Reading by the Fire: Fanny and the Geraniums by Diana Birchall

Geraniums by Mary Delany (1700-1788)

It had been an exceptionally wet October with winds and gales blowing around Mansfield Park almost daily, and Fanny was thankful to have recourse to her own dear East Room. This had been the Bertram sisters’ former school-room, now Fanny’s own refuge; but it was a chilly refuge in the inclement weather, for Fanny was not allowed a fire, by decree of her Aunt Norris, who lost no opportunity to treat her meanly in emphasis of her lowly status. It took some cons...