 Robert Martin is a well-to-do, 24-year-old farmer who, though not a gentleman, is a friendly, amiable and diligent young man, well esteemed by Mr. George Knightley.He becomes acquainted and subsequently smitten with Harriet during her 2-month stay at Abbey Mill Farm, which was arranged at the invitation of his sister, Elizabeth Martin, Harriet's school friend.His first marriage proposal, in a letter, is rejected by Harriet under Emma's direction and influence, (an incident which puts Mr. Knightley and Emma in a disagreement with one another).