| Despite the disapproval of both George and John Knightley, Emma continues to line vicar Elton up for Harriet and she is deeply shocked when, alone in a carriage with him, he professes his love for her and is somewhat condescending towards Harriet, to whom Emma apologizes, telling her she is too good for him. Soon afterwards they learn he is to marry another woman. Jane Fairfax, modest niece of garrulous Miss Bates, returns to stay with her and Emma is unimpressed, given how her aunt has always praised her accomplishments. The handsome Frank Churchill also comes to live with his father and seems to share Emma's low regard for Jane, though the anonymous gift of a piano to Jane sets tongues wagging.Miss Bates has spoken of an admirer of Jane's in Ireland but Mrs. Weston suspects George is the donor. Emma ridicules this, saying that he will never marry. |
