Fanny alone understands the deepest propriety; she knows from her penetrating observations of the household that the acting will dangerously inflame the emotions of the actors, but she lacks the strength to persuade the others. During rehearsals, Fanny observes the ongoing flirtation between Henry and the about-to-be-married Maria, "Maria acted well, too well." She also sees the sexual tension and attraction between Edmund and Mary as they play the part of the two lovers. This fills her with misery but also jealousy. Later, Mary describes to Fanny her favorite episode, playing the dominant role of Amelia with Edmund as Anhalt her besotted admirer. "I never knew such exquisite happiness ... Oh! it was sweet beyond expression."