A vanity monster of sorts—to her dismay Emma discovers she has taught Harriet “her claims were great to a high worldly establishment” too well:

"I [Harriet] never should have presumed to think of it at first," said she, "but for you. You told me to observe him [Mr. Knightley] carefully, and let his behaviour be the rule of mine -- and so I have. But now I seem to feel that I may deserve him; and that if he does choose me, it will not be any thing so very wonderful." (47)

Emma realizes that if Harriet “from being humble, were grown vain, it was her doing” (47). I almost feel sorry for Emma because she finds herself “in love, and in some doubt of a return” (5) just as Mr. Knightley thought would do her good. I think it does do her good—it makes her think. It was also a delicious turnabout that when Emma realized she is in love with Mr. Knightley the monster she created was her rival. I guess it is lucky that Emma had all along so overrated Harriet’s ability to captivate. (;D)