Emma's Social Engineering Project — Emma

Harriet becomes a regular at Hartfield. Emma invites her constantly. She needs a walking friend now that Mrs. Weston's marriage has cut into her exercise and her father rarely leaves the garden. Emma likes Harriet's sweetness and docile nature. This friendship is different from her bond with Mrs. Weston. With Harriet, Emma can still be useful and guide someone younger.

Harriet talks about the Martins at Abbey-Mill Farm, where she spent two happy months. She describes the parlors, cows, and summer-house tea with real warmth. Emma is amused at first, then alarmed when she learns young Robert Martin is single. Emma questions how much time Harriet and Martin spent together and warns that a farmer is beneath notice. They meet Martin on the road the next day. Emma finds him neat but plain and without gentle manners. She contrasts him with Knightley, Weston, and Elton and predicts a rough future if Harriet marries down.

Emma then praises Mr. Elton's gentle manners and his warm praise of Harriet. She watches Harriet blush. The chapter ends with Emma's settled plan: Elton is the man she will use to drive the young farmer out of Harriet's head, a match she thinks is natural, proper, and within her power to arrange.