“Excessively; but what with the natural advantages of the ground, which pointed out, even to a very young eye, what little remained to be done, and my own consequent resolutions, I had not been of age three months before Everingham was all that it is now. My plan was laid at Westminster, altered at Cambridge, and at one-and-twenty executed. I am inclined to envy Mr. Rushworth for having so much happiness yet before him. I have been a devourer of my own.”

“Those who see quickly, will resolve quickly, and act quickly,” said Julia. “You can never want employment. Instead of envying Mr. Rushworth, you should assist him with your opinion.”

Mrs. Grant, hearing the latter part of this speech, enforced it warmly, persuaded that no judgment could be equal to her brother’s. And as Miss Bertram caught at the idea likewise, and gave it her full support, declaring that it was infinitely better to consult with friends and disinterested advisers, than immediately to throw the business into the hands of a professional man, Mr. Rushworth was ready to request the favour of Mr. Crawford’s assistance. And Mr. Crawford, after properly depreciating his own abilities, was quite at his service.

Mr. Rushworth then began to howl and redden with excitement and propose Mr. Crawford’s doing him the honour of coming over to Sotherton, and taking a bed there. It was then that Mrs. Norris, as if reading in her two nieces’ minds their little approbation of a plan which was to take Mr. Crawford away, interposed with an amendment.

“There can be no doubt of Mr. Crawford’s willingness; but why should not more of us go? Why should not we make a little party? Here are many that would be interested in your improvements, my dear Mr. Rushworth, and that would like to hear Mr. Crawford’s opinion on the spot, and that might be of some small use to you with their opinions. As for my own part, I could go and sit a few hours with your dear mother, Mrs. Rushworth, while the rest of you walked about and settled things. Then we could all return to a late dinner here, or at Sotherton, however is most agreeable to your mother, and have a pleasant drive home by moonlight. I dare say Mr. Crawford would take my two nieces and me in his barouche, and Edmund can go on horseback, you know, sister, and Fanny will stay at home with you.”

Lady Bertram made no objection, for unbeknownst to all she had some very Grand Plans to initiate.

Meanwhile, everyone interested in the outing expressed their concurrence, excepting Edmund. He heard it all and said nothing.

Chapter VII

“Well, Fanny, and how do you like Miss Crawford now?” said Edmund the next day, after thinking some time on the subject himself. “How did you like her yesterday?”