Jane Austen Bedtime Stories
Fall asleep with the ultimate comfort bedtime stories: the works of Jane Austen! Each episode we'll read a section of Jane Austen's work aloud in a soothing voice, set to relaxation music, to help you get to sleep.
Episodes
Northanger Abbey, Chapter 2
Armed with advice from her mother and ten guineas from her father, Catherine Morland is ready to set off on her journey to Bath with the Allens. But when they arrive, they realize that it will be harder than they realized to fit in. Though they are well-dressed, thanks to Mrs. Allen's fashion sense, they have no acquaintances in Bath. Catherine's first ball involves more watching from the
Friday Favorites: Emma - Harriet Lets Go of Mr. Elton
Harriet has recovered from her unfortunate run-in after the ball, and with her recovery has come a new mental clarity. She is at last completely over her attachment to Mr. Elton. To mark the end of her affection, Harriet has come to Hartfield to participate in the time-honored tradition of burning her mementos of her former beloved. Emma is both shocked and bemused, not realizing how deep Harriet&
Northanger Abbey, Chapter 1
Catherine Morland may not have been born to be a heroine, but she's about to find out what it's like to become one. She has emerged from a childhood filled with dirt, sports, and other tomboyish pursuits into an adolescence of novels and poetry, perfect preparation for a soon-to-be heroine. All that remains is for her to find a hero, which is hard to do in her small Wiltshire village of Fu
Friday Favorites: Emma - Frank Churchill Saves Harriet
Emma is still buzzing from the wonderful night at the Highbury ball, when Frank Churchill and a dazed Harriet show up on her doorstep. She soon learns the whole story: Harriet was attacked by ruffians on her way home from the ball, and was saved by the dashing Frank. Emma knows better than to intervene with Harriet again, but after such a heroic rescue, who wouldn't fall in love? Our latest Fr
Announcing Our Next Novel
We've once again made it through another novel, and we're back in your feed to announce what's coming next! We're so grateful for your continued support as we made our way through Sense and Sensibility, and we're thrilled to announce that our next bedtime stories novel will be: Northanger Abbey! As the weather becomes cooler and the nights get longer, Jane Austen's foray in
Friday Favorites: Emma - The Highbury Ball
With Frank Churchill back in town, there is at last nothing to prevent the long-awaited Highbury ball from taking place. Though Frank is noticeably cooler towards Emma than before, it doesn't bother her too much, because her night is full of laughter, dancing, and lots of chatter from Miss Bates. And when Mr. Knightley gallantly steps up to save Harriet from a terribly rude snub from Mr. Elton
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 50
At long last, the Dashwood sisters' is coming to a close. Edward and Elinor are married and settled at Delaford, allowing Marianne to get closer to Colonel Brandon and deepen her own attachment. Meanwhile, the Ferrars family reconciles in its own way, allowing Edward, Robert, and Lucy back into the fold. Even Willoughby's story gets a conclusion, unsatisfying as it may be for him. It's
Friday Favorites: Emma - Frank Churchill is Returning
This week's Friday Favorites brings us the final stretch of Emma's Hartfield dinner party, and Mr. Weston and Mrs. Elton have found each other for a lively conversation. That is, if you consider Mr. Weston musing about his son while Mrs. Elton puts on airs as lively. Nonetheless, it's an entertaining exchange, and it's the source of the most important development of all: the news o
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 49
Upon learning of his freedom from Lucy Steele, Edward's immediate destination was Barton, to seek Elinor's hand in marriage. With his objective achieved at last, the two lovers are free to reflect on the past and plot what is to come. Meanwhile, Colonel Brandon has also returned to Barton to seek Marianne's affections, leaving Mrs. Dashwood's cottage full of love and happiness. Col
Friday Favorites: Emma - Mrs. Elton Makes Plans for Jane
With the meal concluded, the ladies make their way to drawing room for post-dinner conversation. Mrs. Elton, ignoring Emma entirely, focuses all her attention on Jane Fairfax, eager for an early intervention to help Jane secure a position as a governess. But Jane is determined to wait until summer, and steadfastly refuses Mrs. Elton's help. Meanwhile, Mr. Weston joins the party after a day out
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 48
Elinor must come to terms with Edward's marriage to Lucy. That's what she's trying to convince herself of, when none other than Edward himself shows up at the Dashwoods' doorstep. They all believe he must be at Barton to break the news himself, and so they wish him and Mrs. Ferrars joy. But their wishes are met with confusion, and then the realization that they have been misinforme
Friday Favorites: Emma - Jane Fairfax's Rainy Walk to the Post Office
Mrs. Elton continues to be the talk of the town in Highbury, and Emma, not to be outdone, arranges a dinner party for her. The dinner also gives Emma a chance to make good on her renewed desire to be a friend to Jane Fairfax by including her in the party. When they all discover that Jane walked to the post office this morning in the rain, it quickly becomes a hot topic of conversation. Emma is con
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 47
Back at Barton, the Dashwoods come together to reflect after Elinor tells her family of what was said during Willoughby's visit. Marianne is slowly understanding that Willoughby would never have been a good match for her, though it takes her time to come to terms with the realization. Elinor helps as best she can, but her calm is suddenly disrupted when the Dashwoods' manservant comes home
Friday Favorites: Emma - Mrs. Elton Sets Her Sights on Jane Fairfax
Mrs. Elton is settling into Highbury, and has yet to give Emma any reason to reconsider her initial opinion of her. In fact, Mrs. Elton fixes on another young lady as the target of her attention, none other than Jane Fairfax. What is most surprising to Emma is that Jane Fairfax seems to go along with it, even though Emma is sure she knows better. A discussion with her friends Mrs. Weston and Mr. K
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 46
Marianne's recovery continues, and the Dashwoods are at last able to depart Cleveland and make their way back home to Barton. Illness has made Marianne more reflective than usual, and she is sincere in her desire to improve herself and express gratitude to her loved ones. The contrition convinces Elinor that it is all right to tell Marianne about Willoughby's visit and the feelings he expr
Friday Favorites: Emma - Meet Mrs. Elton
Highbury has a new resident, and she is certainly something. At long last, Mr. Elton's bride has arrived, and Emma finds her positively insufferable. Between Mrs. Elton's comparisons between Highbury and her brother's estate, Maple Grove, her insistence that she and Emma start a musical club, and her overly familiar way of speaking about Emma's friends, Emma is hard-pressed to find
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 45
Willoughby may be gone, but Colonel Brandon and Mrs. Dashwood have arrived, and they are thankful to hear that Marianne is on her way to recovery. And Mrs. Dashwood brings even better news: Colonel Brandon has confessed his love for Marianne. She is delighted that such a kind and honorable man is in love with her daughter, and is sure that Marianne will be happier with Colonel Brandon than she eve
Friday Favorites: Emma - Is Emma in Love?
Frank Churchill has left Highbury, leaving Emma to contemplate her feelings. Could she be in love? Emma is unconvinced of her own feelings for Frank, though it's evident that he has clearly formed an attachment to her. And an offhand comment in his latest letter suggests that he could be convinced to have some affection for Harriet, which is a comfort to Emma, because Mr. Elton's wedding d
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 44
Willoughby has arrived at Cleveland, and he is demanding to be heard. Though Elinor is skeptical, she gives him a chance to tell his side of the story. He is apologetic in his own way, confessing his real love for Marianne, while feeling constrained by circumstances to enter into a loveless marriage. All Elinor can do is listen as he tells his story of woe and lost love. It's an engrossing tal
Friday Favorites: Emma - Frank Churchill Departs
Preparations are well underway for the Highbury ball when Frank Churchill receives an unexpected summons back to Enscombe. The news is a shock to everyone, and Frank dolefully calls on his Highbury friends: Miss Fairfax and the Bateses, and Miss Woodhouse, of course. Emma is surprised by how genuinely heartbroken Frank seems to be leaving, and realizes he must be more in love with her than she tho
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 43
Marianne is still unwell, and her illness is worse than everyone first thought. When the apothecary mentions an infection, the Palmers quickly set off to protect themselves. Mrs. Jennings is convinced of the worst, while Elinor does not allow herself to imagine such an outcome. But when Marianne becomes feverish and delirious, they send Colonel Brandon to fetch her mother. Eventually, her recovery
Friday Favorites: Emma - Emma and Frank Plan a Ball
It may be possible to do without dancing entirely, but now that Frank Churchill has gotten a taste of dancing in Highbury, he wants more. That's why he's taken it upon himself to plan a ball, and he's enlisted the help of Emma and the Westons to make it happen. After considering Randalls, he realizes that the Crown Inn is perfect for his plans, and all that's left to do is work out
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 42
At long last, the Dashwood sisters' time in London is coming to a close. After a brief goodbye to John and Fanny, they join Mrs. Jennings, Colonel Brandon, and the Palmers in making their way to Cleveland, the Palmers' estate. Upon arrival, Marianne immediately leaves the party to walk about the grounds in solitary reflection on all that has happened to her. But when the weather turns rain
Friday Favorites: Emma - Emma and Frank Call on the Bateses
After their outing in Highbury, Emma and Harriet join Frank and Mrs. Weston at the Bateses' to hear Jane Fairfax's new pianoforte. Frank openly speculates on the nature of the gift, which they presume is from the Dixons, and his manner seems too open for Emma, until she notices Jane's attempts at hiding a smile. Could Jane have hidden feelings? Emma isn't sure, but the reappearance
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 41
Edward and Lucy are delighted by the news of Colonel Brandon's offer of a living, and with their situation seemingly resolved, Elinor decides it's time to pay a visit to those who are still suffering: John and Fanny Dashwood. Her brother is utterly amazed that Colonel Brandon would give away such a valuable living for free. They are soon joined by Robert Ferrars, who is both amused by and
Friday Favorites: Emma - A Highbury Afternoon
After an eventful evening at the Coles', Emma is ready to take some time to slow down and reflect on the experience. Her afternoon outing into Highbury with Harriet is the perfect opportunity. While Harriet is buying ribbons, Emma observes the comings and goings around town, till she is interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Weston and Frank. They are headed to the Bateses' to hear Jane Fairfa
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 40
After Colonel Brandon departs, Elinor has the unenviable task of telling Edward of his offer. She decides a letter is best, but before she can sit down to write, Edward himself arrives at her door. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, his gratitude toward Colonel Brandon, and toward Elinor, is sincere, and they part on good terms. All that's left is to clear up Mrs. Jennings's conject
Friday Favorites: Emma - Jane Fairfax's Surprise
Frank Churchill is back in Highbury, and it's just in time for the dinner party at the Coles'. The party is abuzz with the news that Jane Fairfax received a surprise gift: a pianoforte, delivered to the Bates's home. Everyone is convinced that it's a gift from the Campbells, but Emma isn't so sure. She thinks the gift could be a sign of affection from Mr. Dixon, and Frank Churc
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 39
Marianne is itching to leave London, so the Dashwoods make a plan to travel back home by way of Cleveland, the Palmers' estate. There are just a few more weeks for them in London, but before they leave, Colonel Brandon stops by to convey some unexpected news. He's heard of Edward Ferrars's plight, and is able to offer him the living at Delaford. Though it's not much, the romantic C
Friday Favorites: Emma - An Intriguing Invitation
After just a few days in Highbury, Frank Churchill jets off to London for a day, merely to have his hair cut. To Emma, that conveys a bit of foppery, but all young people have their little whims, after all. At least Frank's absence gives her time to consult with the Westons about whether to accept an invitation to dinner at the Coles. The Coles made their fortune through trade, so it would be
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 38
Things have settled down for Elinor and Marianne after the initial commotion upon the reveal of Edward and Lucy's engagement. A beautiful spring afternoon brings Elinor and Mrs. Jennings out to Kensington Gardens, where they meet up with the elder Miss Steele, who is eager to share the latest. According to her, Edward and Lucy will not break their engagement, despite Edward's loss of fortu
Friday Favorites: Emma - Emma and Frank Get Acquainted
Emma is joined by Frank and Mrs. Weston on a walk through Highbury, and it's the perfect opportunity for the two handsome young people to get to know each other better. Frank's delight with Highbury seems genuine, and Emma is thoroughly charmed. Frank even drops some juicy gossip about Jane Fairfax -- what more could Emma want? This week's Friday Favorites brings Emma and Frank closer,
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 37
It's another quiet day in London, until Mrs. Jennings returns home with big news. Over at the Dashwoods, Miss Steele just revealed that her sister Lucy has been secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars! Elinor is relieved that the news is finally in the open, while Marianne is utterly shocked that her sister has been holding this emotional burden all by herself for four months. When their brother Jo
Friday Favorites: Emma - Meet Frank Churchill
Harriet visits the Martins, and the visit ends with a finality that makes Emma feel quite bad. Luckily for Emma, a run-in with the Westons brings the delightful news that the long-awaited Frank Churchill is finally on his way to Highbury. Within a day, Mr. Churchill has called with his father at Highbury, and Emma can meet him at last. She can tell that Frank knows how to please, but she's not
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 36
Elinor and Marianne join their brother and sister-in-law for a night out, much to Fanny's chagrin. For Elinor, it's a chance to become acquainted with the one remaining member of the Ferrars family whom she hasn't already met, Edward and Fanny's brother, Robert Ferrars. Unfortunately, he's everything Elinor expected him to be. Meanwhile, Mr. John Dashwood is struck with the ide
Friday Favorites: Emma - Mr. Elton Returns
The newly-engaged Mr. Elton has returned to Highbury, and as a young person in an interesting situation, he is very kindly spoken of. That's unfortunate for Harriet, who is unable to be talked out of love as easily as she was talked into it. Though Emma is sure that Miss Augusta Hawkins won't hold a candle to her dear Miss Smith, that won't stop the immediate problem of Harriet continu
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 35
After the unpleasant dinner with Mrs. Ferrars, Elinor finds herself almost grateful that she's not the one engaged to Edward. But Lucy Steele had a thoroughly different experience, and she's called on her "dear friend Elinor" to gloat about how much Mrs. Ferrars and Fanny liked her. While she's there, the two women receive another visitor: none other than Edward Ferrars himse
Friday Favorites: Emma - Mr. Elton is Engaged
Mr. Knightley is at Hartfield, and he has exciting news, but before he can reveal it, Miss Bates arrives and spills the beans: Mr. Elton is engaged. After four weeks in Bath, he has met a Miss Hawkins, and they are going to be married. Miss Bates is delighted at the prospect of a new neighbor in Highbury, while Emma is concerned about Harriet (and annoyed at Jane Fairfax's muted reaction to th
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 34
When Fanny Dashwood finally meets Lady Middleton, it's a match made in heaven, and Fanny even likes Mrs. Jennings -- she likes them all so much that she invites them all to dine with her at their London home. The Miss Steeles are staying with the Middletons, so they'll be joining for dinner too, as will Fanny's formidable mother, Mrs. Ferrars. Fanny and Mrs. Ferrars warm to Lucy Steele
Friday Favorites: Emma - Meet Jane Fairfax
The much-discussed Jane Fairfax has arrived in Highbury, and Emma is determined to have a good opinion of her. Sure, everyone always assumes Jane and Emma are close because of their similar ages, and yes, Jane is superior at playing the piano, but she is very elegant, and Emma highly values elegance. Moreover, Jane's situation as an orphan destined to a life of governessing is truly pitiable.
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 33
Marianne finally agrees to go out of the house with Elinor. On their shopping trip, they are surprised to run into none other than their older brother, John Dashwood. He is genuinely happy to see his sisters, and calls on them at Mrs. Jennings's house the next day (without his wife Fanny, of course). After meeting all of their new acquaintances, John Dashwood is pleased to see that they all ap
Friday Favorites: Emma - Jane Fairfax is Coming to Town
After another morning of hearing Harriet pine over Mr. Elton, Emma decides to change up their morning routine and call on the Bateses. While Mrs. and Miss Bates aren't Emma's favorites, she judges the visit to be better than Harriet's endless moping. Over tea, Emma learns that Miss Bates's niece, Jane Fairfax, will be on her way to Highbury very soon, for an extended stay of three
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 32
With the truth about Willoughby's character now known, Marianne is adjusting to her new normal, and slowly healing -- she is even voluntarily speaking to Colonel Brandon. On the advice of their mother, Elinor and Marianne are remaining in London for a few more weeks to enjoy the change of scenery. The extended visit will allow them to see their brother and sister-in-law, and, unfortunately, al
Friday Favorites: Emma - Emma and Mr. Knightley Spar on Frank Churchill
Frank Churchill is not coming to Highbury. After all of Mr. Weston's excitement about his son's visit, Frank ended up postponing his plans. While Emma is too distracted to be too disappointed, when Mr. Knightley expresses critical opinion, she still feels compelled to defend Mr. Churchill. The resulting debate between the two is illustrative of both of their characters, and it's a perf
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 31
As Marianne continues to recover from the sudden end of her relationship with Willoughby, Elinor receives a visit from Colonel Brandon, who feels compelled to share a history that he hopes will help Marianne get over her pain. After the tragic downfall and death of Colonel Brandon's first love, he took on her daughter as his ward. Last fall, he learned that this young girl had been seduced and
Friday Favorites: Emma - Mr. Elton's Proposal: The Aftermath
Mr. Elton's unexpected proposal has Emma reeling, and she needs to take time to reflect. Emma knows that his supposed feelings are more for Miss Woodhouse's status, rather than true love for her; and she realizes that it was an error for her to take such an active role in pushing Harriet towards him. Luckily, the weather prevents her from going to church and seeing Mr. Elton at Christmas,
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 30
Marianne is still distraught over Willoughby's betrayal, especially after learning that he is to marry a Miss Grey, who has fifty thousand pounds. Mrs. Jennings, concerned for her young friend, is showing kindness the only way she knows how -- with good food, good wine, and cards -- but it's not enough to soothe Marianne's broken heart. To Mrs. Jennings, this is the perfect opportunity
Friday Favorites: Emma - Mr. Elton Proposes
The Christmas party at Randalls is interrupted by the news that it has begun to snow, putting the guests in a flutter about how to get home. In the commotion, Emma and Mr. Elton end up in a carriage alone together, allowing Mr. Elton the perfect opportunity to declare his feelings, not for Harriet, but for Emma! She is aghast; and once Mr. Elton discovers that Emma thought he was in love with Miss
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 29
Willoughby's callous behavior towards Marianne has left the Dashwood sisters shocked, and the next morning, they receive even worse news. A letter from Willoughby confirms he is attached to another woman, and he has sent back all of Marianne's notes and her lock of hair. The rejection is so painful that Marianne can barely leave her bed, and even Elinor is distraught. Marianne reveals to E
Friday Favorites: Emma - A Christmas Conversation
Christmas at Randalls has commenced! The Woodhouses, Knightleys, and Mr. Elton have all joined the Westons for a night of holiday cheer, despite the impending snow. Mr. Elton is still acting too familiar for Emma’s taste, but she’s trying to avoid it, especially since there’s tempting talk of Mr. Weston’s son, Frank Churchill, finally coming to visit Highbury. This week’s Friday Favorites is a coz
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 28
Elinor and Marianne accompany Lady Middleton to a party, where they are finally reunited with the elusive Willoughby. But what should be a happy moment of reunion is instead a moment of shock and confusion. Willoughby barely acknowledges Marianne, and certainly does not seem to return her affection. Neither Elinor nor Marianne understand what has caused so material a change, and Marianne is so sho
Friday Favorites: Emma - Christmas at Randalls Begins
An intimate party has been invited to join the Westons for Christmas at Randalls, and Emma is delighted. It's the perfect opportunity for Harriet and Mr. Elton to get closer. Only, there's a problem: Harriet is unable to attend because of a sore throat, and Mr. Elton...doesn't seem that upset about it? In fact, Emma's brother-in-law John Knightley seems convinced that Mr. Elton'
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 27
The Dashwoods' visit to London continues, and Marianne is still writing to Willoughby and desperately awaiting his reply. Yet, he is nowhere to be seen. There's still time for socialization with plenty of their old friends, from the Middletons to the Palmers to Colonel Brandon. Elinor really feels for Colonel Brandon; she can see his pain, even as he tries to wish Marianne well. In fact, h
Friday Favorites: Emma - A Dinner at Hartfield
Mr. Knightley has joined the family at Hartfield for dinner, to meet his newly-arrived brother and sister-in-law and their children. It's the perfect opportunity for him and Emma to make up after their disagreement about Harriet and Mr. Martin, which is good news, because it will take both of them to ensure that Mr. Woodhouse and Mr. John Knightley don't rub each other the wrong way. Lucki
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 26
Elinor and Marianne have arrived in London with Mrs. Jennings, and it soon becomes clear that Marianne's focus will be single-minded while she is in town. She's waiting for a letter, a note, or even a visit from Willoughby, and nothing will shake her, whether it is the return of Colonel Brandon, or an excursion with Mrs. Palmer. Elinor is concerned, but there's really very little they
Friday Favorites: Emma - Meet Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley
Christmas is approaching, and Mr. Elton and Harriet will have to wait, because Emma's sister is coming to town! Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley, along with their five children, have just arrived to spend the holidays at Hartfield, and the Woodhouses are delighted to see them. While Isabella's temper resembles her father's, Mr. John Knightley is a little sharper around the edges -- sometime
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 25
It's January, and the Dashwood sisters have an exciting offer to help them get through the doldrums of winter: Mrs. Jennings has invited them to accompany her on a trip to London. Marianne is immediately on board with the idea, ready to overlook her objections to Mrs. Jennings in the hopes of finally reuniting with Willoughby. Elinor, on the other hand, is less enthused. But her mother and sis
Friday Favorites: Emma - Harriet and Emma Visit the Vicarage
Friday Favorites is returning to Highbury, as Emma Woodhouse and Harriet Smith find themselves on a very noble outing to help the poor. Though their minds are naturally filled with charitable thoughts, when they happen to run into Mr. Elton on the road back into town, Emma knows it's the perfect chance to engineer a one-on-one conversation between Mr. Elton and Harriet, complete with a trip to
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 24
Ever since Lucy Steele revealed her secret engagement to Edward Ferrars, Elinor has had questions, and it's finally time for her to get some answers. It turns out Lucy has been wanting to talk to Elinor too, and the two of them have a lot to say about their common love. Lucy's plans to overcome the many barriers to her marriage seem woefully insufficient to Elinor, and her heart aches as s
Pride and Prejudice, Chapters 7-12 - Spring Bonus!
It's the first day of spring! As the weather gets warmer and the nights get shorter, getting a good night's sleep is more important than ever. That's why we're bringing you one more extended bonus episode with a full-length Jane Austen classic. This week, we're revisiting the entirety of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet's stay at Netherfield, from Jane traveling there on horseback
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 23
Elinor has learned the truth about Edward Ferrars and Lucy Steele's engagement, and her mind is full of thoughts as she carefully considers and processes the news. She is sure that Edward's affection for her is real, but she also believes the veracity of Lucy's claims. Elinor has been asked to keep the news a secret, so she does, even from her own mother and sisters; she trusts herself
Pride and Prejudice, Chapters 1-6 - Sleep Awareness Week Bonus!
It's Sleep Awareness Week! In honor of this special week dedicated to promoting the connection between sleep, health, and well-being, we're releasing a bonus episode featuring an full-length Jane Austen classic. This extended episode brings us back to the Bennets, as we revisit the first six chapters of Pride and Prejudice. It's pure comfort, and the extra length is perfect to help you
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 22
Marianne can't stand the Steeles, so it's up to Elinor to manage them. It's a task she soon regrets, for on an afternoon walk with Lucy Steele, Elinor learns something that shakes her to her core. It turns out that Lucy Steele has been secretly engaged for the past four years, to none other than Edward Ferrars. At first, Elinor cannot possibly believe it, but Lucy has all the evidence
Friday Favorites: Emma - Mr. Elton's Charade
Harriet is on a new mission, to collect a book of riddles and charades from all her friends in Highbury. Emma has the perfect person in mind to aid Harriet's quest: Mr. Elton, of course. And once he is asked, he certainly delivers. There can be no doubt that the charade he offers is one of love, and Emma is delighted at his budding affection for Harriet. Everything is falling into place just a
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 21
The Palmers may have left, but the parade of visitors at Barton Park never ends. On a visit to Exeter, the Middletons find themselves getting acquainted with two young ladies who just happen to be their distant cousins, Miss Anne and Miss Lucy Steele. The Steele sisters are soon at Barton, and Sir John is eager to introduce them to the Dashwood sisters. But the two sets of sisters do not get on ne
Friday Favorites: Emma - Mr. Knightley and Emma Disagree
Mr. Knightley has called at Hartfield, and he has news that he's sure will excite Emma. Her little friend Harriet is about to be proposed to by Mr. Robert Martin. But Emma has one better, for she informs him that Harriet has already refused Mr. Martin's proposal. What follows is a vigorous disagreement between the two over the merits of Harriet marrying Mr. Martin. Though the sparring feel
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 20
The Palmers are still at Barton Park, and their presence remains a distraction for Elinor and Marianne. Despite Mrs. Palmer's eccentricities, Elinor finds herself enjoying her conversation with her. Though Mrs. Palmer seems a little too certain of Marianne and Willoughby's engagement, Elinor is at least pleased with her warm and favorable impression of Willoughby, since the Palmers live in
Friday Favorites: Emma - Mr. Martin Proposes
Harriet has arrived at Hartfield with a dilemma: the charming farmer Mr. Robert Martin has sent her a letter with an offer of marriage. Emma has to give him credit; the letter is much better-written than she was expecting. Nonetheless, she can't imagine her dear little friend Harriet married to a farmer. Of course, Emma knows she mustn't influence Harriet's decision. It should be all h
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 19
Edward's week at Barton Cottage comes to a close, though he doesn't seem too enthusiastic about leaving. His departure leaves Elinor plenty of time to contemplate his feelings, and her own. But before she can get too carried away, the Dashwoods are interrupted by the arrival of new guests: the Palmers. Mrs. Palmer is Mrs. Jennings's other daughter, and shares Mrs. Jennings's boiste
Friday Favorites: Emma - Emma Draws Harriet's Portrait
Both Harriet and Mr. Elton have been spending more time at Hartfield, and Emma has the perfect idea to bring them both together: she will draw Harriet's portrait for Mr. Elton. Emma has a great fondness for taking likenesses, and is very experienced, though none of her previous portraits were ever finished. That doesn't seem to bother Mr. Elton, who is highly complimentary of all of Emma&#
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 18
Edward's visit to Barton continues, and his old comfort with the Dashwoods is slowly returning. As he discusses the rolling landscapes of Devonshire with Marianne and Elinor, Marianne spots a new accessory on Edward's finger: a ring containing a lock of hair. It's not the right color to be his sister's hair, so the sisters are sure it must be Elinor's. But when could he have go
Friday Favorites: Emma - Harriet and Emma Grow Closer
Emma is taken with Harriet Smith, and her intimacy at Hartfield soon becomes a settled thing. As their friendship deepens and Emma learns more about Harriet's life, the more opportunities she sees to impart her wisdom. When Emma learns of Harriet's intimacy with the Martins, and especially Harriet's attachment to farmer Robert Martin, she quickly sees an area where she can be of use. A
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 17
Edward Ferrars is at Barton Cottage, and all it takes is some time in the presence of the warmth of the Dashwoods to (mostly) restore him to his former friendly self. After all, for the Dashwoods, this is the visit of a future intimate family member. Yet, as much as Edward begins to open up, there is still something different about him that Elinor just can't put her finger on. As Edward is wel
Friday Favorites: Emma - Meet Harriet Smith
With Mrs. Weston settling into her new home, Emma and her father are welcoming their other Highbury friends into their home for company: people like former vicar's widow Mrs. Bates and her chatty daughter Miss Bates, and proprietor of a local school Mrs. Goddard. When Mrs. Goddard asks if she can bring one of her students, Harriet Smith, Emma is delighted. Harriet is pretty, friendly, and defe
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 16
Marianne's sorrow continues, nourished by her own sensibility, and her sense of what her feelings require of her. When Elinor finally convinces Marianne to join her sisters for a walk, they are met by a pleasant surprise: Edward Ferrars has arrived in Devonshire to visit the Dashwoods. But his manner is different than when they last saw him. He seems colder and more reserved, to the extent tha
Friday Favorites: Emma - Meet the Westons
Highbury is a cozy place, and as we settle in with Emma, it's time to get to know some of the inhabitants of her little town. Mr. Weston, her governess's new husband, is a warm and friendly neighbor. He lost his first wife many years ago, and his son, one Frank Churchill, was adopted by his late wife's brother and sister-in-law. Though Mr. Frank Churchill has never visited Highbury, th
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 15
The Dashwoods' peaceful life at Barton Cottage has been upended - Willoughby has to make a sudden departure, and nobody knows why. It's clear to Elinor that there's more to the story than what he told the Dashwoods on his way out, but her mother is convinced it's simply a minor setback in Willoughby and Marianne's love story. Marianne, meanwhile, sees it as her duty to consign
Friday Favorites: Emma - Meet Emma Woodhouse
It's a new year and it's time for a new favorite novel to help you get to sleep. Emma Woodhouse is handsome, clever, and rich, and has made it through her nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her. But that all begins to change when her dear governess Miss Taylor gets married and leaves Hartfield, the Woodhouse's home. Though the new Mrs. Weston's
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 14
While Mrs. Jennings wonders and speculates about what could have pulled Colonel Brandon away to town, Elinor wonders about something more pressing: the true state of Marianne and Willoughby's relationship. While they're certainly acting like they're engaged, they haven't said a word to anyone about it. But there's no misinterpreting Willoughby's affectionate behavior - ever
Friday Favorites: Pride and Prejudice - The Conclusion
Happy for all our nocturnal feelings is today, the day on which our story reaches its end, and the two most deserving Bennet sisters finally marry. This week's Friday Favorites concludes the tale of all of our beloved characters, from the new Mrs. Bingley and Mrs. Darcy to all their friends and loved ones. Snuggle up under the covers for pure comfort, as the end of our favorite novel helps you
Recommended
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Busted Open
Deadline: White House
Crickets Corner
History of the Earthquake and Fire in San Francisco
Fox news
K-Drama Obsessed Mamas | Beyond “Just One More Episode!”
True Crime Classics
The Healer Revolution
Becoming: HER with Nikki Spoelstra
Booked, Blonde & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton
McKinsey on Consumer and Retail
