Mansfield Park: Chapter 41 Summary & Analysis

After Edmund has been in London for a week, Fanny still has not received a letter from him. She does, however, receive a visitor—one day, Henry arrives at the Price’s door.

Henry talks with Fanny’s mother as Fanny recovers from the shock of his appearance. Once Fanny is a little less stunned, Henry describes his travels to her, and then suggests they go for a walk. Fanny accepts, and takes Susan with her. On their walk, they run into Fanny’s father, much to Fanny’s dismay. Mr. Price, however, is on his best behavior, and he and Henry seem to get on well.

Mr. Price offers to show Henry the dockyard, and he accepts. On the walk there, Henry talks of his business in Norfolk, and describes going out of his way to meet his tenants, a kind act that endears him to Fanny. They then talk about Mansfield, which Fanny is happy to do, but when Henry implies that Edmund and Mary will hopefully be engaged soon, Fanny sours.

Henry tells Fanny he came to Portsmouth only for her, which Fanny is not happy to hear. Despite this, Fanny is surprised to find that she has really enjoyed Henry’s company on this visit. After the walk, Mr. Price invites Henry to dinner. Henry tells them he has other plans, but promises to come back the next day.