Volume 1 Chapter 17 Summary

Mr. John Knightley and his family take leave of Hartfield and Mr. Woodhouse is very much upset. Mr. Elton sends a letter to Mr. Woodhouse informing him that he will be departing for Bath right away with the intention of staying for a few weeks. Emma is not mentioned in the letter, and she worries that her father will notice this. Instead, Mr. Woodhouse fixates on his worry that Mr. Elton will not return.

Emma finally reveals the truth about Mr. Elton to Harriet, who is quite upset with the news. Instead of blaming Mr. Elton, she deems herself unworthy of his attention anyway. Emma resolves to make her comfortable at Hartfield and to keep her mind occupied away from Mr. Elton.

The chapter ends with Emma deciding that she will not rest until she has found someone else to make...