Anne Weston (née Taylor) is a supporting character in Jane Austen's 1815 Emma.
Miss Taylor was the devoted governess to the Woodhouse family; during which she became a beloved friend and mother-figure to the novel's protagonist, whose mother died at a young age. At the beginning of the novel, Miss Taylor leaves the Woodhouses' home Hartfield, after sixteen years in her position, and marries Mr. Weston, becoming Mrs. Weston; the match being introduced by Emma herself.
Biography[]
Life as a Governess[]
The need for Mr. Woodhouse to hire a governess was increased after his beloved wife died, and so he brought Miss Taylor into his girls' lives. Miss Taylor stayed with the family for sixteen years, and particularly remained Emma's governess until she was twenty, as Isabella married. Miss Taylor, as a governess, was somewhat overindulgent, acting more often as a friend and rarely as a disciplinary figure towards her charge. This, combined with Mr. Woodhouse's affectionate nature, resulted in Emma's upbringing being unrestrained and enabling the latter with having her own way rather too often.
Marriage[]
At the beginning of the novel, Miss Taylor becomes Mrs. Weston when she is married to and becomes the second wife of local widower Mr. Weston. The match being orchestrated by Emma herself.[1]Mr. Weston was a wealthy man and widower, so Miss Taylor was able to transcend classes from governess to a married gentlewoman.[2]
Though Emma is pleased by the couple being very much in love and having a wonderful wedding, Mrs. Weston's departure is deeply affects in the Woodhouse home. Emma's ensuing loneliness at the loss of her governess results in her finding a new companion in Harriet Smith.
Character traits[]
She is a sensible woman who adores Emma both maternally and as a close friend. She is even tempered and hides her displeasure upon Frank Churchill failing to meet her on multiple occasions. Mrs. Weston acts as a surrogate mother to her former charge and, occasionally, as a voice of moderation and reason when Emma is faced with problems (although she is the one to yield in arguments more often than not). She is well respected by the community and especially Mr Knightley, the two both caring greatly for Emma and engaging in conversation about her (although Mr Knightley is more critical than Mrs Weston).