height of selfishness and self-centeredness at this point -- once again, it is all about her and what she thinks is best for everyone. I know that some try to make a case that Harriet is a strong willed character but I do not buy it. You might as well try to nail jello to a tree as to get Harriet to make a sound decision and stick with it. The desire to go to Mrs Goddard's when she was ill sounds to me like the natural desire of someone to return to the person who has been the major source of comfort in her life, not some declaration of independence. On the other hand, Emma is so clever & manipulative that it does almost seems as though she has Harriet under a spell.