At the last words Emma stops short in terror. Something must have happened in Brunswick Square (where Isabella lives). Which of them is it? She must hear at once.
It is only on his solemnly assuring her that what has occurred has nothing to do with the name of Knightley that she is relieved, and walks on. “Who is that gentleman on horseback?” she asks, speaking in order to keep up a conversation on indifferent topics.
It is one of the Otways. Not Frank. She will not see him. He is half way to Windsor by this time.
Has his son been with them, then?
Oh, yes! Did she not know? Well, never mind.
Mrs. Weston looks ill, and much disturbed, and no sooner is she left alone with Emma than the girl begs affectionately to be informed what unpleasant event has befallen her friends.
“Have you no idea?” said Mrs. Weston, in a trembling voice.
Emma does guess it has to do with Mr. Frank Churchill.
She is right, Mrs. Weston confesses, resuming her work, and fixing her eyes upon it. He had been there that morning on a most extraordinary errand. He came to speak to his father—to announce an attachment.
Emma thinks first of herself and then of Harriet.