Chapter 18: Harriet's Confession

Emma knew another difficult conversation could not be avoided.

Harriet still believed she loved Mr. Knightley.

The situation had become unbearable.

One afternoon Harriet arrived at Hartfield carrying a secret she could no longer keep.

Emma immediately sensed it.

“You wish to tell me something.”

Harriet blushed deeply.

“Yes.”

Emma's heart pounded.

She already knew what was coming.

“I think Mr. Knightley cares for me.”

The words struck like ice.

Harriet continued quickly.

“Not openly, of course. But he has always been kind. And after the ball...”

Emma listened in silence.

Everything Harriet described came from ordinary kindness.

Nothing more.

Yet Harriet had built hope upon it.

Just as she once built hope upon Mr. Elton's attention.

The realization hurt Emma.

Because she knew exactly who was responsible.

She was.

Years of encouragement had taught Harriet to dream beyond reality.

Now Emma faced the consequences.

For several moments she could not speak.

Finally she took Harriet's hand.

“My dear Harriet...”

Harriet's hopeful expression immediately frightened her.

Emma knew the truth would cause pain.

Yet avoiding it would cause greater pain later.

“I do not think Mr. Knightley loves you.”

The color vanished from Harriet's face.

“You do not?”

Emma shook her head gently.

“No.”

Tears appeared instantly.

Emma's heart broke.

“Harriet, listen to me. His kindness was real. His respect was real. But kindness is not always love.”

Harriet looked away.

“I understand.”

The words were brave.

Too brave.

Emma recognized the same wounded disappointment she had seen after Mr. Elton.

For a terrible moment she feared she had hurt Harriet again.

Then Harriet whispered something unexpected.

“I think I knew already.”

Emma stared at her.

“What?”

“I think part of me knew.”

The confession changed everything.

Perhaps Harriet was stronger than Emma realized.

Perhaps both of them were finally growing wiser.