that Jane Fairfax owes her no apologies (after all, they had both been acting wrong to varying degrees and for varying reasons, IMO). Jane responds that she feels she does owe Emma an apology because ""You are very kind, but I know what my manners were to you. ...I know that I must have disgusted you."" It is clearly for her manners towards Emma that she is apologizing, not for having kept the engagement a secret or for Frank's behavior.

Do you think Jane should treat Emma with implacable resentment because Miss Woodhouse was somewhat neglectful towards her when growing up? I feel that Emma did try to make amends of sorts when JF first returned to Highbury, but JF was too preoccupied with her own burden and stonewalled Emma.

I do think that Emma should have been gracious and shown Jane more attentions during this visit, but Jane didn't make it easy for her either. By the time Emma truly repents of her treatment and tries to show real kindness and attention to Jane during her illness, it is not accepted by the latter. Very natural, I may add, because by then Jane considered Emma a rival, but that does not lessen the value of Emma's good intentions or kindness. However, they finally reach a point of maturity and are able to value the other person's worth w/o any jealously, resentment or reserve. And the lovely way in which Jane's countenance is animated by consciousness and warmth during that visit go to show what Jane can really be like when she is friendly and open. And now, I have done. :-)