For A Candy Cane A Day on the Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.
Harriet peers over Emma's shoulder and gasps in delight. It's loud enough that the Emma almost drops her pencil in shock. She recovers quickly, immediately scolding Harriet for the sudden interruption.
"Oh, I'm sorry Miss Woodhouse!" Harriet's apology is earnest. "It's just such a marvelous drawing, I couldn't help myself."
Emma immediately flushes with pride. She looks at the drawing in front of her, considering it carefully. Although she wouldn't say it aloud, she thinks that Harriet's praise is perhaps too generous. It's a quick pencil sketch—a close enough likeness, but nothing special. She squints, looking more closely at it. She can't put her finger on it, but there's something not quite right about the drawing.
"Truly, Miss Woodhouse," Harriet gushes. "I've never seen such an accurate drawing from you. Nor one so complete!"
Emma's mouth twitches as she tries not to frown. She supposes it's not an unfair thing for Harriet to say. Hasn't her own sister always described her drawings has just a little like? Hasn't Emma herself said that she often paints a too flattering portrait? And it is true that she has several unfinished sketches scattered about the place, but that doesn't mean she doesn't finish anything.
"Mr. Knightley will be so impressed."
"Oh, I won't be showing Mr. Knightley," Emma says quickly. She stands quickly, moving to place the drawing out of sight. "I'm sure he wouldn't be interested."
Harriet blinks at her, clearly confused. "He'd be flattered."
Perhaps he would be, but Emma has no intention of showing him the drawing. For some reason, the very thought of doing so makes her heart clench. As if he'd see the softness she'd drawn in his eyes and think something more of it. As if he'd think something more of it, then say nothing.
"I won't be showing him," Emma says, firm. "And you're not to say a word to him about it, Harriet."
"Of course."
She forces a smile. "Thank you, Harriet."
