At the beginning of chapt. 13, we catch a cute glimpse of the two older boys of John & Isabella Knightley, who are returning from a visit to Uncle George at Donwell: their "healthy, glowing faces shewed all the benefit of a country run, and seemed to ensure a quick dispatch of the roast mutton and rice pudding they were hastening home for."

The previous chapter also shows a tender spot for the little Knightleys, when 8-month-old Little Emma is "happy to be danced about in her aunt's arms". Indeed, we are told that Aunt Emma chose a moment when she had the baby with her to make up with Mr Knightley, knowing that their shared love of their nieces and nephews was a strong bond.