An engaged woman is always more agreeable than a disengaged. She is satisfied with herself. Her cares are over, and she feels that she may exert all her powers of pleasing without suspicion. All is safe with a lady engaged: no harm can be done.
Henry Crawford
Source
Mansfield Park, Chapter V. Spoken by Henry Crawford to Mary Crawford and Mrs. Grant.
Context
Discussing Maria Bertram’s engagement to Mr. Rushworth, Henry claims that an engaged woman may exercise her charms freely because her conduct appears safe.