Emma learns about the Martins

As Emma's intimacy with Harriet grows, Harriet frequently talks about her recent visit to Abbey-Mill Farm, the home of the Martin family. Harriet describes the comforts of the farm and the kindness of the Martins, particularly the son, Robert Martin. Emma, initially amused, becomes alarmed when she realizes Robert Martin is a single young man. She fears that Harriet might be drawn into a marriage beneath her imagined station and resolves to detach her from the family. Emma begins to subtly undermine Harriet's positive impressions of the Martins, steering her thoughts towards more genteel society.