Early the next morning, Emma went to call on the Bateses. Old Mrs Bates, who was alone in the small sitting-room, smiled when she saw Emma. ‘I am afraid that Jane is not very well,’ Mrs Bates said. ‘She has a very bad headache. My daughter is looking after her.’ A few minutes later, Miss Bates came into the room. She looked unhappy. ‘I hear that Jane is not well,’ Emma said. ‘I am sorry.’ ‘Oh, Miss Woodhouse, you are so kind,’ said Miss Bates. ‘I suppose that you have heard our news. I should be pleased, but I am not. Poor Jane has been with us for such a long time. Mother and I will miss her so much! Jane has been writing letters to the Campbells and Mrs Dixon. She had told them the news of her — you know — her new position. She will be a governess. But she has been crying — and now she has a bad headache. She really cannot see you ...’ ‘I am surprised that Miss Fairfax has accepted a position so soon,’ Emma said. ‘I thought that she was waiting until Colonel Campbell and the Dixons returned from Ireland. Where is the position, Miss Bates? I hope that it is a good one.’ ‘Oh, Miss Woodhouse — you are always so kind,’ Miss Bates replied. ‘Jane is going to be a governess for Mrs Smallridge. Her home is near Bristol. Jane will be looking after three little girls — ’ ‘And ... and Mrs Smallridge is a friend of Mrs Elton’s?’ Emma said. ‘Yes, she is. Mrs Smallridge wanted Jane to go to Bristol three weeks ago. A t first Jane said that she could not go so soon,’ Miss Bates replied. ‘We spent yesterday evening at Mrs Elton’s house.