"He was more in love with her than Emma had supposed; and who can say how it might have ended, if his father had not made his appearance. " (Volume 2, Chapter 12)
A few years ago I got a book that is entitled The Jane Austen Handbook, by Margaret C Sullivan. I mention it because it is just into its second publication, and is one of the best Austen related books that I have ever read. It includes all sorts of wonderful nuggets of knowledge that would be necessary in Austen's time. Such things include How to become an Accomplished Lady, Improve your Estate, Avoid dancing with an Undesirable Partner, and many more. I particularly love the section on love:
- How to choose a prospective husband
- How to indicate interest in a gentleman without seeming forward
- How to marry of your daughters
- How to decline an unwanted proposal of marriage
- How to carry on a secret engagement
- How to get him back after you have quarrelled
- How to be a bride
- How to elope to Scotland*
* I will have to remember this one in case I am ever in that situation. (Jokes, Dad, stop hyperventilating!**)
Because Emma contains an immature heroine a lot of the romance in the novel is deliberately cheesy. Just as it should be, I think; one cannot expect one of the world's best Romance novelists to be always solemn and mature, can they?
Well, I am about 3/5 of the way done Emma. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.... Just wanted to stop for a chuckle, and maybe a pot of tea. Enjoy your Austen everyone.
** Maybe it is my mom that I need to reassure. :) My dad was telling me a few months ago that he "welcomed young men, and would not chase them off." My mom looked astonished, and asked my dad, "we do?" I laughed, turned to my dad, and said: "Who are you, Mr or Mrs Bennet?" Get it?
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