Harriet Smith

looked at Harriet.

"Miss Woodhouse, you are so kind!..." Mr. Elton praised Emma's virtue of compassion.

"Well, Harriet is so clumsy and has made herself like this..." Emma was a little embarrassed. "Your house is not far away. Can you let her wash her hands and tidy up?"

"Of course." Mr. Elton agreed, "It is a great honor to serve the two ladies."

"Look how nice Mr. Elton is, he doesn't dislike your dirty look at all--I'll tell you, he must like you." Emma whispered to her on the way.

"Hehe." Harriet forced a dry laugh.

----

Emma had no time to play with Harriet for a while, for her sister's family had come to Hatfield from London.

Harriet didn't care too much, because she had her own business to do - to investigate Harriet Smith's life experience.

Harriet could not remember the exact place where she had lived as a child, and besides, the old woman was dead, and it was not known if she had any family.She decided to start with a sponsor.

Mrs Godard should have the contact information of all the guardians or sponsors of the students, perhaps anonymous, but in any case, she has to try.

She went to Mrs. Goddard's office, and talked to her for a while, that is to say, Miss Woodhouse's sister's family is here, so she won't be going to Hatfield recently, and she talked about Mrs. Weston, she hoped to see her Mrs Godard readily agreed to visit there.

Before leaving, she pretended to admire the scenery outside the window, and quietly stuffed a ball of dark brown wool into the notch of the window latch.

At night, when the moon was dark and the wind was high, she quietly got up, put on her shoes, and jumped out of the window.Then tiptoe to the outside of Mrs. Goddard's office.When she reached the window where she had made a little fuss, she shook it a few times, but it was not fastened, and she opened the window easily.

Good luck is a good start!

She climbed into the office, got rid of the lint on the window, and closed the window.

Lighting a candle, her target quickly locked on to the locked cabinet next to the table.

She twisted out two large embroidery needles that had been prepared.

In the 21st century, thanks to the blessing of a professor Feynman (Feynman's biography describes his lockpicking experience), she became interested in lockpicking and practiced it seriously for a while.Combination locks are difficult to open, but this old-fashioned cabinet lock is not difficult.

She poked the needle into the keyhole, fiddled with it for a while, and the lock opened.

There are all kinds of booklets in the cabinet in an orderly manner, including account books and rosters.There is also a small box with a lock underneath, which probably contains money and valuables.

She flipped through and found the student roster.The roster is well documented, first by date of admission and then alphabetically by name.She watched carefully.

Harriet Smith

Finally found it!There is a group of people's names and addresses under her name, which should be someone like the contact person or guardian.

Mrs Brolow

London……

It turned out that her sponsor was in London, not far away.Why has this lady never been seen?

She wrote down the name and address.Then put the roster as it is.

At this time, there seemed to be footsteps coming from the corridor. She quickly blew out the candles and squatted silently.

She didn't light the candle again until the sound of footsteps was gone.Now that you're here, let's not do anything, just turn around and see if we can gather more information.

She locked the cabinet as it was and began looking through the desk.Next to the table was a low cabinet with sewing and lace in the upper drawer and a stack of letters in the lower cabinet.I looked at it, and it was written by the relatives and friends of the boarding students to Mrs. Goddard, mostly asking about the children's current situation.The time is about one or two years.She went through the letters one by one, but did not find the letter from Mrs. Brolow.It can be seen that she may not have paid attention to Harriet for a long time.

☆, go to London

She had to go to London herself and see this Mrs. Brolow.After all, this is the only clue about her life experience.

Harriet took out the note again and confirmed the address again.

But how?London is sixteen miles from here.

Walking is definitely not an option, she can ride a horse, but she has no horse, and no ladies' riding clothes.Horse-drawn carriage is the most feasible.

If she asked Emma to borrow a carriage, Emma should not refuse.But she will definitely ask where she went and what she did, and when she comes back, she will ask who she met and what happened. After telling her, many people in Highbury will know that it will be bad if it reaches the ears of Mrs. Goddard.Besides, she doesn't know who her parents are. If she is a decent gentleman, it's okay to say, but if she is a poor child, Emma doesn't know what to say, and their friendship may be affected.

Ask Mrs. Weston?She knew Emma so well, she knew that Emma knew.

The Ford store also has cars, she went to ask, and the cars have already been bought.

who else...

After thinking about it, it had nothing to do with the gossip people in Highbury, and the only one who could get her to London was Martin.He had a carriage, not the kind of rich people, of course, his carriage was mainly used for transporting goods, and it would probably not be a problem to take her to London.

However, she rejected his marriage proposal and asked him for help again, which seemed a bit shameless...

But besides him, she couldn't think of anyone else who could help...

Otherwise, go with a thick skin.

What if it made him hope again?

What if he held a grudge and refused to help her?

Harriet walked on the road to Martin's with hesitation and conflict.

Suddenly a horse galloped towards her, which startled her and quickly dodged to the side of the road.

"Miss Smith?" The man on horseback got off his horse and saluted her with the brim of his hat.

"Ah... ah... Mr. Knightley?!" Harriet was so surprised that she almost couldn't close her mouth.Return the gift in a hurry.

Harriet was surprised that it was him.But in retrospect, this is Dunwell Abby, his territory, and it is normal for him to appear.It's just that she was not mentally prepared to meet him.

Having never had a one-on-one conversation with Mr. Knightley, Harriet was so nervous that her palms were sweating.I don't know why you are nervous?Because of his status?Because he is too tall to oppress her?

Speaking of which, they had never stood together before. She knew he was tall but she didn't expect him to be so much taller than her. Her head only reached his chest, and she couldn't even reach his chin...

Also, his legs are so long—men's clothes these days are simply women's benefits, and the tight trousers outline the sexy lines of his legs...

Hey, don't think about it!Don't look around! ——This is your best friend's future husband!

"Are you going for a walk?" asked Mr. Knightley. "It is not very nice for a young lady to walk here alone. Why not with Miss Woodhouse?"

The voice came from above her head, and Harriet became inexplicably nervous again.

"No, no..." She was so nervous that she almost stuttered, "I am... yes..."

Shall we say yes?She hesitated.

Knightley accompanied her, without urging her to speak.

Are local tyrants so idle?Why don't you hurry up and do your business!thought Harriet.

Biting her lip, she decided to say it anyway. If he thought she was interested in Martin and encouraged him to propose again, wouldn't poor Martin be rejected by her again.

"I'd like to go to London. Hmm... to visit friends."

Mr. Knightley should be trustworthy, he is the only one who can pinch Emma - mainly he pinches Emma.Moreover, this person has a mature and stable personality, so she should not gossip about her affairs with others.

"Ah, what a coincidence. I'm planning to go to London this afternoon. Would it be an honor to pick you up, Miss Smith." He smiled slightly.

So she left with him inexplicably, went back to his mansion, and had lunch with him.

This style of painting is wrong!According to the original book, Harriet shouldn't have come here so early.And what is the rhythm of eating with Mr. Knightley?

So nervous, so nervous!Although even the lunch was quite substantial, Harriet could not eat it.

"I take the liberty of entertaining you," said Mr. Knightley, "but I won't be in London before lunch, and I suggest you go there after lunch."

"Of course." Harriet nodded quickly and forced a smile, "Thank you very much."

"Do I make you nervous?" he asked with a smile. "I don't think I'm a good host."

"Ah... none of your business!" She quickly explained, "I know very few men, so I don't know how to get along... I'm sorry."

This is true.

"It's just the same as in Hatfield." He smiled, no longer caring about her attitude, and turned to talk about some things about Dunwell, how the harvest is, and what he plans to plant next year...

Harriet listened quietly, relaxed slowly, and occasionally asked curious questions, which he answered patiently.

After dinner, he ordered the carriage to be prepared.Soon, they set off for London in a carriage.

She was skeptical that he "just happened to be going to London on business."His younger brother, sister Emma, ​​and his family are all guests at Hatfield. Is there anything he can do in London?

Could it be that the gentlemen at this time are so dignified that when they see a single woman, they volunteer to be flower protectors?

She had something on her mind, and it was still he who told her and she listened along the way.Fortunately, he is an eloquent person, and he didn't have the embarrassment of being silent for a long time.

When she arrived in London, she hesitated and gave him the address.After all, it was the first time for her to come to London, and her eyes were blinded, and she couldn't tell the north, south, east, west, let alone find her way.

"Here it is." He got out of the car first, and held out his hand to Harriet.

She helped his hand out of the car, thanked him, and looked around.This is a high-end residential area for the rich. The streets are neat and clean, and the houses are beautiful and elegant.

"Do you want me to accompany you?" he asked politely.

"Ah... no, thank you. You have helped me a lot by sending me here." She quickly declined.

"It's easy." He nodded to her, "I'll see you later. The carriage will wait for you here."

She thanked him again, stood for a while, and saw that he was far away, so she stepped forward, confirmed the house number on the address again, and rang the doorbell.

A thin, dignified butler opened the door.

"Good afternoon, ma'am." The butler greeted her politely and warily.

"Hi...is Mrs. Brolow here? I'm...Miss Nash. From Mrs. Goddard, Mrs. Goddard of Highbury. Uh..." She lied to the Boarding The name of the female school teacher.

"Please come in." The butler opened the door to let her in, and led her to a beautifully furnished reception room, "Miss Naxi, please wait a moment."

After a while, there was a sound of fine footsteps.Harriet hurriedly put down her teacup and stood up, straightening her dress.

A woman in her mid-40s walks in.She was dressed as elegantly as the room.

Seeing Harriet, she was startled, her expression changed slightly.

Judging by her expression, Harriet knew she couldn't hide it.She saluted respectfully, "Ma'am. I am Harriet Smith. Thank you very much for your support to me..."

"Who allowed you to come here?!" The lady interrupted her and asked with a bad face.

"No, I came here myself. Mrs. Goddard doesn't know, please don't blame her. It's all my own idea." She barely kept smiling.

"What a boldness!" the lady was furious, "Harold, kick this girl out! She won't be allowed in again!"

"No, I'll go by myself." She saluted the lady, "Good day, ma'am."

"You shouldn't live in this world." The lady said coldly behind her.

Harriet paused, and went out without looking back.

As far as the carriage was concerned, Mr. Knightley had not returned.She stepped back and waited.Although she had been mentally prepared that she would not be welcomed by Mrs. Brollo, her last words still stabbed her heart deeply.Leaning against the street lamp, she finally couldn't hold back her tears.

If I had known earlier, I shouldn't have given birth to you...!

In her previous world, that mother also said similar things to her.

Could this be her fate?No matter which world she is in, she is despised...

A handkerchief was handed to her.

She looked up and saw Mr. Knightley's concerned face.

"Thank you." She took the handkerchief, wiped away her tears, and smiled at him, "I can go back."

Knightley nodded. "I've got my business done too. If there's nothing else, we'll go back to Highbury."

Along the way, Knightley asked nothing about it.What a considerate man...

Harriet said nothing.Calm down, she quietly ruminated on what happened in London.

First, there is no doubt that Mrs. Brolow is certainly not an ordinary philanthropist who funded her education out of kindness.Otherwise, she has no reason to be so angry.It was a good thing to show her kindness, and she didn't need to be shocked and angry when she saw Harriet.

Second, Mrs. Brolow's expression on seeing her obviously knew her identity immediately.This was beyond Harriet's expectation, and she had tried to make a routine in her capacity as Miss Nash.According to Harriet's memory in the past, Mrs. Brolow had never been to a boarding school, so she probably didn't know Harriet and Miss Nash.Since they didn't know each other, and Harriet had never been painted, how could she recognize Harriet at a glance?

New Harriet deduced that she and someone Mrs. Brollo knew might look alike.

Third, this person is likely to be her biological father or mother.There is a high chance that she/he has a close relationship with Mrs. Brolow, such as brothers, sisters, parents and children.Otherwise, Mrs. Brollo would not have substituted her emotions so strongly and said "you shouldn't be living in this world".

In summary, to know one's own background, it still falls on Mrs. Brolow.

But she will never see Harriet again. How can she find out what happened more than ten years ago from her mouth?

☆, Improper light bulbs

She thought to herself until the carriage stopped slowly.

She looked up sharply, and met Mr. Knightley's eyes.

"Ah, are you there?" She asked quickly.

"To Hatfield." Knightley nodded. "Or are you going back to boarding school?"

"It's good to be here, thank you very much." Harriet was going to answer the door.

Knightley quickly got out of the car one step ahead of her and reached out to help her down.

A gentleman these days... She smiled, nodded slightly, and thanked him again.

The two walked into Woodhouse's mansion together.

"Oh, Harriet!" Emma embraced her warmly, and introduced her to her sisters, brothers-in-law, and nieces.

Harriet greeted them one by one.Mr. John Knightley was a little thinner than his brother, and a handsome fellow, but he looked more vigorous than his brother.His wife, Emma's sister Isabella, was a small and charming woman.

"Mr. Knightley, I just saw your carriage. Did you come with me?" Emma looked out the window.

"I met Miss Smith on the way, and I knew she was going to Hatfield too, so I came with her," said Mr. Knightley, smiling.

It's not a lie, it's just that after meeting her, they went around London first.

Harriet gave him a thankful smile, and he nodded to her.

"But," his younger brother said bluntly, "you used to come here on horseback, didn't you?"

His wife immediately gave him a "shut up" look.

"I think . . . you can take Miss Woodhouse's advice now and then." He didn't change his face.

"Ah, Mr. Knightley, I'm very flattered to hear that." Emma laughed, showing her beautiful teeth. "Indeed, as a gentleman, you'd be better off traveling by car. I'm glad to know that you have finally accepted my offer." suggestion."

Then the conversation turned to other things.

After dinner, Emma strongly advised Harriet to stay, saying that Mrs. Goddard would be sent to tell her that she need not worry.

Harriet stayed.

Mr. Woodhouse and Isabella played with the children, the two Mr. Knightleys talked about their estates, and Emma looked here and talked there.

What a happy family.Harriet smiled and took a sip of her tea.

Although she does not belong to them, but just watching from the side, she can really feel the breath of happiness.

At this time, there was no envy, jealousy or hatred in her heart, only warmth.I hope they, especially Emma, ​​are always so happy.

"Miss Smith, can you read to the children?" Isabella asked with a smile.

"Of course. I'm very happy." She was worried about how to integrate into them... Isabella is really a careful person, and she never neglects anyone.

Harriet took the children's storybook that Isabella handed her, and read to them.She didn't know how to pronounce it nicely. She felt that the cadenced, possibly moving and expressive pronunciation was a bit exaggerated, so she just read it plainly.

It seemed that the children didn't like her way of reading very much, and she stopped after reading one article.

Mr. Knightley, who was chatting with his brother, came over and took the book to read.

He read much better than she did, and Emma was beside her, holding her youngest nephew, listening to him read and playing with the child, occasionally looking up and smiling at him.

Oops... so sweet...

The scene would have been perfect if it had been the two of their children.

With pink bubbles in her heart, Harriet put her chin on her face and smiled at them.

When Mr. Woodhouse mentioned "poor Mrs. Weston, poor Isabella", John Knightley made fun of his father-in-law, and Harriet almost couldn't help laughing.

This Mr. Knightley was a cheerful, occasionally narrow-minded Mr. who she found lovable.

"Mr. Knightley, I hear you are a lawyer? What kind?" She went over to chat with him.

She thinks that the second son these days is quite tragic, and he doesn't have much property to inherit. He can become a successful lawyer mainly because of his own ability, what a great person.

"Is Miss Smith interested in law, too?" He grinned. "Usually, ladies think it's a dull job."

"Oh, I think being a lawyer is not a simple clerical job. Not only does it require patience, it also requires professional knowledge, adaptability, eloquence... and communication skills are also very important." She said a little embarrassed.She was not a lawyer in the original era, but she had some opportunities to contact lawyers at work.I just don't know the difference between the lawyers at this time and the lawyers in the future.

"Yes. You said it very well." He seemed to like his job, and he introduced it to her endlessly.

Harriet listened with relish and nodded from time to time.Her work is more related to commercial law, so she asked some related questions, wanting to know the development of civil and commercial law in the UK at this time.

Later, he handed her a card and told her that if she went to London, she was welcome to visit his and Isabella's house.

Harriet was of course very happy to accept it.

Christmas is in a few days.They were going to a banquet at the Weston's.

It wasn't until she got into the carriage that Harriet realized that this banquet was very important!

I remember that in the original book, Harriet did not go because of illness. Emma and Elton were alone, and then Elton proposed.

New Harriet must follow the original book this time. It is necessary for Mr. Elton to propose to Emma!

Emma couldn't stand the endless sales of Mr. Elton in her ears.

But it was too late to say no, so she had no choice but to bite the bullet and get in the car.

A group of old friends gather in the warm living room, the atmosphere is warm and peaceful.Talking about the absence of Mr. Churchill, the son of Mr. Weston's previous marriage, everyone once again expressed their admiration for this young man, regretted his absence, and eagerly hoped that he would come to Highbury.

Yo, Shuai Shuai Xiao Xianrou is coming, she is quite looking forward to it.Harriet looked at Emma meaningfully and smiled slightly.

In the evening they intended to return to Hatfield.

As in the original book, Knightley and Weston got into the car with Mr. Woodhouse, followed by Isabella's family.

"Oh... I suddenly have a terrible headache." Harriet frowned and rubbed her forehead.

It didn't matter if she was present or not, as long as Emma and Elton had a chance to be alone!

At the critical moment, she must not lose the chain, she must, must not be a light bulb!

"Have you caught a cold?" said Mr. Woodhouse, sticking out his head. "Poor Miss Smith, get in the car, it's warm."

"Oh, thank you, Mr. Woodhouse. But I'm afraid I won't be able to sit in the car. I have a terrible headache, and I'm afraid the bumps will be unbearable." She looked at Mrs. Weston with misty eyes, "My dear lady, can I be here Do you want to rest for a while before leaving?"

"Of course, Miss Smith," agreed Mrs. Weston. "You can spend the night here. If you are still unwell to-morrow, let Mr. Perry come and have a look."

"Thank you." She thanked, and turned to Emma again, "Miss Woodhouse, you and Mr. Elton go back first, don't worry about me."

Emma seemed dissatisfied with this arrangement, she looked at Elton, and said hesitantly, "Or I'll stay too."

"You needn't worry, go home with your family," said Harriet softly. "With Mrs. Weston around, what worries do you have?"

Mrs. Weston said the same thing, promising to take care of Harriet.

Emma glanced at Elton, who only slightly expressed regret for Miss Smith's discomfort, and then graciously opened the door and waited for Miss Woodhouse to get in the car.

Emma had no choice but to say goodbye to her reluctantly.

Back at the Weston's, she took a few snuffs and sneezes, showing that she was much better.

"I'm glad you're all right, Miss Smith," said Mrs. Weston, laughing at her.

"Well, I'm so sorry for worrying you." Harriet responded politely.

Mr. Elton is confessing now, isn't he?poor emma...

Think of it as a small setback equals an incentive.I hope she learns something from it and matures slowly.

She smirked inwardly.

After chatting for a while, Mr. Knightley suddenly left and returned.

He greeted the two ladies politely, and then said, "Miss Woodhouse wonders if Miss Smith is better?"

"Mr. Knightley, Miss Smith is all right," answered Mrs. Weston for Harriet.She glanced at Harriet, and exchanged glances with Mr. Knightley.

Mr. Knightley looked at her and smiled. "It's all right."

What charades are they playing?Harriet looked from her to him, unable to guess what was exchanged between them.Did he see through her pretense?

"Actually, you don't have to..." Mrs. Weston stopped suddenly in the middle of the sentence, and then smiled at Harriet. "Emma must be thinking about her good friend. Do you want to go back?—I I think Mr. Knightley can send you off."

"This..." Harriet hesitated.She wasn't sure if Emma wanted to see her after the "major blow".

"Put on your shawl, so you won't catch a cold." Mrs. Weston put her shawl around Harriet with a smile on her face.

Harriet had to take her leave too.

God lol, ride in the carriage with him again.

Harriet groaned inwardly.The male god's aura is too strong, as long as she faces him, she will be very nervous...

"Is Miss Woodhouse all right?" She wondered if things were going the way they were written.

"...not bad." Mr. Knightley smiled slightly.

"Oh... what about Mr. Elton?" she asked again.

He smiled, "It's okay."

"Oh, that's good." She could only force a smile.

Is there anything unusual about those two?Did things go off track and not actually happen?

She was very upset.

"If what you want to know is whether Mr. Elton proposed to Miss Woodhouse? I think it may be." Mr. Knightley laughed. "Did she refuse? I think it may be."

"Ah..." Knowing what was on her mind, she bowed her head and smiled embarrassedly.Since everyone is a sensible person, there is no need to pretend to be surprised.

"How do you know? Mr. Elton... proposed and was rejected?" She asked curiously.

"Because Miss Woodhouse came back to Hatfield alone, she looked a little dazed and very angry." Mr. Knightley pursed his lips, "Combining the previous events, it should not be difficult to guess that a certain lady The young man who showed great hospitality suddenly became indifferent to her and even forgot his demeanor, what is the reason?"

"Mrs. Weston also knows what Mr. Elton thinks." Harriet covered her mouth and chuckled, remembering the look they had exchanged before.

It seems that the village is full of sensible people, except Emma who doesn't know... Oh, I'm afraid Mr. Woodhouse must be included.

Mr. Knightley said nothing, but smiled a tacit consent.

"Then..." After a moment's silence, Mr. Knightley spoke again.

"Oh, don't worry, I won't tell Love... well, Miss Woodhouse, I already know about it." She smiled.Give Emma enough time to think, and let Emma decide whether to tell her or not.

Suddenly the carriage made a sharp turn, and she suddenly fell to the side.So did Mr Knightley, but he held her back as she slammed into the car door.

So she hits him and he hits the carriage.

"Sorry, maybe it's because of the snow, the ground is too slippery." He sat back with his arms around her, "Are you all right?"

"Ah... I... I'm fine!" She quickly got off him.

Ahhh, she actually fell into his arms!

Her heart was pounding, she felt like she was going to have a heart attack!

Fortunately it arrived quickly.The coachman opened the door, and she jumped in without waiting for Mr. Knightley, and fled all the way back to the house.

The next few days were all ice and snow, and Harriet had to keep Hatfield.

She was somewhat relieved that Mr. Elton was not coming.

Emma sometimes sighed and sighed, and she quickly interrupted and changed the subject when Mr. Woodhouse mentioned Elton.Harriet knew what was going on and didn't reveal it.

Mr. Knightley came every day. Harriet was restrained when she saw him, but she became more nervous after that. She usually just said hello and avoided contact with him as much as possible.

Had a great time talking with his brother.This is a kind, friendly and intelligent man, and sometimes he is a little petty, which makes him even more cute.Sure enough, a good man is someone else's husband...

Or about to become someone else's husband.She looked at Mr. Knightley, and quickly averted her gaze.

A short time later Mr. Woodhouse received a letter from Mr. Elton, and he was away.

Harriet knew that he would bring a bride back, and Emma was relieved that the oolong incident was over.

Emma finally plucked up the courage to tell Harriet about Elton, she made a mistake, and she apologized to Harriet... Of course Harriet said it was okay, what are men, good girlfriends for life, come and hug mwah.Emma was moved again.

☆, Churchill and Jane

In the beginning of spring, Emma resumed socializing again, visiting acquaintances such as the mother and daughter of Bates.

Harriet is of course dedicated to being a green leaf.

She spends most of her time in Hatfield, not going back to boarding school very often.She got a chance to get a letter of recommendation from Mrs. Godard.As soon as Emma married, she was ready to start her career as governess.

Miss Bates' niece, Jane Fairfax, is back.

As a matter of course, she was invited to Hatfield as a guest.

This is a woman with both beauty and wisdom.Harriet thought, looking at her talking about the piano.

Not only beautiful, but also elegant and elegant.She really likes Jane's pure face and swan-like neck.

It is a bit difficult to compare her with Emma. Their beauty can be said to be different in their own merits, and they are not comparable.

"I actually want to accompany her." Sure enough, after the Bates family left, Emma couldn't help it. "My father and Mr. Knightley are still praising her."

"... After all, a woman like her rarely has the opportunity to show herself. I guess what Mr. Woodhouse and the others mean is that, for a girl of her class, she is not bad." Harriet had no choice but to say so.

Emma still looked unhappy, "Mr. Knightley also said that she is very knowledgeable."

"Well, Miss Fairfax must be a very competent governess." Is Emma jealous?good phenomenon.Harriet laughed secretly in her heart, but it was hard to show it.

"Governor? Does Mr. Knightley mean that?" Emma went on, with some doubts, "she is a cold woman, taciturn, and tiresomely cautious. And when she asks her about Mr. Churchill, she speaks So tight, not willing to reveal half a word!"

"Oh, oh..." Harriet had to be perfunctory.

"Harriet, you must not think that I am jealous of her." Emma took her hand and looked at her with a pair of wonderful eyes. "I have always tried to treat her leniently. Thinking of her being so pitiful, Colonel Campbell will , she will be displaced... I can't help but want to treat her better."

"Of course not," said Harriet softly, returning her hand. "Nobody knows better than I how good Miss Woodhouse is to people. How kind you are."

"Harriet . . . you know me best," whispered Emma, ​​hugging her. "I wonder why she doesn't go to Ireland with the Dixons? Maybe she likes Mr. Dixon, or They were in love... She couldn't bear to ruin her good friend's marriage, so she left. Poor thing, because of the difference in family status, they had to separate. I intend to find a good match for her in Highbury, pick and choose I went there but couldn't find a suitable man."

"Dear Miss Woodhouse, don't worry so much, okay?" Harriet also hugged the imaginative girl back.

It was not long before they learned that Mr. Elton and Miss Hawkins were engaged.

Miss Hawkins has a dowry of ten thousand pounds.

Mr Elton also confirmed the news when he returned to Highbury.Emma again comforted "poor Harriet."

----

The Weston couple came to Hatfield and told them that Mr. Weston's son, Frank Churchill, would be in Highbury tomorrow and would definitely visit the Woodhouses.

Then Emma cheered up again, and put all those troubles out of her mind.

Harriet did not see Mr Churchill until two days later.He was of medium height, and indeed he looked like a well-mannered, energetic, warm and handsome little guy.

They went into the street with Mrs. Weston.Mr. Churchill saw the deserted ballroom and hoped to rebuild it to hold a ball.

Then he and Emma talked of Miss Jane Fairfax.

Mr. Churchill tried his best to conceal his relationship with Jane, but Emma didn't know it. He praised Jane in secret, and Harriet felt embarrassed when he heard it, so he had to follow behind silently.

The next day, Harriet knew that Churchill was going to London, so she waited beside the main road in Randalls.

She stopped Churchill's carriage as it approached.

"Miss Smith?" Churchill greeted her.

"Can you give me a ride?" She smiled at him maliciously.

"Oh, I'm in a hurry to go to London." Churchill was not very willing.

"Exactly, I'm going to London too." She grinned, "Please."

"Mr. Churchill, I know about you and Miss Fairfax." She leaned on the carriage door and whispered to him.

"...I don't know what you're talking about." Churchill pretended to laugh.

"Oh? You have nothing to do? I was mistaken." Harriet shrugged and pretended to go. "I'll go and tell her, Mr. Churchill said, that he had nothing to do with Miss Fairfax. "

"Miss Smith!" Churchill came down helplessly and held out his hand to her, "Aren't you going to London?"

Once in the carriage, she "hijacked" him, "Listen, if you don't want Highbury to know about you, just listen to me."

"What do you want?" Qiu