The Matchmaking Plot and Its Consequences

Emma's well-intentioned but misguided attempts to pair Harriet with Mr. Elton lead to embarrassment and heartache for all involved.

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Emma's Plan for Harriet

Emma's Plan for Harriet Choosing Mr. Elton Emma decides that Mr. Elton, the vicar, is the perfect match for Harriet. She believes he is already showing signs of interest. Encouraging Harriet Emma subtly encourages Harriet to think of Mr. Elton as a suitor, feeding her romantic notions and praising his qualities.

The Charade and the Portrait

The Charade and the Portrait Mr. Elton's Attentions Mr. Elton writes a charade that Emma interprets as a declaration of love for Harriet. He also shows great interest in Harriet's portrait. Emma's Misinterpretation Emma is convinced that Mr. Elton is in love with Harriet, but in reality he is directing all his attentions to Emma herself.

Mr. Elton's Proposal Rejected

Mr. Elton's Proposal Rejected The Awkward Carriage Ride Mr. Elton declares his love to Emma, who is shocked and refuses. He is angry and insulted, believing she had encouraged him. Aftermath Emma is left mortified and must now explain to Harriet that Mr. Elton never loved her. Harriet is devastated.

Mr. Elton's Hasty Marriage

Mr. Elton's Hasty Marriage News of the Engagement Mr. Elton quickly becomes engaged to a Miss Augusta Hawkins of Bath, a woman with a fortune. He returns to Highbury triumphant. Emma's Relief and Regret Emma is relieved that Mr. Elton is no longer a threat, but she feels guilty for having misled Harriet and for her own foolishness.

Harriet's Recovery

Harriet's Recovery Time Heals Harriet slowly gets over her infatuation with Mr. Elton, helped by Emma's kindness and the distraction of other events. A New Attachment Harriet's affections eventually turn to Mr. Knightley, but this too is a misunderstanding that Emma must later correct.

early in the story, after Harriet's first visit to Hartfield

during the weeks of Mr. Elton's courtship, as seen by Emma

the evening of the dinner at Randalls, during the carriage ride

a few weeks later, when Mr. Elton returns engaged to Augusta Hawkins

throughout the spring, after Mr. Elton's marriage