"Please, do not distress yourself on my account, Miss Woodhouse," Harriet laid a hand atop Emma's in reassurance, and Emma released a short laugh. She had tortured herself the previous night wondering how she would tell Harriet about Mr. Elton's proposal and had forced herself from her bed to walk the distance to Goddard's to speak with Harriet. Now she herself was being comforted by the person who should be the most disappointed.

"I would not blame you, Harriet, if you wished never to see me again. It would be nothing less than I deserved for getting your hopes up."

Harriet gave Emma a sad smile and quickly wiped at her eyes, "I could never wish such a thing. It is my own fault for thinking a man such as Mr. Elton would ever show interest in someone like me."

Angrily brushing at her own tears, Emma stood and walked away from Harriet before turning to face her again, "On the contrary, it is Mr. Elton who should feel fortunate that you would consider him. I misjudged him. I did not see him for who he truly was."

"There is no need to be angry with him. As I said, it is my own fault for hoping to gain his affections," Harriet reached over to a small table in her room and picked up an abandoned piece of embroidery. "I have resolved to forget him."

Emma watched as Harriet threaded her needle and knew that the other girl did not want to discuss Mr. Elton any longer. Truly, Emma could not blame her and the shame of her involvement in her friend's pain, no matter how unintentional it had been, was enough to make her promise not to involve herself in the relationships of others. Instead, she focused her energy on helping Harriet to move on from Mr. Elton, though it was difficult. There was not a visit or walk with Harriet that did not at some point bring a memory of the clergyman to the young girl's mind and Emma would spend the rest of their time together trying to distract her. So desperate was Emma to put her friend at ease that she had willingly suggested the two of them spend an hour visiting with Mrs. and Miss Bates.

Miss Bates and her mother had once come from an affluent family but their wealth had diminished to nothing when Emma was still a little girl and the two women now occupied a small set of rooms in the village. It was not their reduced circumstances that made Emma want to sigh at the thought of seeing them but rather the idea of having to listen to Miss Bates speak. She was known to talk at length about every subject, repeating herself several times over. Emma had never known someone to talk so much but actually say so little. To make matters worse, the subject they most often landed on was Jane Fairfax.

Miss Fairfax was Miss Bates' niece that had been sent to live with one of her father's friends, Colonel Campbell, when she was very young. The man and his wife had raised Jane alongside their own daughter and provided her with every opportunity a young woman of means could wish for. Miss Bates received a letter from Jane nearly every week and Emma would be obliged to sit and listen to the woman read the letter aloud and then expound on Jane's many virtues. Emma released the small sigh she had been holding in and turned to pay attention to Harriet who seemed to be waiting for a response to something she had said.

"I'm sorry, Harriet, did you ask me something?"

Harriet smiled, "I said that if you did not mind my asking, I was curious as to why you had yet to marry? I cannot make sense of it."

"I suppose because I have no interest in getting married. At least not yet. Truly, I have no reason to. I have my own home, I live a comfortable life. Most importantly, I have not fallen in love."

"So you wish for a love match?"

"Yes, indeed! I will not consider binding myself in marriage to a man unless I am most desperately and passionately in love with them. They must feel the same about me as well, of course."

"What else do you require of this magnificent gentleman?" Harriet grinned in excitement and Emma laughed.

"Well, he must be handsome, of course. But he also needs to have humor and intelligence. Without those two traits at least, I believe I should be exasperated by him my whole life. He must also possess kindness and compassion. He will not try to stifle me and make me conform to what he believes a wife should be. And when I see him, my heart should beat faster just because he is near me."

Harriet sighed wistfully and looked up at the sky, "Oh, Miss Woodhouse! That is so romantic, I have never met such a man!"

"And that is the problem, Harriet. Neither have I," Emma smiled wryly before schooling her features into a neutral but pleasant expression, for they had just come to a stop outside of the Bates' home. Knocking on the door, Emma was greeted by the wide smile of Miss Bates.

"Oh, Miss Woodhouse! How good it is to see you! And you have brought Miss Smith with you."

"Good day, Miss Bates. We came for a visit and to see if you had any more news about your niece, Miss Fairfax.

"How kind you both are to spend your time coming to see us when you are so busy with other things, I am sure," The woman stepped aside to allow them entry, seeming not to draw breath as she lead Emma and Harriet up the stairs while continuing to talk. "Tis remarkable you should choose today to ask after Jane when she has only arrived this last hour."

As the group entered the main living space, Emma's gaze landed on a petite brunette sitting on a small couch and her mouth formed a practiced smile, "Miss Fairfax! I did not know you were planning a visit to Highbury." Emma gave a quick curtsy and turned to introduce Harriet. "This is my good friend, Miss Harriet Smith."

Miss Fairfax stood and gave a polite curtsy in return before she retook her seat. Miss Bates scrambled about the cramped living quarters and produced two chairs for their visitors. Emma took the opportunity provided by the increase in activity to observe Miss Fairfax as this was her first true introduction to the lady. The young woman was several inches shorter than Emma but she was not so small as to be considered unattractive by society. Her hair was the color of chocolate, her eyes looked to be a few shades lighter and were framed by thick lashes. High cheekbones lead down to a small but defined chin and rosy lips. Overall, Miss Fairfax was what anyone would call a beauty and Emma almost frowned in disappointment.

Ever since she was little, Emma had heard stories about Miss Fairfax and how the two of them were so similar that it was destiny for them to become the best of friends should they ever meet. Unfortunately, the weekly visits with the Bates had only caused Emma to become irritated at even the mention of Jane's name. There had been a small hope that if the two women did meet, Emma would find the other girl to be unremarkable.

"How long do you plan on staying in Highbury, Miss Fairfax?" Harriet's voice pulled Emma from her thoughts.

"At least until the Summer," Jane's soft, sweet voice filled the air.

"And then you will return to Colonel Campbell's?" Emma questioned.

"It is a possibility, to be sure," Jane did not seem inclined to say anything more but Miss Bates did not notice and quickly carried on the conversation.

"Oh, my, yes! We are so happy to have Jane with us for such a long visit! Colonel Campbell was most kind in letting her come. They hope to have Jane back with them before the Summer ends so that she may see their daughter's new home in Ireland but Jane may have a position as a governess by then."

"Ireland in the Summer sounds lovely! And who did Miss Campbell marry?" Harriet looked to Jane but Miss Bates answered first.

"Mr. Dixon is his name and he is quite a fine gentleman. All manners and attentiveness, he is, when he is with Miss Campbell. Though she is now Mrs. Dixon, isn't she? He is quite fond of Jane, as well." Emma thought that Jane's shoulders had become stiffer as Miss Bates spoke but could not imagine why.

Preferring to hear someone else speak, Emma turned to face Jane, "And you are going to be a governess, Miss Fairfax?"

Jane's gaze flicked to Emma's face and then back to her lap, "Yes. I do not want to be a burden to the Campbells after everything they have done for me."

"A burden, indeed! The Campbells tried their very best to dissuade Jane from leaving their home but Jane wouldn't hear of it." Miss Bates continued to prattle on for the duration of their visit. Jane stared resolutely at her hands, only joining in the conversation when a response was required of her. When the hour was up Emma and Harriet took their leave and on reaching Goddard's, Emma said goodbye to Harriet before walking in the direction of Hartfield, wondering if Mrs. Weston would be at home the following day.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"I simply cannot understand why people seem to insist that I am meant to be friends with Jane Fairfax! We are nothing alike," Emma frowned down at the cup of tea in her hands. After ensuring that her old governess would be at home that day, Emma had set off immediately to discuss her introduction to Miss Fairfax the previous afternoon.

"You have only just met her, Emma. Are you so sure that you have nothing in common with her?" Mrs. Weston sipped her tea.

"Quite sure," Emma nodded. "She is so quiet and reserved it is almost impossible to hold a conversation with her. She is almost secretive with the way she imparts so little information about herself.

"I will not try to persuade you to like Miss Fairfax, Emma, but try to consider things from her perspective. She is new to Highbury and is now living in the reduced circumstances of her family. I cannot imagine that to be an easy change." A sense of guilt filled Emma as she considered Mrs. Weston's words. Had she been too hasty in her judgment of Jane? Before she could examine things further, Mr. Weston entered the room.

"There you are, my love! And Emma is here, too! Splendid," Mr. Weston was all smiles as he removed a folded piece of parchment from his jacket. "It is settled, my dear. Frank will be arriving in Highbury tomorrow!"

Emma could see that Mrs. Weston felt every ounce of the joy that emanated from her husband and knew the other woman could not help feeling slightly cautious in her excitement. Should Frank be detained by his aunt yet again, it would not do for the both of them to fall under a curtain of gloom and despair. Mrs. Weston did not stop a smile from spreading over her face or the words of happiness from falling from her lips and Emma shared in their delight.

"I shall bring him over to Hartfield directly!" Mr. Weston beamed at Emma. "We must give you a chance to look him over!"

Mrs. Weston smiled but admonished her husband, "My dear, you are embarrassing Emma."

"Nonsense! I never said that she would like what she saw! He is quite unextraordinary," Mr. Weston laughed though Emma had the suspicion that Highbury was not going to be the same once Mr. Churchill arrived.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Mr. Frank Churchill rode into town the following day with all the noise that Miss Fairfax's arrival had been lacking. He stopped briefly to ask for directions to Randalls but paid no heed to the curious looks and whispers from the surrounding villagers. After locating his father's home, he dismounted and knocked enthusiastically on the front door where he was greeted by a servant and brought to the sitting room. His father entered soon after as he had seen his son's arrival from his office window on the second floor and he disregarded all decorum by crushing the young man into a hug. Mr. Weston then introduced Mr. Churchill to his new stepmother and they sat to take tea before Mr. Weston loaded everyone into a carriage and set off for Hartfield.

Emma, who had been considering visiting Mrs. Weston again, was distracted by the sound of voices coming from the entryway and descended the stairs to see the very person she had been thinking about going to see. Smiling widely, Emma's gaze shifted next to Mr. Weston and then to a young man she did not recognize. With a flutter of excitement, she realized this mysterious person must be the elusive Frank Churchill and she took a second to scrutinize him more thoroughly.

He was young, probably no more than three and twenty with dark brown hair and eyes set into a defined face. The smile on his lips looked as though it resided there more often than not and there was a playfulness to Mr. Churchill's expression that reminded Emma of the childlike wonder she saw in her nephews. All in all, he seemed a very likable gentleman.

Mr. Weston bestowed a pleased grin on her, "Miss Emma Woodhouse, I would like to introduce you to my son, Mr. Frank Churchill." Giving a curtsy, Emma led everyone to the drawing room where she found herself sitting closest to Mr. Churchill while Mr. and Mrs. Weston spoke to her father.

"How do you find Highbury after being gone for such a long time?"

"As far as I can tell it looks the same, though I have not had a chance to see too much of it just yet." Mr. Churchill leaned slightly closer and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper, "I suppose I should forewarn you that my father has already promised your services as a guide to me."

"I thank you for the warning and I shall take my duties most seriously. I will have an itinerary printed of every family in the neighborhood and we will call on them all as well as visit any reputable landmarks." Emma felt a smile stretch across her lips and Mr. Churchill released a loud laugh that caused the others to glance at them.

"I do hope the rest of the people here have a sense of humor like yours. I try to never be serious as I find that trait to be the source of great consternation in many a person."

"Well, you have already made the acquaintance of three of the townspeople so I shall let you be the judge," Emma waved her hand first towards herself and then to her father and Mrs. Weston.

"Your father seems a very interesting man and I confess to finding my father's new wife to be wonderfully delightful. I had long hoped that my father would remarry but I never expected him to find someone so charming and pretty!"

"I quite agree with you, sir! And I do not say that merely because she was my governess." Emma smiled fondly at Mrs. Weston before falling into easy conversation with Mr. Churchill. Before long, Mr. Weston was standing up and bidding them a good day with the excuse of having several other people he wanted Frank to meet.

Mr. Woodhouse did not often have so many visitors at one time and felt rather tired once the Westons and Mr. Churchill departed. Emma assisted her father into his favorite chair and covered him with his requested amount of blankets before going to discuss with the cook what time dinner was to be served.

"And is Mr. Knightley to be joining you, Miss?" Cook looked at her from over a large mixing bowl.

"Oh! I had not realized it was so late! I will go check," Emma quickly left the kitchen and went to the doorway of the drawing room that led into their garden. She stood watching the small path leading to their yard for several minutes before she was able to make out the image of Mr. Knightley striding up the lane. His appearance told her it was nearly four o'clock and Emma marveled at how much she looked forward to seeing him. Giving herself a small smile, Emma went to tell Cook that they would be needing a third place setting. On her return, Mr. Knightly was watching Mr. Woodhouse with some concern.

"Is your father quite alright? He does not usually take a nap at this time."

"We had some visitors today and I am afraid it tired him out."

"Ah, I see," Mr. Knightley seated himself in his chair.

"And will you not ask who our visitors were?"

"If I must though I have a feeling you will tell me whether I ask or not."

"Very well, I will not make you beg any longer," Emma grinned as Mr. Knightley laughed.

"Father and I have just made the acquaintance of Mr. Frank Churchill."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Mr. Knightley took pride in the fact that he was a rational man and he knew that it was far from rational to dislike someone he had never met. But with Emma's face glowing and eyes sparkling with excitement over her first meeting with Mr. Churchill, Mr. Knightley could not tamp down the sudden urge to place his fist in the man's face. He realized he had been quiet for too long when Emma's smile slipped away.

"Well, I thought you might feign even a little interest in hearing that Mr. Churchill had returned to Highbury."

"Oh, I am only surprised that he has actually come," This was at least partially true but Emma seemed willing to accept this explanation of his earlier hesitation.

"Mr. Weston is so happy! And Mrs. Weston seemed quite pleased with him, as well."

"And how did you find him?" Mr. Knightley did not want to hear Emma's response and he waited for it almost fearfully.

"I found him to be very agreeable. He is all wit and humor and easy conversation, I do not think it will be difficult for him to settle here should he wish it. He is sure to be liked wherever he goes," Emma smiled but Mr. Knightley could not find it in himself to return the gesture.

"I understand you made a visit to the Bates and met Miss Fairfax?" Mr. Knightley's attempts to change the topic of conversation were met with some reluctance by Emma.

"Yes, I did."

"And?"

Releasing a huff, Emma turned to look at him, "And I thought she was exactly as described. She is very pretty and from what little conversation I could pull from her, she seems well-spoken. If she is the delightful pianist that has the voice of an angel as we have been told, I have not yet discovered it."

Mr. Knightley could do nothing but stare at Emma and she sighed, "Please forgive me, Mr. Knightley. I had no right to speak in that tone of voice." She gave a mirthless laugh, "I suppose you and I are more alike than either one of us thought. You seem determined to object to someone you have yet to be introduced to and I find it difficult to like Miss Fairfax even though she has given me no reason not to."

It struck Mr. Knightley that Emma seemed almost envious of Miss Fairfax but this made no sense to him. He had met the young lady himself and while he thought her very nice and a welcome addition to Highbury, he had not seen anything that should cause Emma distress. Emma's beauty remained unmatched, though he had never known Emma to pay any notice to her looks, and she was well-regarded and liked by everyone in town. But these were not things he could say to Emma and so he settled for giving her a small smile.

"Do not think overly much about it. I am sure you will find you have a great deal in common with Miss Fairfax."

Emma did not look convinced but accepted his words nonetheless. After eating their dinner and then playing a game of chess with Mr. Woodhouse, Mr. Knightley left to make his way home. As he got further and further from Hartfield, he could not help but notice how all the light and warmth had been taken from him the further he got. He had only recently noticed this emptiness and the feeling of loss that accompanied it. It had taken him many weeks to discover the source of these emotions was Hartfield and that they disappeared the second the large house came into his view. There were other things he had taken notice of but could not name and he pushed them to the back of his mind to consider later. For now, he needed to prepare himself for his inevitable introduction to Mr. Frank Churchill.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Harriet, my dear, are you sure you are alright?" Mrs. Weston's gentle voice caused guilt to flare in Emma's heart as she turned her gaze to the lady in question.

It had been nearly a month since Mr. Elton's proposal to Emma was rejected and he had set off for a trip to see friends of his before the week had ended. His absence had been somewhat helpful in making Harriet forget him but every once in a while she would fall into a melancholy state. Mrs. Weston had coincidentally chosen this day to walk to Hartfield and Emma felt some hope that Mrs. Weston's presence would be beneficial in lifting Harriet's spirits. Those hopes were quickly falling away as Harriet looked up at the sound of her name.

The young lady's eyes were rimmed red and the tip of her nose had become pink from the frequent contact it was having with her handkerchief. Sniffling once more, Harriet attempted to smile, "I am quite well, I thank you. Though I believe I should be getting home."

"Would you mind greatly if I were to accompany you? I think a walk would do me good," Emma was loathe to leave the other girl alone when she was so upset."

"I, too, would be grateful if you allowed me to join you," Mrs. Weston smiled kindly.

"I would be most happy to have you both with me," Harriet replied. After gathering their bonnets and cloaks, the three women set off for town. They had very nearly made it to the small path leading directly to the front door of Goddard's when an excited voice called out to them.

"Oh, Miss Woodhouse!" The small group stopped walking and Emma saw with some alarm that it was Miss Bates who had shouted her name. It was not until the lady was standing in front of them that Emma saw Miss Fairfax positioned a few feet away as though she did not want to impose herself on the other women. Miss Bates, however, had no such thought and continued talking.

"Miss Woodhouse, what spectacular news I have! And how fortunate Miss Smith and Mrs. Weston should be here so that we may all rejoice in this happy occasion! Did you hear that Mr. Elton has been married?" Emma's gaze quickly flicked to Harriet who had gone very still at this declaration, but Miss Bates did not seem to notice.

"Her name is Miss Augusta Hawkins, although I suppose she is now Mrs. Augusta Elton," Miss Bates let out a small chuckle before going on. "Apparently she is from a very well-to-do family and has a dowry of ten thousand pounds."

"Excuse me, but I must not be late getting back," Harriet curtsied and hurriedly went the rest of the way to Goddard's. Despite her seeming indifference to the news of Mr. Elton's marriage, Emma had seen a tear falling down Harriet's cheek as she turned away.

"What a sweet girl she is," Miss Bates nodded in the direction Harriet had gone before turning to Jane, "Come along, Jane, we must be going as well. Good day to you, Miss Woodhouse, Mrs. Weston."

Emma fleetingly wondered at the fact that Miss Bates did not seem aware that no one had even responded to her news before she went away, but she pushed that thought aside and turned distressed eyes to Mrs. Weston.

"It is all my fault! I encouraged Harriet to consider Mr. Elton as a prospective husband and now her pain is my doing."

"Emma, you could not have known what would happen," Mrs. Weston looped her arm through Emma's and guided her forward at a leisurely pace.

"Perhaps not, but I still own some if not all of the blame. I truly did not think Mr. Martin was a good match for Harriet and I am still not convinced but I turned her attention elsewhere."

"It is a difficult thing to understand the complexities of people and their relationships. And while Mr. Elton was not a good choice for Harriet, I know that your heart was in the right place."

Mrs. Weston's words soothed Emma's conscience for the moment and they chatted easily with one another as they walked home, though once alone Emma's thoughts often wandered to what the arrival of Mr. Elton and the new Mrs. Elton would be like.