A broken engagement leads to both Emma and Mr. Knightly discovering suppressed feelings and hidden secrets about themselves and each other. However, who ever said the road to happiness is an easy one? With so many unanswered questions and misunderstandings along the way, it really is a tangled web we weave. Historical AU.

Chapter 1

My dearest Emma,

I pray this letter reaches you in good health. As you are one of my dearest friends, I had to write you myself but now that I have begun this letter I do not know how to proceed. First, I want you to know that I received every one of the letters you wrote me these last four months but due to a myriad of reasons was not able to reply. I hope you will understand by the end of this letter and find it within yourself to forgive my actions. When I initially left Highbury to visit my parents, the intent was to simply get away for a bit, but circumstances have now made it that I will not be able to return, perhaps, ever.

I know you had been eagerly anticipating my wedding to Mr. Knightley, but it is with a heavy heart that I tell you we have decided to end our engagement. I had always considered him to be my friend and had hoped we would be well suited, but he did not feel our affection for each other were strong enough to overcome every obstacle. Where initially I was just too busy to reply, it eventually became difficult to find the words to write a letter as I found myself broken hearted.

I knew there were initial whispers due to our engagement regarding how a simple governess could end up with the wealthiest and most eligible bachelor in Highbury. I had thought I could live with the gossip but perhaps the truth behind those whispers became too difficult for us to ignore. Now that we are no longer engaged, I do not think I can face the speculation and questions about my character and feel it would be best if I don't return to Highbury.

I hope this news does not make you think any less of Mr. Knightley and you continue to treat him with the same respect and care as before. The Woodhouse and Knightley family connections and relations are a lot deeper and stronger than any I could lay claim to.

The best part about having lived in Highbury these many years was my chance to be a governess for you. I ceased to think of you simply as my charge and felt fortunate to be able to call you my friends. Just know I shall always miss you.

Forever in my heart.

Your friend,

Anne Taylor

Emma Woodhouse sat down heavily on her bed, unable to comprehend the contents of the letter she had just finished reading. In her twenty-one years she could not remember anything that had shocked her as much as this news. Even after reading the letter for a second time, she could not believe Mr. Jake Knightley could do such a thing. Emma had known him her entire life and had always believed him to be a man of highest honor and integrity. Additionally, she considered him to be one of her closest friends and would have argued against anyone who would dare say anything negative about his character. She was having a hard time accepting the engagement was over.

Emma would have vehemently argued with anyone who would imply that the difference in social status would cause issues for the couple. Social constraints had never held much importance to Jake and generally, he was the one admonishing Emma if he felt she had acted snobbish against someone.

The only thing Emma knew was that the engagement had seemingly been going fine and then four months ago Ms. Taylor had suddenly left to visit her parents. This was followed by Jake suddenly going on his own trip two months ago from which he still had not returned. Her letters to both Ms. Taylor and Jake in the meantime had gone unanswered and her only update had been through her sister Isabella who was married to Jake's younger brother, Mr. John Knightley. The only news they all had was that Jake was travelling on the continent and his correspondence generally consisted of a brief update of where he was followed by directions for his brother on how to handle his estate responsibilities.

With her light blonde hair and bright green eyes, Emma might look demure and ladylike, but for all who knew her, they knew she had a temper. However, even Emma could not remember a time she had felt this deep-rooted anger or need to explode at someone. She instinctively felt acute sympathy and embarrassment for Ms. Taylor, followed by rage at how Jake could so easily end his engagement. It did not occur to her to question why she blamed Jake, but logic dictated that as a wealthy man, he had the upper hand and power in the relationship.

Jake was one of her closest friends but obviously he did not hold her in the same esteem because he had not mentioned a word about having second thoughts. Now because of his heartless actions, Ms. Taylor could not show her face in Highbury while Jake would end his trip and go right back to being an eligible bachelor. It was not fair that just because she was a female, she should bear the brunt of the inevitable gossip and speculation, where Jake would probably have to face minimum consequences. Did he not realize her place in society as a previously spinster governess was already tenuous and now, she would be completely shunned as someone who had tried to reach too high and had ended with a broken engagement instead?

Emma had been so excited and happy this past year with the news that her governess and her closest friend were courting and subsequently engaged to be married. She had become the de-facto chaperone and had ended up joining them for every outing when they saw each other every few weeks. The past year had been filled with laughter and fun as the three of them had explored the countryside on numerous picnics and walks. Although Ms. Taylor was eight years older and Jake was twelve years older than Emma, they had still managed to find many common activities that everyone would enjoy. Emma could not think of any time when they were not having fun together and for Jake to suggest that him and Ms. Taylor were not suited was preposterous. In her mind once they were married, the three of them would continue their daily activities together and life would continue as it had been this past year.

Emma paused from her conflicted thoughts and looked up as she heard her father enter his study. He had not even sat at his favorite chair by the fire before she had burst into the room while waving the letter in her hands.

"Father read this. It is a letter from Ms. Taylor," Emma got out in a rush. "Mr. Knightley has ended his engagement to her!"

Henry Woodhouse quickly scanned the words to confirm what his daughter was telling him. In truth, Jake Knightley was not known for making impulsive decisions or backing out once his word had been given. For him to do something so drastic as ending his betrothal was not in line with the man he knew. Highbury was a small village not known for any drama or excitement. It had been a shock when they had gotten engaged and for the engagement to end so suddenly while both parties were mysteriously away for an extended period was going to cause much speculation and discussion.

"I will never forgive Mr. Knightley for this. How could he do something like this? He is at our house every week for dinner and is our neighbour. I always considered him my closest friend and I know you felt the same, Father. I can't understand how he could turn out to be such a horrible person and do such an act," Emma couldn't help the wobble in her voice from the strength of her emotions.

Henry sighed as he took his glasses off to rub his eyes. "Emma, I agree this is a shock. But dear, we must wait until Jake is back to hear what he has to say. He is not the type to take sudden decisions. There must be a reason why he has taken this action."

Emma bristled at this, "are you suggesting that Ms. Taylor did something so despicable that he had no other choice? Ms. Taylor has been my governess for the past eight years and has never once done anything to attract attention or scandal. I have no reason to not believe her."

"No, no. I'm not suggesting that," Henry quickly backtracked at seeing Emma's eyes flash with anger. "All I am saying is there is always two sides to every story. I have known Jake since he was born, and you have known him your entire life. Has he ever done anything to suggest he would treat someone unfairly or unjust?"

"He certainly has now!" Emma argued passionately. "I do not know if I can ever trust him again."

Henry sighed once again, not sure of who to defend or how without knowing all the facts. "Emma just don't make decisions and declarations until you have talked to both parties. I would understand if Ms. Taylor's betrothal were with an unknown person, but this is Jake, and he deserves our loyalty and support until we find out what actually happened."

Henry knew he was speaking on deaf ears. It was evident from Emma's expression that she had already made up her mind and come to her conclusions. His daughter had a stubborn streak in her and although she was quick to admit when she was in the wrong, it was not always easy trying to convince her of her wrong. He could see that she was not just shocked at this news but hurt by Jake's actions. She probably did not even realize that she had turned that hurt into anger directed solely at him.

"Father, it is clear to me that he was the one who ended the engagement. I do not care what the reason was, the fact that he ended it still stands," Emma continued in anger. "If he could do such a thing at all, it is evident he was never the man we thought he was."

"Emma my dear. You are young. When you get to my age, you will realize that life is never so black and white. There are always shadows. I don't know what has happened, but Jake is our friend and will need our support when he gets back."

Emma just shook her head before quietly replying, "I do not think I can provide that to him."


It had been a week since Emma had received the letter and she still could not shake the anger and disappointment she felt in Jake. She had spent countless hours either lying in bed or wandering around the garden going through every moment she had spent with Jake and Ms. Taylor, trying to decipher any clues of why it ended. She could confidently say that she had been along for every moment of their courtship and engagement, and although that might seem strange to some, the level of comfort she had with both individuals never allowed her to feel unwanted or unnecessary. She had been trying to think of everything from a fight, a misunderstanding, some family emergency; anything that might explain how this had happened. Emma could not say for sure if they were or had ever been in love, but that was not necessarily something that had changed overtime. Jake and Ms. Taylor had been the epitome of a proper couple and besides Jake offering his arm to them during a walk, she did not remember them ever trying to hold hands or sneak any private moments. However, she also knew that neither of them was the types to be demonstrative in their affection and it was not as if anything had changed in recent times.

In truth, Emma had spent considerably more time with Jake than Ms. Taylor ever had. The Knightley estate, Donwell Abbey, was the largest in the area and neighbored the Woodhouse estate, Hartfield Manor. Although, he was consistent with his attentions to Ms. Taylor and would arrange for a visit for tea or outing, Jake was generally busy dealing with estate business and tenant issues during the week. However, regardless of how busy he was, he would always be at Hartfield once a week for dinner with Emma and her father. Emma had always looked forward to these dinners where both her father and Jake had not only allowed but encouraged her to take part in the discussions and share her opinions. The evening always ended with her father sitting by the fire enjoying his port while Emma and Jake played a game of chess or cards or just talked. It was these moments that she had always cherished and had felt confident and comfortable in Jake's presence.

Emma sighed, trying to dislodge the melancholy thoughts. She was supposed to be getting ready for a country ball and although she generally loved dancing and talking with her friends, tonight she could not muster the excitement to attend. She was not sure if Jake would resume their weekly dinners once he was back, but Emma knew that she would not be partaking in them the same way as before out of loyalty to her friend. This entire week, her father had been trying to cheer her up, but the level of hurt and betrayal Emma was feeling, it was almost as though she was the one whose engagement had just ended.

Emma finally allowed her maid to finish dressing her in a new pale green silk evening dress in hopes that it would help cheer her up. Although Emma was not in a dancing mood, she did want to visit with her sister at the ball. Her father did not generally attend these functions claiming the number of people at the events was too much for his nerves to handle. The plan usually involved that Emma would go from her house with her maid and footmen where she would meet her sister and spend the night at her sister's residence before returning.

However, it was not even a few moments upon entering the hall that Emma noticed the heightened buzz and level of excitement. It was obvious something was afoot, and everyone wanted to discuss and be a part of the gossip.

The news about Mr. Knightley and Ms. Taylor's betrothal ending had spread across Highbury.