Edmund asks Fanny what she thinks of Mary. Edmund was a little put off by comments Mary had made the night before. Mary had complained about an uncle, and Edmund thought it was impolite to criticize a family member in such a public gathering. Fanny agrees with him. But when Fanny states that she thinks Mary displayed ingratitude in speaking about her uncle, Edmund corrects Fanny, making Mary's social infraction seem less important than it was.

This makes Fanny realize that she and Edmund might be pursuing different paths. Edmund is much more infatuated with Mary than Fanny is. Edmund also recognizes that he might be falling in love with Mary, though he does not admit this out loud.

The narrative then sheds light on Mary's affections for Edmund. Mary had at first thought Edmund too dull for her attention. But she has come to appreciate his company. Mary finds Edmund agreeable, yet she does not know why.

For Fanny's part, she does not understand why Edmund must spend so much time with Mary. She tries to suppress her jealousy, especially when, the next day, Edmund asks Fanny if he can borrow her horse so that Mary can go for a ride. With Mary riding the horse, Fanny does not get a chance to do the same. Fanny remembers how Edmund had given her that same horse so she could ride it daily to encourage good health. Now, when he takes that privilege away, Fanny's feelings are hurt.

From a distance, Fanny watches Mary ride Fanny's horse with Edmund. They are in a nearby field, and Fanny can see that they are laughing. She also believes she sees them hold hands. She tries to convince herself that this is only natural. But she admits that seeing them together causes her pain.

Fanny waits for Edmund and Mary to return. They are late getting back. Mary apologizes, but Edmund makes excuses for her. Edmund says that in being late, Mary has kept Fanny from riding in the hot sun. Now that there are clouds in the sky, Fanny will not become overheated.

Later, Edmund asks Fanny if she is planning to ride her horse the next day. He goes on to tell her that Mary would like to ride more. He wants to know if this would be all right with Fanny. Fanny responds that Mary can have her horse again. Edmund's request for Fanny's horse continues for the next four days. Fanny therefore has no opportunity to ride.

One evening, after a dinner at the clergyman's house, Edmund and Julie come home to find their mother and aunt sitting in the drawing room. Edmund asks where Fanny is and then discovers her lying on a couch in the corner. Fanny confesses she has a headache.

Lady Bertram and Mrs. Norris then discuss what might have caused Fanny's headache. Through this discussion, Edmund learns that between his mother and her aunt, the two women have worked Fanny very hard. Then Edmund realizes that he might also be to blame, as he has selfishly kept Fanny from her horse.

That night, Fanny goes to bed feeling a little more cheered. She enjoys having Edmund's attention.