Emma Part 1

Julie Andrews (0:06)

Welcome to Jane Austen Stories. I'm Julie Andrews, and from the Noiser Podcast Network, this is Emma.

Austen's fourth novel, first published in 1815, just after she turned 40, it's widely considered one of her best works. Singularly witty and self-aware, beneath its veneer of a genteel love story, lies a biting social commentary way ahead of its time, packed with intrigue, humor, and irony. Join me as we step into the village of Highbury, home to the wealthy, clever, and handsome Emma Woodhouse, and her aging, fretful father.

With her dear friend and governess, Miss Taylor, having just married, in a match Emma credits herself with having arranged, she now turns to others in her circle with whom to play Cupid. But when the arrival of new friends and long-awaited visitors coincides with a mystery to solve, will Emma's sleuthing also lead her to revelations about herself? Will she ever heed her dashing friend, Mr. Knightley, and his warnings about her meddling? And will anything or anyone dislodge our heroine's determination not to marry?

Now, if you're sitting comfortably, then I'll begin. From the Noiser Podcast Network, this is Emma Part 1

Chapter 1 Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence, and had lived nearly 21 years in the world, with very little to distress or bex her.

She was the youngest of the two daughters of a most affectionate, indulgent father, and had, in consequence of her sister's marriage, been mistress of his house from a very early period. Her mother had died too long ago for her to have more than an indistinct remembrance of her caresses, and her place had been supplied by an excellent woman as governess who had fallen little short of a mother in affection. Sixteen years had Miss Taylor been in Mr. Woodhouse's family, less as a governess than a friend, very fond of both daughters, but particularly of Emma.

Between them, it was more the intimacy of sisters. Even before Miss Taylor had ceased to hold the nominal office of governess, the mildness of her temper had hardly allowed her to impose any restraint, and the shadow of authority being now long passed away, they had been living together as friend and friend, very mutually attached, and Emma doing just what she liked. Highly esteeming Miss Taylor's judgment, but directed chiefly by her own. The real evils indeed of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself. These were the disadvantages which threatened Alloy to her many enjoyments. The danger, however, was at present so unperceived that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her.

Sorrow came, a gentle sorrow, but not at all in the shape of any disagreeable consciousness.

Miss Taylor married. It was Miss Taylor's loss which first brought grief. It was on the wedding day of this beloved friend that Emma first sat in mournful thought of any continuance.

The wedding over and the bride people gone, her father and herself were left to dine together with no prospect of a third to cheer a long evening. Her father composed himself to sleep after dinner as usual, and she had then only to sit and think of what she had lost. The event had every promise of happiness for her friend. Mr. Weston was a man of unexceptionable character, easy fortune, suitable age, and pleasant manners. And there was some satisfaction in considering with what self-denying, generous friendship she had always wished and promoted the match. But it was a black morning's work for Emma. The want of Ms. Taylor would be felt every hour of every day.

She recalled her past kindness, the kindness, the affection of 16 years, how she had taught and how she had played with her from five years old, how she had devoted all her powers to attach and amuse her in health, and how she had nursed her through the various illnesses of childhood.

A large debt of gratitude was owing here. But the intercourse of the last seven years, the equal footing and perfect unreserve, which had soon followed her sister Isabella's marriage, on their being left to each other, was yet a dearer, tenderer recollection. Miss Taylor had been a friend and companion, such as few possessed, intelligent, well-informed, useful, gentle, knowing all the ways of the family, interested in all its concerns, and peculiarly interested in Emma. In every pleasure, every scheme of hers, one to whom she could speak every thought as it arose, and who had such an affection for her as could never find fault.

How was she to bear the change? It was true that her friend was going only half a mile from them, but Emma was aware that great must be the difference between a Mrs. Western only half a mile from them, and a Miss Taylor in the house. And with all her advantages, natural and domestic, Emma was now in great danger of suffering from intellectual solitude. She dearly loved her father, but he was no companion for her. He couldn't meet her in conversation, rational or playful.