Mr. Elton proposes to Emma

On the carriage ride home from Randalls, Emma finds herself alone with Mr. Elton. To her utter shock and horror, he makes a passionate declaration of love to her, not to Harriet. He reveals that he never had any intention of marrying Harriet and that all his attentions were for Emma. Emma is mortified and angry, realizing she has completely misread the situation. She firmly rejects him, and the ride ends in cold silence. This is a major turning point, shattering Emma's confidence in her matchmaking abilities.