Miss Taylor marries Mr. Weston

The novel opens with the wedding of Miss Taylor, Emma Woodhouse's beloved governess and companion for sixteen years, to Mr. Weston. Emma feels the loss acutely, as Miss Taylor has been more a friend and sister than a governess, and her departure leaves a void in the Hartfield household. Emma's father, Mr. Woodhouse, a nervous valetudinarian, also laments the change, though Emma tries to cheer him by planning frequent visits to Randalls, the Westons' new home. This event sets the stage for Emma's subsequent matchmaking and her search for a new companion.