Posted by Kali on July 29, 1997 at 20:18:57:
In reply to Miss Jane Fairfax posted by Julia on July 29, 1997 at 07:38:56
If she was reserved only because of the secret engagement, didn't Emma say she had always been "Cold"? Why would she suddenly shed all of her reserve at the end of the book?
Jane's reserved manner can be attributed to the secret engagement. The whole deal is Frank's idea, and she's not entirely comfortable with it.
As far as Jane being "cold" - Emma doesn't know Jane well enough to make generalizations about her character, as Jane left Highbury as a young child and returned only for brief visits. During these visits, Emma's ego kept her from truly getting to know "her competition," Jane.
Did she love Frank when they were first engaged, or did she just want her independence?
He charmed her, like he charms everyone else. In October at Weymouth, she was undoubtably feeling vulnerable and depressed about her future, and so she allowed him to talk her into convincing herself to marry him. It's hard to resist a charming guy who professes such affection. The flaws in his character which the intelligent Jane no doubt sees and understands are offset by the fact that he's rich. I imagine she feels that she will be able to afford to ignore his faults once they're married.