Mr Knightley’s Diary (4 page)

'Perhaps I need more practice. I think I might draw you, Mr Knightley,' she said with an arch smile.

'I seem to recall you doing so--' I reminded her.

'--and abandoning the attempt,' she admitted.

'I did not, say so.'

'No, but you were about to. You seem to make no allowance for the fact that I was sixteen years old at the time.'

'Quite old enough to finish it. But it is not too late. Perhaps you should take it out and finish it now,' I said.

'I think not. You are the worst person in the world to sketch, for you are never still. You are worse than the children in that respect, for I am sure little George stays in one place for longer than his namesake.'

'A convenient excuse,' I told her.

'Not at all. If you will promise me a day when you will sit in a chair, I will promise you a finished portrait.'

'I thought you had done with taking likenesses? I seem to remember you saying so, when you received a cool reception for your portrait of John,' I teased her.

She smiled up at me. 'I believe I have changed my mind.'

It was a pity that, at that moment, Mr Woodhouse called to us. I do not have enough opportunities to talk to Emma alone. Of all my acquaintance, she is the one whose company I most appreciate, despite her perversity and sauce!

Friday 23 October

I visited Miss Bates this morning, and found her well.

'Oh, Mr Knightley, we're honoured I am sure. Mother was just saying we have not seen Mr Knightley since the storm, we hoped you were well--yes, thank you, Mother and I are both well, though Perry did not like the look of Mother the other day, however it was nothing, just a chill, which is not to be wondered at as the weather has turned cold. What was I talking about?'

'Have you had many visitors lately?' I asked her, wanting to see if my hint to Emma had gone home.

'Oh, yes, ever so many. Mrs Cole came, she is so fond of Mother, and so kind and obliging, asking if there was anything she could do. And then Mrs Goddard called. What do you think, she has had a goose from the Martins. Was that not kind of them? And Mrs Goddard said it was the best goose she had ever eaten. She had it dressed and then Miss Nash, Miss Prince and Miss Richardson all supped with her, and then what do you think? She brought the legs for Mother and me. We are so fortunate in our friends.'

She told me of Elton and Mrs Cole; of Graham and Mrs Lovage; in short, it seemed that everyone in Highbury had been to visit her. And then, at last, she mentioned Emma. I was pleased, and finally took my leave in good spirits.

I dined with the Otways, and found that Mrs Lovage was there. We enjoyed a lively conversation after dinner, and then she sang. She has an agreeable voice, and I believe I may grow to like her very well in time.

Saturday 24 October

Estate business occupied me this morning, but I called at Hartfield this afternoon. I found Emma and Harriet just returning from a walk. It is as I suspected! They are no further on with their reading than last time I spoke to them. Studying has given way to walking to Randalls and talking to Mrs Weston, or walking to Highbury and talking to Miss Bates. Emma defended their negligence by saying that she thought they ought to take their exercise whilst it is fine, for there will be many poor days over the winter when they will be glad to stay inside and read.

'You have an answer for everything,' I told her.

'You should be pleased. You are always telling me you would like me to be better informed,' she said, smiling up at me with that peculiar combination of innocence and mischief which has plagued me for years. 'If I have an answer for everything, I have surely exceeded your expectations!'

I could not help laughing.

'Emma has always been very clever,' said her father.

'That is undeniable, but cleverness must be put to good use, not bad,' I remarked.

'And when, pray, do I ever put it to bad use?'

'I am sure Emma would never do such a thing,' said her father anxiously. 'She has never done anything bad. She has been a good daughter to me, a very good daughter, indeed I do not know a better one, unless it is Isabella.' He shook his head. 'Poor Isabella!'

'Mr Knightley is teasing me, Papa,' Emma said.

'I do not quite like that way he has, my dear,' said her father, as Emma went over to him. 'It is very rough to my ears.'

'Come, now, you know Mr Knightley is a good friend to us. How often have I heard you say that you do not know where you would be without Mr Knightley to write your letters for you? And I am sure I do not know where I would be without him to read the paper to me in the evening.'

'That is true, very true, for I am just a sad invalid and could not manage it, my dear. The print is so small it hurts my eyes, and I am sure I am very grateful to Mr Knightley for reading to us.'

I left Emma soothing him and spoke to Harriet, and by the time the tea was brought in he was content again.

Afterwards, I was able to write some business letters for him. I would have liked to stay to dinner, but my accounts needed looking into and I spent the evening with my books.

Monday 26 October

One of the trees in the wood was damaged by the storm and it is unsafe. I have given instructions for it to be felled. The timber is not of a good enough quality to be sold, and so I have ordered it cut up for firewood. I have given Wiliam Larkins instructions to have some of the logs sent to Miss Bates, and to distribute the rest amongst the poor.

Friday 30 October

Emma continues to make much of her little friend. When I arrived at Hartfield this evening, I found Harriet still there, and Elton was in attendance. Emma brought Harriet forward and set her at her ease, encouraging her to speak to Elton, and to answer questions he had asked. It was kind of her, for it will increase Harriet's confidence and give her more facility with conversation. Elton good-naturedly humoured Harriet, whilst Emma looked on benignly.

I am not sure whether she sees herself as Harriet's fairy godmother, or as Lady Bountiful, but I am convinced that Harriet sees her as a mixture of the two.

Later, I played a game of backgammon with Emma whilst the others entertained Mr Woodhouse, and then I walked part of the way home with Elton. He was full of Emma's praises, saying how well she spoke, and how intelligent were her ideas.

Elton is another one of Emma's friends who is easily pleased, to add to her growing collection! I only hope my presence will be enough to counteract the harmful effects of all this adulation.

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 drawing-room. Miss Bates was in a state of great agitation.

'She said nothing about it in her letters, but then she has never liked to worry us--so considerate--but Mr Churchill--oh yes, indeed it must be so, but what do you think, Mr Knightley?'

I had no idea what she was talking about, and so I could not answer her question, but Mrs Weston explained that she had had a letter from her stepson, Frank Churchill, and that, in it, he had mentioned that he had been a member of a boating-party. There was nothing in that, except that he had recounted an incident which had occurred when he had gone out on the sea. There had been an accident, or almost an accident, and a young lady, who was also a member of the party, had nearly been dashed from the vessel. Churchill had caught her, and so no harm had been done, but the strange thing was, that the young lady who had nearly been swept overboard was Miss Fairfax. Churchill had happened to meet her party whilst at Weymouth, and they had both happened to form a part of the boating-trip.

'Mrs Weston thought I must have heard of it--was sure Jane would have mentioned it in one of her letters--but I had never heard anything about it. And now I am not easy about dear Jane,' Miss Bates said. 'Do you think I should tell her to come home to Highbury at once, Mr Knightley? Only the Campbells have been so kind in asking her to stay, even though Miss Campbell is married and gone to live in Ireland, that I think she will not like to offend them, but I cannot bear the thought of them taking her on another boating-expedition and poor Jane being drowned!'

I protested at this terrible speculation, and asked her when Jane was due to leave Weymouth.

'She has already left,' said Miss Bates. 'I had a letter from her only the other day, and in it she distinctly told me they were leaving Weymouth on the morrow, so that by the time I received the letter she would be back at home again. Oh, poor Jane!'

'Then I should not worry any more about it,' I told her. I added: 'There is no reason why you should not invite her to Highbury, though, if you think the Campbells can spare her.'

Not only would it set Miss Bates's mind at ease, but it would give me great pleasure to have Miss Fairfax here. Emma could not fail to see the difference between Miss Fairfax and Miss Smith, and I am persuaded that, even with her prejudice, she would soon learn to value Miss Fairfax's company.

'I have already asked her to come to us,' said Miss Bates.

'And have you received a reply?'

'Yes. Alas, she cannot oblige us. She has already promised the Campbells to spend Christmas with them,' said Miss Bates.

I was disappointed, but it could not be helped.

Miss Bates's alarm gradually faded, and by the time Mr Weston came in, she was calm once more.

He and I retreated to his study to talk business. When we had done, I mentioned the letter and I found that he had not yet seen it.

'What! Frank! Saved Miss Fairfax!' said he, highly gratified. 'Never was a man more fortunate in his son. You should have one yourself, Knightley. Marry! Take a wife! Mrs Lovage would be willing,' he added.

'Mrs Lovage has returned to Bath,' I said.

'She would come back quickly enough, if she thought there was hope.'

'Can no one think of anything but marriage?' I exclaimed. I did not mean to speak so brusquely, but I was disappointed that I had not been able to feel any thing for Mrs Lovage. 'You and John are trying to find me a wife, and Emma--'

'Emma?' he asked.

I had no intention of disclosing her plans to find Elton a wife, for they would not please Elton if he came to hear of them. He might be deferential in his behaviour towards her because of her standing in the neighbourhood, but even that would not reconcile him to the idea of her meddling in his affairs.

'Emma is keen to make another match, after claiming to have made yours.'

'Perhaps she did,' he said jovially.

'She thought of it, that is all!' I rebuked him.

'If she wants to make a match, she should make one for you!' he returned.

'Hah! She knows me better than to think I would have someone of her choosing,' I said.

'She chose very well for me.'

I saw there was no arguing with him, and I said no more. Let him think Emma arranged his marriage if he wishes! It can do no harm, as long as he does not say so to her.

Saturday 7 November

This evening, Miss Bates was still talking of her alarm over Jane's accident, and she recounted the incident over dinner at Graham's. Mr and Mrs Cole said everything necessary to reassure her, and she exclaimed that she did not know what she would do without such good friends.

'A fine woman,' remarked Mr Longridge of Miss Bates, once the ladies had withdrawn. 'She reminds me of my dear wife.'

He blew his nose, and became quiet.

I thought he had been recently bereaved, but I later learnt that his wife died twenty years ago. However, he still speaks of her with great affection.

The talk after dinner was of politics and business until we joined the ladies, whereupon Mrs Weston sang for us. I joined her, and I felt it was an evening well spent.

Thursday 12 November

I walked in on a pretty scene this morning when I called at Hartfield. Emma was netting a purse, and Harriet was hemming a handkerchief.

'You find us usefully employed,' said Emma.

'I do indeed.'

Both girls were in good spirits. I could not begrudge Emma her friendship when I saw how happy she was, though I still wished Harriet was a more suitable companion.

Harriet was sewing very prettily, however, and spoke to me sensibly about her work. If she became vague when I asked her what she had been reading, I did not hold it against her. Emma's plan for her education was very grand, and never likely to succeed.

I talked to Mr Woodhouse, attending to some papers that had been troubling him, and stayed at Hartfield for luncheon. Mr Woodhouse was alarmed at the quantity of meat I ate, averring it would do me no good and begging me to join him in a bowl of gruel, but Emma distracted him by talking of Isabella's forthcoming visit, and I was able to finish my meal in peace.

Saturday 21 November

The plans for the new barn at Abbey Mill Farm are coming on well. When Robert Martin called at the Abbey to speak to me about them, we looked at them together.

I happened to mention that I had seen Miss Smith at Hartfield, and he said that his sisters would be glad to hear it. He said that he was going to Kingston after leaving me, and let slip that he intended to buy a book she had recommended.

'What is it?' I enquired, wondering whether it was a book on Harriet's reading list.

He went red and fingered his cravat, then told me its name rather shamefacedly.

I could not help smiling. Emma may not have been able to induce her friend to read Shakespeare, but Harriet has managed to persuade Robert Martin to read
The Romance of the Forest
!

Wednesday 25 November

Of all the evenings it is possible to spend, a companionable evening with friends is the best. I spent one such evening at Hartfield today. Mr Woodhouse was in high spirits, having been assured by Perry that his health was good, and Emma was sitting by the fire, sketching. Harriet was copying some pictures from a fashion journal. I was reading the newspaper, and reading out such things as I thought might interest them.

After a while, I laid my newspaper aside and went over to look at Emma's work. I saw that she had been sketching her father.

'So you are serious about resuming your sketching?' I said.

'I am. I felt an urge to take a likeness of Harriet,' she said, 'and I wanted to refresh my hand.'

I found myself hoping she would persevere with the undertaking, for it had a spirited style, but alas! I thought her likeness of Harriet would probably join the other half-finished sketches in her portfolio.

As I walked back to the Abbey I was well-pleased with life. The weather was fine, I had the pleasure of a visit from John and Isabella to look forward to, and in the meantime I had many more evenings to spend at Hartfield.

Thursday 26 November

When I visited Hartfield this evening, I found Emma sitting with her father, Harriet and Elton. As I walked into the room, I saw that Harriet was entertaining Mr Woodhouse, whilst Emma talked to Elton.

'Harriet looks very well this evening,' I heard her say, as I sat down and began looking at the newspaper.

'Yes, indeed,' replied her companion.

'I thought she was looking rather pale this morning, so I suggested we take a walk. I believe it has brightened her complexion.'

'Admirable!' he said. 'A walk! Exercise! Just the thing.'

'Do you not think her complexion has been brightened by it?' she pressed him, as he did not follow up her hint.

It was at this moment I began to suspect her motives for encouraging him to notice her friend, and to think that she wanted to make a match between Harriet and Elton!

I did not know whether to feel annoyance or pity. Emma had mistaken her man if she thought Elton would marry a parlour boarder, a young girl without name, birth or dowry to recommend her.

Elton had no suspicion, however, and was, as always, eager to defer to Miss Woodhouse of Hartfield.

'Indeed I do. I noticed her complexion particularly.
Why, it has been brightened by fresh air and exercise!
I thought as I came into the room. It was just what she needed to bring out her beauty. So good of you to take the trouble!'

'I am sure it was good of Harriet to take the time to walk with me,' she said, firmly turning the conversation back to Harriet's advantages.

Hah!
I thought in amusement.
Now, Elton, turn that into a compliment to Emma if you can!

I continued to be amused by them, as they carried on at cross purposes for the next quarter of an hour, Emma trying to make a match between a glove and a mitten, and Elton to raise his standing in the village by flattering Miss Woodhouse. I waited for them to grow tired of it, but as they showed no signs of doing so, at last I emerged from my newspaper and forced them to engage in more general and rational conversation.

Friday 27 November

Emma's matchmaking continued today and Elton, poor man, had no idea of what she was about.

She asked him outright what he thought of her little friend. It was impossible to make anything of his convoluted answer, for although he said how much she had improved, and how she had now acquired the polish she had been wanting, his every remark reflected well on Emma: it was Emma who had improved her; Emma who had given her polish.

As the evening wore on, I began to have a suspicion that Elton was doing more than flattering a well-connected young woman. I began to think he was lifting his eyes to Emma herself.

Perhaps I was imagining it, but there seemed something more than an ill-judged civility in his words, perhaps the admiration of a man who hoped to be admitted as a suitor?

The latter would be interesting indeed! He has no hope of succeeding, but the very idea of his assuming that he has a chance of success will teach Emma a lesson in humility which I can never hope to surpass.

What, Miss Woodhouse of Hartfield to marry Mr Elton! She would be horrified if she knew.

I mean to pay them close attention, and see how things develop!