EMMAJANE AUSTEN

Volume1

CHAPTER 1

Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with acomfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unitesome of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearlytwenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vexher. 

She was the youngest of the two daughters of a mostaffectionate, indulgent father; and had, in consequence of hersister's marriage, been mistress of his house from a very earlyperiod. Her mother had died too long ago for her to have morethan an indistinct remembrance of her caresses; and her placehad been supplied by an excellent woman as governess, whohad fallen little short of a mother in affection. 

Sixteen years had Miss Taylor been in Mr. Woodhouse's family,less as a governess than a friend, very fond of both daughters,but particularly of Emma. Between them it was more theintimacy of sisters. Even before Miss Taylor had ceased to holdthe nominal office of governess, the mildness of her temper hadhardly allowed her to impose any restraint; and the shadow ofauthority being now long passed away, they had been livingtogether as friend and friend very mutually attached, and 

Emma doing just what she liked; highly esteeming Miss Taylor'sjudgment, but directed chiefly by her own.The real evils, indeed, of Emma's situation were the power ofhaving rather too much her own way, and a disposition to thinka little too well of herself; these were the disadvantages whichthreatened alloy to her many enjoyments. 

The danger, however,was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any meansrank as misfortunes with her.Sorrow came—a gentle sorrow—but not at all in the shape ofany disagreeable consciousness.—Miss Taylor married. It wasMiss Taylor's loss which first brought grief. It was on thewedding-day of this beloved friend that Emma first sat inmournful thought of any continuance. The wedding over, andthe bride-people gone, her father and herself were left to dinetogether, with no prospect of a third to cheer a long evening. 

Her father composed himself to sleep after dinner, as usual, andshe had then only to sit and think of what she had lost.The event had every promise of happiness for her friend. Mr.Weston was a man of unexceptionable character, easy fortune,suitable age, and pleasant manners; and there was somesatisfaction in considering with what selfdenying, generous friendship she had always wished andpromoted the match; but it was a black morning's work for her.The want of Miss Taylor would be felt every hour of every day. 

She recalled her past kindness—the kindness, the affection ofsixteen years—how she had taught and how she had playedwith her from five years old—how she had devoted all herpowers to attach and amuse her in health—and how nursed herthrough the various illnesses of childhood. A large debt ofgratitude was owing here; but the intercourse of the last sevenyears, the equal footing and perfect unreserve which had soonfollowed Isabella's marriage, on their being left to each other,was yet a dearer, tenderer recollection. 

She had been a friendand companion such as few possessed: intelligent, wellinformed, useful, gentle, knowing all the ways of the family,interested in all its concerns, and peculiarly interested in herself,in every pleasure, every scheme of hers—one to whom she couldspeak every thought as it arose, and who had such an affectionfor her as could never find fault.How was she to bear the change?—It was true that her friendwas going only half a mile from them; but Emma was awarethat great must be the difference between a Mrs. Weston, onlyhalf a mile from them, and a Miss Taylor in the house; and withall her advantages, natural and domestic, she was now in greatdanger of suffering from intellectual solitude. She dearly lovedher father, but he was no companion for her. He could not meether in conversation, rational or playful.The evil of the actual disparity in their ages (and Mr.Woodhouse had not married early) was much increased by hisconstitution and habits; for having been a valetudinarian all his6life, without activity of mind or body, he was a much older manin ways than in years; and though everywhere beloved for thefriendliness of his heart and his amiable temper, his talentscould not have recommended him at any time.Her sister, though comparatively but little removed bymatrimony, being settled in London, only sixteen miles off, wasmuch beyond her daily reach; and many a long October andNovember evening must be struggled through at Hartfield,before Christmas brought the next visit from Isabella and herhusband, and their little children, to fill the house, and give herpleasant society again.