Emma Chapter 50

Emma entered the house a happy woman. Mr. Woodhouse suspected nothing, but Emma feared his reaction. It was he and Harriet that kept her from perfect happiness. Unwilling to leave her father alone, Emma decides that she can not marry while he lived. As for Harriet, Emma decides to send her to stay with Isabella in London. Harriet needed to go to a dentist, and Emma could send her a letter detailing what had happened. The letter was sad to write, and only the appearance of Mr. Knightley could cheer her. That same day Emma received a letter from Frank Churchill. It was originally sent to Randalls, and the Westons had forwarded it to her. The letter was addressed to Mrs. Weston, and it offered explanations and asked forgiveness. It was true that Mrs. Churchill never would have approved the match, and it was only his hope of a change that allowed him to continue the engagement. He knew he acted poorly towards Miss Woodhouse, but he claimed that he only acted so without restraint because he knew she did not love him. He thought Emma knew of the affair, and this gave him peace to continue the charade. He was the giver of the pianoforte, without Miss Fairfax's permission. He praises his soon-to-be bride, whom he obviously loves very much. Frank Churchill sees his wrong, especially towards the Westons, and he is ashamed and regretful; yet he is also happy at his good fortune. His behavior towards Miss Woodhouse hurt Miss Fairfax, and he wishes he had not acted so flirtatious. The lovers quarreled after the day at Donwell when he met her on the road. He wanted to walk with her and she refused, fearing impropriety. He did not understand her, and they fought. He left for Richmond, and the next day she took the governess job. She sent him a letter ending the attachment; he answered it but forgot to mail it. She returned his letters, with a note remarking her new address. Then he knew his error. He told his uncle of the engagement, and when his uncle agreed to it, Frank Churchill left for Highbury. He found Jane ill, but they talked, and she agreed to marry him. He ends his letter with another plea to be forgiven, a hope his good fortune will continue.