Edmund writes a long letter to Fanny. It is the first she has received from him. He apologizes for having taken so long. He explains that during all the time he was in London, he was too sad to write and share his feelings. The source of his sadness lies in Mary. Edmund says Mary is such a different person in London. She comes under the influence of her female friends who are not good for her. They corrupt her, bringing out all her weaknesses of character. Her friends are mercenary; they seek more and more wealth and do not marry for love. They lead Mary astray.

When Mary is at Mansfield Park and in Fanny’s company, she is more empathetic and loving. This is the woman Edmund loves, he tells Fanny. He could never hope to find another woman he could love so much and consider as his bride. He knows Mary has affection for him and he will not give her up. He fears if Mary is lost to him, then so would be his relationship with Henry (whom he sees in such a good light) and Fanny.

Edmund has returned to Mansfield and from there will contemplate writing a letter to Mary. The letter will allow him more time to clarify his thoughts and to express his feelings better than he can speak them. Mary will also have more time to reflect on his words in a letter. But then, a letter might also be read to Mary’s friends, and they will influence her again to go against him. He is torn as to what to do next. Mary will be returning to Mansfield Park in June, but that is such a long time to wait.

Fanny thinks Edmund is a fool who is blind to Mary’s true nature. Mary is not fond of him, as Edmund believes; Mary is only fond of herself and her brother. Fanny believes that friends do not influence Mary’s weak character but rather that Mary’s faults affect her friends. Despite all this, Fanny senses that Edmund is determined to marry this woman. Even if he never asks her or if she refuses him, Edmund will always be married to Mary in his heart.

Then Fanny thinks of Edmund’s expression of love for herself. He writes that he misses her. He is thankful for the confidences they share. He can express himself to her without worry about what she will think.

Other letters arrive from Lady Bertram. The first letters are about everyday matters. The Grants have gone on vacation. Edmund is home. The family circle has grown so small around Mansfield Park. But in the subsequent letters Fanny reads into Lady Bertram’s emotions. Tom, the Bertram’s oldest son, has fallen gravely ill. Tom had been traveling with friends and was drinking too much. He fell and injured himself. A fever had ensued, and his friends have abandoned him. Edmund was sent to bring Tom home. The journey was difficult, and Tom’s fever has returned. Lady Bertram is extremely worried and wishes Fanny were there to help them.