Thorpe and General Tilney appear quite decadent !

If I've read aright, then John Thorpe really does gamble. I felt sure he did, but he didn't mention it to Catherine.
We directly hear of John as rude, stupid and boastful. He does not seduce anyone yet I've always had the impresion he'd like too.
So General Tilney maybe a gambler too, and visit 'other houses' around the coffee house.

Clever JA ! With just the mention of the Bedford Coffee House she conjures up the habits of at least two NA charecters.

As another poster says, you would know how to make history enjoyble,even for Catherine.

Great research. Lucky us we have you to de-cipher these references.
Thankyou so much, Julie !