Austen 250 Reader Series: Emma (Chapters 19-26)
- Maizie Ferguson
- Aug 1
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Welcome back, dearest Janeites, to the Austen 250 Reader Series––our celebratory blog series for this 250th anniversary year––and to the latest installment of our content devoted to Austen's novel, Emma. Today, we shall cover chapters 19-26. Without further ado... let us begin!
One day, while Harriet and Emma are out walking, the latter suggests they pay a visit to Miss and Mrs. Bates. Aside from their lower social station, Miss Bates is rather... verbose, which causes Emma to dislike visiting her. Mr. Knightley, however, continually reminds Emma of her duty as a societal example in Highbury, and of the Bateses' inclusion in the good graces of himself, the Westons, and Mr. Woodhouse. Emma's aforementioned societal duty includes visits to the Bateses. Mrs. Bates is elderly and deaf, which allows her middle-aged daughter to hold the floor as singular speaker.
Miss Bates asks Emma and Harriet questions in a steady stream, includes choice gossip about the Coles, Mr. Elton, and other individuals, finally concluding with a letter received from her niece, the orphaned Jane Fairfax. Emma considers Jane, whom she rarely sees, as her nemesis; they are similar in age and talent, with many supposing these characteristics should lead to friendship. Miss Bates relays the fact that Jane will soon be in Highbury while her guardians and friends visit Ireland, with Emma's fanciful and romantic mind setting to work as to why Jane will not be traveling to the Emerald Isle herself.
And Emma had the advantage of hearing her own silly compliment repeated twice over before the good old lady could comprehend it. She was pondering, in the meanwhile, upon the possibility, without seeming very rude, of making her escape from Jane Fairfax’s letter, and had almost resolved on hurrying away directly under some slight excuse, when Miss Bates turned to her again and seized her attention. (Ch. 19)
Jane Fairfax's early life was fraught with tragedy, losing both parents by her third year. She was originally taken in by Miss and Mrs. Bates, her aunt and great-aunt respectively, though after a time was taken into the family of a Colonel Campbell, who had been friends with her late father. With the Campbells, Jane receives a well-rounded education, equipping her with the knowledge necessary to become a governess. (Jane's inheritance is too limited for other considerations unless she should marry well.) By this point in time, the Campbell's daughter has married, which causes Jane to seek a work arrangement. Until her governess position is ready, Jane moves back to Highbury.
The main reason for Emma's dislike of Jane stems from jealousy of her contemporary, something Mr. Knightley has mentioned to Miss Woodhouse on occasion. Despite her lack of funds or background, Jane is graceful, tasteful, talented, and elegant to a degree that makes Emma envious of her. Once Jane arrives at her aunt's home, Emma visits frequently–– as is her duty––but finds the time spent there to be insufferable. Miss Fairfax is reserved, too, which is a frustrating point to Emma once she realizes Jane met Frank Churchill at her previous lodging in Weymouth yet does not speak openly about their interactions or Frank's character. This, unfortunately, only adds to Emma's distaste for Jane.
" [...] Dear, Miss Woodhouse, I was absolutely miserable! By that time, it was beginning to hold up, and I was determined that nothing should stop me from getting away—and then—only think! [...] I had not got three yards from the door, when he came after me, only to say, if I was going to Hartfield, he thought I had much better go round by Mr. Cole’s stables, for I should find the near way quite floated by this rain. Oh! dear, I thought it would have been the death of me! [...]" (Ch. 21)
A rumor is soon spread about town that Mr. Elton––still on his escapist visit to Bath––has found a woman to marry. A "Miss Hawkins" of an "independent fortune", this seemingly proves Elton's flippancy, yet causes Emma's heart to bleed anew for poor Harriet. Speaking of Harriet, Emma soon discovers that a terrible meeting has occurred... Harriet has had a run-in with the Martins in town. (Gasp, how awkward!) In spite of all that has happened, the Martins are generous and kindhearted towards Harriet, which confuses and delights the girl. At this, Emma feels some guilt, but decides to share the news about Mr. Elton's upcoming nuptials to cause Harriet's mind to go elsewhere.
Mr. Elton returned, a very happy man. He had gone away rejected and mortified—disappointed in a very sanguine hope, after a series of what appeared to him strong encouragement; and not only losing the right lady, but finding himself debased to the level of a very wrong one. He had gone away deeply offended—he came back engaged to another—and to another as superior, of course, to the first, as under such circumstances what is gained always is to what is lost. He came back gay and self-satisfied, eager and busy, caring nothing for Miss Woodhouse, and defying Miss Smith. (Ch. 22)
Mr. Elton returns, pompous and aggrandizing as ever, with news of a wife, who, despite her beauty, has no real connections. (This comforts Emma on Harriet's behalf.) Harriet, on the other hand, has another internally-distressing situation crop up when Mr. Martin's sister comes to visit. Emma controls Harriet's returning of the favor, by driving her friend to the Martins' farm in a Hartfield carriage and returning soon after to retrieve here.
The Frank Churchill so long talked of, so high in interest, was actually before her—he was presented to her, and she did not think too much had been said in his praise; he was a very good looking young man; height, air, address, all were unexceptionable, and his countenance had a great deal of the spirit and liveliness of his father’s; he looked quick and sensible. She felt immediately that she should like him; and there was a well-bred ease of manner, and a readiness to talk, which convinced her that he came intending to be acquainted with her, and that acquainted they soon must be. (Ch. 23)
Even though the arrangements of the brief visit cause pain not only to the Martins but to Harriet, Emma still blindly convinces herself that it is for the best. The two friends meet the Westons on their return trip, who are all aglow with the news that the elusive, beloved Frank Churchill will be arriving on the morrow. Emma meets Mr. Churchill the following day and is delighted to find he is all charm, manners, and good looks... just as dear Mr. Weston described. Emma wonders if the fleeting thought of a romantic match has come into the minds of Mr. and Mrs. Weston and Frank Churchill as it has hers. Later, Frank, who met Jane Fairfax in Weymouth, goes to visit her and the Bateses.
Its character as a ball-room caught him; and instead of passing on, he stopt for several minutes at the two superior sashed windows which were open, to look in and contemplate its capabilities, and lament that its original purpose should have ceased. He saw no fault in the room, he would acknowledge none which they suggested. No, it was long enough, broad enough, handsome enough. It would hold the very number for comfort. They ought to have balls there at least every fortnight through the winter. (Ch. 24)
Emma, Mrs. Weston, and Frank walk to the town, with Frank immediately proposing a hall to be held at a spacious, old inn. Emma's thoughts immediately go to the unsavory mixing of numerous rungs in society, but this does not give Frank any pause, which is a bit surprising due to his bringing up by the Churchills in high society. Emma and Frank then discuss the latter's recent visit to Jane Fairfax, proceeding to gossip unkindly, commenting on everything from Miss Farifax's sallow, unhealthy appearance, her subpar and potentially risqué connections with the Campbells and their son-in-law Mr. Dixon, to her quiet nature. After such a conversation, Emma believes she and Frank Churchill are like-minded and well on their way to a good acquaintance.
The regular and best families Emma could hardly suppose they would presume to invite [...] Nothing should tempt her to go, if they did; and she regretted that her father’s known habits would be giving her refusal less meaning than she could wish. The Coles were very respectable in their way, but they ought to be taught that it was not for them to arrange the terms on which the superior families would visit them. This lesson, she very much feared, they would receive only from herself; she had little hope of Mr. Knightley, none of Mr. Weston. (Ch. 25)
It is soon discovered that Frank has gone off to London to get his haircut––which, from Highbury, is sixteen miles there and back––which hints at unseen vanity and self-importance. Mr. Knightley, who is not fond of Frank and what appears like pettiness, comments on the fact, though Frank's unusual behavior is not discussed at large.
At the return of Frank, a party has been proposed by the Coles, who are a middle-class merchant family in the neighborhood. Emma, continually concerned with status, decides to turn down her invitation to show the Coles the proper distinction she deserves. One by one, friends receive their invites, but none comes to Hartfield, which is quite the embarrassing prospect. Finally, an invitation arrives and Emma finds herself faced with a difficult decision. The Westons, Mr. Knightley, and Harriet have all accepted their invitations. So what to do... order & station versus the choice of friends.. a difficult duo to contend with. Finally, Emma accepts, however Mr. Woodhouse, (on account of his health), does not.
She knew the limitations of her own powers too well to attempt more than she could perform with credit; she wanted neither taste nor spirit in the little things which are generally acceptable, and could accompany her own voice well. [...] Emma would then resign her place to Miss Fairfax, whose performance, both vocal and instrumental, she never could attempt to conceal from herself, was infinitely superior to her own. (Ch. 26)
Mr. Knightley usually walks whenever he needs to get somewhere in Highbury, however on the night of the Cole's party, he arrives via carriage. This comes as a surprise––however a pleasant one––to Emma, who thinks it is much more proper. The word comes around that Jane Fairfax has received a large, handsome pianoforte (a surprise gift, no less!) and the party guests are all abuzz, speculating who could have sent such a gift. Some say Colonel Campbell, her guardian, while Emma conspires with Frank that perhaps it is from Mr. Dixon.
Emma goes to see what Mrs. Weston's thoughts are on the matter and is shocked to hear that the reason for Mr. Knightley's bringing his carriage is so he can take Jane Fairfax back to her aunts' home after the party concludes. Perhaps this is because he takes a fancy in Jane, Mrs. Weston wonders. Perhaps the pianoforte is a gift from Mr. Knightley! Emma very openly speaks her mind, disagreeing with Mrs. Weston to the highest degree. Soon, music is requested to entertain the party and Emma is pleased to share her musical abilities with the crowd first. Jane Fairfax follows suit and Emma reluctantly admits Jane's superior talent. The evening soon turns to dancing and ends with Emma pleased with her standing in the neighborhood and assured that Mr. Knightley is, in fact, not in love with Jane Fairfax.
And at that, dearest readers, we must conclude the third segment of Emma. Stay tuned for the next post, in which I will discuss Chapters 27-36, released in two weeks, Friday, August 15. A reading guide can be found here. Now, I implore you, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. I would love to hear anything and everything, dear readers!
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