爱玛 35~39

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
After dinner, Emma noticed that the ladies made two distinct parties in the sitting room, Mrs. Elton spoke to Jane Fairfax, decisively leaving Miss Woodhouse and Mrs. Weston out of the conversation. During the conversation, Mrs. Elton asked Jane several times about where she planned to find work in the coming months. It was apparent that Jane was not fond of this subject.
Here is April,” said Mrs. Elton, “June will soon be here- I get quite anxious about where you will find work,"
“I had not planned on June to begin work, perhaps the summer- I do not want to look for work yet： Jane told her, patiently,
“Oh! My dear, we cannot begin to look too early! Are you not aware of how difficult finding work can be?"
“I’m not aware!” Jane exclaimed, “I think about this everyday, of course I am aware!
"I have travelled much more than you. I know how diffi¬cult finding a first class family can be. You must find work with a high class family, I could help you find a family to work for, You must let me help you.”
“The Campbells will come into town again this summer, so I must spend some time with them. Please, do not look for work for me at the present,
“It is no trouble! My dear Jane, the Campbells do not care for you as I do. You must look for work now. I will ask a family I know; they are quite wealthy. Mrs. Elton continued.
Thank you, but please do not mention this to them. I do not wish to look for work at present, I will find work for myself, but not now," Jane explained.
“You must look soon, the time is near."
Mrs- Elton continued for some time. Jane accepted Mrs. Elton’s advice with a simple "yes” , although, she did not look interested in hearing Mrs・ Elton's suggestions.
Soon after the party finished dinner, Mr. Weston arrived with a letter from Frank Churchill in his hand and a content smile on his face.
"Well he is coming here again soon. His aunt illness is, of course, not serious. Emma, have you read the letter?" Mr- Weston asked.
Emma was worried about her own feelings towards Frank Churchill. Mr. Weston, however, was delighted by the news.


CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
“ I hope I shall soon introduce my son to you," Mr. Weston said to Mrs. Elton.
"Oh, yes, I shall be very happy to meet him. I have heard that his home is quite far from Highbury. But, I suppose, to wealthy families, the long distance is not a concern. My brother-in-law, Mr Suckling travels often, being so wealthy himself."
“The problem for my son is not the distance, but his aunt, Mrs- Churchill. She is very fond of Frank, but her illnesses are the most serious when Frank is planning to travel. They will be coming to London soon; Mrs, Churchill has decided that her home is too cold. Frank will be much closer to Highbury, and therefore, able to visit more often."
Have you told Mr. Churchill there is a new addition to Highbury?" Mrs. Elton asked, meaning the "new addition” to be herself.
"Oh, of course, I have told him in every letter written to him recently about the lovely Mrs. Elton."
Mrs. Elton was pleased with the compliment, which she had been waiting for during the conversation with Mr. Weston.


CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Emma understood her nervousness after hearing of Frank Churchill's coming. She decided she was no longer in love with him, but she believed that he must still be in love with her. She worried about what to say to him if he told her he loved her. Although, she knew she would have to refuse a marriage proposal, she could never leave her father.
The Churchills finally arrived in London, and Frank Churchill soon came to Highbury- When he came to the Woodhouse home for a visit, Emma had no doubt about him being less in love with her. She reasoned that he was afraid to fall in love with her again, and therefore, made his visit quite short. His behaviour during the visit was rather strange. He was not calm, and quite restless. He advised the Woodhouses that his visit would be quick because he had many people in Highbury to visit.
This was the only visit from Frank Churchill for the next ten days. He had attempted to come again, but each time, his aunt was too ill to let him leave her. Mrs. Churchill's behaviour upset Mr. Weston, of course, but he did not say anything on the subject. Soon, Mrs. Churchill decided that she no longer wanted to stay in London, so the family moved to Richmond, a quiet city closer to Highbury- Mr. Weston was delighted.
After the Churchills moved to Richmond Frank Churchill came to Highbury more often. Emma, the Westons, and Frank Churchill began to plan the next dance, which they talked about during Frank's last stay.


CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
On the day of the dance, Frank Churchill arrived at the Westons just before dinner. This was the second time he and Emma had met since the Churchilla had come to London, then Richmond. Frank was standing by her at the beginning of the dance, but looked uneasy. He often glanced at the door, waiting for others to arrive. Soon, Jane Fairfax and her aunt arrived- Frank immediately went outside to greet them.
“A very fine young man, indeed, Mr. Weston. You should believe me. I never compliment someone if I do not truly believe what I say," Mrs. Elton remarked about young Frank Churchill.
Mrs. Bates and Jane Fairfax arrived, escorted in by Mr. Weston and his son. As the door opened, only Mrs. Bates could be heard, taking several minutes to talk, greeting everyone present with excitement. After Frank Churchill returned, he began talking lively. Finally, Emma had an opportunity to speak with him again.
“How do you like Mrs. Elton?" she asked, in a whisper.
"Not at all," he replied.
Emma was content that he shared her low opinion of the woman.
Frank soon changed the subject, “Where is my father? When are we to begin dancing?" he said before he walked off to find his father. Emma could not understand his strange behavior.
As the ball began, Frank remembered his promise to Emma, He turned to her instantly to ask for a dance, and she agreed with pleasure. Emma was pleased with the dance until she saw that Harriet had no dancing partner. She was the only lady sitting down. Emma then noticed that Mr. Elton was walking around the room alone. Mrs. Weston soon joined him.
"Do you not dance, Mr. Elton?" she asked him.
“if you will dance with me, of course I will," he replied.
“Me! Oh no! I am no dancer, but I see Miss Smith has no partner?'
"Miss Smith, oh no, no. I am married now; I no longer dance. Please excuse me," he told her before walking off. Emma noticed him look to his wife, smiling, and she smiled back, both delighted for the chance to hurt poor Harriet.
Mrs. Weston said no more. Emma was shocked, and immediately went to sit with her friend. As she walked, however, Emma saw Mr. George Knightley leading Harriet to dance. Emma was surprised and pleased, thankful to Mr. Knightley for saving Harriet from embarrassment. Emma soon heard Mrs. Elton speaking loudly:
"Knightley has taken pity on poor little Miss Smith! Very good of him.”
After the dancing, Emma went to speak with Mr. Knightley, smiling.
"The Eltons wanted to hurt more than just Harriet, you know, Emma- Why are the Eltons your enemies? he immediately asked her, with a smile.
Emma gave no response.
“Tell me, then. You did want Mr. Elton to marry Harriet "
"I did,” replied Emma, "and now the Eltons cannot forgive me. I realize now, however, that Mr. Elton is not the good person I thought he was. I was sure he was in love with Harriet.
Harriet Smith has wonderful qualities, which Mrs. Elton is without- While I danced with Harriet, I realized she is more interesting than I had thought.
Emma was extremely grateful.


CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Emma was delighted that Mr. Knightley shared her opinion about the Eltons. Later in the evening, she spoke with Harriet. Emma realised that Harriet could see Mr. Elton's true character, and she was no longer in love with him. Late in the night, Harriet and Frank Churchill arrived at the Woodhouses arm in arm. Harriet looked frightened, and he was trying to calm her. Emma was soon told the story of Harriet's awful walk home from the dance.
The night of the dance, Harriet and a friend were walking home. It was rather dark, and difficult to see the road. A child came to them begging for money. Harriet's friend was frightened and ran off. Harriet ran after her, but could not follow. Immediately, six other children surrounded poor Harriet, asking for money. They then attacked her, grabbing for her purse of money. Soon, Frank Churchill came by. She was terrified and crying. He thought Emma could calm her down, so he brought her to the Woodhouses.
Within half an hour, everyone in Highbury knew of Harriet's story. Poor Mr. Woodhouse trembled as he heard the story. It comforted him, however, that the next day, people were coming to the house to inquire about him, Miss Woodhouse, and Miss Smith (his neighbors knew that he loved visitors).