As Chapter 18 in Jane Austen's Emma begins, readers learn that Mr. Frank Churchhill has not followed through with traveling to visit his father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Weston, at their country estate. While Mr. Weston is at first disappointed that his son has not kept his promise, he quickly justifies to himself that "Frank's coming two or three months later would be a much better plan" and hopes that Frank's delayed visit means that he will stay longer.
In contrast, Mrs. Weston--who is already self-conscious about her role as stepmother to a young man who was raised by his aunt and uncle far away--is "exceedingly disappointed." Even though she does not verbally express her primary reason for being upset, she ponders how Frank's repetitive broken promises will cause suffering to his father and, therefore, she is pained greatly for her husband's sake. While Mr. Weston seems genuinely able to see the best in the situation with Frank, Mrs. Weston begins to wonder if her stepson will ever pay them a visit and how long her husband will be able to refrain from being completely demoralized by his son's absence.
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