The Truth Finally Spoken — Emma

After the storm clears, Emma walks in the shrubbery and meets Mr. Knightley, returned from London. The wet leaves and broken branches seem to match her shaken spirits. Their greetings are stiff and constrained. She fears he means to speak of Harriet, while he thinks her distress is for Frank Churchill and his engagement to Jane.

When she mentions Frank and Jane's coming wedding, Knightley already knows and offers tender consolation, believing her heartbroken. Emma must correct him. She was never truly attached to Frank. She was only flattered by his attentions, which he used as a blind for his secret engagement.

Relieved, Knightley grows intense, then confesses he envies Frank in one respect. Emma almost deflects, but when he withdraws wounded she invites him to speak as a friend. He asks whether he has any chance with her. She cannot say no. His honest declaration follows, and within half an hour both pass from distress to certainty, knowing at last where their hearts belong. She has never been so frightened and so glad at once. They part with a new understanding that will alter every day at Hartfield. Nothing in the garden looks the same once their words are finally spoken. She can hardly breathe.