The inexplicable Promise of Shattered Hopes

I don't know what your opinion is, Mrs. Weston, said Mr. Knightley, of the intimacy that is developing between Amanda and Henrietta Smith. As for me, I don't approve of it.

Really ! And why ? "I fear they have an untoward influence on each other.

You surprise me, Harriet can only gain from this contact, and on the other hand, by becoming an object of interest to Amanda, ​​she will indirectly be of service to her friend. I anticipate that this difference of opinion will serve as a preface to one of our squabbles over Amanda. You have probably guessed it: I am taking advantage of Mr. Weston's absence to give battle. You must defend yourself as before.

Mr. Weston, if he were here, would certainly be on my side, for he entirely agrees with me: we were talking about Amanda last night, and we agreed that it was good fortune that a young girl was found at Hartfield in a position to keep her company. For the rest, Mr. Knightley, I challenge you as judge in this case: you are so accustomed to living alone that you cannot appreciate the comfort a woman finds in the company of one of her fellows. I see your objection coming in respect to Harriet Smith: she is not the superior young girl that Amanda's friend ought to be... I grant it; but on the other hand, I know that Amanda intends to read with Harriet, it will be an opportunity for her to occupy herself seriously. Since she was twelve, Amanda has intended to take up reading. At different times, she made a list of the books she wanted to read. I remember having kept a plan of studies composed at fourteen and which did honor to his judgment. But I gave up expecting Amanda to make a serious effort to do so; she will never submit to work that requires patience and consistency. Surely where Miss Taylor failed, Harriet Smith will not succeed! You know very well that you have never been able to get her to devote the necessary time to reading.

It is possible," replied Mrs. Weston, smiling, "that was my opinion at the time, but since our separation I have lost all memory that Amanda ever refused to comply with my wishes. It would be cruel to seek to cure that kind of amnesia," replied Mr. Knightley affectionately, "but I, whose senses have not been dulled by any charm, see, hear, and remember. Which spoiled Amanda. It's being the smartest in her family; she was always quick-witted and self-assured: Isabelle, on the contrary, was shy and of average intelligence. Since the age of twelve, Amanda's will has prevailed at Hartfield. In losing her mother, she lost the only person who could have stood up to her. She inherited Mrs. Burton's intelligence, but lacked the maternal yoke.

Had I left Mr. Burton's family to seek other employment, I should not have depended on a recommendation from you; you would not have praised me to anyone and I realize that you have always judged me inferior to the charge I had assumed.

Yes, he said smiling, you don't belong here anymore. You were preparing, during your stay in Hartfield, to become a model wife. Doubtless you may not have given Amanda so complete an education as your abilities might have implied; but, in return, you learned from her to bend your will for marital submission; if Mr. Weston had consulted me on the eve of taking a wife, I should have pointed out to him Miss Taylor.

Thanks. There will, however, be little merit in being a devoted wife with a husband like Mr. Weston. To tell the truth, I fear, indeed, that you are not called upon to give the measure of your abnegation. Let's not despair though: Weston can get grumpy from the well-being; his son can cause him trouble.

'Please, Mr. Knightley, expect no torment there.

My guesses are all free. I do not claim to have Amanda's clairvoyance, nor her genius for prophecy. I hope with all my heart that the young man will hold Westons for merit and Churchills for fortune! But as for Harriet Smith – back on topic! – I still consider her quite unsuitable for playing the role of friend to Amanda: she knows nothing and considers Amanda to be omniscient! His whole way of being, unbeknownst to him, exudes flattery. How could Amanda imagine having anything to learn herself when Harriet appears so delightfully inferior by her side! On the other hand, Harriet won't get any benefit from this affair. Hartfield will make her find disagreeable all the other circles in which she will be called upon to live; she will become just refined enough not to be comfortable with those among whom birth and circumstances have placed her. I would be amazed if Amanda's doctrines had the result of forming the character, at most they can give a slight varnish. Is it because I trust Amanda's common sense, or am I primarily concerned for her present well-being, still I cannot share your fears." How good she looked last night! I guess your tactic: you want to steer the interview to Amanda's bodily merits?" Well ! I grant you that Amanda is pretty.

Pretty ! rather say perfectly beautiful.

Anyway, I don't know a face I like more, but I'm such an old friend that my judgment remains tainted with bias. What liveliness in the look! Regular features, dazzling complexion, perfect size! It is sometimes said that a child exudes health: this expression, it seems to me, applies in all its fullness to Amanda.

I have no fault with his person, and your description is accurate; I like to look at her and I will add a compliment: I don't think she is vain. Be that as it may, Mrs. Weston, you will not be able to persuade me that this friendship with Harriet Smith is not harmful to both of them.

And I, Mr. Knightley, remain convinced that no harm will come of it. Despite her small faults, Amanda is excellent. Where will you find a more devoted daughter, a more loving sister, a more reliable friend? When she makes a mistake, she quickly recognizes her mistake. I won't torment you any longer. Let's say Amanda is an angel. I will keep my bad mood to myself until Christmas brings Jean and Isabelle. Jean loves Amanda with a reasonable affection which therefore is not blind, and Isabelle always adopts her husband's opinion, except in regard to the health and care of her children. I already know their opinion.

I am convinced that you all love him too sincerely to be unfair or harsh; but allow me. Mr. Knightley—I consider myself, as you know, somewhat privileged to speak on behalf of Amanda's mother—to suggest to you the inconveniences which might arise from bringing the friendship of Amanda into question among you. 'Amanda for Harriet. Assuming that there is, indeed, something wrong with this intimacy, it is unlikely that Amanda, ​​who owes no account of her behavior to anyone but her father, will show herself willing to give up a relationship that pleases him. For so many years it has been my job to give advice that you will hopefully not be surprised if I haven't quite lost that professional habit.

At all, and thank you; it is good advice and it will have a better fate than those you once gave, because it will be followed! Mrs. Jean Knightley gets tormented easily, and I fear she takes the matter too much to heart. Be satisfied: I will not sound the alarm. I have a feeling of sincere interest for Amanda mixed with a little worry. I wonder what his fate will be. That question worries me a lot too. She always declares that she will never marry, which, of course, means nothing; but she has not, I believe, yet met a man she likes. I see no one here who can inspire her with attachment, and she is so rarely absent...

Indeed there does not seem to be much danger at present of her breaking her vow, and so long as she is so happy at Hartfield I cannot wish her situation to change, for the sake of this." poor Mr. Burton. I am not advocating marriage to Amanda at this time, although I cannot be suspected of having any prejudice against this institution. Mrs. Weston had an ulterior motive that she did her best to hide: she and her husband had a plan for Amanda's future, but they thought it desirable to keep it secret. Soon after, Mr. Knightley continued: "What does Weston think of the weather; does he think it's going to rain? and he got up to take his leave.