Mr Knightley’s Diary by Amanda Grange Read Free Book Online Page B

desk without any of his usual confidence, indeed much like a schoolboy standing in front of the desk of his master. He turned his hat in his hand as if he did not know where to begin, and I was astonished to see a slight flush spring to his cheek. The cause of his agitation soon became clear.
    'I've come to ask for your advice, Mr Knightley,' he said.
    'I will give you whatever help I can, Robert, you know that,' I said.
    'Yes, I do.'
    'What is the matter?' I asked him, to help him on his way.
    'It is this way,' he said, then added, not very helpfully: 'I trust your judgement, Mr Knightley. You've helped me many a time in the past, and I hope you can help me now.' He cleared his throat, and I wondered if he would ever get to the point. 'I am beforehand with the world, and doing well with the farm. My mother and sisters want for nothing, I've seen to that.'
    I said nothing, wondering where all this was leading.
    'Well, Mr Knightley, the thing is this. I am of an age to marry, and being so well set up with the farm, and after seeing Harriet--that is, Miss Smith--and her being so pretty and well-spoken, and being a good friend of my sisters, and a favourite with my mother--that is, I am not marrying her for my mother or my sisters but for myself, because a man needs a wife and I am a man--'
    He stopped, having tied himself in knots, and I could feel some sympathy for him. I remembered how it was with John, when he proposed to Isabella. He, too, was like a schoolboy when he left the Abbey that morning. His air of address had completely deserted him.
    'You do not need my permission to marry, Robert,' I said, as he paused.
    'No, Mr Knightley, I know that, I need no man's permission, but I was just wanting a bit of advice. I was wondering what you would think of me marrying so young, and whether you think I would be wrong to ask Miss Smith, as she is so young, too. And then...' He went as red as a turkey-cock. 'The thing is, Mr Knightley, Miss Smith being a friend of Miss Woodhouse's, and being so pretty and all, I was wondering if she wasn't too far above me?'
    I was astounded! A penniless girl with no name, being above an honest farmer? A man with a comfortable living and a good name in the neighbourhood?
    'Not at all,' I told him. I felt I should offer a word of caution. 'As long as you are sure you can afford it?'
    'Oh, yes, I've been into all that, and I've talked it over with my mother and sisters, too. They're as eager for it as I am.'
    'Then I advise you to marry Miss Smith, with my blessing. She is a pretty young woman with a very sweet nature and, moreover, she seemed to be very contented when I saw her at Abbey Mill Farm. I am sure you will be very happy together.'
    'Thank you, Mr Knightley,' he said, with a smile spreading across his face. 'She's the prettiest thing I've ever seen, and she has such a taking way with her. I'll be a lucky man if she'll have me.'
    And she will be a lucky girl when she marries you, I thought as he left the room.
    It is a very pleasing solution to the situation! Emma's influence has improved Harriet, and made her more worthy of such a good and solid man, and once Emma knows her friend is to marry Robert Martin, all her nonsensical thoughts regarding Elton will be nipped in the bud. Neither Elton nor Harriet need ever know of the fate she had arranged for them.
    Mrs Weston was right and I was wrong. I worried about nothing. This is a most happy conclusion to events.
    Saturday 5 December
    I cannot believe it was only yesterday that I was convinced a happy end was in view for Harriet: a poor girl, deposited in a school by unknown parents, to end up, not as an old maid, but as a happy and prosperous wife. And yet it has come to nothing. Because of Harriet? No, because of Emma! I have never been so out of charity with her in my life.
    I called on her and her father this morning and, as her father went out for a walk, I felt I could give her an intimation of the good fortune about to befall her