...an important point to ponder. I was also wondering why it seems like she never goes to London to visit Isabella (not unless she does later on, this is my first reading, so I can't be sure of what is to happen, but judging from the opening chapters it doesn't seem likely). Certainly there she would meet with more interesting people her own age.

Though in all honesty, she is a product of a very sheltered environment. Miss Taylor treated her as a sister, her father dotes upon her and Harriet (who just like Miss Taylor is there to stroke her ego it seems) thinks the world of her new friend are all to kind and in awe of her to treat her any differently. Mr. Knightley is the only one who sees the real Emma and isn't afraid to express it, I can certainly see him acting as Emma's conscience as the novel progresses.