Posted by Janette on July 30, 1997 at 19:30:01:
In reply to Frank & Emma posted by Sally on July 30, 1997 at 06:27:15
] When Frank visits Emma before he leaves she was very much under the impression that he was going to confess his feelings towards her. I think he was merely going to confide in her his true feelings for Jane and that Emma just got it totally wrong.
] However, just before Knightley proposes to Emma they talk about the possible injury that could have been done - giving Emma's version more credibility.
] Do you believe as I do - that Emma once again misread the situation.
________
In Frank's l-o-n-g explanatory letter near the end of the book he says "when I called to take leave of her, I remember that I was within a moment of confessing the truth, and I then fancied she was not without suspicion; but I have no doubt of her having since detected me, at least in some degree." So Emma certainly did misread him, and never had the slightest suspicion. This is where the injury could have been done, as Frank then assumed he could flirt with Emma without involving her feelings.