The Great Class Debate — Emma

While Harriet stays at Hartfield, Emma keeps her close when she must spend an hour at Mrs. Goddard's school. Mr. Knightley calls and stays for blunt talk after Mr. Woodhouse is persuaded out for his winter walk.

Knightley praises Harriet's good nature and credits Emma with improving her. Then he reveals that Robert Martin consulted him two evenings ago, can afford marriage, and has almost certainly proposed. Emma has been smiling through his story. She finally admits Martin wrote yesterday and Harriet refused.

Knightley stands in angry shock. He accuses Emma of writing the answer and argues that Martin is Harriet's equal in sense, not beneath her. Emma insists a respectable farmer would degrade a girl who moves in a higher circle. She invents a gentleman father for Harriet and claims beauty and sweet temper give her the right to be choosy. Knightley blames Emma for turning Harriet against her own friends and warns that pride on a weak head will leave her miserable.

Emma refuses to reopen the question with Martin. She says only a gentleman in education and manner can win Harriet now. Knightley guesses Elton is Emma's real plan and warns that Elton will act sensibly about money, knows the value of a good income, and has praised rich young ladies his sisters know. Emma laughs, denies any scheme for Elton, and says she is done with matchmaking.

Knightley leaves angry. Emma feels less sure than he does until Harriet returns cheerful, thinking of Elton not Martin. Miss Nash reports that Mr. Perry met Elton riding to London on whist-club night on business he would not delay, smiling when a lady was guessed. Emma treats that gossip as proof that passion is winning over prudence.