This amiable, upright, perfect Jane Fairfax was apparently cherishing very reprehensible feelings.
– Jane Austen
Emma, Chapter 28. After Emma sees a “deep blush of consciousness” and “smile of secret delight” on Jane’s face, she suspects her of having inappropriate feelings for Mr. Dixon. She uses a sarcastic and ironic tone when she describes her as “perfect” in the same breath. However, Emma completely misreads the situation. It is Frank Churchill’s flirting that is causing Jane’s blushes and smiles. Mr. Dixon is husband to the Campbells’ daughter, Jane’s friend. Emma has jumped to the conclusion, without proper evidence, that there was a romance between Mr. Dixon and Jane before he married.