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One’s soulmate mark gradually appeared at the age of thirteen. It became clearer once they first became closer to their soulmate. Each couple had a different mark in a different area of their body. Each mark symbolized a characteristic of their each person’s relationship. George’s mark was barely visible at thirteen but it became completely clear when he turned one and twenty. It was one word written in a delicate, small font: “friend” on his collarbone. John was lucky enough to instantly find his soulmate in Isabella Woodhouse with both having the word “young love” written in clear letters on the side of their hands.
At the age of five, Emma saw the word “stability” written below Miss Taylor’s ear.
“Miss Taylor, what is that under your ear?”
“It is the word that describes my relationship with my soulmate. Everybody receives one at the age of thirteen.” For a moment she mused, “I wonder why it is so much darker now that I have moved to Highbury.”
“Okay!” Emma said cheerly as she returned to her toys.
The day she turned thirteen she rushed to Miss Taylor.
“Miss Taylor! The word “friend” is written on my collarbone! What does this mean.”
Miss Taylor smiled at how happy Emma was.
“This means that your relationship with your soulmate will be one of friendship.”
“But Miss Taylor, I shall never marry!”
“Even when you find your soul mate?”
“Yes, I can not leave papa especially now that Isabella has married. I believe I will never find my soul mate. I cannot think of anyone who I would wish to marry!”
It was a rainy day when Emma saw the word under Mr Weston’s ear. She quickly made an excuse for Miss Taylor and Mr Weston to stand close to one another, and she silently watch the look of shock Mr Weston had when he realized. Suffice to say, they eventually married both having a kind and stable relationship.
Mr Knightley had completely given up on finding a soulmate. He had heard of accidents happening and people not receiving a soulmate, so he accepted that he was one of them. Despite this, he still stayed cheerful and kind. He was continually at Hartfield to help Mr Woodhouse with his estate, and eventually befriended the stubborn, unbelievably clever Emma Woodhouse. They argued. they talked. They forgave each others missteps. He began to truly value their friendship in his life despite how completely vexing she sometimes is.
One day, a tenant’s foal became stuck in the fence, so Mr Knightley instantly went to help. The poor foal was so terrified is kicked him in the face causing a red bruise on his neck. Either way the foal was saved and Mr Knightley had an appointment with Mr Woodhouse.
He entered Hartfield and saw Emma on the settee. He asked where Mr Woodhouse was and without looking up responded that he is taking his daily stroll. Mr Knightley sat down on his chair to wait when Emma glanced at him. She suddenly shirked back.
“Mr Knightley what happened!”
He explained the story and Emma called for a cold compress and a cloth bandage.
“Emma I promise you it is not serious.”
Emma glared at him in the way he knew well. There was no use in arguing.
“Could you take off your caravat? I must see how far the bruise is.”
He slowly removed his caravat unsure if what he was doing was appropriate, but Emma was so determined that he didn’t want to try to go against her.
He moved his head away from her so she may treat the bruise. It also had the dual function of looking away from her while she was so close. In the past few months, he realized he loved her. It hurt to be near her as he knew she would never feel the same, so feeling her soft touch and concern made him almost fall apart.
The bruise was very red and inflamed, so she added a cold compress. Then she saw it. “Friend” right about his collar bone. It felt as though an arrow struck her. He was her soulmate. The best man and friend she knew. She felt a mix of elation and shock. She stood there in shock till Mr Knightley turned his head towards her.
“Emma, what’s wrong?”
“Your collar bone.”
“Oh yes it has my soulmates word. I might be one of the rare people who have a mistaken word-“
Emma kissed him and he melting into her. God he loved her. Her heart was beating out of her chest afraid he would be angry until he kissed her back. She slowly seperated from him and he said with a dazed look, “if I am not mistaken, you are my soulmate?”
She smiled and nodded and showed him the matching mark. He stood up and spun her around and kissed her. “I love you” he whispered, “ My dearest, most beloved Emma, I am helplessly in love with you.” She held his face in her hand. “My dearest friend.”