In a previous episode, Emily said that Richard's secretary was incompetent, and Emily felt the need to confirm things with her multiple times. Now, Richard and Emily can't conceive of Richard going into business by himself without Margie, who is suddenly the best secretary there ever was.
When Rory wants to leave the party early, she tells Lorelai that it's still early and she can take her regular bus home. The party is about the same time as Friday night dinner, and Lorelai and Rory were shown driving from Stars Hollow meaning Rory went home after school. There is no way Rory went home, changed her clothes, and went all the way back to Hartford in time for her to take the same bus home as she does after school.