I can’t see how it is a hardship on Emma to give Jane attention—I think the fact Jane is in Highbury infrequently makes her neglect worse rather than making her duty less. Some extra visits and some invitations don’t seem that intrusive when Emma knows in her heart neglecting Jane is wrong. Would it have been really going out of Emma’s way to speak to Jane at the Cole’s party? I think Jane fits into Highbury society to all but Emma sort of like how the “simplicity and cheerfulness of her [Miss Bates] nature, her contented and grateful spirit, were a recommendation to every body” (3) but Emma. Emma dislikes Jane because of her reserve, her musical abilities and her doting aunt but other than her minion, Harriet, it does not appear others share her dislike. Emma’s attention would be a kindness to Jane as well as to Mrs. and Miss Bates who are old life-long valued friends of her father. I can’t see how expecting Emma to do what she ought is unfair:

"Emma was sorry to have to pay civilities to a person she did not like through three long months! to be always doing more than she wished, and less than she ought!" (20)