In the meantime the no-riding situation persisted. Mrs. Norris could not but consider it as absolutely unnecessary, and even improper, that Fanny should have a regular lady’s horse of her own, in the style of her cousins. She was sure Sir Thomas had never intended it. To be making such a purchase in his absence, and adding to the great expenses of his stable, at a time when a large part of his income was unsettled, seemed to her unjustifiable. “Fanny must have a horse,” was Edmund’s only reply. Mrs. Norris could not see it in the same light. Lady Bertram did: she entirely agreed with her son as to the necessity of a beast of transportation—though, she continued to ask whatever happened to the little camel Fanny used to ride—and as to its being considered necessary by his father; she only pleaded against there being any hurry; she only wanted him to wait till Sir Thomas’s return, and then Sir Thomas might settle it all himself. He would be at home in September, and where would be the harm of only waiting till September? So many things might happen before then—

Though Edmund was much more displeased with his aunt than with his mother, as evincing least regard for her niece, he could not help paying attention to what she said. At length he determined on a solution which would not upset his father yet procure for Fanny the immediate means of exercise which he could not bear she should be without. He had three horses of his own, but not one that would carry a woman, not even one who rode like an Amazon, or so he thought. Two of them were hunters; the third, a useful road-horse which he resolved to exchange for one that his cousin might ride, and it was settled.

The new mare, decidedly un-camel-like, proved a treasure. With very little trouble she fit the purpose, and Fanny was then put in almost full possession of her. She had not supposed that anything could ever suit her like the old grey pony. But her delight in Edmund’s mare was far beyond any former pleasure of the sort. And his kindness remained beyond her ability to express. She regarded her cousin as an example of everything good and great, as possessing worth which no one but herself could ever appreciate, and entitled to perfect gratitude. Her sentiments towards him were compounded of all that was respectful, grateful, confiding, and tender.

As the horse continued in name, as well as fact, the property of Edmund, Mrs. Norris could tolerate its being for Fanny’s use. And had Lady Bertram ever thought about her own objection again, he might have been excused in her eyes for not waiting till Sir Thomas’s return in September.