In Chapter 21, Emma seems to think that Mr Knightley knows something of Mr Elton's proposal to her. Since he has warned her about pushing Harriet onto Elton, I wondered if the latter has dropped hints about his views towards Miss Woodhouse when in male company?

However, in Miss Bates' rambling speech she also seems to be making reference to a match between Mr Elton and Miss Woodhouse which has, however, come to nothing in light of him becoming engaged to Miss Hawkins. I now wonder if Highbury's populace in general has been considering a marriage between Emma and the vicar as a likely thing? or whether Mr Elton has been dropping hints as to his own hopes more widely?