Reading chapters 14 and 15 it struck me that at first we don´t hear anything of Mr.Knightley. (Emma doesn´t seem to notice him.) But when he finally "steps on to the stage" it´s interesting to see that it takes only a few sentences to give us a deep insight into his character. After Mr.John Knightley´s report on the snow we read:

...and they were still discussing the point, when Mr. Knightley, who had left the room immediately after his brother's first report of the snow, came back again, and told them that he had been out of doors to examine...He had gone beyond the sweep -- some way along the Highbury road...He had seen the coachmen, and they both agreed with him in there being nothing to apprehend.

...and while the others were variously arguing and recommending, Mr. Knightley and Emma settled it in a few brief sentences:

"Your father will not be easy; why do not you go?"
"I am ready, if the others are."
"Shall I ring the bell?"
"Yes, do."