Emma, conscious that she is to be far outstripped, resigns her place to Jane Fairfax. Frank Churchill sings with her also. It seems that they have sung together at Weymouth; but Emma cannot attend to them for the sight of Mr. Knightley among the most attentive of the listeners. Her objections to his marriage crowd into her mind and supersede every other thought. It would be a great disappointment to her brother, and consequently to her sister, a real injury to the children, a mortifying change to all. For herself she cannot endure the prospect. A Mrs. Knightley for them all to give way to! No, Mr. Knightley must never marry. Little Henry must remain the heir of Donwell.
Mr. Knightley looks round, and comes and sits by Emma. She tries him in various ways. His admiration of the music is warm, but except for Mrs. Weston’s words would not have struck her. He cuts short her allusion to his kindness in reference to the carriage, but then he will never dwell on any kindness of his own. Above all he speaks with perfect calmness, and a shade of consolatory disapprobation, on the great topic of the evening, the gift of the piano. It was kindly given, but the Campbells would have done better to have announced their intention. Surprises are foolish things. He should have expected better judgment from Colonel Campbell.
From that moment Emma could have taken her oath Mr. Knightley had nothing to do with the present.
Jane Fairfax’s voice grows husky.
“That will do,” said Mr. Knightley, aloud. “You have sung quite enough for one evening.”
The inconsiderate audience beg for another song; and Frank Churchill is heard saying, “I think you could manage this without effort.”
Mr. Knightley now grows angry. “That fellow thinks of nothing but showing off his own voice. This must not be;” and he calls on Miss Bates to interfere.
The singing is put an end to, as there are no other young lady performers, but a dance is got up.
Mrs. Weston, capital in her country dances, takes her place at the piano.
Frank Churchill, with most becoming gallantry, secures Emma’s hand, and takes her to her place at the top of the set.