Emma guide

Summary

Characters

• EmmaAlso WoodhouseLeadFrom Volume I, Chapter 1
• Mr. WoodhouseGuardianFrom Volume I, Chapter 1
• TaylorAlso WestonGuardianFrom Volume I, Chapter 1
• IsabellaGuardianFrom Volume I, Chapter 1
• WestonHelperFrom Volume I, Chapter 1
• JohnAlso KnightleyGuardianFrom Volume I, Chapter 1
• KnightleyLoveFrom Volume I, Chapter 1
• EltonSuitorFrom Volume I, Chapter 1
• HawkinsAlso EltonRivalFrom Volume I, Chapter 1
• FrankAlso ChurchillSuitorFrom Volume I, Chapter 2
• BatesOtherFrom Volume I, Chapter 2
• PerryHelperFrom Volume I, Chapter 2
• Mrs. BatesOtherFrom Volume I, Chapter 3
• HarrietAlso SmithHelperFrom Volume I, Chapter 3
• RobertAlso MartinSuitorFrom Volume I, Chapter 3
• HenryChildFrom Volume I, Chapter 6
• ColeOtherFrom Volume I, Chapter 9
• JaneAlso FairfaxRivalFrom Volume I, Chapter 10
• Mrs. ColeOtherFrom Volume II, Chapter 1
• DixonOtherFrom Volume II, Chapter 1

Chapter by chapter

Storylines

• Taylor becomes Emma's maternal substitute and later her equal, intimate friend; her marriage ends their shared domestic life.

  • Taylor reciprocally regrets separation from her friends and values nearby Randalls; her departures with Weston reaffirm the end of shared domestic life.

• Taylor and Weston marry, establishing a household separate from Hartfield.

  • The account supplies Weston's purchase of Randalls as the condition for marriage and shows Taylor happily established in their separate household.

• Emma undertakes to bring Taylor and Weston together, interprets Weston's gallantry as evidence for the match, and promotes their contact; their marriage fulfills the plan.

  • Weston and Taylor's marriage fulfills the match Emma sought.

• Emma's satisfaction in Taylor's marriage coexists with grief over losing her daily companionship and recognition that proximity cannot preserve their former life.

  • Taylor's happiness and hopes of frequent meetings coexist with regret over separation, while each evening departure renews the practical loss of companionship.
  • Harriet's increasing companionship gives Emma a young friend whom she considers exactly what her home needs, providing a new domestic attachment after Taylor's departure.
  • Emma tells Isabella that almost daily contact with the Westons has made the loss to Hartfield smaller than expected.

• Emma undertakes to keep her father cheerful through conversation, reassurance, and backgammon; Knightley's visit and family news help sustain his spirits.

  • Henry's distress lessens once congratulations cease and the wedding-cake is gone, easing the condition Emma seeks to relieve.
  • Emma entertains her father with the charade and redirects him toward his grandchildren when Isabella's attachment to her husband depresses him.
  • Emma repeatedly redirects troublesome conversation and joins Isabella in soothing Henry after John's comments upset him; his agitation subsides.
  • Emma reassures her father during his alarm over the snow and helps secure their return; he welcomes her home with relief.
  • Isabella's departure renews her father's distress, and Elton's journey alarms him; Emma tries to reassure him and retains his needs as her first duty.
  • Emma provides for her father's companionship during her absence, helps calm his agitation and gives the assurances that allow him to accept her evening out.
  • Emma provides generously for Mrs. Bates and Mrs. Goddard, the company arranged for her father during her absence.
  • Emma abandons her argument about bridal precedence when it makes her father nervous.
  • Emma reassures her father about the enlarged dinner party and subsequently finds him at ease.
  • Emma goes ahead to prepare her father for the guests and secures his agreement to the larger table.
  • Mr. Woodhouse attends Donwell comfortably, and Emma stays with him so Mrs. Weston can walk with her husband; the provided collections entertain him.
  • Emma diverts her father's distress over Knightley's departure by telling him about Jane's prospective employment.
  • Emma maintains her father's tolerable comfort through almost ceaseless attention during the bad weather.

• Emma proposes an early carriage visit to Taylor at Randalls with her father and has arranged stabling with Weston to facilitate visits.

  • Taylor anticipates frequent evenings together, and evening visits occur, establishing continued contact between the households; the proposed carriage visit is not confirmed.

• Emma's father wants her to abandon matchmaking, but she continues by proposing to find Elton a wife.

• Emma commits herself to remaining unmarried.

  • Emma repeatedly declares her resolution never to marry, reaffirming her commitment.
  • Emma tells Harriet that she has little intention of ever marrying, reaffirming her commitment to remaining unmarried.
  • Emma rejects Elton's courtship and decisively refuses his proposal, acting consistently with her intention to remain unmarried.
  • Emma's desire that Knightley marry her contradicts her commitment to remain unmarried.
  • Despite loving Knightley, Emma renews her determination to remain with her father and refuse marriage even to him.
  • Emma abandons her commitment to remaining unmarried by reciprocating Knightley's love and welcoming his suit.

• Emma sets out to find a wife for Elton; Knightley agrees to dine at Hartfield with him if invited.

  • Emma selects Harriet as Elton's prospective wife and actively encourages Harriet to interpret his behaviour and praise as courtship.
  • Emma's attempt to find Elton a wife founders when he reveals his interest in Emma and rejects Harriet as socially beneath him.

• Weston's first marriage joins him to Miss Churchill against her family's wishes; her regret over lost luxuries and his diminished fortune burden the marriage, which ends with her death.

• The Churchills assume Frank's upbringing and financial support, relieving Weston of direct care; Frank publicly takes their surname.

• Weston seeks a different life through trade, builds a comfortable fortune, and secures Randalls and marriage to Taylor.

• Frank's repeatedly discussed visit to his father remains anticipated; Highbury urges it and treats his congratulatory letter as grounds for renewed hope.

  • Frank's expected visit after the marriage has not occurred, and Emma has heard no recent mention of it.
  • Frank's letter renews his intention to visit and leads Weston and Emma to expect him within a fortnight, but the visit still depends on his aunt releasing him; Mrs. Weston anticipates further excuses.
  • Frank cancels the proposed visit by letter; Weston preserves hope by anticipating a better, longer visit two or three months later.
  • Frank's announced fortnight's visit becomes an actual arrival, half a day earlier than expected.

• Frank's congratulatory letter establishes a favourable connection with Taylor, who takes it as evidence of his good sense.

  • Taylor's great pleasure in Frank's letter further establishes her favourable reception of his written overture.
  • Frank meets Mrs. Weston, finds her younger and prettier than expected, and leaves Emma confident that the Randalls household is comfortable together.
  • Frank accompanies Mrs. Weston to Hartfield, and Emma judges his conduct toward her proper and affectionate.
  • Mrs. Weston's promise to correspond with Frank sustains their connection after his departure.
  • Frank writes directly to Mrs. Weston, and his news of coming to London gives her unrestrained happiness.

• Henry continues to pity Taylor despite her evident marital happiness, surprising Emma.

  • Emma explains that her father's reservations about Taylor's situation express regret over her departure despite her good health.

• Henry tries to prevent others from eating wedding-cake, treating Perry's qualified warning as confirmation; the cake is nevertheless entirely consumed.

• Emma and Harriet begin an acquaintance: Emma judges Harriet favourably and wishes to continue seeing her, while Harriet is delighted by Emma’s welcome.

  • Frequent invitations establish intimacy; Harriet confides in Emma and increasingly accepts her guidance and interpretations.
  • Harriet delights in Emma's drawings, agrees to sit for her, and arranges another sitting, extending their shared activity.
  • Harriet relies on Emma's advice and fears losing their intimacy; Emma commits to keeping her close and comforts her after the refusal.
  • Harriet becomes an established intimate at Hartfield, with a bedroom for her use and plans for extended visits; her return reinforces Emma's cheerfulness.
  • Emma admits her mistake, recognizes Harriet's moral superiority, and deepens her commitment to caring for her.
  • Harriet's distress at seeming ungrateful and her determination to act for Emma's sake deepen Emma's affection and appreciation of her.

• Emma plans to improve Harriet’s manners, shape her opinions, detach her from her existing friends, and introduce her into good society.

  • Emma strengthens her commitment to guiding Harriet, begins reshaping her judgment of Robert and her existing connections, and directs her hopes toward Elton and more genteel society.
  • Emma gives her project of improving Harriet a specific educational form: reading together to increase Harriet's knowledge.
  • Emma and Elton credit Emma with improving Harriet's knowledge and decisiveness; Emma also intends to make Harriet appear taller and more elegant in the portrait.
  • Emma shapes Harriet's judgment and dictates the substance of her refusal, using the threatened loss of their visiting intimacy to reinforce separation from Robert.
  • Emma increases Harriet's time at Hartfield and influences her marriage choice. Both Emma and Knightley credit her with changes in Harriet, though they disagree about their value.
  • Emma assists Harriet's collection, directs her interpretation of Elton's intentions, and receives Harriet's permission to manage the charade as she pleases.

• Robert's attentions and the Martins' hospitality foster Harriet's attachment to him; she is pleased by their meeting, though Emma begins to unsettle her favourable opinion.

  • Robert's proposal makes his attachment explicit, but Harriet dispatches a refusal under Emma's influence despite continuing affection and regret.
  • Robert's attachment advances to an encouraged, written proposal, but Harriet's decisive refusal prevents the prospective marriage.
  • Harriet's attachment shifts strongly toward Elton. Emma interprets her recollections and preference for verse as evidence that Robert has been displaced, although these interpretations do not establish that Harriet's former tenderness has vanished.
  • Contact with the Martins resumes; their kindness gives Harriet some satisfaction despite her distress and her sense that Elizabeth's manner has changed.
  • Returning to the farm revives Harriet's agitation and affectionate memories; the Martins' initial reserve begins to give way to their former warmth before Emma interrupts the visit.
  • Harriet brings Emma detailed reports of Robert's dinner with the Coxes, Anne's favourable opinion, and conjectures that either sister would marry him, keeping his social and marital prospects before them.
  • Harriet's elevated marital aspirations now exclude the prospect of accepting Robert Martin.
  • Renewed contact in London leads Robert to propose again; Harriet accepts and is intensely happy.
  • Harriet's renewed attachment to Robert becomes clear, Emma approves their engagement, and they marry.

• Emma regards a possible marriage between Harriet and Robert as socially lowering and works against Harriet's attachment, interpreting the Martins' kindness as matchmaking.

  • Although impressed by Robert's letter, Emma intervenes against acceptance and secures a written refusal; Harriet's lingering tenderness leaves the underlying opposition unsettled.
  • Harriet refuses Robert under Emma's influence. Emma remains anxious that a meeting could reverse the refusal, then renews her justification of her intervention.
  • Despite the collapse of the Elton match, Emma maintains that Harriet should not have accepted Robert Martin.
  • Emma minimizes Harriet's encounter with the Martins despite feeling pity for them, and remains relieved that Harriet shows no lasting attachment she considers alarming.
  • Emma continues to restrict Harriet's connection with the Martins, arranging a short, formal return visit despite misgivings about treating their kindness this way.
  • Emma enforces a brief visit that interrupts renewed intimacy with the Martins, despite understanding the pain it causes Harriet and feeling distressed herself.
  • Emma decides to accompany Harriet specifically to prevent another encounter with the Martins, continuing her interference with their connection.
  • Emma welcomes the engagement, explicitly approves the match and looks forward to knowing Robert.

• Emma plans to match Harriet with Elton and displace Robert in her affections, using Elton's praise to encourage Harriet to imagine his interest.

  • Emma's encouragement increases Harriet's appreciation of Elton. Emma believes the attraction is mutual, considers giving them an opportunity for a declaration, and interprets Elton's participation in the sittings and enthusiasm for the portrait as support for her match.
  • Robert's rejection clears an immediate obstacle, and Emma increasingly cheers Harriet with imagined evidence of Elton's attachment, though Harriet still feels for Robert.
  • Despite professing to abandon matchmaking and receiving Knightley's warning, Emma retains her conviction that Elton loves Harriet and receives a suggestive report of his journey.
  • Emma persuades Harriet that Elton's charade declares love for her and manages its copying and return. Harriet's romantic expectations grow, while Elton's uncertainty does not establish that he shares the intended match.
  • Emma engineers private opportunities for Harriet and Elton, first on their walk and then inside the Vicarage through a fabricated boot problem. Neither opportunity produces a declaration, but Emma interprets the failure as cautious courtship and concludes that the prospective match has advanced.
  • Emma leaves the supposed courtship largely to proceed on its own, retaining only occasional assistance while attending to her sister's family.
  • Harriet's illness prevents their meeting at Randalls. Emma sustains Harriet's expectations of Elton's love, but her attempt to make him forgo the dinner fails, and his subsequent cheerfulness dismays her.
  • Elton's attention to Emma irritates her and raises her suspicion that he may be transferring his affections from Harriet to herself, threatening her proposed match.
  • The proposed match fails: Emma learns that Elton never intended to court Harriet and considers marriage to her beneath his position.

• Knightley opposes Emma and Harriet's intimacy, while Taylor and Weston approve of their companionship.

  • Harriet's refusal confirms Knightley's fear that Emma's influence will harm her, intensifying his opposition to their intimacy.
  • Knightley's experience of Harriet improves his opinion of her, qualifying his earlier opposition and gratifying Emma.

• Knightley agrees to keep his objections to Emma and Harriet's intimacy private and postpones further criticism until John and Isabella visit at Christmas; Taylor abandons a proposed family discussion.

  • Knightley no longer postpones criticism: learning of the refusal prompts him to confront Emma directly about her influence and Harriet's prospects.

• Taylor seeks to conceal her and Weston's wishes concerning Emma's future and concludes that Knightley no longer suspects anything concerning Hartfield.

  • Emma suspects Mrs. Weston of checking her husband's speech and recognizes his hopes for her marriage to Frank, while remaining relieved that her father suspects nothing.

• Emma undertakes to paint Harriet's portrait, resumes portrait drawing despite her earlier vow, and uses the sittings to bring Harriet and Elton together.

• Elton undertakes to carry Harriet's portrait to London and arrange its framing; Emma entrusts him with the drawing.

  • Elton leaves for London, beginning the journey undertaken to arrange the portrait's framing.
  • Elton is reported travelling urgently toward London, consistent with his undertaking to arrange the portrait's framing; completion is not reported.
  • Elton returns the portrait safely and elegantly framed, and it is hung in the sitting room.

• Robert proposes marriage to Harriet by letter; she refuses with Emma directing the wording and sends her answer.

  • The proposal receives an unequivocal refusal, which Emma has read and communicates to Knightley.

• Harriet's decision to refuse Robert conflicts with her continuing tenderness for him and concern for his family; Emma counters her regret with affection and prospects of Elton's attachment.

  • Harriet's strong attachment to Elton gives Emma confidence that Robert has lost his hold on her; the chapter supplies Emma's interpretation rather than an explicit resolution of Harriet's earlier regret.
  • Meeting the Martins renews Harriet's distress over the broken connection; she continues discussing them despite professing that she will stop thinking about the encounter.
  • Elizabeth Martin's kind but reproachful note renews Harriet's desire to reciprocate the family's affection, although distress over Elton interrupts her consideration of a response.
  • Harriet accepts Robert's renewed proposal with intense happiness, ending the separation sustained by her earlier refusal.

• Knightley condemns Emma's intervention in Harriet's refusal of Robert; Emma defends it as friendship, and their disagreement ends in anger and separation.

  • Emma and Knightley restore friendly relations and confirm their reconciliation with a handshake. Emma feels sorrow for Robert's disappointment, but neither retracts the underlying judgment about Harriet's refusal.

• Knightley warns that Elton's financial ambitions exclude marriage to Harriet; Emma briefly doubts her interpretation but reasserts her belief in his attachment.

  • Emma treats the charade and Elton's manner as confirmation of his love for Harriet, strengthening her rejection of Knightley's warning. Elton's confusion leaves his actual intentions unconfirmed.
  • Further evidence tests Emma's conviction that Elton loves Harriet. She explains away his attendance, interprets his farewell favourably and rejects John's alternative explanation, but is astonished that he appears to forget Harriet despite knowing she is no better.
  • Elton's explicit rejection of Harriet as a prospective wife confirms Knightley's warning and ends Emma's belief in Elton's attachment to her.
  • Elton's declaration overturns Emma's interpretation, and she acknowledges that Knightley understood his marriage intentions better.

• Harriet becomes strongly attached to Elton and, guided by Emma's interpretation of his charade, believes he loves her and anticipates his declaration.

  • Harriet's intense desire to see the Vicarage further manifests her attachment to Elton. She enters his house and learns that he deliberately followed her and Emma, although he makes no declaration and his pursuit does not establish which woman interests him.
  • Harriet grieves at missing the dinner and takes comfort in Emma's assurance that Elton will be miserable without her, reinforcing her expectation of his attachment.
  • Elton's disclosure removes the prospect of reciprocation and a declaration to Harriet; no event establishes that Harriet yet knows this.
  • Harriet's attachment and expectation of marriage rest on Emma's false assurances; Elton's admission that he never seriously considered Harriet defeats that prospect.
  • Harriet learns that Elton prefers Emma and loses her belief in his reciprocal affection and her hope of marrying him. Her attachment survives the collapse of those expectations.
  • Harriet explicitly disavows her former love and admiration for Elton and burns the keepsakes that sustained her attachment.

• Emma plans to invite the Westons to dinner during Isabella's visit.

• Mr. Woodhouse hopes to persuade Isabella to stay with her children after John returns to town, although Emma tells him she will not remain without her husband.

  • Despite Mr. Woodhouse's wish to keep Isabella and her children at Hartfield, they leave with John.

• Emma makes her sister's visiting family her chief concern.

  • Emma arranges family company, attends to little Emma, and manages conversation and reassurance to preserve harmony during Isabella's visit.
  • Emma explicitly undertakes to care for her nephews and satisfy both parents during their stay.

• Emma resents John's disparaging judgment of Weston but suppresses her impulse to challenge him to preserve family peace, respecting his domestic virtues.

  • Emma continues to protect family peace by diverting conversation after John's irritated response and soothing Henry after John's harsh remarks about Perry.
  • Recognizing John's displeasure at the outing, Emma again restrains herself to preserve family peace, choosing silence and welcoming an opportunity to change the subject.

• Henry's objections to seaside treatment and reliance on Perry clash with Isabella's confidence in Wingfield and provoke John's resentment of supposed interference; the family works to contain the resulting friction.

• Henry hopes to consult Perry about his own health.

• Isabella plans to visit Mrs. Bates with her children after recognizing her neglect of the Bateses.

• Knightley proposes examining maps with John at Donwell Abbey the next morning, using discussion of the Langham path to divert his irritation.

• The Hartfield party undertakes to dine at Randalls; Harriet's illness prevents her attendance, while the others set out and Emma, John and Elton reach the grounds.

  • The party reaches Randalls, dines there, and gathers afterward in the drawing-room.

• John warns Emma that Elton appears to be courting her and that her behaviour encourages him; Emma rejects his interpretation and resents his unsolicited counsel.

  • Emma initially resolves to disregard Elton's oddities, but his continued attentions make her suspect an interest in herself. This partly supports John's warning, although she interprets it as a possible transfer from Harriet.
  • Elton's declaration confirms John's interpretation of his courtship. Emma explains her contrary intention and refuses him.
  • Emma now recognizes the interest John detected and admits that her attentiveness reasonably encouraged Elton's expectations.

• Weston confidently expects Frank's visit, while Mrs. Weston fears that the Churchills wish to keep Frank with them and will find further excuses to prevent it.

  • The cancellation disappoints both Westons, but Weston regains comfort through renewed expectations while Mrs. Weston anticipates further excuses and delays.
  • The arrangements permit Frank's fortnight away, and his arrival settles the immediate uncertainty over whether the anticipated visit will occur.

• Emma intends to speak privately with Mrs. Weston to learn more about the Churchills and their influence over Frank.

• Elton's unwanted courtship and contempt for a match with Harriet leave Emma and Elton mutually mortified and resentful.

  • Emma loses esteem for Elton while acknowledging her own initiating error and her part in misleading him; the snow brings relief by keeping them apart.
  • Emma welcomes Elton's impending absence and interprets her exclusion from his note as evidence of his resentment.
  • Elton's offence at Emma's rejection persists, while Emma judges his manner increasingly marked by pique and pretension and loses her former favourable opinion of him.
  • Elton's contemptuous treatment of Harriet further lowers him in Emma's estimation.
  • Elton's deliberate slight to Harriet renews Emma's anger and mortification.

• Elton seeks to marry Emma, revealing that his attentions have been directed toward her; she decisively refuses him.

  • Elton's engagement to Miss Hawkins ends his pursuit of Emma, who receives the news with relief.

• Emma must explain her mistake to Harriet and manage the hurt caused by encouraging her attachment to Elton; snow temporarily postpones the encounters she dreads.

  • Emma tells Harriet the truth and begins consoling her, completing the dreaded disclosure. Managing its consequences remains unfinished because Harriet grieves and retains a stronger attachment to Elton than Emma expected.
  • Emma anticipates the renewed hurt Elton's engagement will cause Harriet, undertakes to tell her before others do, and delivers the news.
  • Emma takes Harriet to face the married Eltons despite renewed vexation at her own mistakes; Harriet's anticipatory distress subsides after the encounter.
  • The preserved court-plaister renews Emma's shame over her matchmaking, and she admits that she pretended to lack some when she actually had it.

• Emma resolves to stop matchmaking, but catches herself repeating the habit when she considers and rejects William Coxe as a match for Harriet.

  • Harriet's suffering reinforces Emma's resolve to restrain her imagination and express affection through means other than matchmaking.
  • Emma again lapses into matchmaking by imagining Harriet with Frank, but checks herself by resolving not to dwell on it.
  • Emma again imagines a match, but renews her practical commitment to refrain from matchmaking by deciding not to intervene.
  • Emma gives her resolution against matchmaking a specific application by committing to no further interference in Harriet's new attachment.
  • Despite her resolution to stop matchmaking, Emma again entertains Harriet as a possible wife for Frank.

• Elton plans to leave Highbury the next morning and spend several weeks with friends in Bath.

  • Elton's departure from Highbury is confirmed.

• Emma resolves to become humble and discreet and restrain her imagination, recognizing Harriet's moral superiority.

  • Emma seeks quiet and avoidance of temptation, giving practical direction to her resolution to exercise greater discretion.
  • Emma forms a conjecture about a concealed romantic complication between Jane and Dixon and resolves to investigate it, departing from her resolution to restrain her imagination.
  • Emma briefly corrects her disparagement of Jane and resolves to be charitable, but irritation and renewed unsupported romantic conjectures undermine her commitment to humility and restraint.
  • Reported praise of her beauty softens Emma's judgment of Frank, while her insistence on social superiority gives way to resentment when she believes herself excluded.
  • Emma treats circumstantial evidence as confirmation of her romantic theory about Jane and Dixon and shares it with Frank, whose apparent agreement strengthens her confidence.
  • Emma has shared her suspicions about Jane's feelings with Frank and now feels uneasy about having done so, showing that her intended discretion remains insecure.
  • Emma makes specific efforts to restrain her imagination, refusing to exaggerate her love and checking her speculative matchmaking.
  • Emma openly acknowledges to Knightley that she misjudged Elton and wrongly believed him attached to Harriet.
  • Knightley's rebuke forces Emma to recognize her cruelty and accept his judgment, deepening the self-reproach underlying her aspiration to humility.
  • Emma puts reform into practice by visiting Miss Bates, abandons her ungenerous suspicions about Jane and feels shame over her conjectures about the pianoforte.
  • Emma exercises restraint toward Harriet and responds to Jane's rejection with sorrow and reflection on her own intentions.
  • Emma recognizes further harm caused by her guidance of Harriet and loses confidence in her judgment of others' feelings.
  • Recognition of her injustice toward Jane deepens Emma's remorse and renews her resolve to behave better and become more rational.
  • Emma renews her commitment to humility and circumspection, wishing to deserve Knightley better.

• Emma makes Harriet's recovery her chief duty after her father's needs, seeking to weaken her attachment to Elton through affection, books and conversation.

  • Emma's attempt to divert Harriet from Elton fails. She takes Harriet to the Bateses for company and, when Elton comes up there, assumes the conversational burden to spare Harriet.
  • Emma continues managing Harriet's distress and tells her of Elton's engagement; Harriet's attention shifts from the Martins to mixed feelings about Elton and Miss Hawkins.
  • Harriet's attachment persists and is reinforced by glimpses of Elton and repeated praise and discussion of him. His engagement and departure renew her distress, prompting Emma to seek distraction through a visit to the Martins.
  • Elton's trunk renews Harriet's distress, and the curtailed Martin visit adds pain. Emma hopes Frank will displace talk of Elton and trusts that Harriet will recover with time, but recovery is not yet achieved.
  • Harriet finds present enjoyment in the party after renewed distress, although her comparison of Frank to Elton shows that Elton remains prominent in her thoughts.
  • The approaching marriage exposes Harriet's continuing attachment. Emma's consolation fails to stop her dwelling on Elton, but an appeal to her consideration for Emma supplies a sustained motive for self-command.
  • Emma acts to get Harriet through the painful wedding visit, and Harriet emerges less distressed and able to judge Elton's choice of wife.
  • Harriet reports that Elton and his wife's happiness no longer distress her and completes her renunciation by burning his keepsakes.

• Emma and Knightley dispute Frank's failure to visit: Emma defends him despite her private opinion, while their argument produces mutual displeasure and leads her to suspect Knightley of judging another man's merits unjustly.

  • Frank's apparent interest in his childhood connections convinces Emma that his previous absences were involuntary and strengthens her belief that Knightley judged him unfairly.
  • Knightley's condemnation of Frank briefly prompts Emma's resentment, but she recognizes that his remark was not meant to provoke her and relinquishes that response.
  • Knightley's dislike of Frank increases, and disagreement over Frank's conduct again produces displeasure between Knightley and Emma.

• Jane plans an extended stay with the Bateses instead of accompanying the Campbells to Ireland, with recovery from her illness given as a reason for coming to Highbury.

  • Jane's illness postpones her employment; the Campbells approve her choice to recover with her Highbury relatives, and she arrives and begins visiting.
  • Jane remains in Highbury and declines renewed, pressing invitations to Ireland despite offered travel arrangements.

• The Campbells bring forward their visit to their married daughter in Ireland.

  • The Campbells are now in Ireland and have promised their daughter to remain at least until Midsummer.
  • The Campbells revise their return from Ireland from Midsummer to August, extending their absence.

• Emma seeks to investigate her suspicion that an undisclosed romantic complication involving Jane and Dixon explains Jane's refusal to visit Ireland.

  • Emma briefly replaces her suspicion of deliberate interference with a theory of innocent unrequited love, then renews suspicions of reciprocal attraction or a mercenary marriage involving Dixon; none is established.
  • Emma obtains information from Jane through persistent questioning, but these events do not establish whether her romantic suspicion is correct.
  • Emma questions Frank about his acquaintance with Jane at Weymouth and learns that Dixon preferred Jane's playing to his fiancée's, although Frank claims Miss Campbell showed no concern.
  • Frank's account of Dixon's musical preference and rescue of Jane strengthens Emma's suspicion; she interprets the gift as an offering of love, shares her theory with Frank, and he undertakes to test Jane's reaction.
  • Emma interprets Jane's emotion and the accompanying music through her conjecture about a concealed attachment. Her enjoyment of Frank's insinuations alternates with pity and regret; the conjecture remains unconfirmed.
  • Jane's renewed refusal strengthens Emma's conviction that a concealed powerful motive or prohibition keeps her from the Dixons; the motive remains unconfirmed.
  • Jane's insistence on collecting her letters and her apparent happiness strengthen Emma's suspicion of a concealed attachment, but Emma suppresses questions about the Irish mails.
  • The Dixon allusion shows that Emma's suspicion has become a private joke with Frank; she tries to prevent its exposure to Jane and conceals its explanation from Knightley. No evidence here confirms the suspected attachment.
  • Jane's acceptance of employment leads Emma to abandon her romantic suspicions, although their truth has not been established.

• Dixon's rescue of Jane establishes Miss Bates's grateful affection for him.

• Miss Bates resolves to screen Jane's letters before reading them to her mother so that distressing news can be softened.

• Miss Bates intends to call Perry and insist on paying him if Jane does not recover soon.

• Jane's parents marry and die during her early childhood, leaving her dependent on her grandmother and aunt, who assume her care.

• Campbell's gratitude for Lieutenant Fairfax's nursing leads him to protect Jane; she becomes his daughter's intimate companion and a permanent member of the Campbell household.

• Campbell undertakes to educate Jane for employment as a governess; she acquires the required accomplishments, but the Campbells initially defer her departure as premature.

• Miss Campbell and Dixon marry, securing Miss Campbell a prosperous establishment.

  • Miss Campbell's marriage to Dixon is explicitly confirmed.

• Jane resolves to begin earning her living as a governess at twenty-one, but her poor health leads the Campbells to forbid her starting until she recovers.

  • Jane maintains her intention to seek employment but explicitly postpones inquiries until summer and a further stay with the Campbells.
  • Jane accepts a specific governess position and has a departure expected within a fortnight; she has not yet begun work.
  • Jane's severe illness threatens her ability to begin earning her living.

• Emma struggles against her dislike of Jane: admiration and compassion briefly inspire a resolution to treat her generously, but Jane's reserve, musical praise and withholding of information renew Emma's irritation and resentment.

  • Knightley mistakes Emma's outward improvement for an uncomplicated change of feeling. Emma recognizes his concern and appeases it with sincere admiration and pity for Jane, while her underlying resentment remains unnoticed.
  • Emma acknowledges Jane's musical accomplishment but explains their lack of intimacy to Frank; their apparent agreement contributes to her growing familiarity with him.
  • Emma deliberately avoids Jane and discussion of the instrument; the prospect of Jane marrying Knightley produces further opposition and alarm.
  • Pity prompts Emma to resolve to protect Jane from Frank's insinuations, but her interpretation of Jane's blush and smile weakens that compunction before partial shame returns.
  • Although Emma learns that Jane eagerly anticipated the ball, Jane's apparent composure after its loss displeases her and renews her irritation.
  • Emma pities Jane's exposure to Mrs. Elton's patronage but rejoices when Knightley criticizes Jane's reserve, sustaining her mixed compassion and resentment.
  • Knightley's criticism makes Emma acknowledge her neglect of Jane. She resolves to give her more attention, spares her potentially embarrassing questions and accompanies her to dinner.
  • Jane's admission of emotional exhaustion increases Emma's sympathy and liking. Emma offers assistance, then respects Jane's wish to leave alone, although her explanation of Jane's distress remains an inference.
  • Jane withdraws rather than receive Emma, while Emma's suspicions give way to unqualified pity and recognition of Jane's dependent position.
  • Emma's regret and concern produce sustained attempts at kindness; Jane's apparent personal rejection mortifies her, but she continues to feel compassion.
  • Learning of Jane's suffering increases Emma's esteem and compassion; she recognizes her envy and injustice and bitterly regrets failing to seek Jane's friendship.
  • Emma responds warmly to Jane's welcome, offers mutual forgiveness, and welcomes her open confidence about her future.

• Elton and Miss Hawkins of Bath become engaged and commit to marrying.

  • The engagement becomes publicly established through favourable reports of Hawkins and Elton's account of their rapid courtship; he leaves for Bath with his next return expected to bring his bride.
  • Elton's marriage has a definite date, and Highbury anticipates his return with his bride.
  • The wedding visit establishes that Elton and Miss Hawkins have married, fulfilling their engagement.

• Emma plans to take Harriet to return Elizabeth Martin's visit and collect her quickly, hoping to distract her from Elton while restricting her connection with the Martins to a formal acquaintance despite her own moral misgivings.

  • Emma takes Harriet to the Martins and collects her after the deliberately brief interval, interrupting the return of their former intimacy and learning how painful the visit has been.

• Emma and Frank become acquainted and quickly gain familiarity; Emma finds him attractive and accomplished, believes he wishes to please her, and questions the sincerity of some of his remarks.

  • Their shared walk and conversation increase Emma's familiarity and favourable opinion of Frank. She finds him warmer and more moderate than expected and attributes to him a willingness to marry for love despite financial sacrifice.
  • Frank's London excursion lowers Emma's esteem, but Mrs. Weston's favourable assessment and his reported admiration incline her to leniency; his regret at her expected absence from the Coles' party sustains his apparent interest in her company.
  • Emma judges Frank favourably, interprets his attentions as deliberately directed toward her, shares confidential speculation with him, and enjoys their singing and dancing together.
  • Emma makes Frank a confidant of her suspicions about Jane; Harriet reports his praise of Emma's musical taste, and he proposes joining Emma's party.
  • Emma interprets Frank's persistence as gallantry toward herself, accepts the compliment, and agrees to be his partner for the first two dances; their shared planning sustains their familiarity.
  • Emma interprets Frank's farewell manner as evidence of stronger love, anticipates a declaration, and takes her own sorrow as evidence of some love for him. These remain her interpretations.
  • Emma recognizes that Frank has become her habitual imagined confidant, extending their connection into her private reflections during his absence.
  • Emma and Frank share their dislike of Mrs. Elton and retain their dancing engagement, while Emma revises her estimate of his romantic interest.
  • Emma welcomes Frank but recognizes his bad temper. He recovers his agreeable manners, chooses to remain beside her, and makes his attendance at Box Hill conditional on her wishes.
  • Frank's flattering attentions briefly animate Emma, but she subsequently tires of his exuberance and wishes for quieter company.
  • Initial mutual embarrassment gives way to friendly conversation and congratulations, while Emma sets a limit on Dixon jokes and more firmly recognizes Knightley's superior character.

• Weston hopes for a marriage between Emma and Frank; Emma recognizes his wishes as he follows their conversation.

  • Weston approves Frank's engagement to dance with Emma and reveals that he had expected it; Emma overhears this further sign of his wishes.
  • Emma recognizes that Weston interprets Frank's happiness about Richmond as happiness at being nearer her, sustaining his hopes for their match.
  • Frank's engagement ends Weston's hopes of his marrying Emma; reassured that Emma is unharmed, Weston accepts Jane.

• Frank intends to visit Jane Fairfax that day and apparently accepts that delaying the visit could slight her in her reduced circumstances.

  • Frank reports that he visited the Bateses and saw Jane, remaining nearly three-quarters of an hour.

• Frank advocates reviving regular balls at the Crown and learns about the local families and obstacles to assembling a ball.

  • The renewed dance proposal outgrows Randalls and becomes a concrete plan for a ball at the Crown. Mrs. Weston undertakes the arrangements and accepts the larger supper-room across the passage, though Mr. Woodhouse's approval remains unsettled.
  • The extension briefly makes the ball seem assured, but Frank's compulsory departure prevents it; he proposes preserving it for a future visit.
  • After attempts to fix a date have been suspended, preparations for the Crown ball resume and an early date is set on Frank's assurance that he can attend.
  • The proposed ball at the Crown takes place successfully.

• Frank travels to London ostensibly for a haircut, intending to return for dinner.

  • Frank returns from the excursion having had his hair cut and spent money.

• The Coles seek to expand their household and social circle as their wealth increases, enlarging their establishment and inviting neighbouring families to dinner.

  • The Coles assemble their neighbours, receive Emma successfully, and extend their hospitality to music and dancing.

• Emma's determination to uphold social precedence by refusing the Coles conflicts with her resentment at apparent exclusion and her growing desire to attend; their considerate invitation leads her to accept.

  • Emma attends intending to enjoy herself and receives the respect and social consequence she wanted, leaving her satisfied with her reception.

• Emma agrees to attend the Coles' dinner while her father remains at Hartfield, arranging company for him, transport for herself and assurances about her comfort and the household's security.

  • Emma provides for her father's companions, attends the dinner, and is escorted to her carriage at the close of the evening.

• Emma intends to assess Frank's manners and apparent interest in her before deciding whether to discourage him.

  • Emma judges Frank's gallantry to be self-willed but treats his apparent wish to dance with her favourably and accepts his invitation.
  • Emma continues assessing Frank's sincerity and attachment, disbelieves his denial about his original expectations of Highbury, and deflects what she suspects will be a romantic declaration.

• Jane receives a pianoforte from an unidentified giver; the Bateses attribute it to Campbell, while Emma suspects Dixon and Mrs. Weston suspects Knightley.

  • The music delivered with the pianoforte supplies further material for Emma's suspicions and her shared inspection with Frank, without establishing the giver's identity.
  • Frank's letter identifies him as the giver: he ordered Jane's pianoforte without her knowledge.

• Frank seeks Mrs. Churchill's permission to travel abroad, but begins to lose his desire to go.

  • Frank renews his declared intention to travel abroad after his aunt recovers, proposing artistic or literary work from the journey.
  • Frank declares a renewed intention to travel abroad, now specifying an absence of two years; the events do not establish permission or implementation.

• Mrs. Weston's suggestion that Knightley may marry Jane alarms Emma, who opposes the match on the stated ground of preserving Henry's inheritance of Donwell.

  • Knightley's warm defence briefly renews anxiety, but Emma accepts his assurance that he will never propose to Jane and hears his explicit denial of romantic interest.

• Emma tests Mrs. Weston's theory of Knightley's attachment to Jane through questions about his kindnesses and observation of his choice of dance partner.

  • Miss Bates's account supplies Emma with further evidence of Knightley's substantial kindness to Jane and her household, relevant to the attachment Mrs. Weston has proposed; it does not establish a romantic motive.
  • Emma's observations strengthen her conviction that Knightley's attachment to Jane is not romantic.
  • Emma directly probes the suspected attachment and obtains Knightley's denial, settling her inquiry.

• Knightley becomes angry with Frank for encouraging Jane to continue singing despite vocal fatigue and intervenes through Miss Bates to stop her.

• Emma seeks to improve her musicianship after regretting her inferior execution and childhood idleness, beginning with sustained practice.

• Mrs. Weston arranges to hear Jane's new instrument, persuades Frank to accompany her, and draws Emma and Harriet into the visit through Miss Bates's invitation.

  • The party visits the Bateses, Mrs. Weston hears and delights in the instrument, Jane plays again at Frank's request, and the visitors depart.

• Knightley's generosity supports the Bates household: he gives them all his remaining baking apples despite Jane's and Miss Bates's attempts to discourage the gift.

  • Knightley's assistance includes use of his carriage. The disclosure that his apple gift exhausted his entire store makes the extent of his generosity clear and discomposes Jane and Miss Bates.

• Knightley promises to visit the Bateses another day to hear Jane's pianoforte.

• Mr. Woodhouse's fears about draughts and health impede the dance arrangements; he opposes the Crown proposal but agrees to consider it further.

  • The season reassures Mr. Woodhouse sufficiently for him to become resigned to Emma attending the ball.

• Frank requests permission from Enscombe to extend his visit a few days beyond his fortnight.

  • The requested extension is granted, but a subsequent summons terminates the extended stay.

• Frank must abandon his extended stay and return immediately to Enscombe because Mrs. Churchill is reportedly seriously ill.

• Emma's sorrow at Frank's departure makes her question the strength of her attachment and conclude that she must be a little in love with him.

  • Emma concludes that her supposed love is slight; even the temporary excitement of Frank's letter leaves no lasting increase in attachment.

• Frank undertakes to work for another visit to Highbury and preserve the postponed ball and his engagement to dance with Emma.

  • Although Mrs. Churchill is recovering, Frank still cannot name a date for returning to Randalls.
  • After Frank and Mrs. Weston had despaired of another visit, the planned move to London creates a renewed prospect of seeing him; no Highbury visit or ball is yet arranged.
  • Frank returns to Highbury. His aunt prevents further intended visits for a time, but the Richmond move enables him to promise twenty-four hours for the revived ball, whose date is fixed.
  • Frank returns, the postponed ball takes place, and he keeps his engagement to dance with Emma.

• Mrs. Weston promises to keep Frank informed about Highbury by correspondence.

  • Mrs. Weston receives a recent letter from Frank and completes her reply, sustaining their correspondence.
  • Weston reports that Mrs. Weston's recent letters have already supplied Frank with extensive news about Mrs. Elton.
  • Frank requests prompt information specifically about Jane, including Mrs. Weston's judgment of her appearance.

• Emma resolves to acknowledge the slightness of her feelings for Frank and avoid encouraging him if his supposed attachment continues.

  • Emma finds she can mention Frank without distress and interprets this as evidence that her feelings are subsiding.
  • Emma resumes examining the strength of her feelings when Frank's news produces agitation she must understand and measure.
  • Emma concludes that her own attachment has disappeared and resolves to discourage Frank and prevent a declaration. His visit suggests diminished interest, though she subsequently interprets his haste as possible self-protection against her influence.
  • Emma concludes that Frank's interest in her has diminished, reducing the apparent need to discourage his supposed attachment.
  • Emma confirms that her attachment has ceased, and Frank's engagement removes the prospect of having to discourage his supposed attachment.
  • Emma concludes that she never truly loved Frank, clarifying the feelings underlying her earlier resolution.

• Emma tentatively imagines Harriet replacing her in Frank's affections after she refuses him, then resolves not to dwell on the match.

  • The rescue revives Emma's imagined match between Harriet and Frank. She treats Harriet's response and Frank's delight as encouragement, but resolves to let any attachment develop without intervention.
  • Emma now believes Harriet loves Frank, making her earlier imagined pairing seem possible, but resolves to limit discussion and refrain from intervention. Harriet does not confirm the man's identity.
  • Frank's invitation to choose his wife renews Emma's conjecture that Harriet would suit him and might already be his intended choice.
  • Emma revives her imagined match between Harriet and Frank, interpreting Mrs. Churchill's death as removing its obstacle without establishing either person's intentions.
  • Harriet's disclosure establishes that the attachment Emma imagined developing toward Frank was actually directed toward Knightley.

• Harriet seeks to control her continuing distress over Elton out of affection and consideration for Emma.

  • Harriet's distress at seeing the married Eltons diminishes, marking progress toward controlling her continuing hurt.
  • Harriet acknowledges that seeing the married Eltons remains painful and asks to stay away from the dinner; Emma welcomes her refusal.
  • Emma believes Harriet has ceased idealizing Elton, suggesting progress in her recovery without independently establishing the full state of Harriet's feelings.
  • Harriet can tell Emma that her distress over Elton has ended and relinquishes the relics she had previously lacked the resolution to destroy.

• Emma's efforts to observe social courtesy toward Mrs. Elton conflict with her growing dislike of Mrs. Elton's familiarity, pretensions and condescending judgments of her friends.

  • Emma maintains public praise while Mrs. Elton grows cold; her treatment of Harriet and presumptuous familiarity deepen Emma's dislike, and their prospect of particular friendship recedes.
  • Emma acts on the obligation to entertain the Eltons despite her dislike of Mrs. Elton, seeking to avoid the appearance of resentment.
  • The inclusion of Mrs. Elton in Emma's intended quiet expedition renews Emma's displeasure, which she suppresses out of consideration for the Westons.
  • Mrs. Elton responds to Emma's engagement with distress and resentment, sustaining the antagonism surrounding their social relationship.

• The Sucklings promise to visit the Eltons in spring or summer; Mrs. Elton plans sightseeing with them and intends to recommend bringing their barouche-landau.

  • The Sucklings postpone their visit until autumn, delaying Mrs. Elton's intended introductions and display; she decides that Box Hill can proceed without them.

• Mrs. Elton proposes establishing a musical club with Emma and holding weekly meetings.

• Mr. Woodhouse expresses hope of visiting the married Eltons in summer after excusing himself from an earlier visit.

• Mrs. Elton undertakes unsolicited patronage of Jane, proposing frequent invitations, musical parties, introductions to the Sucklings and help finding employment; she initially seeks Emma's cooperation but ceases cultivating her as a fellow patroness.

  • Knightley credits Mrs. Elton with giving Jane otherwise lacking attention. Mrs. Elton extends her patronage to Jane's correspondence, but Jane refuses the proposed arrangement.
  • Mrs. Elton commits to writing Mrs. Partridge and recruiting friends to find Jane a distinguished situation, despite Jane's repeated objections.
  • Mrs. Elton extends her patronage through transport arrangements and familiar treatment of Jane, while seeking Jane's compliments; her familiarity displeases Frank.
  • Mrs. Elton continues to include Jane in her arrangements and presses her to authorize acceptance of an available governess situation.
  • Mrs. Elton secures a situation for Jane and refuses to transmit her initial refusal; Jane subsequently accepts.

• Jane becomes a frequent companion of the Eltons, walking, sitting and spending days with them; Emma and Mrs. Weston seek an explanation for her acceptance of Mrs. Elton's company.

  • Jane and the Bateses attend another evening at the Eltons, continuing their social connection.
  • Mrs. Elton remains in Jane's company and displays knowledge of her engagement; Emma infers that the Eltons have relented after resenting Jane.

• Mrs. Elton plans a superior spring party to repay Highbury's hospitality and demonstrate her standards of entertaining.

  • The postponed Suckling visit interrupts Mrs. Elton's projected parties and opportunities for display.

• Emma arranges a Hartfield dinner for the Eltons to avoid appearing resentful; despite changes to the company, the guests assemble.

  • The Hartfield dinner gathering proceeds into tea and cards.

• John brings Henry and young John to Hartfield for a spring stay of several weeks with their grandfather and aunt.

  • John gives instructions for the boys' care and authorizes their early return if necessary; Emma commits herself to their happiness, and Knightley offers to take them at Donwell if she needs relief.

• Mrs. Elton attempts to arrange collection of Jane's letters through the Eltons' servant, but Jane insists on collecting them herself.

• Jane asks Mrs. Elton to postpone employment inquiries until summer, after she has spent time with the Campbells, but Mrs. Elton persists in arranging a situation for her.

  • Mrs. Elton presses for acceptance of a specific situation by the next post. Jane reiterates her refusal to accept any situation yet and proposes a walk to escape the pressure.
  • Jane abandons her refusal and her intention to wait for Colonel Campbell, accepting the employment Mrs. Elton has arranged.

• Frank plans to come to London, renewing the Westons' hopes of seeing him.

  • Frank's letter confirms that he is to accompany the Churchills to London shortly, with a stay during May, strengthening Weston's expectation of seeing him.
  • The Churchills arrive in London, and Frank makes the hoped-for visit to Highbury, calling at Randalls and Hartfield.

• News of Frank's coming to London agitates Emma, prompting her to reassess her feelings for him.

  • Emma settles her uncertainty about her own feelings by attributing her anxiety to Frank's supposed attachment, although she still anticipates a disruption of her tranquillity.

• Mrs. Elton welcomes an introduction to Frank, offers him hospitality at the Vicarage and intends to judge him through her own acquaintance.

  • Mrs. Elton meets Frank and praises him, although her intended opening dance with him is abandoned.

• Weston privately distrusts Mrs. Churchill's reported illness, attributing her departure from Enscombe to a desire for change and recalling her hostility toward his first wife.

  • Mrs. Churchill's sudden death ends the immediate dispute over her reported illness; public disbelief gives way to exoneration, and Weston responds with solemn compassion.

• The Churchills arrange and carry out a move to Richmond for May and June, bringing Frank nearer Highbury and improving his prospects of frequent visits.

• Mrs. Bates agrees to keep Mr. Woodhouse company at Hartfield while Emma attends the ball, and James receives advance notice of the arrangements.

  • Mrs. Bates carries out her evening visit to Mr. Woodhouse while Emma attends the ball.

• Elton publicly refuses to dance with Harriet, with his wife's encouragement; Emma recognizes the deliberate insult and resents their satisfaction.

• Knightley rescues Harriet from public exclusion by dancing with her and discovers that she is more conversable than he expected.

  • Knightley and Harriet continue their acquaintance through apparently enjoyable conversation apart from the group; he explains agricultural methods to her.
  • Harriet identifies Knightley's invitation to dance as the origin of her attachment and interprets his subsequent kindness and conversation as evidence of reciprocal interest; his actual feelings remain unconfirmed.
  • Further conversations with Harriet deepen Knightley's acquaintance with her and confirm his favorable judgment.

• Knightley's kindness to Harriet draws Emma's gratitude; her admission of error and his praise of Harriet bring them into warmer agreement, followed by an engagement to dance.

  • Emma continues to take pleasure in her newly warm understanding with Knightley.
  • Knightley affirms his commitment to frank counsel as Emma's friend. She recognizes its value and tries to express gratitude, although his mistaken reading of her silence leaves her response uncommunicated.
  • Knightley's renewed affectionate regard reassures Emma that their friendship and his good opinion have been restored.
  • Their renewed warmth develops into explicit mutual love and romantic commitment.

• Miss Bates and Mrs. Bates agree to conceal Mrs. Bates's disappointment over the removed food to spare Emma concern.

• Frank rescues Harriet from roadside harassment and brings her to safety at Hartfield; her response delights him, and Emma interprets the incident as grounds for a possible attachment.

• Alarmed by Harriet's adventure, Mr. Woodhouse seeks promises that the young women will never walk beyond the shrubbery.

• Harriet becomes attached to an unnamed benefactor whose aid transformed her misery into happiness and gratitude; Emma assumes that she means Frank, without establishing his identity.

  • The unnamed benefactor is identified as Knightley. Harriet believes he returns her love and increasingly accepts marriage to him as possible.

• Harriet resolves never to marry in connection with her new attachment.

  • Harriet's belief in Knightley's affection and the possibility of their marriage undermines her earlier renunciation of marriage.
  • Harriet abandons her resolution never to marry by happily accepting Robert.

• Emma and Harriet are to leave Harriet's new attachment undiscussed and its object unnamed; Emma commits herself to no further interference, and Harriet gratefully accepts her response.

  • Emma deliberately avoids allusions to Harriet's romantic prospects, preserving their agreement to leave the attachment undiscussed.
  • Emma ends their agreement to leave the attachment unnamed and undiscussed by explicitly identifying Knightley and examining Harriet's hopes.

• Knightley suspects a concealed attachment or understanding between Frank and Jane from private looks, Frank's unexplained knowledge of the carriage proposal, and the letter game; Emma's denial unsettles his confidence without establishing the truth.

  • The disclosed engagement confirms the concealed understanding Knightley suspected, although these events do not show him learning the truth.

• Frank uses the letter game to convey private allusions to Jane; the Dixon allusion embarrasses and displeases her, and she withdraws from the game and seeks to leave.

  • Emma now suspects that Frank used the Dixon allegation she supplied to wound Jane, giving the earlier private allusions a more troubling explanation.

• Knightley undertakes to protect Emma from perceived romantic danger by questioning her and warning her about Frank, but concludes that her response prevents him from helping her.

  • Knightley returns to offer comfort or advice over Frank's engagement, but Emma establishes that she never loved Frank and needs no such protection.

• Emma withholds from Knightley the true explanation of the Dixon joke, ashamed of having shared her suspicions with Frank.

• Emma treats Knightley's suspicions about Frank and Jane with amused disbelief; her confident denial weakens his confidence, and his frustration ends their conversation.

  • Emma receives decisive confirmation that her confident denial of an understanding between Frank and Jane was mistaken.

• Emma and Weston plan a small Box Hill expedition; Weston combines it with Mrs. Elton's party, and the guests settle arrangements for the day after Donwell.

  • The combined party reaches Box Hill, completes the outing, and departs.

• Emma resents Weston's agreement to combine the Box Hill parties but consents to spare him and Mrs. Weston; Weston mistakes her consent for approval.

  • Weston enjoys the gathering, but Emma finds the company unsatisfactory and resolves to avoid another outing with such ill-assorted companions.

• Knightley arranges and hosts a strawberry gathering at Donwell, providing special comforts that enable Mr. Woodhouse to attend happily.

• Mrs. Elton attempts to direct Knightley's invitations and entertainment arrangements; he retains control, and she yields on the guest list and indoor meal while continuing to offer supervision.

• Mrs. Elton intends to discuss buying a donkey with Elton.

• Weston seeks Frank's attendance at Donwell; Frank arrives late after changing his mind about coming, with his aunt's illness given as the cause of delay.

• Frank alternately refuses and accepts the next day's Box Hill outing, finally committing to stay and attend if Emma wishes; she accepts.

  • Frank attends Box Hill after accepting Emma's urging to abandon his proposed departure.

• Mrs. Elton resents Emma's purported precedence in the entertainment, and she and Elton refuse to participate and leave the seated company.

• Emma humiliates Miss Bates by mocking her talk; Miss Bates understands the insult, is hurt, and resolves to speak less while continuing to judge Emma generously.

  • Emma perceives diminished ease and cheerfulness in Miss Bates's reception, showing the continuing hurt, while her friendly inquiry moves Miss Bates.

• Frank asks Emma to choose a wife for him and declares that he will travel abroad for two years before returning for her choice.

• Knightley rebukes Emma for her cruelty to Miss Bates. Emma accepts his judgment and feels deep remorse, but her silence gives him a mistaken impression, and she fails to convey her gratitude before leaving.

  • Emma turns the remorse prompted by Knightley's rebuke into a concrete resolution and reparative visit; no reconciliation with Knightley is recorded.
  • Emma initially fears that Knightley remains unforgiving, but his exceptional friendliness leads her to conclude that their estrangement has ended.

• Emma resolves to replace her scorn and neglect of Miss Bates with regular, equal and kindly intercourse, beginning with a visit the next morning.

• Jane commits to teaching Mrs. Smallridge's three daughters near Maple Grove and is to leave the Bateses within a fortnight.

  • Perry reports that Jane's condition may prevent her from beginning the agreed governess position.
  • Jane's governess plans precipitate Frank's disclosure and his uncle's consent to their marriage, undermining the necessity of the Smallridge position; no cancellation is reported.
  • Jane's employment commitment is revealed as part of her decision to separate from Frank; his subsequent sanctioned reconciliation undermines that course, although no cancellation of the position is recorded.
  • The governess appointment has been abandoned: Mrs. Elton reports appeasing Mrs. Smallridge, while Jane confirms arrangements leading to marriage and residence at Enscombe.

• Miss Bates plans to visit old John Abdy after hearing of his son's request for parish relief.

• Jane plans to leave the pianoforte with the Bateses and ask Colonel Campbell to help dispose of it.

• Knightley plans a short visit to John and Isabella in London and leaves Hartfield intending to depart immediately.

  • Knightley has visited his brother in London and returns immediately after learning of Frank's engagement.

• Mr. Churchill plans to move with Frank to an old friend's house at Windsor after the funeral leaves for Yorkshire.

  • Frank and his uncle reach Windsor.

• Regretting her past neglect, Emma seeks to help Jane through hospitality, carriage outings and suitable food, but Jane rejects each offer.

  • Emma renews her visit and receives Jane's warm welcome; their private exchange ends in mutual forgiveness and goodwill.

• Jane refuses Emma's company and assistance; Emma concludes that Jane is deliberately rejecting her personally and feels mortified while retaining her compassion.

  • Emma reinterprets Jane's rejection of her assistance as jealousy of a supposed rival, reducing her anxiety about Jane without establishing Jane's actual motive.
  • Jane's conveyed thanks qualify Emma's interpretation of her refusals as personal rejection, while the disclosures redirect Emma toward regret for her own conduct.
  • Jane actively welcomes Emma and seeks to apologize; Emma answers with reconciliation, ending their estrangement.

• Frank's concealed engagement and apparent courtship of Emma sharply lower him in Emma's moral estimation.

  • Mrs. Weston's defence does not sustain Emma's attention, and Emma suspects Frank deliberately turned her Dixon allegation against Jane.
  • Emma acknowledges her vanity in accepting Frank's attentions and recognizes that they served to conceal his relationship with Jane.
  • Frank's complete explanation reduces Emma's estimate of his wrongdoing and restores her former friendly regard.

• Frank and Jane have long been secretly engaged; misunderstandings disrupt their harmony, but Jane's decision to become a governess prompts Frank to disclose the engagement and obtain his uncle's consent to their marriage.

  • Knowledge of the engagement reaches Harriet through Weston under an injunction of secrecy, before Emma can carry out her intention to tell her.
  • Jane's account reveals the engagement's prolonged secrecy, guilt, quarrels and anxiety, including her fear of telling Campbell; Emma attributes Jane's consent to overwhelming love.
  • The letter explains the secret engagement, quarrel and Jane's termination of it, followed by Frank's obtaining his uncle's sanction and securing reconciliation and a renewed engagement.
  • The account establishes Jane's termination of the engagement, her commitment to employment, and their subsequent reconciliation; Knightley accepts Frank's genuine attachment.
  • Jane has recovered, receives pleasant accounts from Windsor, and openly confirms the couple's intended household and expected marriage.
  • Frank and Jane are reconciled, and his uncle's intended gift further demonstrates acceptance of Jane.

• Frank promises to write soon to Mrs. Weston following his disclosure of the engagement.

  • Frank's promised letter remains overdue, and Emma requests prompt news when it arrives.
  • Frank supplies the connected explanation he promised, and Mrs. Weston forwards his letter to Emma.

• Mrs. Weston seeks Emma's help reconciling Weston to Frank's engagement; Emma's reassurance and conversation bring him close to considering Jane the best possible choice.

  • Weston demonstrates his acceptance of the engagement by insisting on a visit expressly to show Jane and her family his approval.

• Emma commits herself to understanding her own feelings after recognizing the extent of her self-deception.

  • Emma identifies her dependence on Knightley's affection, acknowledges her invented suspicion and envy of Jane, and renews her commitment to self-knowledge and rational conduct.
  • Emma candidly acknowledges the vanity behind her response to Frank and corrects her mistaken understanding of Knightley's feelings.
  • Emma recognizes that her earlier resistance to Knightley's marrying arose from her own love for him.
  • Emma turns her happiness toward renewed self-correction and a clearer appreciation of Knightley's character.

• Harriet's hopes of marrying Knightley threaten Emma's newly recognized desires; Emma suffers jealousy and regrets having encouraged Harriet's social ambitions and introduced her to Knightley.

  • Emma wishes Harriet mistaken and suffers more intensely at imagining that her own interference may bring about Harriet's marriage to Knightley.
  • Emma's fear of Harriet as a rival proves groundless and her jealousy ends, but contrition over misleading Harriet remains.
  • Harriet's claims now trouble Emma's happiness through distress and self-reproach; Emma writes the necessary news rather than meeting her.
  • Emma's embarrassment and pity persist as Harriet's attachment becomes an obstacle to including her in Emma and Knightley's future household.
  • Confirmation that Harriet has accepted Robert removes Emma's fear of Harriet's competing hopes and allows her to welcome Harriet's return.

• Emma recognizes her love for Knightley and wants him to marry her alone.

  • Emma recognizes her need to be first in Knightley's affection but sees no evidence of romantic love from him; she wishes him unmarried and resolves to refuse marriage herself for her father's sake.
  • Knightley declares his love for Emma, she learns he does not love Harriet, and they acknowledge their reciprocal attachment.

• Emma resolves to treat Harriet kindly and investigate the grounds and extent of her hopes concerning Knightley.

  • Emma plans close observation of Harriet and Knightley while suspending private confidences and withholding acceptance of Harriet's interpretation.
  • Emma discovers that Harriet's hopes lack reciprocal affection and feels renewed responsibility for having encouraged her.
  • Emma learns that Harriet loves Robert, hears her acknowledge her former self-deception, and reassures her with unreserved approval.

• Emma requests a suspension of private visits and further discussion of Knightley with Harriet while his feelings remain uncertain; Harriet agrees and feels grateful for the arrangement.

  • Emma continues avoiding Harriet, prepares written communication and considers arranging a stay away from Highbury.
  • Harriet also wishes to avoid meeting Emma, and her stay in Brunswick Square extends their separation.

• The Westons openly welcome Jane as Frank's intended wife; their visit reassures her family, and Mrs. Weston's encouragement enables Jane to confide in her.

• Knightley's love for Emma produces jealousy of Frank and an attempt to overcome his attachment by leaving for London; learning that Emma never loved Frank permits him to declare himself, and her acceptance ends his distress.

• Emma and Knightley declare their reciprocal love and form a mutually acknowledged romantic commitment.

  • Emma experiences extraordinary happiness in their mutual commitment, and Knightley's breakfast visit and private conversation renew it.
  • Their commitment develops into a practical marriage proposal that accommodates Emma's duty to her father and demonstrates Knightley's willingness to sacrifice his domestic independence.
  • Emma enjoys Knightley's visits freely and hastens home at the prospect of finding him there.
  • Their conversations deepen their understanding of their longstanding attachment, and their intended marriage becomes known to family and society, receiving strong family approval.
  • Emma and Knightley's romantic commitment culminates in marriage.

• Emma resolves to conceal Harriet's attachment to Knightley after discovering that he loves Emma and that Harriet's hopes were groundless.

  • Emma continues concealing Harriet's attachment, painfully restricting what she can acknowledge to Knightley about his earlier advice.
  • Harriet's engagement makes Emma anticipate ending concealment and confiding fully in Knightley, though no disclosure occurs here.

• Emma's commitment to her father constrains her intended marriage to Knightley; she resolves never to leave her father and to remain engaged while he lives.

  • Emma reiterates that she cannot leave her father, but Knightley's proposal to live at Hartfield offers a solution she increasingly favours; her consideration and her father's acceptance remain outstanding.
  • The proposal to remain at Hartfield addresses Emma's refusal to leave her father, but his opposition still constrains when the marriage can occur.
  • Her father's suffering temporarily prevents Emma from proceeding, but his voluntary consent allows her to marry during his lifetime.

• Emma undertakes to tell Harriet of her engagement by letter while avoiding a personal encounter; she writes the letter and tentatively considers arranging a stay for Harriet in Brunswick Square.

  • Harriet's written response establishes their shared wish to avoid meeting; Emma secures Isabella's invitation, and Harriet safely reaches Brunswick Square for at least a fortnight.

• Frank used apparent courtship of Emma to conceal his engagement to Jane and facilitate visits to Highbury.

• Frank seeks Mrs. Weston's forgiveness and her mediation in obtaining Emma's forgiveness for his conduct.

  • The letter restores Emma's friendly regard, substantially achieving the reconciliation Frank sought with her; Mrs. Weston's forgiveness is not established here.
  • Mrs. Weston conveys Emma's forgiving message, and Emma personally confirms her forgiveness and congratulates Frank.

• Frank requests prompt news of Jane and Mrs. Weston's assessment of her appearance, while deferring another visit out of consideration for his uncle.

• Jane condemned Frank's attentions to Emma, and their accumulated disagreements became a quarrel; Frank doubted Jane's affection and withdrew while expecting her to initiate reconciliation.

  • Jane's distress had led her to break the engagement, but the reported reconciliation ends their estrangement.

• Frank mistakenly believed he had sent a reassuring reply to Jane's termination of their engagement, while Jane interpreted his silence as acceptance; her return of his letters exposed the mistake.

  • Knightley learns the account of their separation and reconciliation, which ends the rupture sustained by their misunderstanding.

• Knightley proposes marrying Emma and living at Hartfield with her father, after rejecting a move to Donwell as dangerous to Mr. Woodhouse's comfort and health; Emma promises to consider the proposal and increasingly welcomes it.

  • Emma adopts Knightley's proposal as their intended arrangement and announces that he will join the Hartfield household; securing her father's acceptance remains unfinished.
  • Mr. Woodhouse's concern about household security leads him to welcome the imminent marriage, enabling the Hartfield marriage arrangement to proceed.

• Emma concludes that Harriet must remain away from the prospective Hartfield household to spare her the pain of witnessing Emma's marriage to Knightley.

  • Harriet's temporary removal is accomplished, relieving Emma's immediate distress and allowing her to enjoy Knightley's visits; Harriet's longer-term separation from the prospective household remains unsettled.
  • Harriet is staying with Isabella, whose reassuring report and invitation to extend the visit give Emma hope that continued absence will ease the situation.
  • Harriet's accepted engagement removes Emma's reason for keeping her away from the prospective Hartfield household; Emma now welcomes her return.

• Emma postpones telling her father of her engagement until Mrs. Weston is safe and well, seeking at least a fortnight of peace.

  • Mrs. Weston safely gives birth and recovers sufficiently; Emma ends the postponement and tells her father of the engagement.

• Mrs. Elton proposes another Box Hill excursion with exactly the same company.

• Elton seeks a meeting with Knightley before Saturday's Crown meeting, but his visit fails despite Knightley's assurance that he would remain at home.

• Jane and Frank plan to marry after at least three months of mourning and live with Mr. Churchill at Enscombe; Jane will remain with the Bateses until the Campbells claim her.

  • With their reconciliation confirmed, Frank plans to meet the Campbells in London, stay there and eventually take Jane north.
  • Jane leaves Highbury and returns to the Campbells, completing the planned end of her stay with the Bateses; her marriage remains prospective.

• Knightley seeks a more intimate form of address from Emma; she promises to call him by his Christian name once, implicitly at their wedding.

• Emma and Harriet's separation diminishes their direct intimacy and correspondence.

  • Emma welcomes Robert and attends Harriet's wedding, while her intimacy with Harriet settles into calmer goodwill.

• Mr. Woodhouse opposes Emma's marriage despite the plan for Knightley to live at Hartfield; reassurance and family support make him gradually contemplate accepting it after a long delay.

  • Mr. Woodhouse's resistance initially obstructs arrangements, but fear of local thefts brings him to cheerful consent, and the marriage takes place.

• Robert plans to consult Mrs. Goddard about Harriet's relations, following Knightley's advice.

• Emma looks forward to ending her concealment and confiding fully in Knightley.

• Mr. Churchill intends to meet Jane, though a visit to Randalls remains uncertain.

• Mr. Churchill intends to give Jane his late wife's jewels, newly set; Frank plans to use some in a hair ornament for Jane.

• Emma and Knightley plan an October wedding during John and Isabella's stay, followed by a fortnight at the seaside; her father's distress delays arrangements until his consent allows them to fix the day and marry.

Places

Hartfield, London, Highbury, Randalls, Brunswick Square, Broadway Lane, Enscombe, Donwell Abbey, Donwell, Kingston, Donwell road, Clayton Park, Vicarage Lane, Cobham, Weymouth, South End, Cromer, Langham, Highbury road, Bath, Ireland, Dublin, Holyhead, England, Bristol, Oxford, Crown, Yorkshire, Maple Grove, Clifton, West Hall, Birmingham, Richmond, Richmond road, Box Hill, Donwell Lane, Windsor