Mansfield Park III

Fanny begins to have a bit more of a social life, since the arrival of the Crawfords, but she is not happy. She is hurt by Edmund's being infatuated with Mary. She fears that he is less ultra moral than he used to be.... Then Sir Thomas decides to go to Antigua, where they own a plantation. He wants to look into matters there. (it was at the time when the slave trade was being abolished). His departure leaves the children feeling more relaxed and free to amuse themselves. They decide to put on a play, even though they know that Sir Thomas would not like them to be acting, especially the daughters. Edmund is against the idea but he is over ridden by his siblings and Mary wants to act so she persuades him to take part. Fanny feels left out but feels it is not proper to take part in a play. But the family put her under pressure to join in. Mrs Grant who was playing a small part, has to drop out and the cousins push Fanny to take it on. She feels obliged to please her cousins by joining in, when even Edmund wants her to do so. Still she feels it is wrong. She is interested in the acting but still sticks to her belief that Sir Thomas would be strongly against it. Then, suddenly, Sir Thomas appears, having managed to get home earlier than expected due to good weather. He is not pleased to find his household all acting, but he is glad to be home. So he forgives them all and tells them he is happy to see his family once again.