However much she told herself back in Chapter 26 that her horror at the idea of Mr Knightley being in love with Jane Fairfax was on little Henry's behalf, she also "could not at all endure the idea of Jane Fairfax at Donwell Abbey. A Mrs. Knightley for them all to give way to!" Yes indeed - and that would be permanently, not just for the period of bridal honours.

Emma would in fact have had to give way twice in the period covered so far - to Mrs Weston as a bride and to Isabella Knightley as Emma's older and married sister. There is no sign that she resented either, but then she loves them both and they are not the sort of women to make a parade of going first, as Mrs Elton is and does. Emma does not like Jane Fairfax and she likes Mrs Elton even less. Mr Knightley may not approve of that in Jane's case, but I doubt if he will suggest she should make a friend of Mrs Elton.