Summary Emma (Jane Austen)

Emma by Jane Austen | Chapter 41-48 Summary & Analysis

Emma Chapter 41

June came without any great change--no new arrivals, no departures, no startling news. Mr. Knightley seemed to dislike Frank Churchill more and more. He suspected Mr. Churchill to be courting Emma, while his affections were really engaged with Jane Fairfax. He had seen them exchange looks, which he thought inappropriate; but he feared he might be creating a problem where there was none. So he continued observing.

His best evidence came one day at the end of a walk. Nearly everyone was there, and at the end of the walk Emma pressed them to have a drink at Hartfield. While on their way, Mr. Perry rode by on horseback. Frank Churchill asked Mrs. Weston about Mr. Perry's plan to buy a carriage, but she knew of no such plan. The young man insisted she had written it in a letter, but Mrs. Weston denied the charge. Mr. Weston himself knew nothing of Mr. Perry's plan, and Mr. Churchill suggested he might have dreamed the information. Emma was not present for this conversation, and so did not hear Miss Bates tell the group that she and her family (including Jane) had knowledge of the plan last spring. The doctor's wife, a friend of theirs, wanted a carriage, but was as yet unable to convince her husband. Mr. Knightley, suspecting a secret correspondence between Miss Fairfax and Mr. Churchill, watched their faces. But he saw no clue in them.

After tea, Mr. Churchill suggested they play a game. A person forms a word out of tile letters, then scrambles them. Another player tries to guess the word from the puzzle. Mr. Churchill gave a word to Jane, and after she solved it she pushed it away. Unknowingly Harriet picked it up, and solved it--Mr. Knightley saw that the word was "blunder." Jane Fairfax blushed at the word, and Mr. Knightley became certain of the connection he had just imagined. Next Mr. Churchill made out a small word for Emma, which he then slyly gave to Miss Fairfax. Mr. Knightley endeavored to see the word. It was "Dixon", and Jane Fairfax looked distressed when she realized Mr. Knightley had seen it. The evening soon ended, and Mr. Knightley looked to the innocent Emma. "He could not see her in a situation of such danger without trying to preserve her. It was his duty." Chapter 41, pg. 320 He asked his friend what was so amusing about the word "Dixon" in the game? Emma was confused and quiet. Mr. Knightley feared she was warmly attached to the deceitful young man. Feeling her protector, he had to ask her if she knew of any affection between Mr. Churchill and Miss Fairfax. Amused, Emma answered with a no, indicating her knowledge of the young man's heart. In poor spirits, he returned home to Donwell Abbey.

Emma Chapter 42

The visit Mrs. Elton had long hoped for from the Sucklings was not to occur this summer. All her plans were dashed; but she comforted herself with still trying to plan an excursion to Box Hill. Emma and Mr. Weston had been planning their own small trip there, with a few of their close friends. So Emma was surprised and hurt when Mr. Weston invited Mrs. Elton and her husband along. But the trip was delayed when a horse got hurt. Mr. Knightley jokingly suggested an excursion to Donwell, and Mrs. Elton jumped at the phony offer. "Donwell was famous for its strawberry-beds, which seemed a plea for the invitation; but no plea was necessary; cabbage-beds would have been enough to tempt the lady, who only wanted to be going somewhere." Chapter 42, pg. 324 Excited, she urged Mr. Knightley to arrange everything.
All invited happily agreed to the party, seeing it as a compliment to themselves. Mr. Knightley arranged it so the Woodhouses could come, and much to Mr. Knightley's disappointment, Mr. Weston invited his son. They had a beautiful day for the party. Emma had not been to Donwell Abbey in a long time, and she was struck by its' beauty. The group walked around the grounds, picked strawberries until Mrs. Elton tired of it, and then settled down to conversation. Mrs. Elton had found Jane Fairfax a governess position with a respectable family near Maple Grove, and Miss Fairfax was having a hard time refusing her excessively kind friend. Desiring to end the conversation, Miss Fairfax suggested a walk. During this stroll, Mr. Knightley and Harriet Smith broke away from the rest and had a private conversation.
After the walk the group went inside to eat. Still Mr. Churchill had not arrived. The post-meal walk was to be had, but Emma remained inside with her father. Jane Fairfax ran into Emma, and asked her to make her excuses to the others, because she had to leave. Emma, confused, offered her carriage to the girl, but she was insistent on walking back to her home alone. About twenty minutes after she left, Frank Churchill arrived. His aunt had delayed him, and now he was in a terrible mood, which he blamed on the heat. Emma was glad she no longer loved such an irritable man; Harriet would do better with him. When Mr. Churchill calmed down, he began to tell Miss Woodhouse his desire to go abroad. She teased the young man, sick of a life so comfortable. He thought Miss Woodhouse very wrong. Still cross, he finally agreed to attend the Box Hill trip tomorrow. As the others returned, they were happy to see him, though the sudden removal of Jane Fairfax was a distressing mystery.

 

 

 

 

Emma Chapter 43

The weather was lovely for the trip to Box Hill, but the mood of the travelers upon arriving was not. They seemed listless and soon split into groups. The Eltons did not like Miss Woodhouse or Miss Smith, and vice versa, and Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax were annoyances to Emma. All these poor relations divided the party. Emma was with Harriet and Frank Churchill, but she found him to be unlike himself, very quiet and dull. He seemed distracted, his attention elsewhere; this seemed to lessen Harriet's spirits as well. When they finally sit down Mr. Churchill improved, paying Emma his lively attention. They flirt with each other, though Emma did not have her heart attached to it or to him. Mr. Churchill was very excitable, and seems determined to cause a stir in the group. He said that Miss Woodhouse wanted to hear everyone's thoughts, a request that offended Mrs. Elton. He next asked to hear one funny story, or several dull ones, from each person. Miss Bates joked that three dull things would be very easy for her, and Emma cruelly remarked: "'Ah! ma'am, but there may be a difficulty. Pardon me, but you will be limited as to number--only three at once.'" Chapter 43, pg. 340 It took Miss Bates a moment to comprehend, and then she was very hurt. She faulted herself, not Miss Woodhouse, her kind old friend. Mr. Weston tries to change the subject. He suggests puzzles, but Mrs. Elton is still offended, and won't help break the tension. She and her husband walk off.
In their absence Mr. Churchill criticizes them, and the quickness of their courtship. Miss Fairfax speaks up to defend the idea of love arising from short acquaintances. But she thinks that only a weak person would hold onto such a love. Mr. Churchill asks Miss Woodhouse to choose a wife for him, and of the qualities he asks for, Emma finds nearly all of them in Harriet Smith. The day is ending, and Mr. Knightley approaches Emma while she waits for her carriage. He reprimands Emma for her comment to Miss Bates. For Emma to behave such to a woman whose situation is so inferior to her own, shows a lack of compassion. Emma's shame makes her silent, but Mr. Knightley fears she is only angry with him. The carriage arrives, and Emma enters hers before she is able to speak to Mr. Knightley. Unsettled, Emma sees now how cruel her words had been. She perhaps regretted even more the way she left things unsaid with Mr. Knightley. Feeling the most sadness, Emma cries the whole ride home.

 

Emma Chapter 44

All Emma could think of that night was the awful trip to Box Hill. She played backgammon with her father, hoping that no one could ever accuse her of hurting him. Emma thought to herself:
"She had been often remiss, her conscience told her so; remiss, perhaps, more in thought than fact; scornful, ungracious. But it should be so no more. In the warmth of true contrition she would call upon her the very next morning, and it should be the beginning, on her side, of a regular, equal, kindly intercourse." Chapter 44, pg. 346
With this change in character and action firm in her mind, Emma set off the next morning for the Bates'. While waiting to be let in, Emma thought of the unkind thoughts she had so often entertained before entering this house. Now she heard some hurried movement inside, as Jane Fairfax and Miss Bates left the room that Emma was brought into. Mrs. Bates apologized, and said that Jane was unwell. Miss Bates did return, much to Emma's relief. Jane Fairfax had agreed to a governess position, and she was very upset. Miss Bates is sure that her distress will lessen as she becomes used to the idea. She admits that the bustle before Emma was let in was Jane--she did not want to visit with anyone. Emma is sympathetic and inquires about Jane's new situation, which makes Miss Bates very pleased. Mrs. Elton found Jane the job with a family near Maple Grove. Jane was reluctant, claiming that she wanted to wait until the Campbells returned; but just yesterday she gave her approval. Frank Churchill had left town directly before she made her answer. He had received notice that his aunt would like him home soon, but he chose to return home directly after Box Hill. This was not a big piece of news, and Miss Bates soon switched the topic to the pianoforte. This made Emma think of how she had gossiped about that pianoforte and its' purchaser, and she felt terrible again, despite having gained Miss Bates' forgiveness.

Emma Chapter 45

When Emma returns from her visit, she finds Mr. Knightley and Harriet Smith at Hartfield. Mr. Knightley is going to London to see John and Isabella. Her friend seems hurried and not himself. Mr. Woodhouse asks Emma about her visit to Miss Bates and her mother. Mr. Knightley's mood changes, and he takes Emma's hand! He drops it before he kisses it, and Emma wonders what is going on with her old friend.

"The intention, however, was indubitable; and whether it was that his manners had in general so little gallantry, or however else it happened, but she thought nothing became him more. It was with him of so simple, yet so dignified a nature. She could not but recall the attempt with great satisfaction." Chapter 45, pg. 354

Mr. Knightley left them then, with Emma satisfied that her friend had forgiven her.

Emma told her father and Harriet the news about Jane Fairfax, news only topped by that of the death of Mrs. Churchill, which they received the next day. In death Mrs. Churchill was quite forgiven; criticisms of the hypochondriac aunt transformed themselves into praise of the dead. Emma hoped that this new freedom would allow Frank Churchill to marry her good friend Harriet. But Emma had other things to occupy her time. Determined to do right by Miss Fairfax, Emma began an attempt of charity and friendship towards the ill and doomed young woman. All her attempts were snubbed, leading Emma to believe that it was only from her that Miss Fairfax refused aid. She felt bad for having led the girl to this resolution, but comforted herself with the knowledge of her good intentions.

 

 

 

Emma Chapter 46

About one and a half weeks after Mrs. Churchill's death, Mr. Weston came to Hartfield and insisted that Emma accompany him to Randalls. He tells her that Mrs. Weston wants to see her, and there is some news, but all is very secretive. Once at Randalls Mr. Weston leaves his wife to tell Emma the news--that Frank Churchill and Miss Fairfax have been secretly attached for months, and are now engaged! The pair became engaged while at Weymouth, and told no one of it until today. Emma felt distressed, remembering all her gossip about Miss Fairfax, and also her plans for Mr. Churchill and Harriet. Emma tells her anxious friends not to worry about her--though she once liked Mr. Churchill, she has not for some time considered him any more than a friend. The Westons are relieved to hear that their friend has not been wounded. But Emma is very indignant about Mr. Churchill's behavior; to come here and lie to both friends and family, and to treat Miss Fairfax so terribly, she sees as inexcusable. Mrs. Weston wants to wait for his explanation; until then she will hold back her judgment. When her son discovered that Miss Fairfax had taken the governess position, he begged Mr. Churchill to let him marry her, and the uncle agreed. Emma is still not convinced the son is blameless.
"'To come among us with professions of openness and simplicity; and such a league in secret to judge us all! Here have we been the whole winter and spring, completely duped, fancying ourselves all on an equal footing of truth and honour, with two people in the midst of us who may have been carrying round, comparing and sitting in judgment on sentiments and words that were never meant for both to hear.'" Chapter 46, pg. 367
Mrs. Weston is not worried, because she hardly gossiped about either person. She still thinks Jane Fairfax is a good person, one who has only made a mistake. Mr. Weston enters then, and Emma's manner assures him that what he feared was not true. He is happy, and very soon convinced that this match is a wonderful idea.

 

Emma Chapter 47

Emma's thoughts are of Harriet, and her blame is on herself and Frank Churchill. She had encouraged Harriet, and had not been a good friend to her. She had also been a poor friend to Jane Fairfax. Realizing that she was probably seen as a rival, Emma could better understand why her offers of aid were spurned. She readies herself to tell Harriet, but when her friend arrives at Hartfield, she already knows the news. Emma is surprised to see her in such a good mood, surprised and confused just the right amount. She soon learns that this is because Harriet never cared for Frank Churchill; her attentions are focused on a far superior man--Mr. George Knightley! Harriet thought Emma's words of encouragement were in regards to Mr. Knightley, not Frank Churchill, and Harriet had taken them seriously. When Emma spoke about heroes, she meant Mr. Churchill and the gypsies; Harriet had in mind Mr. Knightley's kind behavior at the dance. The young woman is hopeful that the match, though difficult, will occur. At Harriet's claim of having Mr. Knightley's affections, Emma is troubled: "It darted through her with the speed of an arrow that Mr. Knightley must marry no one but herself!" Chapter 47, pg. 375
Harriet's proof was the two dances, their removed walk at Donwell, in which Mr. Knightley seemed interested in her affections, and finally an intimate conversation of the day before. Emma was in a state of confusion. She was unsure when exactly she came to love Mr. Knightley, but she knew she did now. She hated herself for thinking she knew everyone's hearts, and she regretted all the pain she had caused and was still likely to. She saw clearly that everything was her fault--she brought Harriet and Mr. Knightley together, and she encouraged Harriet. If she had only let her friend marry the proper man, Mr. Martin, all could have been averted.

 

Emma Chapter 48

Now that somebody else wanted him, Emma was able to realize how much Mr. Knightley's attention meant to her. She did not always deserve his attention and guidance, but she always received it. Emma did not think he loved her, she just hoped he did not love Harriet. If he could just marry no one, she would be happy. Emma kept Harriet away for a few days, and received some distraction from a visit by Mrs. Weston. She had just visited with Jane Fairfax, who was very relieved to have met with so friendly a Mrs. Weston. Miss Fairfax apologized, and all was forgiven. She strongly blames herself, and feels great remorse. Her conscious kept her in poor spirits, and she feared she was poor company. She spoke of Miss Woodhouse's kindnesses in a way that made Emma quite embarrassed. Emma realized that jealousy had kept her from befriending Jane Fairfax, and she was ashamed at her behavior.
It was a gray day, and Emma and her father were in poor spirits. Emma remembered how Mr. Knightley would usually visit at such times, and she missed her friend. The changes likely to take place in Highbury Emma did not look to with anticipation. Mrs. Weston was pregnant, and a new baby would certainly keep her away from Hartfield. Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax would likely leave, and worst of all, Mr. Knightley would no longer be free to associate with them as he had. His time would belong to his wife, and his many visits would be no more. Emma felt this loss most of all, and knowing her friend would have his attention, and that she had caused it, made her miserable. She could gain comfort only from
"the resolution of her own better conduct, and the hope that, however inferior in spirit and gaiety might be the following and every future winter of her life to the past, it would yet find her more rational, more acquainted with herself, and leave her less to regret when it were gone." Chapter 48, pg. 388