Voila! Finally, the Emma
script is here for all you quotes spouting fans of the movie based on the Jane Austen novel
starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, Ewan McGregor, Toni Collette, yadda
yadda. This script is a transcript that was painstakingly
transcribed using the screenplay and/or viewings of Emma.If you have any corrections, feel free to
drop me a line. You won't
hurt my feelings. Honest.
Emma
SCENE 1 -HIGHBURY
NARRATOR
In a time when one's town was one's town was one's world...and the actions
at a dance excited greater interest than the movement of armies, there
lived a young woman, who knew how this world should be runned.
EMMA
The most beautiful thing in the world is a match well made, and a happy
marriage to you both.
MRS WESTON
Oh, thank you Emma. Your painting grows more accomplished every day.
EMMA
You are very kind, but it would be all the better if I had practiced my
drawing more, as you urged me.
MRS WESTON
It's very beautiful.
MR ELTON
I should never take sides against you, Miss Woodhouse, but your friend is
right. It is indeed a job well done.
EMMA
The job well done, Mr Elton was yours in performing the ceremony.
MR WOODHOUSE
Must the church be so drafty, Mr Elton? It is very difficult to surrender
the soul when one is worried about one's throat.
MR ELTON
Perhaps some tea and cake would revive you, Mr Woodhouse.
MR WOODHOUSE
Miss Taylor! Surely you are not serving cake at your wedding! Far too rich!
You put us all at peril. And I am not alone in feeling so. Where is Mr
Penning, the apothecary, he will support me.
MRS WESTON
He's over there, Mr Woodhouse, having some cake.
MR WOODHOUSE
What?!
EMMA
I have to take father home, but dear Miss Taylor-Oh, no! You are dear Miss
Taylor no more! You are dear Mrs Weston now! And how happy this must make
you. Such happiness this brings to all of us.
MRS WESTON
My dear Emma!
SCENE 2-HARTFIELD
MR WOODHOUSE
Poor Miss Taylor! She was so happy here. Why should she give up being your
governess, only to be married?
EMMA
I am grown now. She cannot put up with my ill humors forever. She must wish
for children of her own.
MR WOODHOUSE
You have no ill humors. Your own mother, God rest her, could be no more
real than Miss Taylor. Can she truly wish to give life to a mewling infant
who will import disease each time it enters the house? No, I say poor Miss
Taylor, and poor indeed she is.
MR KNIGHTLEY
As an old friend of the family, I had to ask as soon as I got back: Who
cried the most at the wedding?
(later)
EMMA
And how is my sister? Is your brother giving her the respect we Woodhouse
ladies deserve?
MR WOODHOUSE
Poor Isabella. She was the first to leave me. No doubt that is where Miss
Taylor got the notion to go.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Don't be too hard on Miss Taylor. It must be easier for her to have only
one to please than two.
EMMA
Especially when one of us is such a troublesome creature.
MR WOODHOUSE
Yes, I am. Most troublesome.
EMMA
Dear papa, I could never mean you! Mr Knightley loves to find fault with
me, that's all. It's his idea of a joke.
MR KNIGHTLEY
I am practically a brother to you Emma. It is not a brother's job to find
fault with his sister?
MR WOODHOUSE
But where is the fault with you? Emma bears it well, but she is most sorry
to lose Miss Taylor.
MR KNIGHTLEY
We would not like Emma so well if she did not miss her friend.
MR WOODHOUSE
Thank you.
EMMA
I shall miss her so. I do not know what I shall do without her.
MR KNIGHTLEY
She's not far.
MR WOODHOUSE
Almost half a mile.
EMMA
Her obligations are there now. She cannot sit and talk with me in the old
way, or walk with me, or urge me to better myself.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Well, that should not matter, as you always did just as you pleased.
EMMA
Yes, but I shall miss her urging me. She was a selfless a friend as I have
ever had, and I hope to say someday that I have done half so much for
someone as Mrs Weston did for me.
MR KNIGHTLEY
You must be happy that she settled so well.
EMMA
Indeed! One matter of joy in this is that I made the match myself. People
said Mr Weston would never marry again, and what a triumph!
MR KNIGHTLEY
Triumph! You made a lucky guess!
EMMA
Have you never known a triumph from a lucky guess? Had I not promoted Mr
Weston's visits, and given encouragement where encouragement was needed, we
might not have had a wedding today.
MR WOODHOUSE
Then please, my dear, encourage nowhere else. Marriage is so disrupting to
one's social circle.
EMMA
Only one more, papa. When Mr Elton joined their hands today, he looked very
much like he would like the same kind of office performed for him.
MR KNIGHTLEY
*sigh*
MR WOODHOUSE
Invite him for dinner. That is kindness enough.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Mr Elton is a man of twenty-six. He knows how to take care of himself.
EMMA
One does not like to generalize about so many people all at once, Mr
Knightley, but you may be sure that men know nothing of their hearts,
whether they be six and twenty, or six and eighty. Except you, of course,
father. No, Mr Elton will be the next person to benefit from my help.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Poor Miss Taylor indeed! 'Tis Mr Elton which deserves our pity.
SCENE 3-PARTY AT HARTFIELD
EMMA
Mr Elton! Welcome to our party!
MR ELTON
Yes, Miss Woodhouse, thank you indeed for including me. A party is a party,
but a party on a summers eve...
EMMA
It relieves my mind very much that you are here, for there is someone new
in our group. Her name is Harriet Smith, and she is a former pupil of Mrs
Goddard. I had never met Miss Smith before this evening, and am already
struck by her charm. I wonder if I might ask you to make certain she is at
ease throughout the evening.
MR ELTON
If helping Miss Smith would help Miss Woodhouse, then I am happy to be of
service.
EMMA
Come, I shall make the introduction.
MISS BATES
Miss Woodhouse! We've come quite overpowered!
EMMA
Oh, Mrs Bates, Miss Bates, so happy you could co-
MISS BATES
No, we are the happy ones- well, ho do you do Mr Elton? We are the happy
ones. Not only to be here tonight, but also for the beautiful hindquarter
of pork you sent us. It has been heaven itself. What a happy porker it must
have come from! {laugh} We are so obliged for you sending it to us. (To Mrs
Bates) PORK!. (To Emma and Mr Elton) And we're so obliged for you having us
tonight, very much indeed. I was just saying to mother, 'we should be
invited' and indeed we are. Oh, doesn't your hair look pretty? Just like an
angel. (To Mrs Bates) ANGEL, mother. (to Emma and Mr Elton) Oh, speaking of
angels, Mr Elton, your sermon on Daniel in the Lion's Den was so inspiring,
so powerful in all it's particulars, it left us speechless. Quite
speechless, I tell you, and we have not stopped talking of it since. Oh,
isn't this a lovely party? Lovely, lovely, lovely!
(another part of the party)
MR KNIGHTLEY
Where will you live, now that you have completed your education?
HARRIET
Mrs Goddard is being kind enough to let me stay on with her.
MRS GODDARD
She's a great help to me. If you'll excuse me.
EMMA
Mr Knightley!
MR KNIGHTLEY
Ah, Emma. I wondered where you were. Now I see you've been hard at work.
-Making Mr Elton comfortable.
EMMA
Yes, Mr Knightley but I have been remiss in doing the one thing that should
give him the greatest of entitlement. Mr Elton! May I present Miss Smith.
MR ELTON
Any friend of Miss Woodhouse's...
(later)
EMMA
Mr Weston, have you had any news of your son?
MR WESTON
Oh, indeed! Miss Smith. I was married many years ago to a woman whose life
was lost to illness just three years after the birth of our son, Frank. As
I could not see to my buisness and care for the infant, I allowed him to be
brought up by my wife's brother, and his wife, the Churchills. He lives in
London, now a young man, and has never been here. His aunt is not well, and
she does not care to be without him.
MRS WESTON
His coming would be the final blessing for our marriage.
HARRIET
How lucky to have been twice blessed in marriage! It has been my belief
that one loves only once. I am happy to be wrong.
MR WESTON
Not so happy as I, Miss Smith.
MRS WESTON
I had the most pleasing letter from him on the occasion of our marriage. I
have it here if anyone would care to see it.
(later, as the letter filters through the party members)
MISS BATES
A most charming and kindly letter. Don't you think so, mother? (to Mr
Knightley) Have you ever read such a letter, Mr Knightley? Do you know,
this reminds me of Jane's style, somewhat more delicate style. Which is
more usual in a woman, but a good sign in a man, I think.
MR WOODHOUSE
Nicely expressed. But it sounds as though he eats a worrisome amount of
custard!
MRS GODDARD
It's not merely the feeling in it. The penmanship is so confident.
(later)
EMMA
Isn't Miss Smith delightful? I watched her throughout the evening with
continuous pleasure. She is uncertain of her surroundings, yet I though
perhaps I could be of service to her and undertake her introduction into
Highbury society. I could never presume to guide her as you did me, but
perhaps I might share a little of what I know.
MRS WESTON
She could ask for nothing better. Come, Mr Weston, I must write to your
son. Good night, Mr Woodhouse!
MR WESTON
Good night, Mr Woodhouse! Good night, Emma! Thank you for a wonderful
dinner!
MR WOODHOUSE
Good night Miss Taylor!
EMMA
Good night, Mrs Weston! Mr Weston!
MR WESTON
Good night!
MR WOODHOUSE
Poor Miss Taylor. She so obviously wanted to stay.
SCENE 4-HIGHBURY
EMMA
How interesting, Miss Smith. And what kind of people are your parents.
HARRIET
I do not know. Mrs Goddard has said that I cannot know them, and so I have
left it at that. Because of her attentions over the years, Mrs Goddard has
been my true guardian.
EMMA
Hurry along, dear. It's Miss Bates coming. As it is Tuesday, she will have
a letter from her niece Jane Fairfax, and she will want to read us every
word about her.
HARRIET
Oh, I do not know Miss Fairfax!
EMMA
There's not much to be said for her. When pressed, I say she is elegant.
SCENE 5-HIGHBURY
HARRIET
Besides you, and Mrs Goddard, hmm...The only other people I know here are
the Martins, at Abbymill Farm. Mrs Martin had TWO parlors, an oven maid,
and EIGHT cows! Mr Martin used to cut fresh flowers every day.
EMMA
How lucky for Mrs Martin to have such an agreeable husband!
HARRIET
Oh, Miss Woodhouse, Mr Martin is not her husband, he is her son!
EMMA
Ah! I see. Then he is...unmarried.
HARRIET
Mmm, but I cannot understand why. He seems perfect in every particular. He
brought me walnuts once, and went three miles to get them just because he
heard me say I liked them. Wasn't that kind? OH!
(later)
EMMA
Tell me more about Mr Martin. Is he a man of information?
HARRIET
Oh, yes! He reads the agricultural reports, and I recommended he read The
Romance of the Forest, and he said he would.
EMMA
And what sort of looking man is he?
HARRIET
I thought him very plain at first, but I do not think so now. Have you
never seen him when he is in town?
EMMA
Only the Martins are the sort of people with whom I have nothing to do
with. A degree or two lower, and I might be useful to their families. But a
farmer needs none of my help, and is therefore as much above my notice as
he is below it. In fact, whenever-
HARRIET
Miss Woodhouse! There he is now! How do I look?
EMMA
Fine, dear. Good enough I'm sure for Mr Martin.
MR MARTIN
Good day! Well, this is a bit of a chance, isn't it?
HARRIET
Good day, Mr Martin. Miss Woodhouse, may I present Mr Martin? This is Miss
Woodhouse.
MR MARTIN
Good day-How do you do?
HARRIET
Were you able to find The Romance of the Forest?
MR MARTIN
Oh, blast! I forgot, but I'll go again tomorrow, and I will make every
effort to get that thought into my head.
HARRIET
How is your mother?
EMMA (thinking)
Really, Harriet, you can do better than this.
SCENE 6-SEWING AT HARTFIELD
EMMA
If you pull this way, dear, you'll find it makes a neater stitch.
HARRIET
Oh, of course! May I ask what you thought of my friend, Robert Martin?
EMMA
Well, dear, I imagined him a degree nearer gentility.
HARRIET
True, he's not so genteel as Mr Knightley, but-
EMMA
No, there are not one in a hundred men with 'gentleman' written so plainly
across him as Mr Knightley. But let us judge him next to another man, oh,
say...Mr Elton! Mr Elton is a fine man, thoughtful in ways Mr Martin can
never be.
HARRIET
Miss Woodhouse, whatever his faults, Mr Martin is thoughtful.
EMMA
I see. Did he take your advice, and get the book you asked him to read?
HARRIET
Well, no.
EMMA
Yes.
HARRIET
Yes. I wonder that he did not remember it.
EMMA
Oh, well. Mr Elton said something very kind about you the other day.
HARRIET
Can you not tell me what it was?
EMMA
Oh! It's not my place to intrude upon personal matters. But as your friend,
I could make an exception, if you wish. I heard him....
SCENE 7-HIGHBURY CHAPEL
MR ELTON
Miss Smith was always a beautiful creature, but the attractions you have
added are far superior.
EMMA
Oh, I have done very little.
MR ELTON
Were it permissible to contradict a lady.
EMMA
I cannot take credit for her beauty, nor her sweetness, or-
MR ELTON
An idea has just dropped into my head, surely from heaven itself. What if
you were to exercise your artistic talents and draw a portrait of Miss
Smith? Oh, I would love to watch you draw her.
EMMA
Mr Elton, my skills are slender indeed, and we must not forget how shy Miss
Smith is.
MR ELTON
Do you think it would help if I asked her to pose?
SCENE 8-HIGHBURY
MR ELTON
Oh, Miss Woodhouse, may I look, please? I cannot wait another second.
Incredible! You have expressed her completely!
EMMA
Mr Elton, really! You exaggerate!
MR ELTON
Indeed, I do not! Nor cannot!
EMMA
The reason that I have not done a portrait in so long is the spouse of the
subject always complains. As there are no husbands or wives here, I trust I
may proceed safely.
MR ELTON
No husbands or wives at present, Miss Woodhouse.
MR KNIGHTLEY
You've made her too tall.
MR ELTON
It may not be Miss Smith's height in terms of measurement, but it's surely
the height of her character.
(later)
MR WOODHOUSE
My dear, I would paint a shawl on her, as one can't help feeling that she
will catch cold! Otherwise, it is quite splendid. It only wants a suitable
frame. We will have to get it to London.
MR ELTON
Might I be entrusted with such an admission? I would be gratified more than
words can express.
SCENE 9-TOWN OF HIGHBURY
HARRIET
He wants to marry me! Would you mind reading it?
EMMA
Certainly not! I cannot believe Mr Elton proposed! Surely, he is-
HARRIET
No, not Mr Elton, Mr Martin, my friend! Is it a good letter, or
too...short?
EMMA
It is a good letter. One of his sisters must have helped him, yet it is not
in the style of a woman. Well, it is a good letter. You must answer it
immediately. He must have his disappointment, and move on.
HARRIET
Then you think I should refuse him?
EMMA
You did not plan to return an answer favorable to this claim?
HARRIET
No, I did not! That is...I mean...Um...Well, I was not sure, that is why I
came to you!
EMMA
Oh, it's not my place to intrude!
HARRIET
But I depend so on what you think!
EMMA
I would not advise you for the world! If you prefer Mr Martin to every
other person you know or may ever know, if you think him the most agreeable
man you have ever been or ever will be in company with, then why should you
hesitate?
HARRIET
If you will not influence me, then I must do as well as I can by myself. I
am determined to, and I really have almost made up my mind to...refuse...Mr
Martin...? Oh, do you think that's right? Or wrong? Is it wrong?
EMMA
Now that you have decided, I shall share the feelings which I kept you in
suspense of. I think you are perfectly right.
HARRIET
Yes. But-Oh, dear! It will make his mother and sisters most unhappy!
EMMA
Let us think of other mothers and sisters who may be more cheerfully
employed at this moment. I believe Mr Elton is showing your picture to his
mother and sisters, telling them that the subject is more beautiful than
the portrait.
HARRIET
Well, if he shows it, then I'm sure it is only to praise your artistry.
EMMA
If you are sure, then you are surely wrong! By showing it to them, he is
revealing his deeper intentions, which may produce a letter of his own.
SCENE 10-DONWELL ABBEY
MR KNIGHTLEY
Very well, I admit it. You have improved Harriet Smith.
EMMA
I hope you're not the only man to have noticed.
MR KNIGHLTY
I'm not. I believe your friend will soon hear something serious. Something
to her advantage.
EMMA
Who makes you his confidant?
MR KNIGHTLEY
I have reason to believe Harriet Smith will receive an offer of marriage to
a man desperately in love with her. Robert Martin. He came here two
evenings ago to consult about it. He's a tenant, you know, and a good
friend. He asked whether it would be imprudent of him to settle too early,
whether she was too young, or whether he was beneath her.
EMMA
Better question to Mr Martin, I could not have chosen myself.
MR KNIGHTLEY
I never hear better sense from anyone than from Robert Martin. He proved he
can afford to marry, and I say he could not do better.
EMMA
No indeed, he could not. Come, I will tell you something in return. He
wrote to Harriet yesterday.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Oh, yes?
EMMA
Yes. He was refused.
MR KNIGHTLEY
I'm not sure I understand.
EMMA
He asked, and she refused.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Then she is a greater simpleton than I believed.
EMMA
The most incomprehensible thing in the world to a man is a woman who
rejects his offer of marriage.
MR KNIGHTLEY
I do not comprehend it because it is madness. I hope you are wrong.
EMMA
I could not be. I saw her answer.
MR KNIGHTLEY
You saw her answer. Emma, you wrote her answer, didn't you?
EMMA
If I did, then I would have done no wrong. He is not Harriet's equal.
MR KNIGHTLEY
I agree, he is not her equal.
EMMA
Good.
MR KNIGHTLEY
He is her superior in sense and situation. What are Harriet Smith's claims
of birth or education which make her higher than Robert Martin? She is the
natural daughter of nobody-knows-who. The advantage of the match was
entirely on her side.
EMMA
What! A farmer? Even with all his merit and match for my dear friend, it
would be a degradation for her to marry a person whom I could not even
admit as my own acquaintance!
MR KNIGHTLEY
A degradation for illegitimacy and ignorance to marry to a respected,
intelligent farmer?
EMMA
She is a gentleman's daughter.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Whoever her parents, they made no plans to introduce her into good society.
She was left with Mrs Goddard for an indifferent education. Her friends
evidently thought this was good enough for her, and it was, and she thought
so too until you began to puff her up! Vanity working on a weak mind
produces every kind of mischief.
EMMA
Hmm, you dismiss her beauty and good nature, yet I would be very much
mistaken if your sex in general did not think those claims the highest a
woman could possess.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Men of sense, whatever you may say, do not want silly wives! Mark my word,
Emma. Better be without sense than misapply it as you do. Try not to kill
my dogs.
EMMA
We see so differently on this point there can be no use canvassing it, we
shall only make each other angry. Ah! I see the tea is ready. Let's stop
and have some.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Clearly, Emma, you have someone have someone else in mind for your friend,
but if the gentleman you dream of is Mr Elton, your labor is in vain. As
vigor, Elton is unlikely to make an imprudent match, especially to a girl
of obscurity and will bring him disgrace. In unreserved moments, when only
men are present, I have heard him speak of a large family of young ladies
from Bath, who all have twenty thousand pounds apiece. Believe me when I
say he may talk sentimentally, but he will act rationally.
EMMA
If I had my heart set on Mr Elton, then your 'opening my eyes' would have
been a kind service, but I care only to watch her grow, and-
MR KNIGHTLEY
No more, please. No more.
SCENE 11-HARTFIELD
MR ELTON
Bravo
(later)
EMMA
Thank you, Charles. Mr Elton. Harriet is collecting riddles for a book, and
we knew you would come up with something cunning.
MR ELTON
Oh, no, no, no. I'm not nearly clever enough.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Emma, you didn't ask me to contribute a riddle.
EMMA
Your entire personality is a riddle, Mr Knightley. I thought you were
overqualified.
SCENE 12-HIGHBURY
EMMA
Woah, stand. Morning, Peter! This just came from Mr Elton. He claims it is
a riddle for your collection, but I think it is much better!
HARRIET
Is it about sharks?
EMMA
For heaven's sake, why would he write a riddle about sharks?
HARRIET
Please, I'm in a tremor, tell me what it means!
EMMA
We may read it aloud so that we may decipher it. "For Miss" I think we can
safely put in 'Smith'. "Line 1: My first displays the wealth and pomp of
kings, lords of the earth, their luxury and ease." That can be displayed
as...pomp in (prompting Harriet)...court.
HARRIET
Court, yes.
EMMA
"Next Line: Another view of man, my second brings, behold him there, the
monarch of the seas." That is...?
HARRIET
A mermaid! A trident? Oh, do you think we shall ever know?
EMMA
Ship, dear, the thing that brings...Ship.
HARRIET
Ship...!
EMMA
Now for the cream. "But are united." The two terms should be united!
HARRIET
Yes...It's ship and court, court and-...Courtship! He writes to me about
courtship! Oh!
EMMA
Harriet! There can be no doubt of Mr Elton's intentions! You are his
desire! The only thing remaining is for him to find the perfect opportunity
to offer proof! We must find a way for the two of you to be alone!
HARRIET
Oh, let's read it again and again!
EMMA
I only wish Mr Knightley would walk by so that he could read it.
SCENE 13-CLARK'S
EMMA
Good afternoon!
MRS CLARK
Good day, Miss Woodhouse
EMMA
Mrs Clark, how are you?
MRS CLARK
Mustn't grumble.
SCENE 14-ROAD TO HIGHBURY
HARRIET
I'm sorry I was not more help. I'm always afraid I will somehow make a sick
person worse.
EMMA
Not at all! Look, Harriet! Mr Elton's house. Pity I cannot contrive a
reason for us to go in.
HARRIET
I do so wonder, Miss Woodhouse, that you are not married.
EMMA
I have no inducements to marry. I lack neither fortune, nor position, and
never could I be so important in a man's eyes as I am in my father's.
HARRIET
But to be an old maid, like Miss Bates...
EMMA
She is a poor old maid, and it is only poverty which makes celibacy
contemptible. A single woman of good fortune is always respectable. Mr
Elton!
MR ELTON
Miss Woodhouse! Miss Smith! How fortunate! I was just on my way to visit
the Clarks'.
EMMA
Ah! We were just there. Harriet was kind enough to let me join her.
HARRIET
Miss Woodhouse-
MR ELTON
Um, may I escort you home?
EMMA
Indeed! Harriet, tell Mr Elton what we did at the Clarks'.
HARRIET
Oh, um...She seemed to have the chills, so Miss Woodhouse-
EMMA
-watched. As Harriet tucked that poor lady in, warmed her with a blanket in
her kind nature. Tell her about the soup, dear.
HARRIET
The soup? I couldn't really say...
MR ELTON
Don't be so modest.
HARRIET
Well, I heated some, uh...
MR ELTON
Soup?
HARRIET
Yes, soup...-
EMMA
Oh, dear! Oh! My lace. Please have the goodness to go on, and I will rejoin
you as soon as I can.
HARRIET
After heating the soup, I put her by the...um...
MR ELTON
Chair?
HARRIET
The fire.
MR ELTON
The fire.
EMMA
Hello! Where are you off to?
BOY
To get my mom some broth.
EMMA
Would you let me walk with you? Dear, must we walk so quickly?
BOY
Mom said I should hurry.
EMMA
Would you like to play a game?
HARRIET
Do you mean it?
MR ELTON
I do. I swear I do.
HARRIET
Oh, that's too wonderful!
MR ELTON
I love-
EMMA (thinking)
Could this be? The declaration?
MR ELTON
I simply love celery root. And what should they be serving but-
MR ELTON AND HARRIET
Celery root!
SCENE 15-HARTFIELD
MR WOODHOUSE
Emma! Be careful! The baby-it might have an infection...
MR KNIGHTLEY
John, this may be the finest Knightley yet. You and Isabella should have
brought her sooner. She looks so fetching in the arms of her aunt!
MR JOHN KNIGHTLEY
Yes, don't they make a splendid pair?
MR KNIGHTLEY
If you accepted adults with as little whim as you do these children, we
might always agree!
EMMA
How fascinating that any discordancy between us must always arise from my
being wrong.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Not fascinating, but true. Perhaps it has something to do with the gap in
our ages. I was sixteen years old when you were born.
EMMA
Undoubtedly you were my superior then, but hasn't the lapse of 21 years
closed the gap?
MR KNIGHTLEY
Narrowed it. Come, dear, let us be friends and quarrel no more.
EMMA
Very well. And might I say that we were both right as far as good
intentions went. I only hope Mr Martin was not too disappointed.
MR KNIGHTLEY
No man could be more so.
EMMA
I am very sorry. Come, shake hands with me.
BUTLER
Dinner is served.
MR WOODHOUSE
Good. John?
ISABELLA
Sister, dear? When shall we meet your new friend?
EMMA
She will be with us on Friday at the Weston's Christmas Eve Party. It looks
as though to be a very rewarding holiday for her.
SCENE 16-CARRIAGE RIDE TOWARDS RANDALL
MR ELTON
I am so looking forward to this evening. A party is a party, but a
Christmas Party! Where is Miss Smith?
EMMA
I have some sad news. Miss Smith is ill and cannot be with us this evening.
MR ELTON
A sad loss to our party. She will be missed at every moment. However, I
feel, and I hope you will concur, that small parties are the best. I would
rather fall short by two than exceed by two. And how fortunate that the
snow comes now instead of yesterday, when it would have made our party
impossible! Now, THAT would have been a real cause for sadness, would it
not?
SCENE 17-CHRISTMAS PARTY AT RANDALL
MRS WESTON
Would you like some punch?
MR ELTON
No, no, not right now.
MR WOODHOUSE
Oh, thank you, thank you, yes. Weather of this severity is no friend of
mine.
MRS WESTON
I know that too well, Mr Woodhouse.
MR WESTON
My son Frank has written and told us something most exciting.
MR ELTON
Miss Woodhouse, are you warm enough?
EMMA
Yes, thank you.
MR WESTON
The letter arrived today, and on the opening, we had the most wonderful
surprise. Frank said-
MR ELTON
Some of the other ladies were saying they were not warm enough.
EMMA
I am quite comfortable, yes.
MR ELTON
Then I saw how close you were to the fire, and thought you might be too
warm, and-
EMMA
Mr Elton! I am in the perfect state of warmness.
MR WESTON
At first I did not believe it, so I asked Mrs Weston to read the letter
herself, to make sure I was not dreaming. But indeed Frank said-
MR ELTON
Miss Woodhouse, is there any effort I might make on behalf of your father's
comfort?
EMMA
You are very kind, but I can only imagine that he's quite comfortable.
Thank you for being so thoughtful.
MR ELTON
No, thank you for thinking I am thoughtful.
EMMA
I wondered if perhaps you might be so kind as to bring me some punch.
MR ELTON
I only hope I can complete the task quickly enough-
EMMA
Please! I could not enjoy it if I knew that you hurried!
ISABELLA
Thrilling! Simply thrilling news!
MR WESTON
And that was the end of the letter.
(later, at dinner)
MR WESTON
Emma! I wasn't sure I had your attention earlier, but I wanted to tell you
that Frank is coming at last!
EMMA
I so look forward to meeting him! That is if you can bear to share him.
MRS WESTON
That is if his aunt will share him with us. That's what this depends on.
She has said yes, but has not given a date.
MR WOODHOUSE
Very good. This weather is by no means pleasant for the traveler abroad.
(later, around the fire)
MR ELTON
I hope I'm not intruding.
MR KNIGHTLEY
No, no.
MR ELTON
But I cannot stop thinking of Miss Smith's condition.
EMMA
She will be happy to know of your concern.
MR ELTON
How could I not be concerned? The whole situation is most alarming! There
is nothing worse than a sore throat. Its effects are exceedingly bleak. And
that is why I must, in the presence of your friend, ask you to stop
visiting her!
EMMA
What?
MR ELTON
You are putting yourself at risk, and we cannot allow that, can we
Knightley? I mean, is this fair?
ISABELLA
Father!
MR ELTON
Have I not some right to complain?
MR JOHN KNIGHTLEY
Emma, the weather's distressing your father and he wants to leave. Isabella
and I will take him home now in our carriage. Will you...?
MR ELTON
Not to worry, sir. I will ensure that your sister is safe.
MRS WESTON
Come Mr Woodhouse. Let's wrap you up warmly.
SCENE 18-CARRIAGE TO HARTFIELD
EMMA
Certainly the weather-
MR ELTON
Miss Woodhouse, please! Fate has left us alone for a reason!
EMMA
What? What are you...? Release my hand!
MR ELTON
I do not so much as seize your hand so much as the opportunity to-
EMMA
Good heavens. Go back!
MR ELTON
Please! I am hoping...fearing...ready to die if you refuse me. Surely my
odd and attachment to you, my love and passion cannot help to make an
impression
EMMA
Mr Elton! This is I, Miss Woodhouse! The party spirit has confused you!
I'll be happy to deliver your message to Miss Smith, but you must direct no
more of it to me.
MR ELTON
Miss Smith? What sort of message would I want to send to her? Miss Smith?!
EMMA
Mr Elton, the wine has weakened you, for you to--
MR ELTON
If the wine has had any effect, it has only strengthened my will to tell
you that I love you! And-
EMMA
My astonishment is beyond anything I can express. For you to address me in
this manner, after your behaviour to Miss Smith, is--
MR ELTON
I never cared whether Miss Smith were dead or alive except she was your
friend. Who can think of Miss Smith when Miss Woodhouse is near?
EMMA
Oh, no!
MR ELTON
Everything I have ever done was to prove my adoration for you. Why else
would I go to London to have your picture framed?
EMMA
Oh, no...
MR ELTON
Allow me to--! Allow me to interpret the silence. You have long understood
me.
EMMA
I said back, and kindly refrain from the intimacy of whispering. Am I to
understand that you never sought to recommend yourself to Miss Smith?
MR ELTON
How can you be surprised? Did you not understand the riddle I wrote?
EMMA
That was for Harriet!
MR ELTON
I most obviously did not address it to her and left it at your home!
EMMA
But--oh...But--
MR ELTON
She's a very good sort of girl, and I'm sure there are men who would not
object to...Everybody has their level. But I am need so totally despair of
an equal alliance as to address myself to Miss Smith...
EMMA
Sir!
MR ELTON
No! I sought to recommend myself to YOU with those visits.
EMMA
Sir...I have seen you only as the admirer of my friend.
MR ELTON
I cannot believe that!
EMMA
It is well to the mistake--
MR ELTON
It is her mistake
EMMA
It is mine as well.
MR ELTON
She will manage her disappointment, leave her out of it. How do you feel
about what I've said?
EMMA
Mr Elton, any hopes I had with regard to you were for Harriet and Harriet
alone.
SCENE 19-RANDALL
MRS WESTON
My dear child! What is it?
EMMA
Miss Taylor! ...Mrs Weston! There has been an overthrow of everything I
have been wishing for for Harriet and Mr Elton, a development most
unwelcome, most painful. Oh, dear. You will not believe it, but, Mr Elton,
now prepare yourself, but, Mr Elton is--
MRS WESTON
Mr Elton is in love with you...?
EMMA
You knew?
MRS WESTON
I had my suspicions, but the party confirmed it.
EMMA
The worst of it is that I persuaded her to care for him! Had I not done
that, I could bear anything, but it was I and I alone! Even Mr Knightley
warned me.
MRS WESTON
Mr Knightley?
EMMA
He was very cross because I had urged Harriet to reject a proposal from
Robert Martin.
MRS WESTON
That nice farmer?
EMMA
At least there I was right! Well done, Emma! But otherwise I have made a
dreadful mistake. I sought to bring two people together, and I shall never
do it again! Never! That poor girl...
MRS WESTON
She'll recover. She's young.
EMMA
I wish I could ease the pain of this fall, but I have no idea who might be
right for her. William Cox?
MRS WESTON
Emma!
EMMA
Too pert?
MRS WESTON
My dear, you said you would never try to match anyone again.
EMMA
Yes. Indeed. I just wish there was some way to soften the news when I tell
her.
MRS WESTON
I'm afraid the best way is always the most straightforward.
EMMA
Yes. I suppose I will just say, 'Harriet!'--
SCENE 20-HARTFIELD
EMMA
I have some news about Mr Elton. He has had to leave town.
HARRIET
Why?
EMMA
In his letter to father, he wrote that he was going to Bath to relax and to
meet new people. And this brings me to something most unpleasant.
HARRIET
Oh, Miss Woodhouse, nothing you say could ever be unpleasant.
EMMA
This is full. I must acknowledge myself grossly mistaken on the one subject
that has occupied us for some time past.
HARRIET
Mr Elton?
EMMA
While expressing his fervent admiration for you as a person, it is
unhappily I who have captured his fancy. Naturally I do not return his
feelings, but that does not make it any less of an embarrassment and I
place the responsibility for this directly on my own shoulders.
HARRIET
Oh, no! I have always felt that I did not deserve Mr Elton's affections. So
I cannot blame him for believing the same. I could never blame you, who
have been so kind a friend that I could never dream it possible.
EMMA
Harriet, I had always hoped that I might have something to teach you. Now I
see that I shall be lucky to resemble you in any small way.
SCENE 21-PUPPY FARM
EMMA
They have just been weaned! I thought that you might enjoy them. They
cannot help but lift the spirits.
HARRIET
Do you suppose that Mr Elton is meeting young ladies while he's away?
EMMA
I do not know. Feel her paws.
HARRIET
I would not blame him. I wonder when he will return.
EMMA
Dear, you must try to empty your mind of Mr Elton. Really.
HARRIET
Oh, I'm sorry. It was kind of you to invite me!
EMMA
Look at her eyes!
HARRIET
Mr Elton had brown eyes too!
EMMA
Oh! Harriet, there is only one place that I can think of where you will not
be able to speak of Mr Elton. Indeed you may not be able to speak at all!
SCENE 22-BATES' HOUSE
MISS BATES
Oh, Miss Woodhouse, what a special, special treat! It was so lovely to you
to come and visit us. Isn't it mother! TREAT! And the best of it is, the
best of i-i-it is that we were just speaking of a topic that would interest
you both.
EMMA (thinking)
Please, do not let it be a letter from that ninny Jane Fairfax!
MISS BATES
Yes, here it is. It is a letter from Mrs Cole, who has news of Mr Elton!
Yes, here we are. 'He has been the toast of every young ladies eye!' Well
of course, that can be no surprise to any of us! Oh, dear. Miss Smith, you
look pale! You must be hungry! Let me get you some cake! Wasn't it nice for
them to visit us mother? The most amazing thing just happened. Mother was
asking about Jane Fairfax, asking if there was any news from her, even
though she knew it was not Jane's day for writing. Remember, mother, not,
JANE'S DAY! Oh, napkins, sorry. You see, we always have a letter from Jane
on Tuesday, and today as you must know is Thursday! So I said, 'Mother we
have had a letter from Jane this very morning!' And she said, 'But it's
Thursday! For you see Jane writes on Tuesday and this is Thursday! And I
said, 'Upon my honor!' Here you are, Miss Smi--oh, napkins, sorry! Here you
are.
EMMA
And might you summarize the letter in your own delightful words?
MISS BATES
Oh, would you like the pleasure of hearing it, Miss Woodhouse, as only Jane
can put things, upon my honor I would not. Um, where's that letter, yes
here it. Yes, the bad news is she has a cold.
EMMA
Oh, no!
MISS BATES
Oh, yes, but the good news far outweighs it, far far far! She is coming to
visit and you must be here to help us with here Miss Woodhouse, because it
wouldn't be a proper visit otherwise. You must sit right where you are, and
you must say--
SCENE 23-BATES' HOUSE
EMMA
We are so glad to have you with us! How were you able to get away?
JANE
Well the Cambells have gone to Ireland on a holiday, so I've come here,
which is better than any holiday.
EMMA (thinking)
Hmm. She is more giving than I expected.
MISS BATES
Tell Miss Woodhouse whom you saw in Wayworth! Frank Churchill, that's who,
Mr Frank Churchill!
EMMA
Oh, I hear much of him, but have never seen him! Was he handsome?
JANE
Many say he is.
EMMA
Was he agreeable?
JANE
He was in no way disagreeable.
EMMA
Was he a man of information?
JANE
All his statements seem correct.
EMMA (thinking)
I take it back. She is--
SCENE 24-HARTFIELD
EMMA
--absolutely impossible! She wouldn't tell me anything about Frank
Churchill!
MR KNIGHTLEY
Why should you care so much about Frank Churchill?
EMMA
I was merely being sociable, that's all, and she was not.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Perhaps you dislike her because divides our attentions from you!
EMMA
Ha! Really, Mr Knightley, you are so comical, you ought to perform in the
Town Square.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Oh, I have some news! And I know how much you like news.
EMMA
Ah, yes, I always like news.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Mr Elton is going to marry.
EMMA
I don't know what to say, except that I'm...--
SCENE 25-HARTFIELD AND FORDS'
HARRIET
--in a state of complete shock!
EMMA
You've heard?
HARRIET
About what?
EMMA
Oh! Never mind.
HARRIET (narrating)
I was on my way here for our visit. It started raining, so I ducked into
Fords to wait it out.
HARRIET (speaking) Good day, Mr Ford, Mr Ford.
HARRIET (narrating) As I admired some fabric, who should come in but
Elizabeth Martin, and her brother! Oh, I thought I should have fainted!
They saw me, and began whispering, then, oh, Miss Woodhouse, I could not
believe this, she came up to me and spoke! She said:
ELIZABETH MARTIN
I'm sorry we never meet now.
HARRIET (narrating)
And I said:
HARRIET (speaking)
Oh, you're too kind.
HARRIET (narrating)
Then, I saw that Mr Martin, my Mr Martin was coming toward me!
HARRIET AND MR MARTIN TOGETHER
Good day, (Mr Martin/Miss Smith)
MR MARTIN
I managed to read The Romance of the Forest. It was very good.
HARRIET (narrating)
Finally I said that I had to go, but then he followed me! I was not three
steps outside, and he said:
MR MARTIN
Miss Smith! You'd better go by Mr Cole's Stable. The near way's flooded.
HARRIET (speaking)
Thank you.
HARRIET
Oh, Miss Woodhouse, do talk and make me comfortable again!
EMMA (thinking)
I suppose this would not be the right time to mention that Mr Elton was
engaged.
EMMA
This was awkward because it was the first time you've seen Mr Martin since
rejecting his proposal. You, and I must say he, behaved very well. Now, the
kindest thing you can do for yourself is to put Mr Martin out of your head
for good.
HARRIET
Yes. I will. I will do so immediately. He's behind me now.
EMMA
Wonderful! I thought I might sketch the puppies, would you join me?
HARRIET
Oh, yes please! It was awfully kind of him to warn me about the flooding.
EMMA
Yes, dear.
HARRIET
He got his coat wet to tell me. That's the coat Mrs Martin gave him for his
birthday! I do hope he does not catch cold!
SCENE 26-ROAD TO RANDALL
EMMA
OH! Oh, good heavens!
FRANK
Is your horse just washing his feet, or are the darker forces at work here?
EMMA
The latter, I'm afraid. Something has happened to the wheel and I cannot
move.
FRANK
Well, you'll just have to live here then. Bye. I suppose that won't do.
I'll help you home.
EMMA
Thank you so much, Mr...?
FRANK
Churchill. Frank Churchill.
EMMA
A name I know as well as my own, so long I have heard it spoken. Your
father's wife was my governess.
FRANK
Then you are Miss Woodhouse! How delightful! I hear of nothing but you!
EMMA
The last I heard is from Mrs Weston is that you were not due until
tomorrow.
FRANK
It is always a pleasure to come in on one's friends before the lookout
begins. I would not presume to do so in most cases, but I felt in coming
home I might be forgiven.
EMMA
Then you have not seen them? We shall have to go there first. They will be
overjoyed.
FRANK
Overjoyed, I think, that we are both there together. As I am.
SCENE 27-HIGHBURY
MISS BATES
Oh, Miss Woodhouse! Have you heard? Frank Churchill is here!
EMMA
Yes! In fact, I met him yesterday!
MISS BATES
NO!
EMMA
Yes!
MISS BATES
Oh!
EMMA
He did me quite a service when my horse--
MISS BATES
Is he handsome? Is he everything everyone says he is? I have not seen him
myself, though Jane saw him, and she said that he was not at all
'unpleasant to look at'. I suppose I shan't see him until the Coles' party,
but that seems like such an age from now. But I'm sure, simply sure that
we'll be upon his wall. Well, we are sufficiently prepared!
SCENE 28-HARTFIELD
EMMA
Has an invitation arrived for a party at the Coles?
MR WOODHOUSE
No, thank heaven! The Coles are nice people, but we should have to go
outside to get there!
EMMA
Of course we would have to decline as they ask...but I don't wish them to
outthwart me...
(later)
MR WOODHOUSE
Has James brought the letters?
EMMA
I don't know, I don't pay any attention to the mail.
(later)
EMMA
Why do they not write? Perhaps they must know I must reject them. Still as
close friends of the Westons they should have the courtesy to extend the
invitation. Unless they don't want me! But I cannot--
SCENE 29--COLES' PARTY
EMMA
--tell you how delighted I am to have been invited, Mrs Cole!
FRANK
Isn't it handsome?
MRS COLE
Thank you. But as of today, there's a much prettier one in town. It has
been sent to Jane Fairfax.
FRANK
Really? And who sent it to her?
MRS COLE
That's the exciting part! There was no identification of the donor.
MR WESTON
Must be from Colonel Campbell!
MRS COLE
Jane's parents died, and the Bates of course are quite without the
resources to...And Colonel Campbell was a great friend of her fathers, so
he and his family have raised her.
FRANK
Well, then they must have sent it.
MRS COLE
Jane has just had a letter from them and not a word was said of it.
FRANK
Well, perhaps it's a surprise.
EMMA
Why do you smile?
FRANK
I'm smiling because I'm wondering if there's anyone else whom we should
suspect of being Miss Fairfax's musical patron. Do you know her?
EMMA
Yes, she's very...elegant...yes...
FRANK
Colonel Campbell's daughter Mrs Dickson was Miss Fairfax's dearest friend,
so perhaps Mrs Dickson sent the piano.
EMMA
Mrs Dickson? That makes sense.
FRANK
But not as much sense do you think as Mr Dickson. I cannot help suspecting
that after his proposal to Miss Campbell, a sweet, but rather a plain girl,
Mr Dickson fell in love with Miss Fairfax, who is after all...
EMMA
Very elegant, yes, but what makes you say that?
FRANK
Well, she must think so too! That is why she did not go on the holiday with
the Cambells. Instead she came here...Do you see? Now that Mr Dickson has
married into the Cambells he would have been there. I think, by coming
here, Miss Fairfax was telling Mr Dickson that she wanted to forget him,
and I think, with the pianoforte, Mr Dickson wasn't allowing it! Of course
it's just a theory, let us see how she reacts if we say the name 'Mr
Dickson'.
(later)
MRS WESTON
My dear, do you know how Miss Bates and Jane Fairfax came here tonight? Mr
Knightley sent his carriage!
EMMA
Yes, he's very kind!
MRS WESTON
You give him credit for more disinterested benevolence than I. A suspicion
has started into my head which I simply cannot get rid of! Mr Knightley and
Jane Fairfax are a couple!
EMMA
Mrs Weston, do not take to matchmaking, you do it ill! Jane Fairfax and Mr
Knightley? Every feeling revolts!
MRS WESTON
Oh, my goodness! What if the pianoforte is from Mr Knightley?
EMMA
You have taken up an idea and run wild with it. He is not even with her!
She is with Frank, poor man.
MRS WESTON
Perhaps they stay apart publicly to keep it a secret!
EMMA
Hush friend. Here comes--Mr Cole!
MR COLE
Miss Woodhouse, would you do us the honor of trying our pianoforte?
EMMA
Oh, I fear I lack the talent.
MR COLE
Oh, perhaps I should ask Miss Fairfax.
(later)
EMMA (singing)
Did you not hear my lady
Go down the garden singing
Blackbird and thrush lie silent
To hear the alleys ringing
Oh saw you not my lady
Out in the garden there
Shaming the rose and lilies
For she is twice as fair
Though-
FRANK (taking over)
Though I am nothing to her
Though she must rarely look at me
And though I could never woo her
I love her 'til I die
FRANK AND EMMA (singing)
Surely you heard my lady
Go down the garden singing
Silencing all the songbirds
And setting the alleys ringing
But surely you see my lady
Out in the garden there
Rivaling the glittering sunshine
With her glory of golden hair
FRANK
Excuse me. Do you know that piece?
JANE
Oh, yes.
(Jane and Frank sing together)
MR KNIGHTLEY
Doesn't she play marvelously?
EMMA
Yes. How sweet to have lent your carriage so that her fingers would be warm
enough for the performance.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Your playing was lovely!
EMMA
Much less than the effect of Miss Fairfax's?
MR KNIGHTLEY
No! It was ...very...elegant.
EMMA
Was that not sweet of the Cambells to give her so generous a gift?
MR KNIGHTLEY
I never approve of surprises. The pleasure is never enhanced, and the
inconvenience is considerable. Bad judgement on the Campbell's part.
FRANK
Miss Fairfax, shall we sing another?
MR KNIGHTLEY
That fellow thinks of nothing but showing off. Jane will sing herself
hoarse. Miss Bates!
MISS BATES
Yes, Mr Knightley?
MR KNIGHTLEY
You must put a stop to this! She'll make herself ill!
MISS BATES
Oh, do you think so? Oh, well I shall!
SCENE 30-HARTFIELD
FRANK
Miss Woodhouse, you must forgive my intrusion, but my aunt has become
ill-it is nothing serious, but my presence might bring her solace,
therefore I must return, and although I expect my father at any moment, I
could not leave without stopping here.
EMMA
Oh! Not even five minutes to spare for your friends Miss Fairfax and Miss
Bates, how unlucky!
FRANK
Oh, no, I stopped there on my way here! After all their kindness, I don't
wish to slight them! But it is not the Bates, nor my aunt that occupies my
thoughts as I prepare to leave. There is something much more personal that
I must say to you. I think that you can hardly be without suspicion that I
have developed certain feelings for someone of a most tender and devoted
nature, which so far I have striven to hide. Yet you have always made me
feel so wonderfully at ease, such a friend, since very arrival that in no
longer seems honorable to keep them from you. In short, Miss Woodhouse, I--
BUTLER
Mr Weston.
FRANK
Mrs Weston has promised to correspond, the blessings of a female
correspondent when one wants news. In her letters I shall be at Highbury,
and here again, with you.
SCENE 31-HARTFIELD, EMMA'S ROOM
EMMA
Well, he loves me! He was on the verge of telling me when his father burst
in. I felt listless after he left and had some sort of headache, so I must
be in love as well. I must confess I expected love to feel something
different than this. I may determine how deep a love I feel through his
absence. How I wish he would be here tomorrow, for there is a grim job to
be done. Mr Elton is bringing his new wife to tea.
SCENE 32-HARTFIELD
MRS ELTON
You know, your home reminds me of Maple Grove, which is the seed of my
brother, Mr Sutling.
MR ELTON
Sutling.
MRS ELTON
The hall, the size of the room, I'm really quite struck by it! I almost
fancy myself here!
EMMA
I'm glad you can feel so at ease.
MRS ELTON (cutting off Mr Elton's mumbling)
Oh, my brother and sister will be enchanted with this place. People who
have extensive grounds are always pleased to meet other people with
extensive grounds.
EMMA
I'm afraid you overrate Hartfield. Soria is full of beauties.
MRS ELTON (cutting off Mr Elton's mumbling)
Don't tell me about Soria! I always say it is the garden of England!
EMMA
Yes, but many counties are called that.
MRS ELTON
Oh? I fancy not. I never heard any county but Soria called so.
EMMA
Well, I know little of other places. We're a quiet set of people, more
disposed to stay at home.
MRS ELTON
Yes, your father's health must be a great drawback to your seeing the
country. Why does he not try bath? It would do him the world of good!
EMMA
He has tried it before without any benefit.
MRS ELTON
No! It will do him good, if only to improve his spirits, which, I
understand, are sometimes much depressed! You must take him! A line from
me, and you will have some of the best society in the place! A particular
friend there, Mrs Paltry, --
EMMA
I'm afraid going to Bath would be out of the question
(later)
EMMA
Mrs Elton! I did not ask if you were musical and that is because your
reputation has preceded you. All the town knows that you are a superior
performer.
MRS ELTON (cutting off Mr Elton's mumbling)
Well, I am dotingly fond of music, and my friends say I'm not entirely
devoid of taste! In fact, I told Mr E., when he asked me to marry, I told
him that I did not have to have two carriages, as I did before, and I could
even accept a smaller house! My house was a good deal roomier, I assure
you. But no! The world is not necessary to me because I am blessed with so
many resources in here! But, said I, without music, my life would be a
blank. In fact, you and I must establish a musical club, and we could have
regular meetings at your house or ours, because I don't want to give up my
talent, do I?
EMMA
Mrs Elton, I'm sure it would take something more dramatic as a change of
town to dislodge as great as your talent.
MRS ELTON
Oh, well, I myself don't call it great! I just know that my friends think
so. (pause) Oh! We met the Westons. He is already a favorite with me! And I
was astonished that she was so ladylike! Was she not your governess?
EMMA
Mrs Weston's modest propriety makes her a model for any woman.
MRS ELTON (cutting off Mr Elton's mumbling)
And do you know who came in while we were there?
EMMA
I cannot imagine!
MRS ELTON
Knightley.
EMMA
Knightley?
MRS ELTON
Knightley! Ah, Mr E's friend! Well, there's one friend with whom you need
not be ashamed! Quite the gentleman!
EMMA (thinking)
Knightley?
SCENE 33-HIGHBURY
EMMA
Never seen him before and she called him Knightley!
HARRIET
I saw her at church and she seemed-
EMMA
Vulgar? Base? Conceited? Crass? How do you do Mrs Star?
MRS STAR
Good Morning, Miss Woodhouse!
EMMA
She actually seemed pleased to discover that Mr Knightley was gentleman! I
doubt he'll return the compliment and find her a lady! Mr Simons!
MR SIMONS
Good Morning, Miss Woodhouse.
EMMA
Good morning! She proposed that we formed a musical club! Is it possible
that Mr Elton met her while doing charitable work in a mental infirmary?
There is only one thing to do with a person as impossible as she.
HARRIET
What?
EMMA
I must throw a party for her! Otherwise everyone will feel at once how much
I dislike her.
SCENE 34-HIGHBURY CHAPEL
MRS ELTON
We're so excited about the party! Do you know who I just adore, who I want
to wrap up and put in my pocket?
EMMA
Knightley?
MRS ELTON
Jane Fairfax! I rave about her! Do you know what I admire most about her?
She's timid. I'm a great advocate of timidity. But I daresay you know the
lines of the poet.
For many a flower
Is born to blush unseen.
We cannot allow them to be verified by sweet Jane!
EMMA
There is no danger of that! The Cambells take great care of her.
MRS ELTON
Whatever advantage she got from the Cambells have palpably come to an end,
but if you and I set an example, many will follow. We live in a style which
could not make the addition of Jane Fairfax the least inconvenient. I am
simply going to adopt her, and I think that you should do it with me.
SCENE 35-RANDALL
EMMA
For the first time in my life, I felt sorry for Jane Fairfax. Whatever she
may have done, she does not deserve Mrs Elton.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Jane may be glad of Mrs Elton's attentions since they are available to no
one else.
EMMA
She seems to receive ample attention from you.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Anyone may know my regard for her.
EMMA
Oh? Do you know her higheties?
MR KNIGHTLEY
Oh, so you two have been settling that I should marry Jane Fairfax?
EMMA
No! You could not come and sit with us if you were married.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Jane Fairfax is a very charming young woman, but she lacks an open temper
which a man wishes for in a wife. I have admiration for her, but no thought
beyond. Not at all. None. No. Ah, I see Mr Weston is at home. I'll go and
see him.
EMMA
Well, Mrs Weston, what do you say about your suspicions now?
MRS WESTON
He seemed very occupied with his not being in love with her. It seems
certain that he is!
SCENE 36-HARTFIELD
MR KNIGHTLEY
It was most kind of you to invite Jane Fairfax this evening.
EMMA
Your words the other day shamed me. I have not tried as I should have.
MR KNIGHTLEY
You are capable of great kindness.
EMMA
I fall short so often, and I highly doubt she will find this a kindness.
MRS ELTON
Jane! You're a very, very fragile creature! You pay no regard of the
delicacies of you constitution! Jane...Knightley! Help us! Knightley! Jane
went to the post office today in the rain! A great peril to her health!
This was a sign that I was not there to take care of you! Knightley, tell
her! Tell her!
MR KNIGHTLEY
I'm sure she knows what she can endure, Mrs Elton! But of course. Do take
care of yourself.
JANE
Thank you.
(later, at dinner)
BUTLER
Mr Weston
MR WOODHOUSE
Ah! We had quite given you up! I'm afraid we had to start without you!
MR WESTON
Oh, forgive me, Mr Woodhouse, Emma, no please. The journey was especially
slow, or perhaps it just seemed so, as I have some good news that I was
eager to share. Frank's aunt is on the mend, and Frank is taking a house in
Highbury!
MR WOODHOUSE
Good news indeed!
MRS ELTON
Well, well, well, I shall have to do something with Mr E to welcome him,
hey, Mr E? (cutting off Mr Elton) Highbury's a little different since he
left. There's been an addition, if I may presume to call myself an
addition. Personally I wouldn't, as you know I'm just quoting other people,
but I think Mr Frank Churchill will find one or two small changes in the
vicinity since he last came to visit his dear father!
SCENE 37-HARTFIELD, EMMA'S ROOM
EMMA (writing in her diary w/ voiceover)
Frank Churchill. I must own that I am not in love with Frank. I have not
thought of him at all except for the mention Harriet made of him the other
day.
EMMA (speaking)
Harriet! And Frank! Oh, wouldn't that be charming!
EMMA (thinking)
It would so relieve me to know that Harriet was well taken care of. Perhaps
I could bring them together at the ball! Lucky the man who exchanges Emma
for Harriet!
SCENE 38-DONWELL ABBEY
MR KNIGHTLEY
I can think of nothing less appealing than an evening of watching other
people dance. Go on.
EMMA
Well, then you shall have do dance yourself!
MR KNIGHTLEY
I have no taste for it. I'd rather fetch that stick.
EMMA
I'll try to remember to bring it to the ball.
MR KNIGHTLEY
I just want to stay here where it's cozy.
SCENE 39-WESTON BALL
FRANK
Miss Woodhouse!
EMMA
Mr Churchill! I came early to see if I could be of service to your father.
FRANK
Actually, you're late! The whole party is here to help my father prepare
for the party.
EMMA
Are you waiting for someone?
FRANK
Oh, Mrs Elton!
EMMA
Mrs Elton? Why ever for?
FRANK
I hear much of her. She is bringing Jane Fairfax in her carriage, so
perhaps we may finally ask Jane Fairfax about Mr Dickson. Or have you
acquired the courage in my absence? Oh, is that they? Do excuse me
EMMA
Frank just told me the most fascinating thing.
MRS WESTON
Tell me.
EMMA
He's heard about Mrs Elton and he still wants to meet her!
MISS BATES
I always say, always, that there is no place where the people are as nice
as in Highbury. We were not two steps out of the carriage, not two, well,
it was possibly less, when Frank Churchill came bounding up! He was
bounding, I tell you, to see if we needed any assistance! He is so
obliging! Oh, Mr Churchill! I was just telling Miss Woodhouse and Mrs
Weston how obliging you are! I shall never forget your kindness, not as
long as I live. Nor to mother, since you replaced the rivet in her
spectacles, not only have they been as good as new, they have been better.
Oh, isn't this room just like a fairyland? How do you like Jane's hair? She
did it herself! Oh, look, there are the Hearses! I must go and say hello!
EMMA
Harriet is all alone.
MRS WESTON
Do you not dance, Mr Elton?
MR ELTON
Most readily, Mrs Weston if you will be my partner.
MRS WESTON
Oh, dear me, I'm no dancer, let me find a better partner for you.
MR ELTON
Though I am an old married man, I would enjoy dancing with Mrs Gilbert.
MRS WESTON
Mrs Gilbert told me she does not mean to dance this evening, but I do see a
young lady whom I should like to see dancing. Miss Smith.
MR ELTON
Miss Smith. I had not observed her there. Well, you are most obliging to
have pointed her out to me, and were I not an old married man, I should
gladly do the job, but my dancing days are over.
(later)
EMMA
I can only say that at the moment you took good to the form I was glad to
call you my friend.
MR KNIGHTLEY
The Eltons are unpardonable. I must say they aim at wounding more than just
Harriet. They seem to want to snub you too, Emma! Why? Certainly, Mrs Elton
has no reason to dislike you. Confess now, old friend, you did want to him
to marry Harriet.
EMMA
I did, and they cannot forgive me. Oh, dear. How could I have made such a
misjudgment! What is the point of me being almost twenty-two when there is
still so much for me to learn?
MR KNIGHTLEY
You know more than you realize!
EMMA
I know I must own to you to be completely wrong about Mr Elton. There is a
littleness to him which you discovered that I did not.
MR KNIGHTLEY
In return for your acknowledging so much, I say that you chose for him
better than he chose for himself. But Harriet Smith has some first rate
qualities about her that Mrs Elton is entirely without. Your friend
surprised me, most pleasantly.
MR WESTON
Emma, dear, it's the last dance. Will you please come and set an example
for your companions?
EMMA
Gladly.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Whom are you going to dance with?
EMMA
With you, if you will ask me. You have shown yourself to be a fine dancer,
despite all your protests, and it would not be improper for us to dance.
After all, we are not brother and sister!
MR KNIGHTLEY
Brother and sister! No, no, indeed we are not.
SCENE 40-ROAD TO HARTFIELD
EMMA
What of your news?
HARRIET
We must wait until we are at your house in front of the fireplace. It must
happen there.
EMMA
Very well. Wasn't the ball lovely?
HARRIET
Oh, I had the most wonderful time! It was out of a dream---
EMMA
Don't worry, dear. Let's move a touch more quickly. Tell me more about the
ball.
HARRIET
I had such...It was very...
GYPSIES
Quick! Get her purse! Get around them, damnit! Pull, damn you, pull!
FRANK
Stand aside!
SCENE 41-HARTFIELD
HARRIET
Oh, how can I ever thank you! How brave you were! I owe you everything!
FRANK
Miss Woodhouse will make things right. If I am no longer needed, I must go
and meet my father.
HARRIET
Of course. Bless you for your help! Bless you again and again!
EMMA
Goodness! What an afternoon!
HARRIET
All this trouble to do something which I should have done long ago. I have
come to a decision about Mr Elton. I shall never forget him or his wife at
the ball. To prove my sincerity, I shall now destroy something which I had
thought to cherish always. You know what this is, of course. Can you have
forgotten? Mr Elton cut his finger, and you urged me to bind the wound. I
cut too much bandage, and he played with the extra little bit while I
finished it up. He left it by his chair, and I, in my nonsense, made a
treasure of it.
EMMA
Dear Harriet.
HARRIET
But let me see. Here is something which truly was his. He left it here
once, and I took it. I used to take it, and hold it, but no more. I want to
be rid of these things with you as my witness. I think I should burn them.
EMMA
I think it would be a wise and relieving thing to do.
HARRIET
Goodbye, Mr Elton
EMMA (thinking)
Hello, Mr Churchill.
SCENE 42-BOX HILL PARTY
EMMA
When you get married, you must eat strawberries at your wedding.
HARRIET
I shall never marry.
EMMA
Really? I was certain you were developing feelings for someone. The service
he rendered you would endear him, naturally!
HARRIET
Oh, I cannot tell you what I felt when I saw him coming to my rescue! I
went from agony to utter happiness at the sight of him.
EMMA
He is a fine choice for you, but do not let your feelings go until you are
sure of his. I give you this caution now because I am determined never to
interfere. I will not even say his name to you, only that raising your
thoughts to him is a mark of your very good taste.
(later)
MRS ELTON
I have some wonderful news. I have found a position for you. It is with a
choice family in Bath, and the position is in--
JANE
I'm most obliged, but I would not consider leaving Highbury.
MRS ELTON
As your protector, I cannot allow you to feel that way. I'm sure everyone
agrees with me. What are your options? After all, Jane.
FRANK
These sandwiches are delicious, Mrs Elton. You really are a gourmet!
MRS ELTON
Well, I never compliment myself, but my friends tell me I certainly know
how to make a sandwich. Now, Jane. I--
FRANK
Shall we all play a game? I command that we each tell Miss Woodhouse
something entertaining. You may offer one thing very clever, two things
moderately clever, or three things very dull, indeed. And in return, Miss
Woodhouse will laugh heartily at them all.
MRS ELTON
I do not pretend to be a wit, though I have a great deal of vivacity in my
own way, of course. These diversions are tolerable at Christmas, when one
is around the fire, but in my opinions, it wastes the outdoors. Miss
Woodhouse, you must excuse me.
MR ELTON
And me. I am an old married man, and have nothing to say that would please
Miss Woodhouse, or any young lady.
MISS BATES
Well, I need not be uneasy, as long as we're allowed to say dull things.
Very dull, in fact. I should be sure to say things very dull in fact as
soon as I open my mouth, shan't I?
EMMA
That may be a difficult thing.
MISS BATES
Oh, I doubt that. I'm sure I never fail to say things very dull.
EMMA
Yes, dear, but you will be limited in number, only three.
MISS BATES.
Oh, to be sure. Yes. I see, I see, I see what she means. I will try and
hold my tongue. I must have made myself very disagreeable or she would not
have said such a thing to an old friend. Just three. Yes.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Miss Bates, will you give me the pleasure of your company whilst I pick
some more strawberries?
MISS BATES
Oh, thank you, Mr Knightley. That would be charming.
(later)
MR KNIGHTLEY
Emma, how could you be so unfeeling to Miss Bates? How can you be so
insolent to a woman of her age and situation? I had not thought it
possible?
EMMA
How could I help saying it? I daresay she did not understand me.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Oh, I assure you, she felt your fool meaning. She cannot stop mentioning
it! I wish you could have heard her honor your forbearance in putting up
with her when her society is so irksome.
EMMA
I know there is no better creature in all the world, but you must allow
that blended alongside of the good there is an equal among of ridiculous in
her.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Were she prosperous, or a woman equal to your age and situation, I would
not quarrel with any liberties of manner. But she is poor! Even moreso than
when she was born, and should she live to be an old lady, she will sink
further still, her situation being in every way below you should secure
your compassion! Badly done, Emma. Badly done. She has watched you grow
from a time when her notice of her in honor to this, humbling her and
laughing at her in front of people who would be guided by your treatment of
her. It is not pleasant for me to say these things, but I must tell you the
truth while I still can, proving myself your friend by the most faithful
counsel, trusting that sometime you will do my faith in you greater justice
that you do it now.
SCENE 43-MISS BATES' HOUSE
MAID
Oh, good afternoon, Miss Woodhouse. Please come in. Wait here please.
MISS BATES
Just tell her I'm unwell and laying down upon the bed.
SCENE 44-HARTFIELD
MR WOODHOUSE
You mean you walked all the way, and on such a cold night?
MR KNIGHTLEY
Certainly I walked.
MR WOODHOUSE
My dear! How did you find my old friend, and her daughter? Emma has called
on Mrs and Miss Bates. She always shows them such kindness.
EMMA
No, father. They have been the ones to forbear and show me kindness.
MR WOODHOUSE
Nonsense, daughter! The charity that you have given them is--
EMMA
I have given them charity, but not kindness, a virtue which some friends
may doubt I still have.
MR KNIGHTLEY
The truest friend does not doubt, but hope. I must go. I'm leaving town to
visit John and Isabella.
EMMA
I'm sorry I was not here sooner so that we could have talked.
MR KNIGHTLEY
So am I.
EMMA
When will you be back?
MR KNIGHTLEY
I don't know. There is a delicate and perplexing matter I must discuss with
my brother.
EMMA
Well, then.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Well, then.
SCENE 45-HARTFIELD
EMMA (writing in diary)
Frank Churchill's aunt has died, taking him away. This strengthens
Harriet's chances with him since the aunt was sure to object. I continue in
my efforts to make amends with Miss Bates. Though matters are not yet fully
repaired, I feel a renewal in our friendship is ahead of us. Above all, I
am most gratified to say that good Mr Knightley...Mr Knightley...had been
privy to my attempts, could he have seen into my heart, I think that he
could find nothing to reprove.
SCENE 46-RANDALL
MRS WESTON
Frank is engaged!
EMMA
I cannot believe it! So quickly?
MRS WESTON
Quickly? The engagement has been in place for some time. Emma, Frank has
been secretly engaged to Jane Fairfax!
EMMA
Good God! This cannot be the truth!
MRS WESTON
They've been engaged since October, formed an awayment through his friend
Charles Dickson.
EMMA
Mr Dickson...
MRS WESTON
He kept it secret because he feared his aunt's disapproval. It has hurt
both his father and me, more importantly, because of whom else it might
hurt.
EMMA
I cannot pretend I do not understand what you mean by that. Therefore, let
me give you all the relief in my power. There was a time when I was
attached to Frank, fortunately that ceased, for some time I have felt
nothing for him.
MRS WESTON
This was my greatest worry. I'm certain you knew it was our wish you might
be attached. Imagine what we felt on your account.
EMMA
There is not need to worry about that. Although how could he have come here
and treated me in this fashion? It is cruel, truly cruel!
MRS WESTON
Yes, dear, but I thought you said you felt nothing for him.
EMMA
Yes, but he did not know that. He is benefiting from a very lucky
coincidence.
MRS WESTON
Now, Emma, he's a good man, however wrong this action might be. Dear, might
I entreat you to put Mr Weston's heart as ease? He's been as worried about
you as I! Could you let him know how glad you are for Frank to have found a
girl with such steady character?
EMMA
I do not know how steady her character can be engaging herself to a man who
pretends not to be engaged, then deceives attractive and feeling young
women! Here is the luckiest father in all of England!
MRS WESTON
Thank you!
SCENE 47-HARTFIELD
HARRIET
Is that not the oddest news you ever heard about Mr Churchill and Miss
Fairfax? Had you any idea of it?
EMMA
Can you imagine, if I knew, and I was encouraging you to give way to your
own feelings? Had I known I would have cautioned you!
HARRIET
Cautioned me? Why? You do not think that I care about Frank Churchill?
EMMA
What--What do you mean? You said that you loved a man--
HARRIET
I hoped I had develop better taste than to choose Frank Churchill over him.
Frank Churchill.... Furthermore, I would never have even dreamed of him
except that you told me he was wonderful!
EMMA
Yes, but I thought you meant--
HARRIET
That raising my thoughts to him would be a sign of my very good taste,
those were your words.
EMMA
Yes, but I meant them in reference to--
HARRIET
And without having heard them I would never have dared to hope.
EMMA
Harriet, please! Before we can go on, there is something that I must
clarify! Is it possible that you are speaking of ...Mr Knightley?
HARRIET
To be sure!
EMMA
But you spoke of the service that Frank had rendered in rescuing you from
the gypsies?
HARRIET
Oh, I never said that!
EMMA
I remember it with perfect clarity.
HARRIET
If I spoke of being rescued, I was thinking Mr Knightley asking me to dance
after Mr Elton snubbed me. That was when I knew how superior a man he is.
EMMA
Good God! What a horrible mistake! What is to be done?
HARRIET
Must something be done about it? You must think him five hundred million
times more above me than Mr Churchill, yet you did say...?
EMMA
Harriet, have you any idea of Mr Knightley returning your affection?
HARRIET
Yes, I must say that I have. You told me to let his behaviour to be the
rule of min, and so I have! Am I wrong to hope as I do?
EMMA
Harriet, I can only venture to declare that Mr Knightley is the last man on
earth who would intentionally give any woman the idea of feeling more for
her than he really does.
SCENE 48-HARTFIELD GARDEN
EMMA
This is tragic.
MRS WESTON
Why is it tragic that Harriet should attach herself to a man whom you
admire so much.
EMMA
I have asked myself many times why this should have unsettled me, and I
have came to see that I do not admire Mr Knightley as I so long thought. I
love him, so dearly, so greatly. Outside of you and father, his is the
opinion that matters most.
MRS WESTON
Oh, my dearest child!
EMMA
I did not know it until poor Harriet said that she had the hope of his
returning her affection that I felt ill that I could lose him, and I knew
that noone must marry Mr Knightley but me!
MRS WESTON
Oh, heavenly!
EMMA
But I am too late. Just before left town, he said:
MR KNIGHTLEY
There is a delicate and perplexing matter I must discuss with my brother.
EMMA
I hope this brother advises him to be careful! After all, we know nothing
about his parents! They could be pirates!
MRS WESTON
My dear, I like Harriet very much, as I might remind you, do you! But
remember, her feelings are evidence of her feelings only. Nothing can be
known until Mr Knightley returns.
EMMA
I long for it and fear it at the same time. I shall not know how to behave
when I see him!
MRS WESTON
Let his behavior be your guide.
EMMA
But oh, dear! If he seems happy than I know that he has decided to marry
Harriet, and I will not, I know I will not be able to let him tell me, I
could not bear to hear the words. But if he seems sad then I shall know
that John has advised him not to marry Harriet. I love John! Or, he may
seem sad because he fears telling me that he is going to marry my friend!
How could John let him do that? I hate John!
MRS WESTON
My dear, nothing can be done until he returns, and until he does, you must
try to put him out of your mind. Can you do that?
EMMA
Certainly I can. I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control.
SCENE 49-HARTFIELD
EMMA (writing in her diary)
Dear diary, Today I tried not to think about Mr Knightley. I tried not to
think about him when I spoke about the menu with cook.
COOK
Oh, is Mr Knightley coming?
EMMA
Why do you say that?
COOK
Lamb stew's his favorite.
EMMA (writing)
I tried not to think about him in the garden where I thrice plucked the
petals off a daisy trying to ascertain his feelings for Harriet. I don't
think we should keep daisies in the garden. They really are drab little
flowers. And I tried not to think about him when I went to bed, but
something had to be done.
SCENE 50-HIGHBURY CHURCH
EMMA (praying)
Dear Lord, if he cannot share a life with me, is it wrong to ask that he
not share it with anyone? That we go on as we go on now, him stopping by at
any hour, always the brightest part of our lives, a natural and easy member
of the family. I would be content if he just stayed single Lord. That's it!
If he would just stay single, that would be enough to make me perfectly
satisfied.
EMMA (aloud)
Almost. Amen.
SCENE 51-ROAD TO HARTFIELD
MR KNIGHTLEY
Emma! Forgive me, I was lost in my thoughts.
EMMA
And how are you? Happy?
MR KNIGHTLEY
Well, happy to see you, as always.
EMMA
I didn't know that you were back.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Just. Yes, just.
EMMA
Ah. I am on my way home.
MR KNIGHTLEY
I was just there. May I join you?
EMMA
Of course. Oh, dear...
MR KNIGHTLEY
What?
EMMA
What? Oh! Something about the deer that we need for the venison stew.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Uh-huh. Emma, there's something I have to ask.
EMMA
Oh, wait, now that you are back, there is some news that will surprise you.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Of what nature is this news?
EMMA
The very best. It is a wedding between two--
MR KNIGHTLEY
Oh, yes! Between Jane and Mr Churchill. Mr Weston wrote to me.
EMMA
Undoubtedly you are not surprised. I seemed doomed to blindness.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Time will heal your wound.
EMMA
My wound?
MR KNIGHTLEY
I know you must have been cruelly disappointed by his secret. He's a
scoundrel.
EMMA
You are kind, but I must tell you that I quickly saw qualities, honesty
being one, which are essential to me in any kind of friend.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Emma, is that true?
EMMA
He imposed on me, but he has not injured me.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Yes, he got everything he wanted at great expense to others, and at no cost
to himself. He offends me, deeply. Yet there is something in his situation
that I envy.
EMMA
Did I mention we are having a new drain installed?
MR KNIGHTLEY
You will not ask me the point of my envy. Well, perhaps you are wise. But,
I cannot be wise. Emma, I must tell you what you will not ask, though I may
wish it unsaid the next moment.
EMMA
Then do not speak it. Do not commit yourself to something that will injure
us both to have said.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Very well. Very well. Good day.
EMMA
Mr Knightley! Mr Knightley. I stopped you ungraciously just now and gave
you pain. If you have any wish to speak to me about anything you have in
contemplation, as your friend I cannot refuse you. Indeed, as your old
friend, I will hear whatever it is you wish to tell me.
MR KNIGHTLEY
Emma! You want our friendship to remain the same as it has always been, but
I cannot desire that.
EMMA
But why? I know I make mistakes, but had you been here the last few days
you would have seen how I have tried to change! Please tell me I am your
friend.
MR KNIGHTLEY
I do not wish to call you my friend, because I hoped to call you something
infinitely more dear. Did you never wonder why I never befriended Frank
Churchill. It was because I knew he was intended for you. Indeed, when you
insulted Miss Bates at the picnic, I thought that evidence of his influence
over you. And I couldn't bear to see it, so I went away, but I went to the
wrong place. My brother's house is usually a place of comfort to me, but
seeing your sister there kept you fresh in my mind. And the torture, I
assure you, was acute. I only felt hope again when I heard of Mr
Churchill's engagement, and I rushed back, anxious for your feelings, keen
to be near you. I rode through the rain, but I'd ride through worse if I
could just hear your voice telling me that I might at least have some
chance to win you.
EMMA
Mr Knightley, if I have not spoken, it is because I am afraid I will awaken
myself from this dream! It cannot be true! But I feel so full of error, so
mistaken in my make-up to deserve you!
MR KNIGHLTY
What of my flaws? I've humbled you, and I've lectured you and you have
borne it as noone could have born it. Maybe it is our imperfections that
make us so perfect for one another. Marry me? Oh, marry me, my wonderful,
darling friend! Let's go to your father.
EMMA
Oh, dear!
MR KNIGHTLEY
What?
EMMA
I cannot marry you!
MR KNIGHTLEY
Whyever not?
EMMA
My father! First my sister, then Mrs Weston, I don't think he could bear my
leaving even for a man he regards as highly as you, I cannot marry you! I
cannot abandon him, I cannot!
MR KNIGHTLEY
I could not secure your happiness by attacking your father's. As long as
his joy requires your being at Hartfield, let it be my home, too.
EMMA
Thank you! Thank you! Now, I need not call you Mr Knightley! I may call you
my Mr Knightley.
SCENE 52-HARTFIELD
THE NARRATOR
The elation Mr Woodhouse felt was soon shared by many. While these
exchanges lifted the hearts of the couple, there was one visit which did
not. Emma knew that Harriet's best chance for happiness was that she would
marry as well, but it seemed too much to hope that even Harriet Smith could
be in love with more than three men in one year.
SCENE 53-HARTFIELD
HARRIET
Miss Woodhouse? May I come in?
EMMA
Oh, you need never ask! Please, do and tell me how you've been! It seems
weeks since you've been here!
HARRIET
Yes, well, I stayed away at first because I thought it would be easier for
me. Then I stayed away, because I have something to tell you which I am
afraid you will not like.
EMMA
Harriet, nothing that you say would ever be unpleasant.
HARRIET
This is. That is, I think that you will think it is, though I think it as
beautiful as a dream! I have consented to marry Robert Martin!
EMMA
Whatever happened?
HARRIET
Well, after leaving here the last time, I saw his sister at a party. I fell
easily into conversation with her, and soon enough, she invited me to
dinner. Mr Martin was there, of course, and we talked as though we had
never been apart! As I left, he asked if he could see me the next day, and
I said that he could, and on the next day, he asked if he could see me the
day after that, and on the day after that, he asked if he could see me all
the days ever after.
EMMA
Harriet!
HARRIET
Well, I know this disappoints you, but--
EMMA
Harriet, you mistake me. This is the perfect end for my sad career as a
matchmaker, a role I gladly relinquish, by being instead so happily matched
myself. I hope you know I only wanted your happiness! Now that you have
found it, it makes my earth complete.
SCENE 54-HIGHBURY CHAPEL
NARRATOR
There are those who thought the wedding a little shabby.
MRS ELTON
I do not profess to be an expert in the field of fashion, though my friends
say I have quite the eye, but I can tell you, there is a shocking lack of
satin.
NARRATOR
However, the wishes, the faith and the predictions of the small band of
true friends who witnessed the ceremony were fully answered in the perfect
happiness of the union.
THE END