Austen 250 Reader Series: Emma (Chapters 37-45)
- Maizie Ferguson
- Aug 29, 2025
- 10 min read
Welcome back, Janeites, to the Austen 250 Reader Series––our celebratory blog series for this 250th anniversary year––and to the fifth installment of our content devoted to Austen's 1815 novel, Emma. Today, we shall cover Chapters 37-45. Let us begin!
Whilst Frank is away in London, Emma realizes that her affections for him are not what they were previously. Afraid of causing him distress by her indifference, her fears are quelled by Frank's brief visit upon his return to Highbury and what appears to be amiable detachment. Mrs. Churchill's ill health calls Frank once again to London, and the Churchills settle instead at their home in Richmond. This allows Mr. Weston to properly set a date for the ball.
She was soon convinced that it was not for herself she was feeling at all apprehensive or embarrassed; it was for him. Her own attachment had really subsided into a mere nothing; it was not worth thinking of; but if he, who had undoubtedly been always so much the most in love of the two, were to be returning with the same warmth of sentiment which he had taken away, it would be very distressing. (Ch. 37)
The night of the ball finally arrives, with Frank paying the Bateses special attention and Mrs. Elton bustling in, behaving as though she was both hostess and the guest of honor. Prior to Mrs. Elton's nonchalant display, the Westons had hoped Emma and Frank would commence the dancing. Unfortunately, it is altogether too plain that Mrs. Elton expects that honor to be hers due to her status as a newly-married woman. Thus, to keep decorum, Mr. Weston and Mrs. Elton lead the first dance. Despite this slight, Emma still expects a lovely evening and is determined to enjoy herself.
As the evening continues, a grand travesty occurs. A set begins and a young lady is seated without a partner: Harriet Smith. Mrs. Weston attempts to employ Mr. Elton, however in a move of cruel classicism and haughty disdain, the vicar openly rejects Harriet. Emma notices these proceedings during the dance and her heart breaks for her friend. She is immediately relieved and gratified by Mr. Knightley, however, a true gentleman, asking Harriet to dance. Later, Emma makes a point of thanking her friend and admits that she had been entirely off in her judgements of Mr. Elton. Mr. Knightley concedes, but applauds Emma for her hopes for Harriet. He remarks that Harriet would have made a much better wife––modest, truthful, pure of heart––than Mrs. Elton. They conclude the evening by dancing together.
In another moment a happier sight caught her -- Mr. Knightley leading Harriet to the set! Never had she been more surprised, seldom more delighted, than at that instant. She was all pleasure and gratitude, both for Harriet and herself, and longed to be thanking him; and though too distant for speech, her countenance said much, as soon as she could catch his eye again.
(Ch. 38)
The next morning finds Emma in joyful recollection of the high points of the ball––and thoughtful consideration on the less amicable events. Suddenly, the quietude is disturbed by the presence of a heroic Frank Churchill and a bedraggled, faint Harriet. It seems Harriet and a friend from Mrs. Goddard's school had been approached and detained by a young gypsy on a quest for money. Harriet's friend fled the scene, but Harriet, in a state of panic, did not, being soon surrounded by more gypsies. Frank happened to be walking that very way and, noting the situation, rescued Harriet and brought her promptly to Hartfield. Mr. Woodhouse is quite alarmed by the story, to be sure, but thankfully Harriet is frightened, not hurt, and the gypsies quickly move elsewhere. Emma's matchmaking tendency makes a brief appearance as she wonders if the rescue might cause Harriet and Frank to fall in love.
It was a very extraordinary thing! Nothing of the sort had ever occurred before to any young ladies in the place, within her memory; no rencontre, no alarm of the kind; -- and now it had happened to the very person, and at the very hour, when the other very person was chancing to pass by to rescue her! It certainly was very extraordinary! (Ch. 39)
A few days pass, then Harriet visits Hartfield, bringing along bits and bobs of Mr. Elton's she had previously kept as romantic mementos: the last shreds of a pencil he used and bandage (court-plaister) she had given him once. With a vehemence that rarely overpowers her naive and amiable countenance, Harriet discards the trifles by tossing them into Emma's fireplace.
She goes on to resolutely state she will not marry, like Miss Woodhouse once said herself. Harriet's reasoning is different, however, as she alludes to the fact that the man she fancies now is too much of a gentleman to risk an attachment with Miss Smith's unknown origins and low social status. Emma, positive that her friend means Frank Churchill, happily assures Harriet that matches of greater disparity (regarding the dissimilarity in rank) have occurred. Emma speaks to the "service he rendered her" and Harriet agrees in glowing terms. Emma, trying to check her meddlesome, matchmaking ways––and positive Frank is the gentleman spoken of––says they should not mention the name of the man whom Harriet admires.
'...We were very wrong before; we will be cautious now. He is your superior, no doubt, and there do seem objections and obstacles of a very serious nature; but yet, Harriet, more wonderful things have taken place, there have been matches of greater disparity. But take care of yourself. I would not have you too sanguine; though, however it may end, be assured that your raising your thoughts to him, is a mark of good taste which I shall always know how to value.' (Ch. 40)
A few conversations exchanged between Frank, the Westons, and the Bateses lead Mr. Knightley to the conclusion that in addition to paying a great deal of flirtatious attention to Emma, Frank Churchill might also be paying such attentions to Jane Fairfax... in secret. At Hartfield, the group of friends settles down for a time of deciphering anagrams, proposed by Frank. He manages to distress Jane, anger Mr. Knightley (though he conceals it), and delight Emma in one fell swoop by creating a few word scrambles that hint at the rumor of Jane's relationship with her friend's new husband, Mr. Dixon.
After the party, Mr. Knightley pulls Emma aside to forewarn her of his hypothesis regarding Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax, even though he rightly assumes that his interference in the matter will not be warmly accepted. Emma says she can vouch for Frank's apathy towards Jane, romantic or otherwise. This insinuates the sort of conversations Frank and Emma have together and their lack of propriety by discussing intimate topics displeases Mr. Knightley.
They were entering the hall. Mr. Knightley's eyes had preceded Miss Bates's in a glance at Jane. From Frank Churchill's face, where he thought he saw confusion suppressed or laughed away, he had involuntarily turned to her's; but she was indeed behind, and too busy with her shawl. Mr. Weston had walked in. The two other gentlemen waited at the door to let her pass. Mr. Knightley suspected in Frank Churchill the determination of catching her eye -- he seemed watching her intently -- vain, however, if it were so Jane passed between them into the hall, and looked at neither. (Ch. 41)
Soon, it is decided that the overlapping social circles of Mrs. Elton and Emma will make an excursion to Box Hill for a picnic. It is briefly postponed by a day, so everyone visits Donwell Abbey, the home of Mr. Knightley. Mrs. Elton attempts to convince Jane to take a position as a governess the former has found. Frank Churchill is set to arrive, as well, but when he does not make an appearance, the Westons grow concerned. The party spends most of the day outside, but after tiring of the heat Emma finds her way back to the house, only to run into Jane Fairfax. Despite her dislike, Emma cannot help but notice how upset Jane seems. She asks Emma to tell the others she has gone home, if anyone should ask. Frank arrives at this point, speaking derisively about Jane, whom he saw on his way to Donwell. Attempting to lift his spirits, Emma invites Frank to Box Hill the following day; he agrees to come.
'I am,' she answered, 'I am fatigued; but it is not the sort of fatigue -- quick walking will refresh me. Miss Woodhouse, we all know at times what it is to be wearied in spirits. Mine, I confess, are exhausted. The greatest kindness you can show me, will be to let me have my own way, and only say that I am gone when it is necessary.' (Ch. 42)
The walk up to Box Hill is rather boring, with all members of the party affected by the heat of the day. Once everyone is settled and seated, however, the flirtatious––improprietous––energy between Frank and Emma becomes uncomfortably palpable. It is not a serious act on either part––Emma herself considers it merely idle amusement. Then, Frank proposes a game that spirals quickly into a request to tell Emma "one thing very clever, two things moderately clever, or three things very dull indeed."
Miss Bates readily professes her ability to supply three dull things, only for Emma to reply, glibly, that it must be an arduous task to only share three. The energy of the outing shifts the moment this is said. Miss Bates is keenly aware of Emma's full meaning and remarks to Mr. Knightley and Jane that she must have truly made a fool of herself to be rebuked so by Miss Woodhouse, who, in possessing the highest rank, should give the best example for them all.
In an attempt to lighten the mood, Mr. Weston presents a riddle which places Emma in a positive light. Mr. and Mrs. Elton make no attempt to cover their disgust at Emma's behavior and go to walk about the grounds. After a few more thoughtless comments from Frank, Jane rises to take her sorrowful aunt for a walk, with Mr. Knightley joining them.
Later, as different members begin to depart, Mr. Knightley seeks Emma out individually to make clear to hear that her unjust behavior towards Miss Bates will not stand and was truly the most insensitive of comments. Emma belongs to the wealthiest family in Highbury, while the poor, unmarried Miss Bates is reliant on the kind attention of her fortunate friends. "It was badly done, Emma. Badly done indeed!" Feeling the sting of the scolding, alternating feelings of disappointment and embarrassment and utter remorse wash over our heroine.
Nothing was wanting but to be happy when they got there. Seven miles were travelled in expectation of enjoyment, and every body had a burst of admiration on first arriving; but in the general amount of the day there was deficiency. There was a languor, a want of spirits, a want of union, which could not be got over. (Ch. 43)
It is, as one might expect, a trial of a night for Emma Woodhouse. She is near despondent over the events of the Box Hill picnic and finally makes up her mind to visit Miss Bates often, beginning with the very next morning. Upon arriving at the humble dwelling the Bateses call home, Emma discovers that Jane is ill. Miss Bates is all understanding and kindness, which touches Emma greatly as she makes amends for her unkindness. Miss Bates shares that Jane has accepted Mrs. Elton's suggestion of a governess job, which shifts Emma's perspective on her nemesis entirely. She can sincerely hope Jane experiences the very best in the future, although Emma is also not without sympathy for the difficulty that undoubtedly awaits. Miss Bates also shares that Frank has left for Richmond at the behest of old Mrs. Churchill. Emma hears of this with an absence of strong feelings; she and Miss Bates part on friendly terms.
Now Emma was obliged to think of the piano forte and the remembrance of all her former fanciful and unfair conjectures was so little pleasing, that she soon allowed herself to believe her visit had been long enough; and, with a repetition of every thing that she could venture to say of the good wishes which she really felt, took leave. (Ch. 44)
Upon Emma's return to Hartfield, she finds Mr. Knightley there. He has come to say farewell for the moment, as he plans to visit his brother's family in London. Mr. Woodhouse tells Mr. Knightley of Emma's visit to Miss Bates, which he receives gladly and gratefully. And Miss Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley part as the good friends they have always been. The next day, Highbury learns that Mrs. Churchill has died. It seems that her long-professed and oft-disbelieved illnesses had some root in reality. Thus, Frank is no longer tethered to the whims and wills of his patroness, enabling him to marry anyone he wishes. (Happily, Emma thinks of Harriet here.) Emma also makes several attempts to build a true friendship––if a tentative one––with Jane Fairfax after years of cold indifference. Not as willing as Miss Bates, Jane professes she is unwell; this seems to be an excuse, with which Emma must come to terms.
He took her hand; -- whether she had not herself made the first motion, she could not say -- she might, perhaps, have rather offered it -- but he took her hand, pressed it, and certainly was on the point of carrying it to his lips -- when, from some fancy or other, he suddenly let it go. Why he should feel such a scruple, why he should change his mind when it was all but done, she could not perceive. (Ch. 45)
Stay tuned for the next post, in which I will discuss Chapters 46-55, concluding our collective reading journey through Emma. A reading guide & schedule can be found here. Now then, I implore you, please share your thoughts, opinions, or exclamations in the comments section below. I would love to hear anything and everything, dear readers!
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