When I realized that the final volume of Kaoru Mori’s series Emma was due out this month, my fingers skipped to the nearest online store and preordered it. My order came in the mail earlier this week and you know, I practically ripped open the package to get to this manga.
As you know from my previous posts that Ms. Mori’s story of a maid and gentleman, falling in love against the rules of British society during the Victorian period, is by far one of my favorite series. The final volume of Emma finds us at the start of the Edwardian era as Queen Victoria has passed away. By this time, society has changed not only in terms of technology and innovation, but also in class distinctions. The first chapter of the book features a small vignette of William and Emma’s lives before their marriage with the young couple riding bicycles throughout the countryside. Emma is residing at the home of William’s mother before their wedding takes place.
Other short stories are included in this volume that focus on previous characters in the main arc of the Emma story. The years have passed and we see William’s siblings in different roles. Arthur has been accepted to Eton College where he is a prefect with ambitions to study law. Grace has recently gotten married and has a new baby boy. Vivian is trying to outgrown her tomboyish-ness and admires Mrs. Meredith, Emma’s former employer, because she is beautiful. Colin is still the shy and extremely kind to others.
We are also given a glimpse at Elinor, William’s former fiancée, who is residing at a resort in Brighton where she has befriended a young man named Ernest. We see the young couple realize their feelings for one another after the brief time they have spent together. I was glad to see that Ms. Mori had included Elinor’s continuing story in this volume, as she was a lovely character who deserved a happy ending.
The final chapter is, of course, Emma and William’s wedding at his family’s chapel on their estate. Ms. Mori’s illustration of their wedding is gorgeous and I absolutely loved the fact that Emma took Mrs. Stowner’s last name when signing the wedding registry.
Arigatou gozaimasu, Ms. Mori! Your story was absolute magic, I loved every moment of Emma.
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