We first hear of Box Hill at the end of Chapter 42 when Emma and Frank Churchill are talking. Emma notices that Frank doesn't seem himself and he soon expresses his wish to leave the country and move to Switzerland. Although Emma does not know about Frank and Jane Fairfax's relationship, this suggests to us that perhaps something has happened between them.

Emma suggests that maybe tomorrow's gathering at Box Hill would be as good as a change for Frank and invites him to come along.

Tomorrow arrives and everyone gets to Box Hill on time; the Westons, Emma and Harriet, Miss Bates and Jane, the Eltons and Mr. Knightley. Mrs. Weston remained back at Hartfield with Mr. Woodhouse.

Emma notices that everybody is in their own little groups; Mr. and Mrs. Elton stay together, Mr. Knightley stays with Jane and Miss Bates, and Emma, Harriet and Frank Churchill...