Chapter 6 Summary
The Bertrams, the Crawfords, and Mr. Rushworth (Maria's fiance) are enjoying a dinner together. It is the first time Mr. Rushworth has come to Manfield Park since Mary Crawford has been there. Mary amuses herself by paying strict attention to Mr. Rushworth, since Tom Bertram is away and she is bored.
Mr. Rushworth is considering the possibilities of relandscaping his sprawling estate, though he wants very little to do with the transformation. He has just returned from a trip to Compton, the manor of a wealthy friend. In comparison to that estate, Mr. Rushworth's property, which is called Sotherton Courts, looks like the grounds of a prison.
As Mr. Rushworth talks, Mrs. Norris adds to the conversation, telling everyone at the table how she and Mr. Norris, the previous clergyman at Mansfield Park, took so much pleasure in working to improve the grounds around the parsonage. In particular, she mentions an apricot tree that she and her husband planted. At the mention of this fruit tree, Reverend Grant exclaims that its apricots have no taste. Mrs. Norris takes offense, stating that the apricot tree was very expensive. Reverend Grant declares that Mrs. Norris has then wasted her money.
Mr. Rushworth, who usually is a quiet man, finds that he has more to say about his property. After talking for sometime, Mary Crawford asks Mr. Rushworth about the history of his manor. The house was built, Mr. Rushworth states, in Queen Elizabeth's time and is quite old. When Mr. Rushworth continues talking about the changes he would like made at his estate, he confesses that he would like to find someone he could trust to do the work: he could then leave his home and return when the work is done.
Fanny suggests that she would rather stay, if she were he, and watch the progress. Mr. Rushworth tells her that his one and only experience with a transformation of this scale left him feeling disoriented because of all the destruction that is necessary before restoration can be done. There was too much dirt and confusion, he says.
Henry, on the other hand, states that if he were Rushworth, he would want to be in charge of every change, even if he were not very experienced in how things should be done. At least in that way, the transformation would be in his own taste. Rushworth disagrees. He does not have the ingenuity for such a task, he says.
Mary then relates a story about her harp. She had wanted it shipped to Mansfield Park, but because it was harvesting time, there were no horses or wagons available for the shipping. Mary is quite disappointed and does not fully appreciate how she has offended the local farmers by asking for such a service at the height of the season.
The chapter ends with a discussion about a trip to Mr. Rushworth's estate. It is decided how everyone will travel there. The plans are made with the final decision that Lady Bertram will stay home. Fanny will be made to stay with her for company. Edmund hears this injustice, but does not speak against it.
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