On the other hand, this gives Mr Knightley the opportunity to bring forth a man's more assertive nature, dictated by vigour and resolution these basic, essential virtues, if there are any. And all this, within the strictest and most gallant rules of behaviour. He has known Emma since she was born. Some doubts remain. Of course, being his senior and very much in love with her, he certainly will point out the errors that eventually she can commit and forgive her for them.
Most marriages fail, according to the author, through men's fault.
I am on her side as far as I can be because she is a woman and I hate her husband. If I must give up the Princess, I am determined at least to think that she would have been respectable had the Prince behaved in a reasonably tolerable manner at the start.