In Emma's mind a new term had fixed itself--that of her sister's recovery; but there were dark moments when dread came to her that not Jane's recovery, but something else, would set her free.

In the early autumn Richard persuaded her to take the invalid to the sea-side, and to remain with her there for three weeks.

Mrs.Clay during that time lived alone, and was very content to receive her future brother-in-law's subsidy, without troubling about the work which would not come in.
Autumn had always been a peaceful and bounteous season at Wanley; then the fruit trees bent beneath their golden charge, and the air seemed rich with sweet odours.

But the autumn of this year was unlike any that had visited the valley hitherto.

Blight had fallen upon all produce; the crop of apples and plums was bare beyond precedent.