Mr. Knightley’s Diary

"I do not admire it," I said, determined to speak my mind. "It is too small - wants strength. It is like a woman’s writing."

Emma did not agree. Perhaps I had gone too far in saying it was like a woman’s hand, but really, I do not see what is so remarkable about Frank Churchill’s writing.

Mrs. Weston was called upon to find a letter, and Emma declared that she had kept a note written by him, and that it was in her writing-desk.

Why has she kept a note written by the man? Is she really falling in love with him? A foolish young puppy, who thinks of no one but himself? Who cannot take the trouble to pay a visit to his own father on his father’s marriage? Who indulges in freaks and whims?

I believe my impatience showed in my reply.

"Oh! when a gallant young man, like Mr. Frank Churchill writes to a fair lady like Miss

Woodhouse, he will, of course, put forth his best," I remarked.

I saw John look at me in surprise, but I could not help myself. Besides, I did not think it was so very rude, although perhaps it was as well that, at that moment, dinner was announced.

Mrs. Elton led the way, as a bride should, and gloried in it, as a bride should not.

Poor Miss Fairfax! I believe she had a great deal to bear after dinner, when the ladies withdrew. When I returned to the drawing-room with the other gentlemen, Mrs. Elton was offering to help her find a position as a governess. I should be sorry to see Miss Fairfax take up a position in any household known to Mrs. Elton.

I was just thinking that things could get no worse when Weston joined us. As luck would have it - or as bad luck would have it - he brought with him a letter from his son.

I took up my newspaper. I had no desire to listen to any further praise of Frank Churchill’s magnificent handwriting.

The letter was even worse than I had expected. A string of promises, a row of false hopes, all wrapped up in insincerity and capriciousness; that was what I had expected. But instead I learnt that the Churchills are to remove to town on account of Mrs. Churchill’s health, and that Frank is to remove with them. He will be so close to Hartfield - only sixteen miles away - that he will be able to visit easily.

Mr. and Mrs. Weston were delighted. Emma was delighted. And I was not delighted.

"We have the agreeable prospect of frequent visits from Frank the whole spring," Weston said.

Agreeable to whom? I thought, rustling my newspaper.

"Precisely the season of the year which one should have chosen for it: days almost at the longest; weather genial and pleasant, always inviting one out, and never too hot for exercise. When he was here before, we made the best of it; but there was a good deal of wet, damp, cheerless weather; there always is in February, you know, and we could not do half that we intended. Now will be the time. This will be complete enjoyment; and I do not know, Mrs. Elton, whether the uncertainty of our meetings, the sort of constant expectation there will be of his coming in today or tomorrow, and at any hour, may not be more friendly to happiness than having him actually in the house. I think it is so. I think it is the state of mind which gives most spirit and delight."

In May, then, I am to have all the pleasure of Frank Churchill’s company, as long as I do not expire before then with the promise of so much spirit and delight.

Fortunately, John began to speak of his sons before my bad temper could get the better of me.

"I hope I am aware that they may be too noisy for your father; or even may be some encumbrance to you, if your visiting engagements continue to increase as much as they have done lately," he said to Emma.

"Let them be sent to Donwell," I said. "I shall certainly be at leisure."

"Upon my word," exclaimed Emma to me, "you amuse me! I should like to know how many of all my numerous engagements take place without your being of the party; and why I am to be supposed in danger of wanting leisure to attend to the little boys. If Aunt Emma has not time for them, I do not think they would fare much better with Uncle Knightley, who is absent from home about five hours where she is absent one - and who, when he is at home, is either reading to himself or settling his accounts."

I smiled at this. She knows me well.

Mrs. Elton claimed my attention, but when she had done, I went to sit by Emma.

"You will bring the boys over to the Abbey tomorrow? If the weather continues wet, it will give them a chance to run about and be noisy without distressing your father."

"By all means. Harriet is to call in the morning, and we will bring them together."

"Must you always be with Harriet?" I asked impatiently.

"That is hardly fair!" she cried. "I have seen very little of Harriet since…"

"Since Mr. Elton returned?" I enquired. I saw her look uncomfortable, but I let it pass. "Very well, if you must bring her, you must." I had done with Harriet. "I want to give the children a chance to ride whilst they are here," I went on. "It is not often we have them for such an extended spell."