The Watsons Summary

The Watsons is an unfinished novel by Jane Austen, likely started around 1803. There are several reasons suggested for why she never finished it. Later, other authors tried to continue the story, including Austen's niece, who published her version in 1850. The incomplete manuscript was published in 1871, and since then, the story has been continued and adapted by others up to today.

Summary

Emma was one of four sisters and two brothers in a country clergy family. When she was five, she was adopted by her wealthy aunt and uncle. Her uncle took great care in shaping her mind, and her aunt, with a kind temper, spoiled her with every indulgence. Emma was the center of attention in their comfortable, elegant home and was expected to inherit their easy wealth, which was worth about eight or nine thousand pounds—an enormous amount compared to Mr. Darcy’s ten thousand pounds or Mr. Bennett’s two thousand pounds.

However, when her uncle passed away, her aunt married an Irish captain and moved to Ireland, leaving Emma behind. At the age of 19, Emma returned to live with her sick and aging father, along with her three sisters. She had become a burden to her family, and no one expected much from her. She was now a “burden” in a house already crowded and filled with “inferior minds.” Her future seemed uncertain, and she was left with little hope for support.

The story begins with a long conversation between Emma and her oldest sister, Elizabeth, on their way to the Edwards family’s house, where Emma was going to stay before attending her first local ball. The notes in the Oxford World Classics edition provide useful context for understanding the characters and settings. For example, one note explains that although there are four Watson sisters, only the oldest is called Miss Watson, while Emma is referred to as Miss Emma or Miss Emma Watson. It also explains the different types of carriages, showing how they reflect a person’s wealth. The Edwards family has a coach, a symbol of their wealth, while the Watsons have a modest old chair.

During their conversation, Elizabeth shares all her tips about the ball, having been part of the local social scene for the past ten years without finding a husband. She introduces several characters, including the Edwards family, Tom Musgrave, a notorious flirt, Penelope, a treacherous sister who ruined Elizabeth’s happiness, and others like Margaret, who is gentle only around visitors, and Sam, who is heartbroken because the woman he loves doesn’t return his feelings.

From this conversation, we learn a lot about Elizabeth. Although she may not be as “refined” as Emma, she is kind-hearted and caring. This initial conversation takes up almost six pages of the book. After more talk and some delays, the ball finally takes place.

At the ball, we are introduced to the Osborne family, who are prominent in the area. As the dance begins, a charming scene occurs when Emma dances with a ten-year-old boy named Charles. Charles was promised the first two dances with Miss Osborne, but she breaks her promise as she spots dashing officers to dance with instead. Emma overhears their conversation and decides, without thinking, to offer her hand to Charles. She says, “I shall be very happy to dance with you, Sir, if you like it,” with genuine warmth.

They dance and enjoy a pleasant conversation. When they take a break and head to the refreshments, Charles whispers loudly to his uncle, “Oh! Uncle, look at my partner. She is so pretty!” The uncle, Mr. Howard, is the former tutor of Lord Osborne and now serves as the local clergyman. This is the man Emma is expected to marry. Everything about him pleases her, and her father approves of him as well.

Emma’s decision to dance with Charles, though done out of kindness, turns out to be a smart move. As a new face in the area with an unusual dance partner, Emma catches the attention of the Osbornes. Cassandra, Jane’s sister, believes Emma will eventually marry Mr. Howard, but what is unexpected is that Emma’s rival for his affection is none other than Lady Osborne, Lord Osborne’s mother. This adds an interesting twist to the plot.

After the ball, Lord Osborne and Tom Musgrave pay a surprise visit to the Watson sisters. Lord Osborne clearly takes a liking to Emma, even altering his normally proud behavior for her. This reminds Cassandra of Mr. Darcy’s own haughty manners that softened for Elizabeth Bennet. Cassandra predicts that Lord Osborne will propose to Emma, but Emma refuses him.

Afterward, Emma’s sister Margaret returns home with their brother Robert and his wife Jane. Unfortunately, all three are unpleasant, and Emma chooses to avoid their company. She spends her evenings sitting with her father instead. According to Cassandra’s account, Emma’s father soon passes away, and Emma is left to live with Robert and Jane, who continue to be unpleasant.