I said before that Mansfield Park is not my favourite Austen novel. I’m still rereading it, but I’ve been much struck by the attitude of everyone regarding Henry Crawford (boo, hiss) and Fanny Price, and how they all think she should be grateful to him for showing an interest.

Even the saintly cousin Edmund.

Persevere, they all tell Henry Crawford, persevere and she’ll come to love you in time. As if her really rather emphatic NO means nothing. She can see all the possible societal advantages of the match (because they all keep telling her about them) and yet she still says NO. If she weren’t so quiet and shy and modest, she’d probably use stronger language. And probably accept her NO somewhat faster.

But they all keep pushing her to change her mind. Funny how quickly Edmund forgot Crawford’s behaviour with the engaged Maria barely six weeks previous. Although he might have been a smidge distracted by the fascinating Mary Crawford and therefore not paying enough attention. Or by the unsuitable play.

Also interesting is how they all take Fanny’s politeness towards Henry Crawford as a sign that she’s encouraging him. Rather than, say, evidence that she understands her position in the household as a poor relation. No, she must have set her sights on the charming, wealthy, single brother of their new vicar’s wife. Leading him on to then say NO to him, of course.

I feel for Fanny. Although, given his encouragement of Henry and his Knowing Her Feelings Better Than Her, I’m rather surprised at her continuing to love cousin Edmund. I am glad, however, that she is not seduced, as Mary suggests she should be, into the notion of Reforming the Rake. When someone shows you who they are, believe them, as current thinking goes; Fanny definitely believes what she’s seen of Henry, and she is not impressed.

Having been thinking about how none of them accept Fanny’s NO, I’m reminded of Mr Collins’s belief that young ladies like to reject the gentleman they secretly wish to accept, the first time he asks. Because clearly No is not serious, and any young lady should be grateful to any gentleman who shows an interest. The question is not really a question, if she will say Yes to any suitable match. Nor, really, is it terribly flattering to the gentleman if the lady asked would say Yes to anyone suitable.

At least neither Fanny nor Elizabeth are pressured into changing their No to Yes.