Forgiveness and Fresh Grief — Emma

Emma returns from the Bates visit to find Mr. Knightley and Harriet with her father at Hartfield. The sight of Knightley after her shame at Box Hill makes her heart beat faster. Knightley must leave at once for London and barely stays long enough to speak. Emma reads reproach in his grave manner, then warmth when she blushes at her father's unjust praise of her charity toward the Bates family.

He takes her hand, nearly carries it to his lips, and leaves with unfinished gallantry that she reads as recovered friendship. The same day brings news that Mrs. Churchill is dead. Emma thinks Frank may now be free for Harriet, while she turns earnest kindness toward Jane, whose headaches and refusal of help show how ill and burdened she still remains.

Emma sits with mixed feelings as the house grows quiet again. She is glad Knightley went with kindness, yet she cannot stop thinking of Jane's pale face and Harriet's hopeful eyes while Highbury waits for what Mrs. Churchill's death may change. She tries to be hopeful for everyone and fails to comfort even herself. She wishes she had spoken more honestly before he rode away to London. The house feels emptier than she expected.