The Portrait Project Begins — Emma

Emma is sure her matchmaking plan is working. Harriet notices Mr. Elton's good looks, and his warm praise of Harriet's manners makes Emma think he is falling in love. When Emma offers to paint Harriet's portrait, Elton begs her to do it. He hovers through every sitting with praise that Emma privately doubts is really about the drawing at all.

Emma's portfolio shows years of spirited but unfinished portraits, abandoned after faint praise from Isabella. She breaks that habit for Harriet. She plans a full-length watercolor for the mantelpiece and adds extra height and elegance to Harriet's figure while Elton reads aloud and jumps up at every stroke to call it a likeness before it exists. The whole house watches the project with interest, and Harriet sits still with growing pride in the attention she is receiving.

Knightley alone says she has made Harriet too tall and that the portrait flatters more than it records. Mr. Woodhouse worries about colds from sitting near open windows. Elton offers to ride to London with the finished drawing, sighs over it as precious cargo, and Emma decides he is almost too gallant for a lover but still an excellent match for Harriet Smith.