Sir Thomas was indeed the life of the party, who at his suggestion now seated themselves round the fire. The delight of his sensations in being again in his own house, in the centre of his family, after such a separation, made him communicative and chatty in a very unusual degree. He was ready to give every information as to his voyage, and answer every question of his two sons almost before it was put. His business in Antigua had been prosperously rapid, and he came directly from Liverpool in a private vessel; he told them as he sat by Lady Bertram and looked with heartfelt satisfaction on the faces around him—all collected together exactly as he could have wished. Mr. Rushworth was not forgotten: a most friendly reception and warmth of hand-shaking met him, and he was now included as intimately connected with Mansfield. Since Mr. Rushworth made no untoward howl just yet, Sir Thomas liked him already.

Of all present, Sir Thomas was welcomed with most enjoyment by his wife, who was really extremely happy to see him, and whose feelings, despite their absolute metaphysical dominion over by a certain resurrected Pharaoh, were so warmed by his sudden arrival as to place her nearer agitation than she had been at the sight of the grandest shipment from Cairo.

Lady Bertram took no delay but introduced her husband immediately to Lord Eastwind, who was given a once-over and an immediate warm handshake, and—after a long look from the raven haired gentleman—Sir Thomas was absolutely enchanted with their guest. He then promptly forgot his existence, as had everyone else in the household.

Fanny once again noted this disturbing detail as she watched their introductions. How could anyone overlook, indeed, not look for an extended pleasurable time at such a fine figure as that of Lord Eastwind, in his dark handsomeness, his somber elegance and his refined exotic manner? Whatever was going on in the family? Was everyone but herself completely blind?

Lady Bertram, meanwhile, after blissfully presenting Eastwind, continued being almost fluttered for a few minutes, and remained so animated as to put away her papyrus work, move pug and several large clay tablets from her side, and give all her attention and all the rest of her sofa to her husband.