With solemn kindness Sir Thomas addressed her: told her his fears, inquired into her wishes, entreated her to be open and sincere, and assured her that every inconvenience should be braved, and the connexion entirely given up, if she felt herself unhappy in the prospect of it. He would act for her and release her. Maria had a moment’s struggle as she listened, but then gave her answer immediately. She thanked her father and declared she had no desire of breaking her engagement. She had the highest esteem for Mr. Rushworth and had no doubt of her happiness with him.

Sir Thomas was satisfied. Besides, it was an alliance which he could not have relinquished without pain, and Mr. Rushworth was young enough to improve in good society. And if Maria could speak so securely of her happiness without the blindness of love, she ought to be believed. A well-disposed young woman, who did not marry for love, was in general but the more attached to her own family. The nearness of Sotherton to Mansfield must naturally be a continual supply of the most amiable enjoyments. So reasoned Sir Thomas, happy to escape the embarrassing evils of a broken engagement.

As for Maria, she had pledged herself anew to Sotherton. Safe from the possibility of giving Crawford the triumph of destroying her prospects, she retired in proud resolve, determined to behave more cautiously to Mr. Rushworth in future, that her father might not again suspect her.

Had Sir Thomas applied to his daughter within the first three or four days after Henry Crawford’s leaving Mansfield, while her feelings were raw, her answer might have been different. But now, when there was no return, no message, no symptom of a softened heart, her mind became cool enough to seek all the comfort that pride and revenge could give.

Henry Crawford had destroyed her happiness, but he should not know that he had done it. He should not destroy her credit, her appearance, her prosperity, too. He should not have to think of her as pining for him, rejecting Sotherton and London, independence and splendour, for his sake. She must escape from him and Mansfield as soon as possible, and find consolation in fortune and consequence, bustle and the world.

Thus, Mr. Rushworth could hardly be more impatient for the marriage than Maria. In all the important preparations for matrimony she was ready—her hatred of home and Egypt, restraint, the misery of disappointed affection, and contempt of the man she was to marry. The preparations of new carriages and furniture might wait for London and spring.

The principals being all agreed in this respect, it soon appeared that a very few weeks would be sufficient for such arrangements as must precede the wedding.