Chapter 17, 18 and 19 Summary

Tom and Maria are surprised and delighted that Edmund has decided to join the play. Now they won't have to get Charles Maddox to take the part. Since Edmund has caved, they think Fanny might also cave and take the part of the Cottager's Wife, but she will not. Mrs. Grant offers to take that part, much to Fanny's relief.

Fanny listens to each of the characters as they complain about their various problems, how they're irritated with how someone delivers a speech or how some parts are too long and some are too short. The characters hold rehearsals together, and Fanny often attends the rehearsals for her own enjoyment. She considers Henry Crawford to be the best actor in the group.

That evening, the entire group gathers to rehearse the first three acts. Mrs. Grant sends word that she will...