remark of JA in CH 3;

This is after the first meeting with Henry. The ON feels that if at all Catherine thought or dreamt of him then;

..I hope it was no more than in a slight slumber, or a morning doze at most; for if it be true, as a celebrated writer has maintained, that no young lady can be justified in falling in love before the gentleman’s love is declared,

Well we know that our non heroine thinks a lot about Henry.
No wonder one cannot suppose her to be a heroine ;-)