Emma
Robert Martin
The honest farmer
A hardworking tenant farmer at Abbey Mill Farm who truly loves Harriet. Emma thinks he is beneath her friend, but Mr. Knightley knows better.
Robert Martin farms Abbey-Mill Farm as a tenant of Mr. Knightley. He is industrious, honest and sensible, and he reads aloud to his family. Harriet spent a happy summer with his family, and he fell in love with her.
Mr. Knightley thinks highly of him, saying he is well informed and has true gentlemanly feelings. Emma dismisses him as a farmer. The story takes his side, and shows that steady worth counts for more than polish.
“You have made me the happiest man in Highbury, Harriet.”
In the story
Contains spoilers.
Martin writes Harriet a heartfelt letter proposing marriage. Emma persuades her to refuse, and Knightley arrives to say that Martin asked his advice and he told him he could not do better, only to learn he is too late.
Martin does not give up. After Emma has learned her lesson, he speaks again, Harriet accepts with all her heart, and he says he is the happiest man in Highbury. They marry in Highbury Church.
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