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'Emma' by Jane Austen
Chapter One excerpt
Emma
Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy
disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had
lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex
her.
She was the youngest of the two
daughters of a most affectionate, indulgent father; and had, in consequence of
her sister's marriage, been mistress of his house from a very early period. Her
mother had died too long ago for her to have more than an indistinct remembrance
of her caresses; and her place had been supplied by an excellent woman as
governess, who had 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 the intimacy of
sisters. Even before Miss Taylor had ceased to hold the nominal office of
governess, the mildness of her temper had hardly allowed her to impose any
restraint; and the shadow of authority being now long passed away, they had been
living together as friend and friend very mutually attached, and Emma doing just
what she liked; highly esteeming Miss Taylor's judgment, but directed chiefly by
her own.
The real evils, indeed, of Emma's
situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a
disposition to think a little too well of herself; these were the disadvantages
which threatened allay to her many enjoyments. The danger, however, was at
present so unperceived, that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with
her.
Sorrow came - a gentle sorrow - but not
at all in the shape of any disagreeable consciousness. - Miss Taylor married. It
was Miss Taylor's loss which first brought grief. It was on the wedding-day of
this beloved friend that Emma first sat in mournful thought of any continuance.
The wedding over, and the bride-people gone, her father and herself were left to
dine together, with no prospect of a third to cheer a long evening. Her father
composed himself to sleep after dinner, as usual, and she 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 some
satisfaction in considering with what self-denying, generous friendship she had
always wished and promoted 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 of sixteen years - how she had
taught and how she had played with her from five years old - how she had devoted
all her powers to attach and amuse her in health - and how nursed her through
the various illnesses of childhood. A large debt of gratitude was owing here;
but the intercourse of the last seven years, the equal footing and perfect
unreserve which had soon followed Isabella's marriage, on their being left to
each other, was yet a dearer, tenderer recollection. She had been a friend and
companion such as few possessed: intelligent, well-informed, 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 could speak every thought as it arose, and who had such an affection
for her as could never find fault.
How was she to bear the change? - It
was true that her friend was going only half a mile from them; but Emma was
aware that great must be the difference between a Mrs. Weston, only half a mile
from them, and a Miss Taylor in the house; and with all her advantages, natural
and domestic, she was now in great danger of suffering from intellectual
solitude. She dearly loved her father, but he was no companion for her. He could
not meet her 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 his constitution and
habits; for having been a valetudinarian all his life, without activity of mind
or body, he was a much older man in ways than in years; and though everywhere
beloved for the friendliness of his heart and his amiable temper, his talents
could not have recommended him at any time.
Glossary:
- vex: to worry
- unreserve: openness, honesty
- valetudinarian: a weak or sickly person
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