Emma may have pumped Jane for information, but I wonder what keptJane from giving any of her own opinions on any topic they discussed. After all, people made conversation every day about other people. It makes me feel that there is some other reason behind her reserve. Perhaps she dislikes Miss Wodehouse as much as Miss W does her.

However, since JF is back after a long absence (4 yrs, IIRC), I don't think any potential offence of Emma's long ago was big enough to merit such stiffness. I feel that Jane Fairfax was rebuffing efforts at even common friendship from Emma for some unknown reasons. I cannot fault Emma fully for being offended by such cold responses. After all, like Frank says, one cannot love a reserved person... ;)