Mr. Knightley’s Diary

Once the weather improved I set off for the Abbey, and having some business at Ford’s, I passed through Highbury. I had almost reached the shop when I saw an interesting thing. Harriet Smith emerged from the door and set off towards Hartfield. Not a moment later, Robert Martin appeared and ran after her. They talked for a minute, and then Harriet set off in a different direction, taking the road past Mr. Cole’s stables. From the hesitations and embarrassment apparent on both sides, it seemed they were not comfortable with each other, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that they were not comfortable with the situation. With each other, if left to their own devices, I think they could be very comfortable indeed.

Friday 29 January

I called at Abbey Mill Farm today. Robert Martin was not at home, but Mrs. Martin made me welcome and asked me if I would wait. I said I would, and after the usual pleasantries and comments on the farm, I remarked that it had been fortunate for Miss Smith to see Robert the previous day, as he had been able to warn her away from the flooded path. Mrs. Martin was at first rather cold, saying she hoped her son always remembered his manners, but she soon warmed to her theme and it became clear that she was still very fond of Miss Smith.

"Such a nicely spoken young lady, and so well-read," remarked Mrs. Martin. "She recommended The Romance of the Forest to us, and we"ve all read it, even Robert. I am reading Children of the Abbey at present, another book Miss Smith recommended. I"ve not been able to get near it until now, because my daughters have all been reading it, though Robert bought it before Christmas. “What a coincidence, it being about an abbey,” my oldest girl said. “And here are we, living at Abbey Mill Farm. We could be the children of the Abbey.” We all laughed at that. It was a pity Miss Smith wasn"t here; she would have enjoyed the joke."

Yes, I believe she would.

When Robert Martin returned, we took a tour of the farm and he showed me the improvements he intends to make. The farm is flourishing, and he hopes to make it more profitable next year. After hearing about his plans, I think he will succeed.

Saturday 30 January

A bright day. After the snow and the rain, it made a welcome change to see the sun. I fancied a break from my labours, and so I walked over to Hartfield to see Emma and her father. Perry was there, and whilst he sat with Mr. Woodhouse, Emma and I took a turn in the garden.

"Your little friend is not with you, I see," I remarked.

"No. She had some shopping to do, and I did not like to leave my father. The bad weather has depressed his spirits, and I played backgammon with him to pass the time until Perry arrived."

"I saw her the other day, outside Ford’s."

I thought Emma stiffened, but she replied coolly enough: "Oh?"

"Yes. She was just on her way to Hartfield, I think. She set off to go by the nearest route, but Robert Martin followed her out of the shop and recommended she take another way because the path was flooded."

"That was very good of him," she said lightly.

"Yes, it was. But then Robert Martin is a good man."

"I am sure he is. But not good enough for Harriet," she said.

"And how are your efforts to educate your little friend coming along? How is her sketching, her reading and her music?"

She coloured.

"You have abandoned them, I see. I am not surprised. Harriet was not made for music and sketching, but Miss Fairfax was. You should invite her to Hartfield. Together you can sketch and read, and play the pianoforte. She would be a proper companion for you."

"She is so thin I do not like to trouble her," said Emma awkwardly.

"You mean you do not like to trouble yourself! You were never fond of practising your music, even as a little girl. You were always eager to escape."

"Well, and what if I was? There was always something more interesting to do!" she said with an arch smile.

"You will never be truly accomplished if you do not practise."

"I am accomplished enough for Highbury," she said.

"It is a pity you do not go to London more."

"You know I cannot leave Papa. Besides, you always listen to me, despite my wrong notes!"

"I hope you are not passing these standards on to Harriet," I said. "You will never improve her if you are."

She had the grace to blush.

"You have not forgiven me for trying to improve her," she said.

"Improvement is a good thing, in general, but it should not be allowed to interfere with real life, and real prospects."

We were back to Robert Martin.

I said no more, for I believe she is capable of continuing with her misguided notions to prove that she is right, whereas if I leave her to herself, in time I hope she will admit that she is wrong.

I am less worried about Harriet than I was. I am beginning to think she and Robert Martin will make a match of it, despite Emma’s best efforts to keep them apart.

February

Friday 5 February