Mr Knightley's Diary Part 23

I did not want to catch them too soon, however, as the incident had had an unexpected, but very welcome, consequence. When I went to Hartfield this evening, Mr Woodhouse was so perturbed by the thought of the robberies that he could talk of nothing else.

'Mrs Cole has had a dozen hens taken,' he said. 'And there have been turkeys taken from Abbey Mill Farm. Mrs G.o.ddard was telling me about it only this morning. She had it from poor Miss Smith'--he has still not learnt to call her Mrs Martin--'who visited her to say she was sorry she could not take her a turkey, as they had been stolen. I am afraid the thieves will come here next, and once they have taken our chickens, what will they do?'

'There is nothing to worry about, Papa. The poultry-yard is a long way from the house.'

'You do not know these people, Emma. They will break the windows and steal the silver, I am sure of it,' he said.

'We have John to protect us,' said Emma soothingly.

'But he cannot stay for ever,' said Mr Woodhouse. 'He has to be in London in November.'

We could not have wished for a better opening.

'If Mr Knightley were in the house, Papa, we would be safe. It was what we arranged, you know, that Mr Knightley would come and live here once we are married.'

'Oh, yes, so it was,' he said in relief. 'A very good plan. The wedding is to be in October, I think you said, Emma, my dear?'

'Yes, Papa,' said Emma, with a smile at me.

'October the eighth was the date decided on,' I said decisively, so that there would be no more arguments.

'Well, my dear, I am sure it cannot come soon enough for me,' said Mr Woodhouse. 'I will not sleep easy in my bed until Mr Knightley is here with us at Hartfield.'

Thursday 30 September Now that a date has been set for our marriage, it is the main topic of conversation in Highbury. I admired Emma's fort.i.tude this evening when we dined with the Westons, and the Eltons, too, were there.

I wondered how they would take the news. Elton said little, but Mrs Elton quickly made up for his deficiencies.

'My dear Emma, what is this I hear? You are to be married, and to Mr Knightley? You sad girl, how could you not tell me of it? I am quite put out. Selina will stare when she knows how sly you have been.'

Emma was too happy to pay much attention, but Mrs Elton went on: 'Selina is to pay us a visit. We will tell you how to go on. Two married ladies, you know!'

'I cannot put you to the trouble--'

'My dear Emma, it is no trouble, no trouble at all,' said Mrs Elton gaily. 'I flatter myself I am an old hand.'

'I need very little--'

'My dear Emma, you need say no more. Simplicity shall be our watchword. Satin there must be, and lace veils; we will make you the most beautiful bride. But hush, here comes Knightley,' she said as I approached, though she had whispered so loud I had heard every word. 'The menfolk know nothing of dresses. My caro sposo declared himself mystified by all the talk of satin and lace.'

I rescued Emma, and Mrs Weston kindly distracted Mrs Elton, who, apart from occasional references to pomp and feast and revelry and Hymen's saffron robes, was persuaded to talk of other things, until she discovered we are to marry next week.

'But Selina will not be here! She does not come to us until November. How she will stare when I tell her. There is not time to arrange everything in a week.'

'Simplicity is our watchword,' Emma reminded her, but Mrs Elton was still exclaiming over it when she and Elton set out for home.

OCTOBER.

Friday 8 October.

Today, Emma and I were married. I had the satisfaction of knowing I was marrying the best woman in the world, because she is the only woman for me. I have seen few sights better than the sight of Emma walking into the church on her father's arm. Elton performed the ceremony and, if he remembered that he had once hoped to marry Emma himself, he gave no sign of it.

As we made our vows, I had the pleasure of hearing Emma call me George. She seemed to like it, too, for she called me George again at our wedding-breakfast, and I do not despair of her calling me George as a general thing.

Isabella and Mrs Weston argued over whether Emma's first child would be a boy or a girl, Isabella pressing the merits of a boy as firstborn, and Mrs Weston pressing the merits of a girl.

'Whatever the case, Emma will be a very happy woman,' said John. 'Will she not?' he asked Mr Woodhouse.

Mr Woodhouse looked up from his gruel and sighed.

'Poor Emma!' he said.

Table of Contents.

SEPTEMBER Tuesday 22 September I was very sorry to have to tell Weston that I will miss his wedding, as business calls me to town, but I am looking forward to seeing John and Isabella again. I can hardly believe it is seven years since they married. It seems like only yesterday they were courting, and John was neglecting everything in favour of walking over to Hartfield to see her. It was fortunate for him that he found a wife so near. She could hardly have been nearer! And now they have five children. It is, perhaps, time that I, too, thought of taking a wife. Wednesday 23 September I rose early and spent the day looking over my accounts, making sure everything was ready for my trip to London. I gave William Larkins his instructions, and having satisfied myself that he knew what to do in my absence, I walked over to Hartfield to take my leave. When I was shown into the drawing-room, I found Emma and her father sitting with Miss Taylor. It was an attractive group. Miss Taylor was looki OCTOBER Thursday 1 October Bella entranced us all with her antics this afternoon. It is a good thing John has a second daughter in little Emma, or he would be in danger of spoiling Bella, so that in twenty years she would become exactly like her aunt: self-satisfied and complacent. It is Emma's failing, but I do not despair of her growing out of it. She will be a fine person if she does, for she has a pleasing face and figure, and an affectionate disposition. Friday 2 October After the noise and grime of London it is good to be home. I was struck anew with the beauty of Donwell Abbey, with its low, sheltered situation, and its avenues of timber. I left my horse in the stables and walked through the meadow and down to the stream. The light was fading, but there was still enough to see by and the low sunlight sparkled on the water. I thought of happy years spent fis.h.i.+ng there with John, and I watched it as it trickled along. I turned and walked back to the house, and was warmed by the si NOVEMBER Tuesday 3 November At last I had time to think about the footpath to Langham. I have been meaning to re-lay it for some time. At present, it cuts through the meadow, which I do not like. I want to move it so that it skirts the meadow instead. I told William Larkins of my plan, and he approved of it, but I have decided to wait until John has seen it before going ahead with the work, in case he has any better suggestion to make. After spending the day on Abbey matters, I dined with Graham and discovered that his sister had returned to Bath. Graham had a friend staying with him, a Mr Longridge; a quiet and gentlemanlike man. The three of us spent a pleasant evening with the Otways and Coles, who were also of the party. It was not as enjoyable as an evening spent at Hartfield, but it was very agreeable none the less. Friday 6 November I had to see Mr Weston about a matter of business and so I called on him this afternoon. He was out, but I found Mrs Weston and Miss Bates in the dr DECEMBER Tuesday 1 December It seems that Emma's present interest in sketching is to last for a little longer, at least. I found her taking Harriet's likeness, as she had intended, when I called on her this morning. Elton, as is usual these days, was in attendance. Mr Woodhouse and I withdrew for a time as I helped him to write some letters of business, and then we both returned to the drawing-room. We found Emma and her friend hard at work. Harriet was posing, and Emma's sketch was already well-developed. Elton was standing behind Emma, fidgeting, and not knowing what to do with himself. He spoke to me when I entered the room, seemingly glad of something to say. 'Miss Woodhouse has decided to paint her friend full-length, like the portrait of Mr John Knightley.' I went over to Emma and looked at what she had done. Mrs Weston was watching the progress of the drawing, too, and her eye had not failed to see that Emma's portrait was flattering. 'Miss Woodhouse has given her friend the onl JANUARY Friday 1 January It is the New Year! I was not surprised to find that Emma had drawn up a list of resolutions. They were written in a fine hand, and exquisitely ill.u.s.trated. If only she could put as much earnestness into keeping them as she does into making them! My New Year's resolution is to take a wife, if I can find anyone to suit. Sat.u.r.day 2 January The thaw has left a number of problems in its wake at the Abbey. The stream has flooded, and as the thaw progresses there will be worse to come. I made provision for attending to matters once the water subsides. I called on Graham this morning to wish him the compliments of the season. He returned the greeting. I soon learnt that he, too, had received a letter from Mr Elton. 'I should not wonder if his visit to Bath was prompted by all this talk of weddings and families,' said Mrs Lovage. 'First with Miss Taylor getting married, then with your brother and his family visiting, then with talk of Mr Frank Churchill paying a visit FEBRUARY Friday 5 February My attentions to Miss Fairfax have produced an unforeseen complication. As I was dining at Otway's this evening, he said to me: 'This seems to be a season of marriages. There must be something in the air. First Weston, then Elton, and if I do not miss my guess, you will be next.' 'I?' I exclaimed, surprised. 'You are very attentive to Miss Fairfax,' he said. I coloured. 'I am sensitive to her situation, and having known her since her childhood, I feel an interest in her welfare. I mean to do everything I can to a.s.sist her, but marry her?--no,' I returned. It may be that I will marry her, but until I am certain, I must be careful of her reputation, and make it clear that I intend no such thing. 'I beg your pardon,' said he, colouring slightly also. 'I meant no offence.' 'None taken. Indeed, you have done me a service. If you have misinterpreted my actions, then others might have misinterpreted them as well. I must be more circ.u.mspect.' I would not damage Miss MARCH Monday 1 March Whilst dining with Graham this evening, Mr Longridge spoke of his continuing efforts to find a house in Highbury. 'I have seen so many houses, if I did not have my friends to help me, I would be thoroughly confused.' 'You have been to Brookfield?' asked Mrs Cole. 'Not yet, but I have it on my list, and I am going there tomorrow. I have high hopes of it. I have heard it is an excellent house.' 'It is certainly very conveniently placed, being on the London road.' 'I do not believe I shall be going to London very much, except to visit the shops and theatres from time to time. I like the countryside hereabouts, and I am having a new carriage made, the better to explore it. The springs are deplorable on the one I have at present.' 'Not at all--most comfortable--Jane was only saying so this morning,' said Miss Bates. As she regaled Mrs Cole with an account of Longridge's carriage, I spoke to Miss Fairfax, trying to draw her out on the subject of the carriage, but after a APRIL Friday 2 April I was glad to find that Miss Fairfax had extended her visit, and would not be returning to London so soon as was expected. 'We are so glad, Mr Knightley,' said Miss Bates. 'We are to have her for a full three months. She still does not look well. No, Jane, my love, you do not, though you protest you are very well indeed. When you were altering my gloves for me--such wonderful gloves, Mr Knightley, quite the warmest I have ever worn, and bought from Ford's, but just a little big around the wrist, and Jane kindly offered to take them in for me, as she was mending Mother's petticoat anyway, and who should walk in but Mr Longridge. A very kind gentleman, Mother is quite besotted with him--yes, you are, Mother, you know you are, for he comes and sits here for an hour or two together, and we are always glad of company, Mr Knightley. He has asked me to give him my opinion on another house, Whitestones, you will know it Mr Knightley, the Dodds have been renting it out but MAY Monday 3 May I did not enjoy this evening. Emma spent most of it with Frank Churchill. He was already talking to her when I arrived, and though he seemed restless, he scarcely moved from her side. He claimed her hand for the first dance, and though I tried not to look at them, I found it hard to keep my eyes away, for Emma was looking very beautiful. 'They look well together, do they not?' said Otway, who was standing at the side of the room, next to me. 'Yes. Mrs Elton is very pleased to be opening the dance, and Weston is happy to be partnering her,' I said, deliberately misunderstanding. 'I was not talking about Mrs Elton and Mr Weston, but Mr Churchill and Miss Woodhouse. I think we will see a match there before long. It would please everyone in Highbury, I am sure. Mr and Mrs Weston would be delighted, and all Miss Woodhouse's friends must be glad to see her so well married. Mr Churchill is to inherit Ens...o...b.., and a very fine fortune besides.' 'I see nothing in it, beyond an JUNE Tuesday 1 June I was dining at the vicarage this evening when I saw something disturbing. Frank Churchill kept catching Jane Fairfax's eye, and I am sure some secret intelligence pa.s.sed between them. I thought at first that Churchill had switched his affections, but this was not the case, as he went on making love to Emma. I was at a loss as to what it could mean. Had he said something compromising to Jane Fairfax? Paid her some extravagant compliment? Given her to understand he liked her? That would explain the look of intelligence, but if that was the case, why did he continue to pay attention to Emma? It did not make sense. Nor did it make sense that Jane Fairfax, a young woman of good sense and good principles would be interested in the attentions of a man like Frank Churchill. Unless women are all fools when it comes to handsome young men? Nay, I will not believe it. I know it cannot be so. Yet Emma and Jane Fairfax both seem attracted to Mr Weston's son--and he to them. Satu JULY Thursday 1 July A letter from Highbury arrived this morning. 'It is from Miss Bates,' said Isabella, recognizing the hand. I picked up my newspaper and hid my face behind it. I did not want her to see my expression when she read the letter, for I was sure it would contain news of Emma's betrothal. As she began to read, I could scarcely breathe. 'Mother well--Jane still in low spirits--new gloves for Mrs Cole--Mrs Churchill dead.' Isabella stopped short. 'Mrs Churchill dead!' I did not know what the information would mean for Emma. Would it delay her marriage, whilst the period of mourning was observed, or speed it, as Mrs Churchill could not put any obstacles in the way? Isabella was so shocked by the news that, fortunately, she did not notice my silence. She began to read Miss Bates's letter more slowly: 'We were all very shocked to hear it. Poor lady! It seems she was very ill after all. Mr Churchill is better than can be expected--the funeral is to be in Yorks.h.i.+re. Mother is so AUGUST Monday 2 August Robert Martin called to say he was going to town on business, and he asked if there was anything he could do for me whilst there. I asked him to take charge of some papers for John, which he took very readily. Thursday 5 August I was surprised to find Robert Martin at my door as soon as I had breakfasted this morning, but when I saw his face, I guessed what he would say. He had delivered the papers to John, and had then been invited to join John's party to Astley's in the evening. He had accepted the invitation, and had gone with John, Isabella, Henry, little John--and Harriet. 'There was quite a crush, and on quitting our box at Astley's, Mr John Knightley took charge of his wife and younger boy, whilst I followed with Harriet and Henry. Harriet was uneasy. I gave her my arm, and steered her safely through the crowd,' he told me. By his recital of this small incident, I could guess what was coming, but I did not interrupt him. I was only too pleased to see him h SEPTEMBER Friday 10 September Emma and I have decided to marry whilst Isabella and John are still here. It will allow Emma and me to go to the seaside for a fortnight after the wedding, and we will not have to worry about leaving Mr Woodhouse alone. As Harriet is marrying in a few weeks' time, and Churchill is marrying in November, we have settled on October. John and Isabella approve the plan; so do the Westons. But we still have to get Mr Woodhouse's consent. Emma said, this evening: 'Papa, Mr Knightley and I have decided to marry in October. Then you can have a quiet fortnight with Isabella and John and all the dear little children whilst we are away.' 'October!' said he, looking stricken. 'But that is next month.' 'That is a good thing, Papa,' said Isabella, 'as it means you will have Mr Knightley's company all the sooner.' 'But we already have his company. He walks over from the Abbey to see us every day. You had much better not get married, Emma. It will be better if we stay as w OCTOBER Friday 8 October Today, Emma and I were married. I had the satisfaction of knowing I was marrying the best woman in the world, because she is the only woman for me. I have seen few sights better than the sight of Emma walking into the church on her father's arm. Elton performed the ceremony and, if he remembered that he had once hoped to marry Emma himself, he gave no sign of it. As we made our vows, I had the pleasure of hearing Emma call me George. She seemed to like it, too, for she called me George again at our wedding-breakfast, and I do not despair of her calling me George as a general thing. Isabella and Mrs Weston argued over whether Emma's first child would be a boy or a girl, Isabella pressing the merits of a boy as firstborn, and Mrs Weston pressing the merits of a girl. 'Whatever the case, Emma will be a very happy woman,' said John. 'Will she not?' he asked Mr Woodhouse. Mr Woodhouse looked up from his gruel and sighed. 'Poor Emma!' he said.

end.