Sir Thomas is pleased by Henry’s interest in Fanny and frequently invites the Crawfords and the Grants to Mansfield Park. One evening, the party agrees to play Speculation, a card game similar to Bridge. Neither Fanny nor Lady Bertram have played before, but Henry offers to teach them, sitting between the two women. Fanny quickly grasps the rules but, despite Henry’s tutelage, lacks the ruthlessness required to play the game well. Lady Bertram allows Henry to play her cards for her.

During the game, Henry reveals he has seen Thornton Lacey—the house that will belong to Edmund when he becomes a clergyman. Henry compliments the property and describes elaborate improvements that could be made, including the removal of the farmyard. Edmund asserts that he is happy with the property as it is and hopes those who care about him will feel the same way. Listening to the conversation, Mary declares she is going to go all in to win the game. She succeeds but bids too much for the winning card. Henry wants to spend more time in the vicinity of Mansfield Park. He proposes renting Thornton Lacey from Edmund and making improvements while living there.