"The fatigue would be too much for my sister, a great deal too much, I
assure you, my dear Mrs. Rushworth. Ten miles there, and ten back, you
know. You must excuse my sister on this occasion, and accept of our
two dear girls and myself without her. Sotherton is the only place
that could give her a wish to go so far, but it cannot be, indeed.
She will have a companion in Fanny Price, you know, so it will all do
very well; and as for Edmund, as he is not here to speak for himself, I
will answer for his being most happy to join the party. He can go on
horseback, you know."

Mrs. Rushworth being obliged to yield to Lady Bertram's staying at
home, could only be sorry. "The loss of her ladyship's company would
be a great drawback, and she should have been extremely happy to have
seen the young lady too, Miss Price, who had never been at Sotherton
yet, and it was a pity she should not see the place."

"You are very kind, you are all kindness, my dear madam," cried Mrs.
Norris; "but as to Fanny, she will have opportunities in plenty of
seeing Sotherton. She has time enough before her; and her going now is
quite out of the question. Lady Bertram could not possibly spare her."

"Oh no! I cannot do without Fanny."