Emma Page #12

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:

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