Harriet Smith and Robert Martin: One of the Most Underappreciated Couples Ever

Guys. I just watched Emma 2009 again and

Harriet Smith and Robert Martin!!!

Guys. Ladies. Readers.

Are they not the sweetest?

(There is a correct answer to that rhetorical question. The answer is yes, they are the sweetest.)

  

First of all, Robert Martin.

Do you get what a sweetheart he is?!?!?

I mean, we rave about Mr. Knightley and all that, (and don't get me wrong--I adore Mr. Knightley) but we don't give Robert Martin the credit he deserves. 

-He's incredibly loyal.

-He's honest.

-He's hardworking.

-He's a gentleman. He is! Despite all the nasty stuff Emma says, this is a fact.

-The letter:

"The style of the letter was much above her expectation. There were not merely no grammatical errors, but as a composition it would not have disgraced a gentleman; the language, though plain, was strong and unaffected, and the sentiments it conveyed very much to the credit of the writer. It was short, but expressed good sense, warm attachment, liberality, propriety, even delicacy of feeling."

-He is sincerely in love with Harriet, and he'd do anything for her.

-(And in the movie, I like his looks quite a bit. It doesn't really matter how handsome he is or isn't, because the smile on his face when he sees Harriet makes him very attractive.)

-Mr. Knightley thinks highly of him:

"Let her marry Robert Martin, and she is safe, respectable, and happy for ever"

"Robert Martin's manners have sense, sincerity, and good-humour to recommend them"

"He knows I have a thorough regard for him and all his family, and, I believe, considers me as one of his best friends." (Ahhhe-em. One of his best friends. Mr. Knightley's very good friend? He must be pretty great!)

"I never hear better sense from any one than Robert Martin. He always speaks to the purpose; open, straightforward, and very well judging."

-And then how disappointed poor Robert is after Harriet refuses him!

C'mere and let me give you a hug. Cry if you want; I don't mind.

Well, I think Robert Martin is a wonderful guy. 

And as far as Harriet, we know plenty about her, so it was Robert I wanted to focus on because he does not get nearly enough attention!

Now for a little scene from the book we don't get in the movie--How Robert Martin Proposed and Got Accepted At Last.

(Told by Mr. Knightley)

"It is a very simple story. He went to town on business three days ago, and I got him to take charge of some papers which I was wanting to send to John.—He delivered these papers to John, at his chambers, and was asked by him to join their party the same evening to Astley's. They were going to take the two eldest boys to Astley's. The party was to be our brother and sister, Henry, John—and Miss Smith. My friend Robert could not resist. They called for him in their way; were all extremely amused; and my brother asked him to dine with them the next day—which he did—and in the course of that visit (as I understand) he found an opportunity of speaking to Harriet; and certainly did not speak in vain.—She made him, by her acceptance, as happy even as he is deserving." (<==Yes. I agree with that.)

Now for some lovely pictures.

"Before the end of September, Emma attended Harriet to church, and saw her hand bestowed on Robert Martin with so complete a satisfaction, as no remembrances, even connected with Mr. Elton as he stood before them, could impair. ...Robert Martin and Harriet Smith, the latest couple engaged of the three, were the first to be married."

And then, like, the best scene of Harriet and Robert Martin in the movie.

Okay, okay, just watch that scene. It's from about 55:59-56:06 in Episode 4 of Emma (At least in this YouTube video.)

So, anyway, just wanted to remind you what a sweet couple Harriet and Robert are. I thought they deserved some attention.