It seems to me that the clearest indication that Catherine is NOT rich is that she has travelled to NA alone; she has no maid in tow. From the relatively new study I have begun on JA's L&T, a LADY simply did NOT travel without a maid. A rich lady could not even dress herself; the dress styles were conducive to continuing her dependence on her maid (fastenings in back, etc.). A lady from a background with less money would have worn clothes that did not need a maid's help to put on, which surely is what Catherine wore.

But perhaps the General (from his lofty position, or from his lack or interest) would be unaware of whether or not Catherine had brought a maid? And perhaps he would also be totally unaware (for the same reasons) of the simple style of dress she wore? Hmmm...