Favorite performer
Jane Fairfax, EmmaJane was not only educated in the ways of a lady (and eminently suited to become a governess), but she had a fine voice and extraordinary talent for playing the pianoforté. One day, a large-sized square pianoforté arrived from Broadwood's to the great astonishment of both Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax. Its arrival was entirely unexpected, and there was speculation as to who was responsible for its appearance. Later Mrs. Weston observes to Emma about Mr. Knightley that he was "Such an admirer of her performance on the pianoforté, and of her voice! I have heard him say that he could listen to her for ever." I think we could too.
Mary Crawford, Mansfield ParkMiss Crawford is described as a young woman, pretty, lively, with a harp as elegant as herself. Well educated, with a sharp wit and lively mind, she made an elegant figure near the window playing a harp: "Miss Crawford's attractions did not lessen. The harp arrived, and rather added to her beauty, wit, and good-humour; for she played with the greatest obligingness, with an expression and taste which were peculiarly becoming, and there was something clever to be said at the close of every air. Edmund was at the Parsonage every day, to be indulged with his favourite instrument: one morning secured an invitation for the next; for the lady could not be unwilling to have a listener." The sight and sound of Mary playing was "enough to catch any man's heart."
