- Harriet returns from London.
- She and Emma have a rather strained first meeting – but Harriet is too happy to stay angry long.
- She marries Robert.
- Once her father (a merchant) hears that she’s getting married, he provides a yearly sum for her.
- Emma spends a few minutes thinking about what sort of match she once imagined for Mr. Knightley: the illegitimate daughter of a merchant? Really?
- Emma and Mr. Knightley had agreed not to get married until Mr. John Knightley and Isabella can come to the wedding (and be with Mr. Woodhouse for the honeymoon).
- Unfortunately, Mr. Woodhouse believes that the marriage won’t occur for at least another year or two (or three).
- Why rush things?
- After all, marriage is marriage. It’s best to put it off as long as possible.
- Luckily, a minor disaster occurs.
- Someone robs Mrs. Weston’s henhouse.
- Mr. Woodhouse, petrified that his home will soon be vandalized, urges Emma to marry at once.
- And so she does.
- They have a lovely, simple wedding.
- Mrs. Elton thinks it’s rather shabby.