“There is one thing, Emma, which a man can always do, if he chuses, and that is, his duty; not by manoeuvring and finessing, but by vigour and resolution. It is Frank Churchill’s duty to pay this attention to his father.”
– Jane Austen
Emma, Chapter 18. Mr. Knightley is critical of Frank Churchill for not visiting Highbury following his father’s marriage. Frank uses the excuse of family restrictions due to his obligation to Mrs. Churchill. But Mr. Knightley doesn’t accept this and points out to Emma that the young Frank lacks a sense of duty and responsibility. Knightley comes across as a man of maturity and integrity, who has a strong sense of duty to family obligations.