Mr. Knightley’s Diary

I set out for Kingston after breakfast, and on my way I called on Miss Bates. I was concerned to make sure she had enough fuel, and I knew that the only way to find out was to call. If I asked her it would do no good. She would only say that she had plenty, thanks to the generosity of her friends, whether it was true or not. But I was pleased to see that there was a good fire when I went in, and that there was a bucket full of coal in the grate.

I asked her if there was anything she would like me to get in Kingston for her, but her reply was as usual: "I am much obliged to you, but I believe there is nothing we need."

I then asked after her niece, in the hope that Miss Fairfax would soon be visiting Highbury, so that Emma would have a young lady of her own age to talk to.

"Jane? Quite well, thank you," she replied. "We heard from her a few days ago. At Weymouth. I was only saying to mother how good the sea air would be for dear Jane, and Mrs. Otway said that she had been to Weymouth as a girl, very refined, just the sort of place one would expect the Campbells to visit - Mrs. Weston had a letter from Frank Churchill, complimenting her on her marriage, and it was sent from Weymouth - good enough for the Churchills - so kind of the Campbells to take Jane."

"Since she lives with them, they could hardly leave her behind," I remarked. "Do you expect a visit from Miss Fairfax? It is a long time since we have seen her in Highbury."

"I am very much obliged to you, but no, she does not speak of a visit. I was saying to Mrs. Goddard only yesterday - she had called to see how mother was getting on, and was telling us of Miss Smith - staying with the Martins, has been with them all summer, invited by the Miss Martins who were at school with her, you know, and will not be back at Mrs. Goddard’s until the end of the week.

You will have seen them all together at church, in the same pew, when our dear Mr. Elton gave us another wonderful sermon. It is a shame he does not marry, but who would be good enough for him in Highbury?" She paused for breath, then asked: "What were we talking of?"

"We were talking of Kingston, but if you have no commissions for me, then I must be on my way."

I managed to get away at last, and went on to Kingston. It is a pity that Jane Fairfax is not to pay us a visit. Emma could learn a good deal from her. Miss Bates’s niece is as refined and intelligent a young woman as it would be possible to meet, but Emma has never taken to her. I suspect Emma does not feel comfortable with someone whose accomplishments are superior, and who might put her in the shade, but if she could put such considerations aside, I think the friendship would be beneficial to both of them.

I rode into Kingston and examined a number of ponies, but none of them was quite right. The animal needs to be mild enough for young children, and yet at the same time it needs some spirit.

I said as much to Emma when I met her at Ford’s on my return.

"You should take up riding again," I continued, as we stood at the counter, she to buy ribbon, and I to buy gloves.

"I am an indifferent horsewoman," she remarked. "I am convinced that horses do not like me, and I am not very fond of them."

"Because you never ride. You would soon become more proficient if you went riding every day.

You would grow accustomed to horses, and they to you."

"Thank you, but I prefer to walk. It is much quicker to put on my cloak than it is to have a horse saddled. I can have walked to Randalls, paid my visit and be home again by the time that is done."

"You mean you do not think you look well on horseback," I said, knowing her real reason.

"You have found me out," she said. "I could never acquire a good seat. I look far more graceful on foot."

"Then I cannot convince you. Perhaps you will change your mind when your nephews and nieces can all ride, and you are left behind."

"Perhaps. But as Emma is only six months old, I am in no hurry."

I accompanied her back to Hartfield.

"You will join us for dinner tomorrow?" she asked, as we parted at the gate.

"Willingly," I said. "Pray give my compliments to your father."

I watched her go inside, and then I returned to the Abbey, where I found William Larkins and the account book waiting for me.

Monday 12 October

A frustrating evening. I was looking forward to taking dinner at Hartfield, but when I found Miss Smith there I found myself growing impatient. She was accompanying Mrs. Goddard, but she was so overawed by Miss Woodhouse of Hartfield that she hung on Emma’s every word.

Miss Smith is a sweet-natured girl, but she will not do Emma any good. Her conversation is silly and ignorant, and she cannot teach Emma anything. Worse still, she gives Emma such flattering attention that it can only add to Emma’s conceit.

I hope that, as Miss Smith is unlikely to dine at Hartfield very often, the friendship will not go any further.

Tuesday 13 October