except for the moments of delight caused by any instance of edmund 's consideration of her , fanny had never known so much joy , as in this unchecked , equal , fearless intercourse with the brother and friend who was opening all his heart to her , telling her all his hopes , fears and plans respecting his promotion ; who could give her information of the family of whom she very seldom heard ; who was interested in all the comforts and little hardships of her home at mansfield ; ready to think of every member of that home as she directed , or differing only by more noisy abuse of their aunt norris , and with whom ( perhaps the dearest indulgence of all ) all their earliest years could be gone over again , and every former pain and pleasure fondly recollected .