At 21 years, Miss Woodhouse would hardly be in need of a governess. Since Miss Taylor had not sought out another position, she stayed on as a paid companion to Emma.

Miss Taylor elevated her social position by marrying Mr. Weston. Mr. Weston made his present fortune through trade; something Emmas was ready and willing to ignore. I think love triumphed over social class.

Harriet was a parlour-boarder. I looked up parlour-boarder and found that Harriet's status was elevated over other students at the boarding school - such as the Martin girls. Harriet's special privileges at the school meant someone had the ability and care to pay more for Harriet's upkeep. So, Emma assumes Harriet's natural father to be a man of means. Emma did not really want to look too closely.