I think this was a really interesting way to adapt their story. Some book spoilers, ish, below.
I am not 100% clear on why this Jane wanted it to be secret--because she works in the nonprofit world and didn't want to be associated with someone whose business interests were so much in conflict with what she was fighting for, I guess? Which... I can understand, though it does somewhat undermine her morality, but then, that's consistent with the book. Book!Jane is considered the most strictly moral character around (besides Mr. Knightley, of course), except that even she fell to temptation once and consented to a secret engagement, which was pretty strongly frowned upon in those days.
Anyway, the point is that in this adaptation, she was the one who stood to lose something if their relationship was made public, but this meant that he was always playing with the lines she drew to maintain the secret. Again, totally consistent with book!Frank's behavior, even though it was his secret in the book.
It does make me wonder if all of EA!Frank's flirting with Emma was also an attempt to goad Jane into allowing their relationship to be made public. Which, I mean, sleazy and obnoxious. But that's how he seemed to me even without knowing that.
It also makes me respect Jane more: we knew that she took her work seriously and that she was committed to human rights and other worthy goals, but now we see how deeply frustrating it was for her to be romantically involved with someone who didn't care enough about those causes to take a stand if it meant any sacrifice to his own wealth.
Her decision to end their relationship makes sense: aside from being a provoking asshole in that last video, he had shown that his priorities were always with this company whose policies were in direct conflict with her deeply held beliefs--and her work--on keeping access to clean drinking water for people rather than corporations. His priorities were not only different from hers, but they did not include her. Out of self-respect and out of respect for people over profits, Jane chose to end their relationship.
In the book, Jane's decision was basically provoked by a more personal quarrel and a sense that he no longer loved her. It meant not only ending her relationship but taking a job as a governess, which would lead to a lower social status and the prospect of a fairly lonely life. But in Emma Approved, she is taking a job that Caroline Lee found for her, about which we know very little; however, it's unlikely to lower her social status or her potential for finding a new relationship.
In the book, Frank knows the only chance for him to win Jane back is to court her openly, so he gets permission from his uncle (his strong-willed aunt having conveniently died). We have no real indication that he has achieved any moral growth. Instead we hope that her influence will gradually improve his character.
Frank's decision to sell his shares in the corporation Jane disapproved of (see what I did there?) is significant, as it means that he is finally listening to her and allowing her to influence him for the better. Instead of making decisions based on what can profit himself directly, he is taking into account the criteria she cares about. So EA, unlike the book, has unexpectedly given Frank a character arc that includes some moral growth.
I wonder if Jane will take him back. [Also, A+ acting. I thought Tyra Colar was fantastic.]
Boxx Hill, Jane and Caroline
...I don't know but the original photo made me laugh so much... and so did drawing this. xDD Caroline is just overly smiley and sparkly, and Jane is just trying to stay sane and away from her... But Caroline is so eager to "help" Jane and is all like "HEY TAKE THIS PIC WITH ME SORORITY STYLE", but Jane won't have any of it. xD
