Volume 2 Chapter 8 Summary

The Coles party begins with the important people in society such as Mr. Knightley, the Westons and Emma arriving first. The people of lesser consequence such as Harriet, Miss Fairfax and Miss Bates arrive after dinner. Before their arrival, everyone discusses the pianoforte that appeared in the Bates household earlier. No one is sure who purchased the piano for the Bates and therefore it is assumed that Colonel Campbell paid for it.

However, Emma and Mr. Churchill agree that Mr. Dixon must have purchased it. They discuss this for a time and then the rest of the guests arrive. Mr. Churchill is introduced to Miss Harriet Smith and they both think highly of one another.

As everyone congregates, Mrs. Weston reveals to Emma that Mr. Knightley sent his carriage over for Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax so they did not have...