Fanny’s hurry increased; she found from Edmund’s manner, that he did mean to go with her. In the moment of parting, Edmund was invited by Dr. Grant to eat his mutton with him the next day. Fanny had barely time for an unpleasant feeling on the occasion, when Mrs. Grant, with sudden recollection, turned to her and asked for the pleasure of her company too.

This was so new an attention, so perfectly new a circumstance in the events of Fanny’s life, that she was all surprise and embarrassment. She stammered that she did not suppose it would be in her power, while looking at Edmund for support.

But Edmund, delighted on her behalf, said he could not imagine his mother would make any difficulty of sparing her, and advised enthusiastically that the invitation be accepted.

“And you know what your dinner will be,” said Mrs. Grant, smiling—“the turkey, and I assure you a very fine one; for, my dear,” turning to her husband, “cook insists upon the turkey’s being dressed to-morrow.”

“Very well,” cried Dr. Grant, “all the better; I am glad to hear you have anything so good in the house. But Miss Price and Mr. Edmund Bertram, I dare say, would take their chance.”

The two cousins walked home together; and, except in the discussion of this engagement, it was a thoughtful, silent walk.

Chapter XXIII

“But why should Mrs. Grant ask Fanny?” said Lady Bertram. “How came she to think of asking Fanny? Fanny never dines there, you know, in this sort of way. I cannot spare her, there are rolls of papyrus to sort, and I am sure she does not want to go. Fanny, you do not want to go, do you?”

“If you put such a question to her,” cried Edmund, preventing his cousin’s speaking, “Fanny will immediately say No; but I am sure, my dear mother, she would like to go; and I can see no reason why she should not, and your papyrus can certainly wait for another day.”

“I cannot imagine why Mrs. Grant should think of asking her. She never did before. She used to ask your sisters now and then, but she never asked Fanny.”

“If you cannot do without me, ma’am—” said Fanny, in a self-denying tone.

“But my mother will have my father with her all the evening.”

“To be sure, so I shall. And certainly, the Pharaoh is always at my side.”

“Suppose you take my father’s opinion, ma’am.”

“That’s well thought of. So I will, Edmund. I will ask Sir Thomas, as soon as he comes in, whether I can do without her.”

In that moment Lord Eastwind, seated closely on the other side of Lady Bertram, leaned in to whisper something in her ladyship’s ear.