How Jane Austen's "Emma" misread the signs regarding Mr. Elton, Harriet and herself?

Emma Woodhouse, from Jane Austen's novel "Emma," is a conceited and wilful young woman, who fancies herself a real matchmaker. However, as Emma attempts to match-make Mr. Elton and her new companion Miss Harriet Smith, she misreads the intentions of the people involved. By being unable to correctly read the signs regarding Mr. Elton, Harriet and herself, she finds herself in a tangled web of deceit and misconception. Miss Emma Woodhouse is twenty-one years old, …

…was mechanical, strictly adhering to the conventions of the upper class society to which he seeks entry through marriage. His over eagerness is repulsive to Emma and humorous to the reader. Therefore, as an 'imaginist' Emma, manipulates not only her mind, but Harriet's too into believing and perceiving what she wants to perceive. In doing this, Emma misread signs regarding Mr. Elton, Harriet and herself, which leads to a situation filled with confusion and regret.