Frank Churchill's first visit

Frank Churchill, the son of Mr. Weston by his first marriage, had been raised from infancy by his wealthy aunt and uncle, the Churchills of Enscombe, and had never once visited Highbury despite years of talk about his coming. His father's recent marriage to Miss Taylor, Emma Woodhouse's beloved former governess, made a visit seem particularly proper, and a handsome letter of congratulation to his new mother-in-law had already raised expectations. When he finally appeared, he arrived a day before his announced time, having altered his travel plans to gain half a day—a gesture that spoke of eagerness and immediately pleased Emma.

Arrival and First Impression

Emma opened the parlour door to find two gentlemen sitting with her father: Mr. Weston and his son. The young man so long talked of was actually before her, and she did not think too much had been said in his praise. He was very good looking; his height, air, and address were all unexceptionable, and his countenance had a great deal of the spirit and liveliness of his father's. He looked quick and sensible. Emma felt immediately that she should like him. There was a well-bred ease of manner and a readiness to talk which convinced her that he came intending to be acquainted with her, and that acquainted they soon must be. He had reached Randalls the evening before, and she was pleased with the eagerness to arrive which had made him alter his plan and travel earlier, later, and quicker.

The Visit Unfolds

Frank Churchill professed himself delighted with everything: Randalls, the walk to Highbury, Highbury itself, and Hartfield still more. He claimed to have always felt the sort of interest in the country which none but one's own country gives, and the greatest curiosity to visit it. Emma suspected this might be a pleasant falsehood, but it was handled pleasantly, with no air of study or exaggeration. He asked about horse-riding, walks, the neighbourhood, balls, and music—the usual subjects of an opening acquaintance. When their two fathers were engaged with each other, he contrived to introduce the subject of Mrs. Weston, speaking of her with handsome praise, warm admiration, and gratitude for the happiness she secured to his father and her very kind reception of himself. He got as near as he could to thanking Emma for Miss Taylor's merits without seeming quite to forget that in the common course of things it was rather to be supposed that Miss Taylor had formed Miss Woodhouse's character than the reverse. He wound it all up with astonishment at the youth and beauty of Mrs. Weston's person.

Emma's Response and Significance

Emma was struck by his manner of considering Mr. Elton's house, which he would go and look at and would not join them in finding much fault with. He could not believe it a bad house; if it were to be shared with the woman he loved, he could not think any man to be pitied for having it. Mrs. Weston laughed and said he did not know what he was talking about, but Emma determined in her own mind that he showed a very amiable inclination to settle early in life and to marry from worthy motives. The visit concluded with Frank Churchill paying a call on Miss Bates and her niece Jane Fairfax, whom he had known at Weymouth. Emma remained very well pleased with this beginning of the acquaintance. The event was decisive for her: it introduced into her confined society a young man who seemed to suit her in age, character, and condition, and it planted the seeds of a romantic interest that would, for a time, lead her into serious self-deception about her own feelings and those of others.