Mr Knightly is glad that summers consist only of Emma Woodhouse.
If Frank Weston and Jane Fairfax spent the summers at Hartfield as well as Emma then Mr Knightly would surely loose all of his hair out of worry. The children were now starting to leave their childhoods behind and scolding's no longer worked to intimidate them into good behaviour. It was the final day of summer and the Woodhouses and Bates' were expecting Jane to come home. Mr Knightly was making his way to visit them and wait for Jane with them when he saw Emma's latest naughty act.
High up in one of the tallest trees surrounding Hartfield.
"Emma" he called. "Get down there before your father sees you!"
"Mr Knightly!" Emma shouted back giving him some sort of mad wave. "You should come and see the view, it's beautiful!"
He knew the view was beautiful up there. When he was roughly Emma's age he too had climbed up that tree and admired the whole of Highbury. Then he was pulled down by his father who lectured him, was smothered by his worried mother, was laughed at by John and Isabella who were too young to understand, and was forced to eat gruel as his punishment by the everlastingly concerned Mr Woodhouse.
"It is not safe, Emma, get down," Mr Knightly said. "Jane will be home soon, you do not want her to come back and find you dead due to your own recklessness."
"I won't die," Emma scoffed as she began to climb down the tree, "you all worry too much."
"I worry so much that I could hardly speak. I will wake up one day to find myself turned mute because you and your foster siblings have worried me into silence," Mr Knightly said dryly. "I do not know how my voice shall survive this winter."
"Maybe you should speak only when you have good things to say about me," Emma said cheekily. "Then you will be able to preserve your voice no matter how worried you are."
"I shall never be able to talk again if that was the case," Mr Knightly said.
Emma jumped down the last half a foot of the tree and stumbled slightly. Mr Knightly grabbed hold of her arm gently and steadied her. "You are never kind to me Mr Knightly," Emma pouted.
"On the contrary, I am always kind to you, perhaps too kind since you never learn your lesson."
"You never say a kind word to me."
"My dear Emma, it is not words that you should look for, have you not heard the phrase actions speak louder than words?"
Emma would have argued that actions are useless if words hid them from view. After all she was so uncertain if Mr Knightly cared for her at all these days. He would say such negative things about her, for example he would talk about how vain and reckless she was, and whatever small fond action say taking her hand and helping her up would be forgotten as she tried to forget all those hurtful words.
Her argument was lost though when she spotted Jane hastily making her way towards them. "Jane!" Emma cried out.
"Emma!"
Mr Knightly felt some discomfort as he suddenly became as important as the tree he was standing by. He felt he should turn away or leave so Emma and Jane could have their reunion in private.
"You have gotten taller!"
"So have you! Is that a new dress?"
"Yes Colonel Campbell had been so kind that I could hardly speak of it!"
"The colour suits you, have you heard from Frank over the summer? He had written to me once a week complaining about his aunt."
"Indeed I received a similar correspondence from him, and you as well; I began to think I was the only one who enjoyed this summer!"
"It was quiet in Hartfield without you and Frank. Well quiet as it can be with your Aunt Bates speaking complete gibberish every afternoon."
"Oh Emma! I wish you would stop insulting Aunt!"
"I apologise Jane, I am just lonely and resentful right now, forgive me, I shall amend my poor manner towards your aunt straight away."
Jane laughed. "I am so happy to be home again," she said embracing Emma.
EWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEW
"Oh dear, dear me, poor Frank, yes poor Frank indeed," Mr Woodhouse said looking grave. He had a letter held tightly in one hand; Emma could almost make out Mr Weston's handwriting on it. It was elegantly plain, no carefully looped letters, but still tidy with the little flick the last letter of each word. "Frank will no longer be staying with us. His aunt insists on overseeing his education and giving him the best education a gentleman of his station should have. Therefore he is to be sent away though Mr Weston has promised that we shall see Frank over the Christmas season, it is not quite the same as having him home, is it?"
"He will be missed. Yes the boy is a delightful young man and he always made me smile with his mischievous ways. Oh, but, Mr Woodhouse, we must be grateful for the generosity of Mrs Churchill! To have such an education, to be allowed to do whatever he wished, to be taken care of, oh it is a very big honour and we must be grateful that Frank has been given this chance. If it was not for Miss Taylor's outstanding education I would have accepted a similar offer from the Campbells for Jane. Frank is indeed a lucky young man," Miss Bates babbled cheerfully.
Jane and Miss Taylor gave Emma a stern look when Emma rolled her eyes throughout Miss Bates' speech on Frank's education. "I am glad you did not accept Colonel Campbell's offer, Miss Bates, for I would be very lonely without dear Jane," Emma said cheerfully. "Frank shall be missed."
"Yes," Jane agreed softly, "Frank shall be very much missed."
"You will get used to it," Isabella reassured the two younger girls. "I remember how unbearable it was when my dear friend Mr John Knightly left to study the law. However I had gotten used to his absence and had used it as an opportunity to improve my letter-writing."
"Oh, I am certain your letter-writing has vastly improved," Emma said slyly.
Isabella flushed a pretty pink. "It is a great loss to Hartfield," Mr Woodhouse said looking forlorn. "Now the likeness of our dear friend Mr Weston visiting regularly has lessened and the manor has become quiet. I do not know how we shall bear it."
"I doubt it, Father, for we are all very noisy," Emma said.
They all agreed and enjoyed supper before retiring for the night. As they were preparing to go to bed Jane spoke up, "Why were you teasing Isabella about the letter-writing?" she asked curiously.
"Oh, dearest Jane!" Emma cried out. "I have discovered a new talent over the summer. I am, it appears, talented in making love matches and reading people's hearts. It has come to my notice that Isabella has fallen for John Knightly and I shall endeavour this match with the best of my ability."
"Oh Emma..." Jane sighed, "I have a feeling that his new talent of yours will only lead to trouble in the future."
"Nonsense. It shall only lead to great happiness for the people around us," Emma said climbing into bed. "One day I shall find you someone who shall make you the happiest woman in all of Highbury. Now, tell me all about the seaside and the Campbells."
EWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEW
20th September 1807
Dearest Frank,
You have left Hartfield an unhappy home at this moment. Mr Woodhouse and my Aunt constantly speak of you to fill the silence you have left behind you. Emma is beside me and begs me to give you her fond regards. She has been lonelier than one can imagine without us during the summer and now I fear I shall never fulfil that constant companionship that she desires without your assistance.
Despite your absence at Hartfield there is little change in Highbury. The only recent news I can give you is Emma's new talent of matchmaking. She is determined to make a match between our elder sister Isabella and Mr John Knightly, who remains in London to be established as a lawyer; no one discourages her as always. I believe Miss Taylor agrees with the match while Mr Woodhouse remains oblivious as always, and my aunt and grandmother are more focused on our education than our pursuits during our free time. Mr Knightly is unaware of this newfound talent though I am sure the moment he finds out he will be the first to discourage Emma from interfering in one's romantic life. I am torn between what makes my beloved friend and sister happy and the well being of the romantic lives of Highbury. For while Emma means well I am certain there is nothing but trouble to come in the future years.
As for me, I remain at Hartfield every winter and spring only to holiday with the Campbells once again in the summer. There is nothing of particular interest that I could tell you, only that I look forwards to being reunited with you at Christmas and hopefully in the summer if your aunt wishes to holiday in Weymouth once more.
Yours affectionately,
Jane.
EWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEW
25th September 1807
My dearest Jane,
I was in poor humour until I received your letter. I find the image of Emma spinning webs and creating matches in Highbury a very amusing one indeed. While I am sure she will cause no real harm it is best if you keep her restrained. Mr Knightly does indeed hold a restraining power over Emma but I believe it is not as strong and constant as yours. Do not bring Mr Knightly into this silly affair until Emma is trying to matchmake your aunt to the butler.
I feel empty without you and Emma. During the summer it was never so painful and obvious but as every day passes without your soft smiles and Emma's bright laugh, I feel more and more lonely and empty. My education is long and dull without yours and Emma's wit to keep me entertained. I find it has become difficult to not resent my aunt's charity as I miss your company. These next few months and the years to come while I study shall be the longest and difficult years of my life.
Please give my regards to Emma, Mr Woodhouse, and your relatives.
Yours sincerely
Frank.
EWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEW
10th May 1810
Dearest Frank,
Jane and I write to you with the greatest of news. Firstly I was right in my instinct about the romantic relations between Isabella and John Knightly. They have announced their engagement last night and Father is in a frantic state at the thought of losing Isabella to not only John Knightly but the polluted air of London town. Jane's aunt Miss Bates has poorly tried to reassure him while spouting the praises of London over and over again. Jane and I are very excited and Miss Taylor is having trouble keeping us calm and respectable. Well, more accurately I, after all dearest Jane is nothing but the quiet elegant respectable lady that I should aspire to be. This of course is Mr Knightly's words.
This brings me to my second piece of news. Jane insists it is very good news due to the fact she shall receive help in restraining my wild ways. Mr Knightly has discovered my talent in matchmaking. It had only taken him three years to make this discovery and I had to be the one to tell him! He, very much like our Jane, believes I will only upset Highbury with my endeavours. However I have proved him wrong with my match between Isabella and John, which he refused to believe possible two weeks prior. Mr Knightly has taken to constantly telling me it was sheer luck and I am out to prove him wrong. I believe it is time for our dear Miss Taylor to find a husband and start a family of her own. After all I have no plans to marry and I do wish to have many nieces, nephews, and godchildren to spoil.
Thirdly and lastly I am forced to learn Chinese by Mr Knightly. This is of course your fault, if you stop writing to Miss Bates who will do nothing but sing your praises and I felt so small that I needed to better myself. I accidentally declared that Mr Knightly was to teach me the dreadful language and Jane went to inform Mr Knightly of his future student. Now I have three afternoons dedicated to Mr Knightly's strict classroom ways.
Yours affectionately
Emma and Jane.
EWEWEWEWEWEWEWEW
15th May 1810
My dearest friends, Jane and Emma,
I apologise for this hurried note but I am busy with many studies and duties to my aunt. I have managed to convince her to give me leave so I shall be here in time for Isabella's wedding. It is difficult to believe that someone has generous, tolerant, and kind as Isabella could marry a temperamental and rough man like John. Then again I have never forgiven John for stealing my favourite hat and throwing it on the highest tree in Donwell Abbey.
As always I am looking forwards to see you two with the most frantic impatience.
Yours always,
Frank.
EWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEWEW
The day Isabella Woodhouse married John Knightly was a very hot summer day.
It was early June, the sky was clear blue, the sun was shining brightly, and best of all, Frank and Jane had been allowed to stay in Highbury until July to celebrate the wedding. The ceremony had not been anything special nor had there been any finery for the bride and groom. Despite the normality of the day the whole of Highbury would agree it was the most romantic wedding they had in years.
"I hate this heat," Frank grumbled as he pulled at his collar. In respect for the formal occasion he was dressed properly, shirt, waistcoat, cravat, and jacket. Now he regretted his politeness as he was sweltering away in this heat. "Could they have not waited until winter?"
"Father would have never allowed that," Emma laughed, "imagine what the cold weather might do to all of our guests? We shall all spend Christmas in bed and eat gruel. Poor Isabella would have to include three shawls in her bridal wear just to keep Father satisfied. I do not know your thoughts but I believe three shawls would have ruined her gown."
"I feel my throat closing up and my body turning into a husk," Frank complained. "I am dying in this heat."
Jane suppressed the urge to laugh at him. "You have never enjoyed the summer," she said gently, "it is as if your very being prefers winter."
"Well of course I prefer winter! It is the only season I get to see my two dearest friends in the world!" Frank cried out. "But this does not hide the fact that this heat is unbearable. I propose we leave the party, after all it is Isabella who has the whole of Highbury's attention, no one would notice if us three went missing, and we taking a little swim in the pond."
"Oh we could not!" Emma cried out. "It is not proper and we are no longer young children. We are soon to come out!"
"I know Emma but we have not come out in society yet!" Frank exclaimed. "We are yet to be Ladies and Gentleman. Therefore we can easily behave as naughty children."
"I am starting to believe you shall always behave as a naughty child," Jane said coolly.
"Dearest Jane! Do you not wish to have one last moment with Emma and me? Do not want to damn propriety and being ladylike just for one hour? One little swim in this unbearable heat and I promise to you on my honour it would be our last bad deed as children."
Jane looked at Emma who had a cheerful cheeky grin on her face. She turned to Frank and silently moaned. He was using his pleading eyes that belonged to a little puppy. She could never resist them. "On your honour that this would be the last time!" she hissed. "You shall never convince me to do something devious ever again!"
"On my honour, Jane," Frank said solemnly.
"Then let's hurry before Miss Taylor or my aunt sees us."
They escaped the wedding party that was held in the garden that Emma and Jane worked endlessly in under Miss Taylor's watchful eye. Whether it was the actual dirty gardening work or just painting and reading they spent more time in Hartfield's garden than they had anywhere else. They ran through the wooded area to where they knew where the pond was. They knew this trek by heart since the two Mr Knightlys would take them there on a similar summer day. Frank quickly took his jacket, waist coat, and shirt off while the girls struggled to get out of their dresses. The moment they kicked their shoes off Emma and Frank jumped in.
"Jane!" Emma cried out. "Do come in! It's lovely and cold!"
Jane could not help but feel a little self-conscious. She could barely remember a time being this naked in Frank's presence. Of course she was still wearing her shift but she was often dressed in a proper dress and shawl as well whenever Frank was near. The only people to have seen her so naked would have been her aunt, Miss Taylor, Emma, and the occasional maid that had attended to her.
"Do not worry yourself Jane!" Frank called. "I will not let you drown." With all the courage and confidence she had Jane took a small jump into the pond and immediately found herself in Frank's strong embrace. Her cheek was pressed against his chest and his hands were flat against her back as he kept her close to him. "See? You are safe with me," Frank murmured.
Was his voice always so warm and deep?
She was suddenly woken from her daze as Emma splashed water in her face. "You look all flustered, Jane," Emma giggled, "the heat must have affected you more than you believed."
"I am not so reserved that I do not let the heat affect me!" Jane cried. "You tease me terribly, Emma, I think you should have your just deserts!"
"Yes! Let's get her Jane," Frank agreed, "Let's punish Miss Emma for all of her misdeeds against us."
Emma squealed as she tried to desperately escape Jane and Frank's attempts in dunking her under the water. So loudly they did not hear a cough until a deafening shout followed. "What on earth are you three doing now?"
"Mr Knightly!" they all cried.
Emma and Jane instantly covered themselves with their arms. Frank merely grinned and stood up proud with his body much to the girls' embarrassment and Mr Knightly's disapproval.
"It is your sister's day. You should be there attending her and acting in a proper manner that is befitting for your position as a polite human being," Mr Knightly frowned. "This is not fair to Isabella for you to keep insisting on acting like misbehaving children. Not only have you hurt your sister's feelings but you have worried your guardians and governess. I suggest you quickly get out and make your way back to Hartfield before Mr Woodhouse sends the entire party out to search for you."
Frank quickly got out of the pond and helped pull Jane out. He then passed her his jacket to cover herself up as she struggled to put her dress on. Meanwhile Emma was struggling to climb out of the pond herself, sighing Mr Knightly came to her rescue and offered her his hand. As she stood up she found herself standing in a close proximity to Mr Knightly.
"Take this and cover yourself!" Mr Knightly said harshly as he took his jacket off and handed it to her.
Keeping his eyes on the pond while the three most naughtiest children in all of Highbury got dressed Mr Knightly struggled to keep his thoughts to something pure. As Emma stood up, her sudden movement attracted his attention and he noticed the wet white cotton of her shift was very revealing and revealed many things about Emma's body that he had never thought possible.
Never before had he noticed that Emma Woodhouse was indeed a woman.
It was best to forget such thoughts and concentrate on scolding the two girls and Frank.