Fanny's hurry increased; and without in the least expecting Edmund's
attendance, she would have hastened away alone; but the general pace was
quickened, and they all accompanied her into the house, through which it was
necessary to pass. Dr. Grant was in the vestibule, and as they stopped to speak
to him she found, from Edmund's manner, that he did mean to go with her. He
too was taking leave. She could not but be thankful. In the moment of parting,
Edmund was invited by Dr. Grant to eat his mutton with him the next day; and
Fanny had barely time for an unpleasant feeling on the occasion, when Mrs.
Grant, with sudden recollection, turned to her and asked for the pleasure of her
company too. This was so new an attention, so perfectly new a circumstance in
the events of Fanny's life, that she was all surprise and embarrassment; and
while stammering out her great obligation, and her "but she did not suppose it
would be in her power," was looking at Edmund for his opinion and help. But
Edmund, delighted with her having such an happiness offered, and ascertaining
with half a look, and half a sentence, that she had no objection but on her aunt's
account, could not imagine that his mother would make any difficulty of sparing
her, and therefore gave his decided open advice that the invitation should be
accepted; and though Fanny would not venture, even on his encouragement, to
such a flight of audacious independence, it was soon settled, that if nothing were
heard to the contrary, Mrs. Grant might expect her.
"And you know what your dinner will be," said Mrs. Grant, smiling--"the turkey,
and I assure you a very fine one; for, my dear," turning to her husband, "cook
insists upon the turkey's being dressed to-morrow."
"Very well, very well," cried Dr. Grant, "all the better; I am glad to hear you have
anything so good in the house. But Miss Price and Mr. Edmund Bertram, I dare
say, would take their chance. We none of us want to hear the bill of fare. A
friendly meeting, and not a fine dinner, is all we have in view. A turkey, or a
goose, or a leg of mutton, or whatever you and your cook choose to give us."
The two cousins walked home together; and, except in the immediate discussion
of this engagement, which Edmund spoke of with the warmest satisfaction, as so
particularly desirable for her in the intimacy which he saw with so much pleasure
established, it was a silent walk; for having finished that subject, he grew
thoughtful and indisposed for any other.
