrs norris is being put in her place more often, that woman has far to much influence over the family. she needs bringing down a peg or two. other than that i just really really hate her :)

[elliejgirl]

I agree. It seems as if Mrs. Norris has taken charge of things that her sister should be doing, but since Lady Bertram is too lazy to get off the chaise, she lets Mrs. Norris fill in for her.

[lennonrocks4eva]

yes, it's not helped because it just makes her think even more highly of herself.