to ask during the GR the size of the Bates' place, because I did wonder if they were in on the scheme, but just didn't say. Probably because FC covered his tracks so well with seeming to like Emma, it may have looked like he was trying to court the town in her favour. Seeing the Bates and assisting them, because they were liked so well, possibly convinced people he was a good chap, maybe?

But then later it says that not a soul knew of it, if that can be believed, when news of the engagement became public. I got really confused, about the size of the place too, thinking it was really small and Jane would have to share a room, and this does make sense. But when she was ill, Miss Bates says, "Jane has been confined to her room" or words to that effect. Alfred Hitchcock's got nothing on JA!