Emma Woodhouse is a young woman in Regency England. She lives with her father, a valetudinarian who is principally characterized by excessive concern for the health and safety of his loved ones. Emma\'s friend and only critic is the gentlemanly Mr. Knightley, her \"neighbour\" and brother of her sister\'s husband. As the novel opens, Emma has just attended the marriage of Miss Taylor, her old governess and best friend. Having introduced Miss Taylor to her future husband Mr Weston, Emma smugly takes credit for their marriage, and decides that she rather likes matchmaking.