“I am uneasy, Mr. Knightley,” said Mr. Woodhouse, “that you are contemplating showing the new Mrs. Elton about the Abbey in these depths of winter. It is a dangerous season, you know, and she may become chilled.”
“Oh, Papa, Mr. Knightley would never keep anyone out of doors so long that they became chilled! Mr. Knightley is very careful for the health of all our friends.”
“Very true, my dear, very true. Mr. Knightley is always watchful for the safety of others. But he is often out of doors himself; my dear sir,” he said, turning to Knightley, “you know you are often out of doors.”
“I am indeed, sir, and I thank you for your concern; but I am always careful to dress warmly when it is cold.”
“Well, I suppose you do, Mr. Knightley. You are always very prudent.”
Knightley nearly laughed. Prudent, yes; too prudent to declare his affection at this moment when his heart would have dictated nothing less. What man could behold Emma’s beauty, watch her tenderly soothe the fears of her father, and be the recipient of her impish teasing without feeling an overpowering urge to confess his love? And yet he was resisting the temptation. Oh, yes, he was very prudent. He was also, however, scheming. His patience constant won the day…He would be silent now and wait. But he would not wait helplessly, hoping the mere passage of time would incline her to him; no, he would be planning and working all the time. He woo’d by stealth with sighs and smiles…
“Of course, Papa,” said Emma was saying, “We will all be careful; Mr. Knightley will take care as well. Isn’t that so, Mr. Knightley?”
“Yes,” he said. “You may be sure that I will.” Oh yes, my dearest Emma, I will take care. I will take very great care…to steal your heart away.
FINIS
Note: The first charade on page 104 was written by Jane Austen
Charity Envieth Not Page 29