The crowd had
overflowed the church and now it spread in a wide, uneven dark circle
around the bitter slash of color in the gray rain, the open grave dug
from Georgia's red clay for the body of Melanie WilkesThe front row
of mourners held those who'd been closest to herWhite and black,
their faces all streaked with tears, except Scarlett'sThe old
coachman Uncle Peter stood with Dilcey and Cookie in a protective
black
triangle around Beau, Melanie's bewildered little boyThe older
generation of Atlanta were there, with the tragically few descendants
that remained to themThe Meades, the Whitings, the Merriwethers,
the
Elsings, their daughters and sons-in-law, Hugh Elsing the only living
son; Aunt Pittypat Hamilton and her brother, Uncle Henry Hamilton,
their ages-old feud forgotten in mutual grief for their niece
Younger, but looking as old as the black chanel handbag others, India Wilkes sheltered
herself within the group and watched her brother, Ashley, from
griefand
guilt-shadowed eyesHe stood alone, like ScarlettHe was
bare-headed in the rain, unaware of the proffered shelter of umbrellas,
unconscious of the cold wetness, unable to accept the finality of the
minister's words or the narrow coffin being lowered into the muddy red
graveTall and thin and colorless, his pale gilt hair now
almost gray, his pale stricken face as empty as his staring, unseeing
gray eyesHe stood erect, his stance a salute, the inheritance of
his ears as a gray-uniformed officer
He stood motionless, without sensation or comprehensionHe
was the center and the symbol of Scarlett's ruined lifeFor love of
him she'd ignored the happiness that had been hers for the taking
She'd turned her back on her husband, not seeing his love for her, omega deville watch not
admitting her love for him, because wanting Ashley was always in the
wayAnd now Rhett was gone, his only presence here a spray of
warm
golden autumn flowers among all the othersShe'd betrayed her only
friend, scorned Melanie's stubborn loyalty and loveAnd now Melanie
was goneAnd even Scarlett's love for Ashley was gone, for she'd
realized too late that the habit of loving him had long since replaced
love itselfShe did not love him, and she never would againBut
now, when she didn't want him, Ashley was hers, her legacy from
MelanieShe had promised Melly she'd take care of him and of
their childAshley was the cause of her life's destructionAnd the
only thing left to her from it
Scarlett stood apart and aloneThere was only cold gray space
between
her and the people she knew in Atlanta, space that once Melanie had
filled, keeping her from isolation and dolce

Upon the whole, it was
a comfortable winter to her; for though it brought no William to
England, the never-failing hope of his arrival was worth much
The ensuing spring deprived her of her valued friend, the old grey
pony; and for some time she was in danger of feeling the loss in her
health as well as in her affections; for in spite of the acknowledged
importance of her riding on horse-back, no measures were taken for
mounting her again, ?because,? as it was observed by her aunts,
?she might ride one of her cousin?s horses at any time when they did
not want them,? and as the Miss Bertrams regularly wanted their
horses every fine day, and had no idea of carrying their obliging
manners to the sacrifice of any real pleasure, that time, of course,
never cameThey took their cheerful rides in the fine mornings of
April and May; and Fanny either sat at home the whole day with
one aunt, or walked beyond her strength at the instigation of the
31
Jane Austen
other: Lady Bertram holding exercise to be as unnecessary for everybody
as it was unpleasant to herself; and MrsNorris, who was
walking all day, thinking everybody ought to walk as muchEdmund
was absent at this time, or the evil would have been earlier remedied
When he returned, to understand how Fanny was situated,
and perceived its ill effects, there seemed with him but one thing to
be done; and that ?Fanny must have a horse? was the resolute declaration
with which he opposed whatever could be urged by the
supineness of his mother, or the economy of his aunt, to make it
appear unimportantNorris could not help thinking that some
steady old thing might be found among the numbers belonging to
the Park that would do vastly well; or that one might be borrowed
of the steward; or that perhaps DrGrant might now and then lend
them the pony he sent to the postShe could not but consider it as
absolutely unnecessary, and even improper, that chloe white Fanny should have
a regular lady?s horse of her own, in the style of her cousinsShe was
sure Sir Thomas had never intended it: and she must say that, 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 very unjustifiable?Fanny must have a
horse,? was Edmund?s only replyNorris could not see it in the
same lightLady Bertram did: she entirely agreed with her son as to
the necessity of it, 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 himselfHe would be at home in September, and
where would be the harm of only waiting till September?
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 more attention to what she said; and at length determined
on a method of proceeding which would obviate the risk of
his father?s thinking he had done too much, and at the same time
procure for Fanny the immediate means of exercise, which he could
not bear she should be withoutHe had three horses of his own, but
not one that would carry a womanTwo of them were hunters; the
third, a useful road-horse: this third he resolved to exchange for one
that his cousin might ride; he knew where such a one was to be met
32
Mansfield Park
with; and having once made up his mind, the whole business was
soon completedThe new mare proved a treasure; with a very little
trouble she became exactly calculated for the purpose, and Fanny
was then put in almost full possession of herShe had not supposed
before 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 the addition it was ever receiving louis vuitton duffle bag in the consideration
of that kindness from which her pleasure sprung, was beyond
all her words to expressShe regarded her cousin as an example of
everything good and great, as possessing worth which no one but
herself could ever appreciate, and as entitled to such gratitude from
her as no feelings could be strong enough to payHer 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, MrsNorris 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, for when September came Sir Thomas was
still abroad, and without any near prospect of finishing his business
Unfavourable circumstances had suddenly arisen at a moment
when he was beginning to turn all his thoughts towards England;
and the very great uncertainty in which everything was then involved
determined him on sending home his son, and waiting the
final arrangement by himself Tom arrived safely, bringing an excellent
account of his father?s health; but to very little purpose, as far as
MrsSir Thomas?s sending away his son
seemed to her so like a parent?s care, under the influence of a foreboding
of evil to himself, that she could not help feeling dreadful
presentiments; and as the long evenings of autumn came on, was so
terribly haunted by these ideas, in the sad solitariness of her cottage,
as to be obliged to take daily refuge in the dining-room of the Park
The return of winter engagements, however, was not without its effect;
and in the course of their progress, her mind became so pleasantly
occupied in superintending the fortunes of her eldest niece, as
tolerably to quiet her nerves?If poor Sir Thomas were fated never to
return, it would be peculiarly consoling to see chanel costume jewelry their dear Maria well
33
Jane Austen
married,? she very often thought; always when they were in the company
of men of fortune, and particularly on the introduction of a
young man who had recently succeeded to one of the largest estates
and finest places in the countryRushworth was from the first struck with the beauty of Miss
Bertram, and, being inclined to marry, soon fancied himself in love
He was a heavy young man, with not more than common sense;
but as there was nothing disagreeable in his figure or address, the
young lady was well pleased with her conquestBeing now in her
twenty-first year, Maria Bertram was beginning to think matrimony
a duty; and as a marriage with MrRushworth would give her the
enjoyment of a larger income than her father?s, as well as ensure her
the house in town, which was now a prime object, it became, by the
same rule of moral obligation, her evident duty to marry Mr
Rushworth if she couldNorris was most zealous in promoting
the match, by every suggestion and contrivance likely to enhance
its desirableness to either party; and, among other means, by
seeking an intimacy with the gentleman?s mother, who at present
lived with him, and to whom she even forced Lady Bertram to go
through ten miles of indifferent road to pay a morning visitIt was
not long before a good understanding took place between this lady
and herselfRushworth acknowledged herself very desirous
that her son should marry, and declared that of all the young ladies
she had ever seen, Miss Bertram seemed, by her amiable qualities
and accomplishments, the best adapted to make him happy
Norris accepted the compliment, and admired the nice discernment
of character which could so well distinguish meritMaria was indeed
the pride and delight of them all?perfectly faultless?an angel;
and, of course, so surrounded by admirers, must be difficult in
her choice: but yet, as far as MrsNorris could allow black gucci bags herself to decide
on so short an acquaintance, MrRushworth appeared precisely
the young man to deserve and attach her
After dancing with each other at a proper number of balls, the
young people justified these opinions, and an engagement, with a
due reference to the absent Sir Thomas, was entered into, much to
the satisfaction of their respective families, and of the general lookers-
on of the neighbourhood, who had, for many weeks past, felt
34
Mansfield Park
the expediency of MrRushworth?s marrying Miss Bertram
It was some months before Sir Thomas?s consent could be received;
but, in the meanwhile, as no one felt a doubt of his most cordial
pleasure in the connexion, the intercourse of the two families was
carried on without restraint, and no other attempt made at secrecy
than MrsNorris?s talking of it everywhere as a matter not to be
talked of at present
Edmund was the only one of the family who could see a fault in
the business; but no representation of his aunt?s could induce him
to find MrRushworth a desirable companionHe could allow his
sister to be the best judge of her own happiness, but he was not
pleased that her happiness should centre in a large income; nor could
he refrain from often saying to himself, in MrRushworth?s company??
If this man had not twelve thousand a year, he would be a
very stupid fellow
Sir Thomas, however, was truly happy in the prospect of an alliance
so unquestionably advantageous, and of which he heard nothing
but the perfectly good and agreeableIt was a connexion exactly
of the right sort?in the same county, and the same interest?and
his most hearty concurrence was conveyed as soon as possibleHe
only conditioned that the marriage should not take place before his
return, which he was again looking eagerly forward toHe wrote in
April, and had strong hopes of settling everything to his entire satisfaction,
and leaving Antigua before the end of the gucci black bag summ

Crawford,? repeated
twice over; and in vain did she try to move awayIn the same low,
eager voice, and the same close neighbourhood, he went on, reurging
the same questions as beforeShe grew more agitated and displeased
?How can you, sir? You quite astonish me; I wonder how you
can??
?Do I astonish you?? said he?Do you wonder? Is there anything
in my present entreaty that you do not understand? I will explain to
you instantly all that makes me urge you in this manner, all that
gives me an interest in what you look and do, and excites my present
297
Jane Austen
curiosityI will not leave you to wonder long
In spite of herself, she could not help half a smile, but she said
nothing
?You shook your head at my acknowledging that I should not like
to engage in the duties of a clergyman always for a constancyYes,
that was the wordConstancy: I am not afraid of the wordI would
spell it, read it, write it with anybodyI see nothing alarming in the
wordDid you think I ought??
?Perhaps, sir,? said Fanny, wearied at last into speaking??perhaps,
sir, I thought it was a pity you did not always know yourself as
well as you seemed to do at that gucci purses moment
Crawford, delighted to get her to speak at any rate, was determined
to keep it up; and poor Fanny, who had hoped to silence him
by such an extremity of reproof, found herself sadly mistaken, and
that it was only a change from one object of curiosity and one set of
words to anotherHe had always something to entreat the explanation
ofThe opportunity was too fairNone such had occurred since
his seeing her in her uncle?s room, none such might occur again
before his leaving MansfieldLady Bertram?s being just on the other
side of the table was a trifle, for she might always be considered as
only half-awake, and Edmund?s advertisements were still of the first
utility
?Well,? said Crawford, after a course of rapid questions and reluctant
answers; ?I am happier than I was, because I now understand
more clearly your opinion of meYou think me unsteady: easily
swayed by the whim of the moment, easily tempted, easily put aside
With such an opinion, no wonder thatIt is not by
protestations that I shall endeavour to convince you I am wronged;
it is not by telling you that my affections are steadyMy conduct
shall speak for me; absence, discount tiffany's necklace distance, time shall speak for meThey
shall prove that, as far as you can be deserved by anybody, I do
deserve youYou are infinitely my superior in merit; all that I know
You have qualities which I had not before supposed to exist in such
a degree in any human creatureYou have some touches of the angel
in you beyond what?not merely beyond what one sees, because
one never sees anything like it?but beyond what one fancies might
beBut still I am not frightenedIt is not by equality of merit that
298
Mansfield Park
you can be wonThat is out of the questionIt is he who sees and
worships your merit the strongest, who loves you most devotedly,
that has the best right to a returnThere I build my confidenceBy
that right I do and will deserve you; and when once convinced that
my attachment is what I declare it, I know you too well not to
entertain the warmest hopesYes, dearest, sweetest FannyNay? (seeing
her draw back displeased), ?forgive mePerhaps I have as yet no
right; but by what other name can I call you? Do you suppose you
are ever present to my imagination under any other? No, it is ?Fanny?
that I think of all day, and dream of all chanel wallet nightYou have given the
name such reality of sweetness, that nothing else can now be descriptive
of you
Fanny could hardly have kept her seat any longer, or have refrained
from at least trying to get away in spite of all the too public
opposition she foresaw to it, had it not been for the sound of approaching
relief, the very sound which she had been long watching
for, and long thinking strangely delayed
The solemn procession, headed by Baddeley, of tea-board, urn,
and cake-bearers, made its appearance, and delivered her from a
grievous imprisonment of body and mindCrawford was obliged
to moveShe was at liberty, she was busy, she was protected
Edmund was not sorry to be admitted again among the number
of those who might speak and hearBut though the conference had
seemed full long to him, and though on looking at Fanny he saw
rather a flush of vexation, he inclined to hope that so much could
not have been said and listened to without some profit to the speaker
299
Jane Austen
CHAPTER XXXV
EDMUND HAD DETERMINED that it belonged entirely to Fanny to chuse
whether her situation with regard to Crawford should be mentioned
between chanel quilted handbag them or not; and that if she did not lead the way, it should
never be touched on by him; but after a day or two of mutual reserve,
he was induced by his father to change his mind, and try
what his influence might do for his friend
A day, and a very early day, was actually fixed for the Crawfords?
departure; and Sir Thomas thought it might be as well to make one
more effort for the young man before he left Mansfield, that all his
professions and vows of unshaken attachment might have as much
hope to sustain them as possible
Sir Thomas was most cordially anxious for the perfection of Mr
Crawford?s character in that pointHe wished him to be a model of
constancy; and fancied the best means of effecting it would be by not
trying him too long
Edmund was not unwilling to be persuaded to engage in the business;
he wanted to know Fanny?s feelingsShe had been used to
consult him in every difficulty, and he loved her too well to bear to
be denied her confidence now; he hoped to be of service to her, he
thought he must be of service to her; whom else had she to open her
heart to? If she did not need counsel, she must need the comfort black gucci bag of
communicat

I'd love to walk some He took a deep breath of the
fresh night air"I would, too," he saidGo on to
the car and save us a place * * They hadn't far to rideThe
streetcar turned east on Broad Street, only a block away, then moved
grandly through the silent city to the end of Broad in front of the
Post Office buildingIt was a merry, noisy continuation of the
party
Almost everyone on the crowded car joined in the song started by
three
laughing men when the car teetered around the corner"Oh, the Rock
Island Line, it 0 a mtyfiIe line! The Rock Island Line, it 0 the road
to ride Musically the performance left much to be desired but the
singers neither knew nor kelly handbag caredScarlett and Rhett sang as loudly as
the restWhen they stepped down from the car she continued to join
in
every time the chorus was repeated"Get your ticket at the station
for the Rock Island Line Rhett and three other volunteers helped the
driver unharness the horses, lead them to the opposite end of the car,
and rehitch them for the journey back along Broad then up Meeting to
the terminalThey returned waves and cries of "good night" as the
car
moved away, taking the singers with it"Do you suppose they know
any
other song?"
Scarlett asked"They don't even know that one, and
to
tell the truth neither do IIt didn't seem to make much differenceThen she put chanel pearl necklace her hand over her mouthHer giggle
had sounded very loud now that "The Rock Island Line" was faint in
the
distanceShe watched the lighted car become smaller, then stop,
then
start, then disappear as it turned the cornerIt was very quiet, and
very dark outside the pool of light thrown by the street lamp in front
of the Post OfficeA breath of wind played with the fringe on her
shawlThe air was balmy and soft"It's real warm," she whispered to
RhettHe murmured a wordless affirmative and took out his pocket
watch,
held it in the lamplight"Listen," he said quietlyShe held her breath to listen
harder
Saint Michael's bells chimed once, twiceThe notes hung in the dolce and gabbana bags warm
night for a long time"Half past," Rhett said with approval
He replaced the watch in its pocketBoth of them had taken quite a
bit of punchThey were in the condition known as "high flown," where
everything was somewhat magnified in effectThe darkness was
blacker,
the air warmer, the silence deeper, the memory of the pleasant
evening
even more enjoyable than the ball itselfEach felt a quietly glowing
inner well- 97 beingScarlett yawned happily and tucked a hand into
Rhett's elbowWithout a word they began to walk into the darkness
toward homeTheir footsteps were loud on the brick sidewalk,
bounced
back from the buildings
Scarlett looked uneasily from side quilted chanel purse to side, and over her shoulder at
the looming Post OfficeShe couldn't recognize anythingIt's so
quiet, she thought, like we were the only people on the face of the
earthRhett's tall form was a part of the darkness, his white shirt
front covered by his black evening capeScarlett tightened her hold
on
his arm, above the crook of the elbowIt was firm and strong, the
powerful arm of a powerful manShe moved a little closer to
his side
She could feel the warmth of his body, sense the bulk and strength of
it"Wasn't that a wonderful party?" she said too loudlyHer voice
echoed, sounding strange to her ears"I thought I'd laugh out loud at
old lookdown-your-nose chloe black chloe black Hannah

She'd met him at a house party, and he had called
on
her every day since her arrival in Dublinhe made no secret of his
admirationCharles' handsome face blushed every time she spoke to
himhe was awfully sweet and attractive, even though he was an
English soldierThey weren't at all like Yankees, no matter what
Colum saidFor one thing, they were infinitely better dressedShe
rested her hand lightly on Ragland's arm, and he escorted her into the
pattern of the quadrille"You are very beautiful tonight,
Scarlett
"So are you, CharlesI was just thinking that the men are more
dressed up than the ladies
"Thank heaven for uniforms
Knee breeches are the devil to wearA man feels ladies omega watches a perfect fool in
satin shoesThey've been peeking at ladies' ankles for ages,
let them see what it feels like when we ogle their legs
"Scarlett, you shock me The pattern shifted and he was goneI
probably do, Scarlett thoughtCharles was as innocent as a schoolboy
sometimesShe looked up at her new partner"My God!" she said
aloud"Now flattering," he said with his twisty half
smileNo one else smiled like thatScarlett was filled with light,
with lightnessShe felt as if she were floating above the polished
floor, buoyant with happinessAnd then, before she could speak
again,
the quadrille took him awayShe smiled automatically at her new
partnerThe love burning in her eyes chanel watches took his breath away
Her mind was racing: Why is Rhett here? Could it be because he
wanted
to see me? Because he had to see me, because he couldn't keep
away?
The quadrille moved at its stately tempo, making Scarlett with
impatienceWhen it ended, she was facing Charles Ragland- took
all
her self-control to smile and thank him and murmur a excuse before
she
turned to search for RhettHer eyes met his almost immediatelyhe
was standing only arm's length away
Scarlett's pride kept her from reaching out to himhe knew be looking
for him, she thought angrilyWho does he think he anyhow, to come
strolling into my world and just stand there expect me to fall into
his arms? chanel jumbo bag There are plenty of men in this room, even-who've been
smothering me with attention, hanging around my drawing room,
sending
flowers every day, notes, and even jewelryWhat makes Mister Nigh
and
Mighty Butler think that all he has to do is lift his little finger and
I'll running? "What a pleasant surprise," she said, and the cool tone
of her voice pleased her
Rhett held out his hand, and she put hers in it without thinking
"May I have this dance, MrsO'hara?" Scarlett caught her
breath in alarm"Rhett, you're not going to tell on me?
Everybody believes I'm a widow!" he smiled and took her into his
arms
as the music began"Your secret is safe with me, Scarlett
She could louis vuitton travel bags feel the rasp of his voice on her skin, and his warm breath"What the devil are you doing here?" she askedHis hand was warm at her waist, strong,
supporting,
directing her body as they turnedUnconsciously Scarlett revelled in
his strength and rebelled against his control over her even as she
remembered the joy of following his steps in the giddying swirling
motion of the waltz"I couldn't resist my
curiosity," he said"I was in London on business, and everyone was
talking about an American who was taking Dublin Castle by storm
'Could that be Scarlett of the striped stockings?" I asked myselfBart Morland confirmed my suspicionsThen I
couldn't get him to stop talking about gucci purses you