Posted by Kathy F. on July 07, 1997 at 22:48:20:
I posted this over on Regency, and so far have gotten no responses, so I guess I'll try over here.
If Emma never married Mr. Knightley, and Mr. Woodhouse had died, what would have happened then? Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley have a house in London, but I assume that the two sisters have equal share in Hartfield. Would the Knightleys have come to live at Hartfield, and would the estate provide enough money for Mr. J. Knightley to retire from his occupation in London? I remember reading in S&S that it was improper for Mrs. John Dashwood to establish herself as mistress of Norland so soon after the death of the elder Mr. Dashwood. Would the same case apply here?--would it be improper for Isabella to "descend from London" before the period of "deep mourning" was complete?
Any and all answers to my questions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kathy