Reading Between the Lines of Love — Emma

Emma reads Frank Churchill's long letter and, despite intending to be severe, finds herself forgiving him as love stories and her own happiness soften her heart. She asks Mr. Knightley to read it aloud before Mr. Weston comes to collect it, and his commentary is cooler but fair.

He condemns Frank's careless game with Jane and Emma, praises truth and sincerity, and passes over Box Hill without reproach to her. By the end he grants that Frank may improve beside Jane and that their marriage has a chance of doing him good.

Then Knightley turns to his own subject: how to marry Emma without harming Mr. Woodhouse. Moving father and daughter to Donwell is impossible, so instead he will live at Hartfield while her father lives. Emma is moved by the sacrifice and amused about William Larkins and the farm, yet Harriet shadows the joy.

The family party forming at Hartfield must keep Harriet away, a cruel necessity Emma cannot deplore for herself but grieves for her friend. She knows happiness and guilt will walk together until Harriet is safely out of Highbury and the engagement can be spoken openly at last. For now she clings to Knightley's visits and tries not to think too far ahead.