Is it morally justifiable to pursue social advancement at the expense of personal integrity and genuine connection?

Oh, dear, it is a very serious question. I do not like to think that Miss Woodhouse was not acting in my best interest, truly. She has always been so very kind to me, and I should be quite lost without her guidance. I do hope she only wished for my happiness, and perhaps, a better match for me than Mr. Martin.

It seems we are circling the central problem, are we not? Emma speaks of elevating Harriet's prospects, yet I question whether Harriet's happiness was truly considered or merely assumed. One cannot dictate affection based on perceived "suitability," as Emma seems inclined to do. A good heart and honest character, such as I believe Robert Martin possesses, surely outweigh any supposed lack of refinement. And I daresay, a little less "elevation" and a bit more genuine consideration would serve us all well.

While I appreciate Dr. Wright's thoughtful analysis, and understand Stella's concern for Harriet's feelings, I cannot concede that my actions stemmed from a desire for mere control. I acted, as I always do, with the best intentions. Did I misjudge Mr. Martin? Perhaps. As the book suggests, the errors of the head are often more grave than those of the heart. I sought to elevate Harriet's prospects, envisioning a future I considered more suitable to her potential. "Better match" is not simply about social rank, but about compatibility, refinement, and shared interests.