Summary

Readers are introduced to five new characters, and their backgrounds are described. Mr. Weston, who used to be a militia captain, married into the Churchill family but was disapproved of by his wife’s brother and Mrs. Churchill. They thought he was socially inferior and disinherited their sister. After Mrs. Weston died, their son Frank was raised by the Churchills and given their name. Although he has never been to Highbury, Frank is well-known and admired there.

The Woodhouses are coping with the loss of their dear Miss Taylor. Emma fondly remembers her, while Mr. Woodhouse still considers the marriage to be a misfortune. He even tried to prevent the wedding guests from eating the cake, claiming that rich food is unhealthy.