The Cruel Jest at Box Hill — Emma

Box Hill has fine weather and punctual arrangements, yet the day never really comes together. The party splits into groups. The Eltons keep to themselves, Knightley stays with the Bates women, and Emma and Harriet spend the morning with Frank, who is first dull and then too flirtatious. Everyone seems restless, and even the fine view cannot make the party feel united or happy.

When Frank demands that everyone entertain him, Emma makes a cruel joke at Miss Bates's expense. She says Miss Bates may share only three dull things at once. Miss Bates understands the insult, is deeply pained, and says she must make herself disagreeable if that is what the company wants.

After the cold picnic lunch, Frank flirts openly with Emma, but she feels less happy than she expected. Walking to the carriages, Knightley rebukes her for cruelty toward Miss Bates, who is poor and dependent and deserves gentle treatment from those with more power. He hands her into her carriage without waiting to hear her remorse. Emma rides home in tears, knowing she has done real harm to someone who never deserved it. She promises herself she will make amends as soon as she can. The shame stays with her all the way home to Hartfield.