I'm a mad Jane Austen fan, I even used my Favourite book by her (Persuassion) as part of my dissertation! I'm currently reading Lady Susan, a very early work of hers.
Emma however, is another favourite of mine, and yes there certainly are jokes! Jane Austen made a living out of making fun of society and its conventions, but she did it in such a cleve and a gentle way, that they didn't mind or perhaps didn't notice! I would wholeheartedly recommend any of her books!