First Word

-EMMA-

Emma did remember the first time she spoke because it was to her Mr. Knightley. She could not have been more than one year old when upon a lovely visit from the Knightley's to the Woodhouse's she spoke, in a firm tone it might be added, to one word to George Knightley.

"No."

He had been vexing her by tapping her shoulder from where she sat on the parlor floor parading several cloth dolls about. He had repeatedly tried to get her attention by this method but finally he had resorted to taking one of the dolls in his own hands. Emma had been determined to put a stop to it. So she spoke and looked at him with a severity that was well beyond her year. She remembered his smile as he had apologized and handed the doll back. After a moment during which neither party interacted with the other Emma stood and raising her arms was brought up into Georges arms and they spent the rest of the visit playing dolls together.

-GEORGE-

George remembers the first time he spoke and she actually seemed to comprehend him. It was just after his mother had died. She was past two at this point and was speaking in full sentences now. It seemed she understood the world around her a great deal more than other children did. But George also suspected he was bias. He and John were to go to the Woodhouses' after the funeral because Mr. and Mrs. Woodhouse insisted that they stay there awhile instead of at the huge Abbey. George knew that he would have to face it's emptiness at some point but for the moment he was happy to be surrounded by friends. As he came in the front door he was greeted by the sight of Emma standing at the top of the steps fidgeting with her black satin sash. She and Isabella had not attended the funeral

"What are you about Emma?"

"This silly thing won't stay tied. I don't know why we have to wear black and no one will answer me when I ask. And where have you been? It's a good deal past the time for your daily visit. I'll have to speak to your mother about it."
She looked so put out that at any other moment George would have laughed. Emma must have known this for when he didn't laugh her face grew grave and she took a few more steps down to the entryway where he stood.

"Mr. Knightley, what has happened?"

He sighed that no one had told her but at the same moment he was glad it was he and not another who she looked to for answers.

"Emma, my mother is no longer here."
She paused on her descent, small feet have taken each stair first by one and then the other, and looked at him with confusion and then with great clarity. Suddenly she was down the stairs and in his arms in a flash.

"Oh, Mr. Knightley, I am sorry."
He felt her small arms tighten around his neck and he almost cried.

"She was so very nice to everyone. I shall miss her."

George set her down and patting her head replied "So will I."