Mr. Knightley’s Diary

"I hope he returns in time for the Coles" dinner party," said Mr. Woodhouse. "It would not do to slight the Coles. Emma is going for that very reason. It is good of her, for she cannot want to go out, I am sure."

"I thought you had made up your mind to refuse their invitation?" I said to her.

"I had," she said uncomfortably. "But they expressed themselves so well in their invitation that I changed my mind. I did not wish to disappoint them, and Mrs. Weston particularly wished me to go," she added, with the air of one making an excuse. "I felt it would be wrong of me to refuse."

I detected the reason for the change at once.

"And is Mr. Churchill to be there, or will he still be having his hair cut?" I asked.

I was surprised at how scathing my words sounded.

"Of course not! And yes, he will be going to the dinner party. At least," she said, colouring slightly,

"I suppose he will be going. I am sure I do not know. But as Mr. and Mrs. Weston are going, I suppose I must assume that Mr. Churchill will be going, too."

"I only hope that Emma will not come home cold," said Mr. Woodhouse. "I have made my excuses.

The Coles know that I am a sad invalid, and although they had ordered a screen for me specially so that I would not have to sit in any draughts, I told them I could not go. I have made Emma promise me that if she comes home cold, she will warm herself thoroughly, and that if she is hungry, she will take something to eat."

I watched Emma throughout this speech, and I saw how uncomfortable she was. If Churchill had not been going to the dinner party, then I am sure Emma would have remained at home.

Saturday 6 March

I was worried about Miss Fairfax walking to the Coles" house in the cold night air, and so I called on Miss Bates this morning and offered to take her and her niece in my carriage.

"Oh, Mr. Knightley, you are too kind," said Miss Bates. "Is he not, mother? Mr. Knightley has offered to take us up in his carriage. I am sure I do not know when I have been shown such kindness."

"It is nothing," I said. "I am going to the party myself, and I have to pass your door; it is no trouble."

That was not quite true, but nevertheless, Miss Bates accepted my excuse and the time of the carriage was arranged.

Monday 8 March

After a day’s work I was ready to enjoy the evening. I arranged for the carriage to be brought round in good time. I would not have taken it for myself, as I prefer to walk or ride, but I was glad to be able to show Miss Bates some attention, and to safeguard the health of her niece.

"Well, this is travelling in style, is it not, Jane?" asked Miss Bates as we drove to the Coles" house.

Miss Fairfax, thus appealed to, said it was, but she continued to be in low spirits. It is perhaps not to be expected that the Highbury air could do her any good in March, but when the weather improves, then I hope to see an improvement in her health.

We arrived. I helped the Bateses out but I did not immediately follow them inside, as Emma arrived just behind me.

As she stepped out of the carriage, I thought I had never seen her look better. Her gown could be glimpsed beneath her pelisse, and I could see that it was new. I noticed that her hair was done in a different style, and I was disappointed to think that it was all in compliment to Frank Churchill.

"This is coming as you should," she said in her nonsensical way, as she looked at my carriage appreciatively, "like a gentleman. I am quite glad to see you."

I shook my head and laughed, saying: "How lucky that we should arrive at the same moment; for, if we had first met in the drawing-room, I doubt whether you would have discerned me to be more of a gentleman than usual. You might not have distinguished how I came by my look or manner."

"Yes I should; I am sure I should," she said serenely.

"Nonsensical girl!"

I could not help my eyes following her as we went in, and I saw that the Coles had gone out of their way to please her. She was received with a cordial respect which could not but gratify her, and she was given all the consequence she could wish for. When the Westons arrived, their brightest smiles were for her, and Mr. Weston’s son went straight to her side.

I wanted to like him, but I could not. Insufferable puppy! To go to London for a haircut! And then to go straight away to Emma, and ignore the rest of the party!

I did not want to watch the two of them, but I found I could not help myself. He is of an age with her, he is handsome and charming, and what is more, the Westons wish the match. I have long suspected it, and now I am sure of it. They look upon her already as a daughter-in-law. But I cannot abide the thought of Emma being married to Frank Churchill!

To a good man, yes, one who knows her in all her moods, who can laugh at her follies and rejoice in her virtues; who will not allow her to give in to her worst instincts; one who knows her, and who, knowing her, will still love her, and love her as she should be loved.