Footsteps3

Emma's formal education began in 1842, at age 6, when she
entered the Chiefs' Children's School, one of 16 royal students,
including Alexander Liholiho, Lot, Bernice Pauahi, David
Kalakaua, and Lili'uokalani.
In 1849 when Emma was 13, the school was closed. Rooke then
hired an English governess to tutor Emma for about the next
four years.
Dr. Rooke took a major part in her education. He had the
largest private library in Honolulu at the time, and wrote serious
and learned articles on various subjects. Emma's interest in reading
and books was no doubt influenced by her father. She
turned out to be quite an all around woman, with a good knowledge
of the world, conversational skills and an avid interest in
gardening and music.
By the time she was twenty, Emma was "a beautiful and accomplished
girl," "quiet and retiring in manner," but capable of
"thoroughly enjoying the gaieties of youth." She was 5'2", slender,
well-proportioned, with "large, black, beautiful eyes," and a
lovely smile. She was an excellent horse rider, a fine vocalist, a
talented pianist, and a good dancer.
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