Mansfield Park, Chapter 7 summary

What happens

1. Fanny and Edmund criticize Miss Crawford's remarks about her uncle, but Edmund excuses much of her behavior.
2. Miss Crawford's harp playing draws Edmund to the Parsonage daily, and their attraction grows.
3. Miss Crawford borrows Edmund's mare, delays Fanny's ride, and receives widespread praise for her riding.
4. Fanny gives up riding while the other young people enjoy four mornings of outings.
5. Maria resents exclusion from a Parsonage dinner, while Fanny develops a headache after cutting roses and carrying them across the park.
6. Edmund discovers Fanny's suffering, brings her wine, and blames himself for leaving her without exercise or protection from errands.

In this chapter

What to notice

Edmund stops blaming only his mother and aunt. He recognizes that his absorption in Miss Crawford leaves Fanny exposed to exhausting demands.

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