We meet Emma, an accomplished and wealthy young woman, where after a successful attempt to bring two people together (Mr Weston & her Governess Miss Taylor), she believes herself a natural matchmaker. Emma's lesson to learn is that unlike playing with her dolls as a child, the people of Highbury are flesh and blood, and messing with their love lives can cause some real consequences!
Emma's latest project is Miss Harriet Smith, a young woman of unknown parentage, who Emma takes under her wing, and coaches her to be amongst high society. Leading her affections away from an unworthy mate in Emma's eyes, and directing her towards a new suitor leads to unrequited love, broken hearts, and general confusion. And ultimately leads Emma to explore the contents of her own heart.