Posted by Kali on July 27, 1997 at 08:06:01:
In reply to Mr and Mrs Elton posted by Robyn on July 27, 1997 at 05:51:10
Personally, I think there's a blind affection between them - he wants her money, and she wants stability!
I agree. Austen makes it perfectly clear that Elton courted Emma for her fortune, and that he would court "Miss Somebody-else" - who turns out to be Augusta Hawkins - for hers. "He may talk sentimentally, but he will act rationally." And Augusta herself - "if not foolish, is ignorant" - so selfish and predatory that she can think of little else than her own immediate comfort. A marriage of convenience for both, and in Mr. Elton's case, a rebound relationship. Possibly in his wife's case, as well, considering that they were engaged withing two weeks of meeting at Bath.