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Mr. Weston is a character in Emma by Jane Austen. He lives close to Highbury, the village where Hartfield is located, and is married to Anne Taylor Weston.[1] He was known as Captain Weston when he was in the military.

Biography[]

Early life and First marriage[]

Mr. Weston was a native of Highbury, and born into a respectable family of rising fortune and prospects. He joined the military, and circumstances led him to the acquaintances of a Miss Churchill, and they fell in love. Miss Churchill was a member of a wealthy Yorkshire family, and she had complete command of her fortune, being of age. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Churchill, strongly opposed the match, but it occurred anyway. The new Mrs. Weston was disowned from her family, and, although her husband was warm-hearted and kind, she found little happiness in her marriage. She gave birth to a son, but died three years after wedding Captain Weston.[2]

The expense of the son was relieved of him when his late wife's brother and his wife took him into their keeping. After that, Weston only needed to look after himself and to ameliorate his own prospects. He quit the militia and engaged in trade.

Second marriage[]

Weston presumably met Anne Taylor while he was visiting the Woodhouses at Hartfield, as the family was generally well-known throughout the area. He married Miss Taylor after she had been a governess to Emma Woodhouse for sixteen years.[1] She was the driving force behind Mr. Weston purchasing a very nice estate near Highbury.

Mr. and Mrs. Weston lived at Randalls, Weston's estate, which was a bit far for a walk from Hartfield, but still Emma did it in order to see her dear friend.

Character traits[]

"Mr. Weston was a man of unexceptionable character, easy fortune, suitable age and pleasant manners [...]"
—Narration about Mr. Weston[src]

He is otherwise described as a sanguine, optimistic man, who enjoys socializing. His friendship is so indiscriminate that it almost loses its value. Mr. Weston is often blind to the faults of his son, Frank Churchill.

Notes and references[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Emma, Volume I, Chapter I
  2. 2.0 2.1 Volume I, Chapter 2
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