Emma Admits... to Herself

After Elton has proposed to Emma, she quickly realizes her mistake in thinking that Harriet was his equal. She also decides that she shouldn't begrudge the man for thinking himself worthy of asking for her hand. The only problem is that she seems to only admit this mistake to herself. (At least for the time being.) Also, Austen hints that there will be other, less grievous errors to take place: "The first error and the worst lay at her door. It was foolish, it was wrong, to take so active a  part in bringing any two people together" (91-2).  I think Emma thinks it such a grave offense because her project went awry. Not because she harmed the feelings and emotions of two people. If her aim had come to fruition, then she would have taken full credit for it, called it a success instead of an error.