"Emma" by Jane Austen. Part 5

Summary

There is news that Mrs. Churchill has died.  Emma now realizes that there is no obstacle between Frank and Harriet. Meanwhile, Mr. Weston arrives to escort Emma to see Mrs. Weston. She has news that Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax have been secretly engaged. Emma quickly relieves Mrs. Weston by assuring her that she has no feelings for Frank. Emma dreads telling Harriet the news, but when Harriet arrives at Hartfield, She has already heard the story from Mr. Weston. Harriet denies that she ever had interest in Frank Churchill, instead, she has been harboring feelings for Mr. Knightley. Emma finally realizes that nobody should marry Mr. Knightley but Emma herself. Mrs. Weston arrives to report that she has just visited with Jane and that Jane admitted to having suffered a good deal since entering into the secret engagement. She blames herself for her misjudgment and acknowledges Emma’s kindness during her sickness. Mr. Knightley stops by Hartfield to see Emma and they discuss Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax. Worried that Knightley is about to discuss Harriet, Emma quickly silences him. Emma can barely conceal her feelings as she and Mr. Knightley join her father for tea and attempts to get Harriet invited to stay with Isabella in London. Frank Churchill writes a letter to Mrs. Weston, which expresses regret for his deception and clarifies some of his behavior. Emma cannot help but forgive Frank. Then, Emma decides not to tell her father of her engagement until Mrs. Weston, who is pregnant, has given birth to her baby. Mr. Elton annoyed that Mr. Knightley has missed a meeting with him and Emma decides he must be waiting for her at Hartfield. Mrs. Weston gives birth to a little girl while Emma and Mr. Knightley publicly share the news of their engagement. Mr. Woodhouse dislikes the idea of Emma marrying Mr. Knightley because it would force him to change his habits. Harriet Smith is to be married to Robert Martin. It is revealed that Harriet’s father is a tradesman, but not the aristocrat that Emma had predicted. Emma meets Robert Martin and becomes convinced that Harriet will be happy with him. Harriet marries Robert Martin, Frank Churchill marries Jane Fairfax and later Emma marries Mr. Knightley.

"Emma" by Jane Austen. Part 5