Diana - Emma Vol. 3, ch 1-7

My favorite part in this section was the scene where Harriet and Emma are discussing Harriet's new love interest. Each woman believes she understands the other, yet each is speaking of a different man. Austen highlights the confusion with Emma's contradictory line, "Harriet, I will not affect to be in doubt of your meaning."

Emma assumes Harriet is in love with Frank Churchill because the "service he rendered [her] was enough to warm [her] heart." With this line, Emma refers to Frank rescuing Harriet from the gypsies. However, I believe Harriet is thinking of meeting Robert Martin at Ford's; "when I saw him coming--his noble look--and my wretchedness before." On the other hand, she could be talking about Knightley's gallant offer to dance with her when Mr. Elton snubbed her. Either way, I believe Emma and Harriet are completely at odds in their understanding of Harriet's new object of affection.