Likewise, in 1936, scholar Virginia Moore stated that a close reading of Emily’s poetic manuscripts identified a mystery lover: one Louis Parensell.
A Heaton descendent claimed that the connection between the lovers was widely known but that family differences forbade a union. For example, because Emily liked to visit the library at Ponden Hall, a site claimed as the inspiration for Thrushcross Grange in Wuthering Heights, it has been suggested that she shared a bond with resident Robert Heaton and that he even planted a pear tree in the Hall’s garden in her honour. O’Connor’s biopic, however, is not the first source to suggest that Emily Brontë had a lover, and several other figures have been proposed over the years as candidates.
Some biographers have speculated wildly that, along with Anne’s representation of curate Edward Weston in Agnes Grey (1847), the poem is proof that Anne was in love with Weightman and that he returned her affections. Charlotte wrote in her letters that he sat “opposite Anne at church sighing softly and looking out of the corners of his eyes to win her affection – and Anne is so quiet, her looks so downcast – they are a picture”.įollowing Weightman’s early death from cholera in September 1842, Anne wrote the poem I will not mourn thee, lovely one.
It is Anne Brontë who is most associated with Weightman romantically. Thankfully, because Charlotte drew his portrait, his likeness is preserved. Historically, Weightman is remembered for being both extremely popular and exceedingly handsome. Both Anne, Emily’s younger sister, and Charlotte, her older sister, are said to have been infatuated with him, particularly as he charmed them and played with their affections.Īs the film shows, in February 1840, Weightman discovered that neither the sisters nor Charlotte’s best friend, Ellen Nussey, had ever received a Valentine’s card, so he playfully sent them all one, walking ten miles to post the anonymously written tributes. If anything, she is the one Brontë sister who is not associated with Weightman romantically. He was assistant curate to their father, Patrick Brontë, at Haworth’s St Michael and All Angels’ church between 18, and a friend to all the Brontë siblings.īut despite the fervent story in O’Connor’s film, there is no factual evidence to support the idea that Emily had an illicit liaison with Weightman. Weightman has featured prominently in stories of the Brontës’ romantic lives.
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