Murder at Mansfield Park

"I apologise if you consider this an intrusion, but in such a state of affairs a stander-by may be able to see things more clearly than those who are more directly affected. I have read about such cases, and it seems to me that the best course would be to send out messengers to every inn and turnpike between here and London. Furnish the men with a description of Miss Price, and it cannot be long before you will trace where she has gone. Likewise, Miss Price cannot have been acquainted with more than a dozen young gentlemen hereabouts; it is a matter that will require considerable delicacy, but if any of these young men departed the neighbourhood suddenly in the last few days, it would merit further investigation."

Mrs Norris raised herself with difficulty in her chair. "Of all the impertinent, insolent — "

"On the contrary, madam," said Tom, quickly, "I believe Miss Crawford has hit upon exactly what was wanting. We have been so overcome with shock, that we have done little but stare at each other, and repine at our fate, all the while doing very little to the purpose. But that will not find her. I will go to the steward at once; with luck and expedition we may have news by nightfall."

So saying, he walked briskly out of the room. Lady Bertram had begun to weep quietly, and Julia being too distressed herself to offer any support to her mother, Mary suggested gently that they might both be more comfortable upstairs. Mrs Norris turning away in a manner so pointed that anger and resentment could not have been more plainly spoken, Mary decided that her presence was no longer helpful, and politely took her leave. As she moved towards the door, she was not a little surprised to find Maria Bertram offering to walk with her a little way towards the parsonage.

"I suppose this will be the talk of the village before the day is out," said Maria, as they went out through the hall and onto the drive. Mary stole a glance at her, unable to decipher her tone: was it possible that she took pleasure in the fact that Fanny’s disgrace must be spread abroad in such a humiliating and public fashion?

"If that is so, it will not be my doing," she replied, firmly. "It would be best for everyone if the truth were concealed for as long as it is possible. Your father must be consulted, and it is still possible Miss Price may repent of her hasty decision, and return home on her own account."

Judging from the expression on her face, Miss Bertram clearly found this prospect absurd, but confined her incredulity to some lines shewn about the corners of her mouth.

"All the same, Miss Crawford," she pursued, after a moment, "I am sure you must have some idea — some theory — about what could have happened?"

Mary sighed, and shook her head. "I find it hard to comprehend how, or why, Miss Price left your father’s house."

Maria gave a short, bitter laugh. "As to the why, Miss Crawford, I am sure you know as well as I do. Fanny was desperate to avoid marrying Edmund. Her manner to him of late has been utterly indifferent. Indeed, I am more and more convinced that she never wanted to marry him at all, but merely acquiesced in a plan of others’ making. And to others’ advantage," she concluded, with a look of meaning.

"But even were that so," replied Mary, who did not doubt it, "she must have been desperate indeed to throw in her lot with someone she hardly knew."

Maria looked at her archly. "Why should you say that? I can think of at least two gentlemen she knows quite well enough — either one of them might have found her fortune, if not her person, sufficient inducement."

Mary coloured in shame and vexation. "Miss Bertram may not have heard that my brother left Mansfield some days ago for Hertfordshire. I expect to hear from him presently."

"I am pleased to hear it," replied Miss Bertram, "for your sake, if not for his. But there is still Mr Rushworth to be considered."

Mary looked at her in some surprise. "I was told he had departed for Bath?"

Maria raised an eyebrow. "So was I. So were we all. But we do not know that is where he is. Do we, Miss Crawford?"

And with that she gave a brief bow, turned on her heel, and walked quickly back towards the house.

Chapter 10