Henry makes a statement to his sister, Mary, that his main focus for the duration of his stay at Mansfield Park is to make Fanny fall in love with him.

Mary is thrown off guard by Henry's bold assertion. Henry should be pursuing Julia Bertram, not Fanny. The only reason Henry is interested in Fanny at all, Mary tells him, is because Fanny is the only young female left at Mansfield Park.

Henry disagrees. Fanny, he says, is the only woman he has ever met whom he cannot quite figure out. He cannot tell what she is thinking or why she uses certain facial expressions that are impossible for him to interpret. The other attraction that Fanny holds for Henry is that she seems not to like him. This is a unique experience for Henry, who has never had a woman rebuke him.

Mary agrees that Fanny has merit, but she thinks that Henry has been taken in by the new manner of dress that Fanny has recently adopted. Her dresses are more fanciful than before, making her look more attractive.

Henry ignores his sister and continues to explain what he desires from Fanny. He is going to do his best to encourage Fanny to think as he thinks, to win her attraction by focusing his attention on her and flattering her. In other words, Henry plans to seduce and conquer her.

Mary's last remark to her brother is in Fanny's defense. She warns him that Fanny is one of the most sensitive young women she has ever met. Fanny is very good-hearted and has very deep emotions. Mary tells Henry not to play with Fanny in any way that might hurt her.

Henry begins his scheme by paying homage to Fanny in many flattering ways, spending time with her, and showing her that his interests are genuine. Fanny begins to drop her defenses against Henry and starts to enjoy his company. Fanny, however, becomes distracted after receiving a letter from her brother William, who has been at sea for seven years. William is returning to England. Upon hearing this news, Sir Thomas writes a letter to William and invites him to come to stay at Mansfield Park.

Fanny becomes engrossed in William upon his arrival. They spend long hours walking together and enjoying the kind of deep relationship that can develop only between siblings. Both Henry and Edmund notice the change in Fanny. With William, Fanny breaks the chains that have imprisoned her mind. She speaks freely with her brother, expressing all of her hidden emotions. The brother and sister talk about their family, sharing memories as well as recent news they have heard. They even laugh about the injustices they have suffered, such as the emotional abuse Fanny has endured under Mrs. Norris.

Sir Thomas is impressed with William's maturity. William has survived many dangers in his years in the navy. He has sailed the world, which has tempered his courage and convictions with wisdom. William makes Henry realize how selfish he has been for most of his life.