It is a measure of how uncomfortable things are at Portsmouth that Mansfield looks idyllic by comparison.

Hmm I agree that F's memory is selective... and yes of course Portsmouth IS uncomfortable and even more so to someone largely raised in Mansfield... but still I think that F and Austen too seem to underestimate how much the "good side" of Mansfield had to do largley with the fact that the family had a good incoem and that helped them to maintain good manners and polite behaviour. Take teh Bertrams away from their spaicous rooms and servatns and put them in a small house, having to clamour for every little thing, and would they have reamined as "well bred" as they did? Im not so sure. It seems to me that the Bertrams are pleasant enough when things are going well but they become pettish and quarrelsome easily enough, and tat's without losing their privileged status and comfortable lifestyle....and even at their best, they barely notice Fanny or notice that Mrs N is so unkidn to her...