'....I think it is clear by now that Jane Fairfax, at least, has no romantic interest in Mr. Knightley. Perhaps, the rumor of Mr. Cole's hint reached Jane's ears, which is what made her so reluctant to accept Mr. Knightley's generosity.'

When I first read Emma, I thought at this point that Mr Knightley could have romantic interest in Jane and wanted her to be more "open" with him and give him some encouragement -- and that he was actually disappointed that he was unable to overcome her reserve, therefore he took the time to clear away the suspicions of an attachment between himself and her, because she seemed uninterested in him. But that, in spite of his disappointment, he continued to be kind to her and wanted Emma to show her more attention -- his reproachful remark to Emma about not paying attentions to Jane -- chap 33 --

'"You are right Mrs. Weston," said Mr. Knightley warmly, "Miss Fairfax is as capable as any of us of forming a just opinion of Mrs. Elton. Could she have chosen with whom to associate, she would not have chosen her. But (with a reproachful smile at Emma) she receives attentions from Mrs. Elton, which nobody else pays her."

Emma felt that Mrs. Weston was giving her a momentary glance; and she was herself struck by his warmth"'

In the next chapte (34), Emma herself admitted the justice of Mr Knightley's remark and admitted to herself that she had shamefully neglected Jane for too long -- Emma does not often make such admissions -- can it be that she is definitely on the way to self-improvement --

'Since her last conversation with Mrs. Weston and Mr. Knightley, she was more conscience-stricken about Jane Fairfax than she had often been. Mr. Knightley's words dwelt with her. He had said that Jane Fairfax received attentions from Mrs. Elton which nobody else paid her.

"This is very true," said she, "at least as far as relates to me, which was all that was meant, and it is very shameful. Of the same age, and always knowing her, I ought to have been more her friend. She will never like me now. I have neglected her too long. But I will shew her greater attention than I have done."'