Mrs. Weston is expecting a baby, and Emma and Mr. Weston plan a quiet "exploring" trip to Box Hill. Augusta has of course been long wanting to make such a trip, and Mr. Weston suggests that his party and that of the Eltons unite, an idea that Emma does not like but accepts. When a lame carriage horse throws everything into "sad uncertainty," George answers Augusta that she should come to Donwell for strawberries instead. This immediately becomes a party, for which she insists that she do all the inviting of guests. But George is firm, saying that the only married woman he will ever "allow to invite what guests she pleases to Donwell" is Mrs. Knightley—"and, till she is in being, I will manage such matters myself." Augusta tries to pass this off humorously, finally only making an ass of herself. Later the lame horse mends and the trip to Box Hill is settled for the day after the party at Donwell.
Emma has not been to Donwell for some time, and on the day of the party she looks over the place with "honest pride and complacency" since it is a "family" estate now because of the nephews who will inherit it. Except for Frank, everyone is there as they gather strawberries and find seats in the shade. Augusta badgers Jane about accepting "a most desirable situation" until Jane suggests a walk to see the gardens.
During this activity Emma sees George and Harriet strolling and talking by themselves, and she joins them before they all go indoors to eat. Frank still has not arrived when all but Emma, who stays behind with Mr. Woodhouse, go to see the old Abbey fish ponds. Emma is alone in the hallway when Jane appears "with a look of escape," saying that she is going to walk home. She will not accept the offer of a carriage, giving as reason that she is "wearied in spirits" and needs the walk. Shortly after she goes, Frank arrives out of humour," observing that he has met Jane on the way and that he will not eat because it is so hot. Even as she gets him to eat something, Emma is glad to be through being in love with him. He tells her that he needs a change, that he is sick of England and wants to go abroad; but when the rest of the party return, his party-going inclination leads him to say that if Emma wants him to stay and join the group to Box Hill the next day, he will. She smiled her acceptance.
