] teenage girls sorely need the lesson that the fluff which gets pushed on them is NOT in any way to their advantage.

I couldn't agree more, and I'm already seeing that Catherine exhibits a measure of sense that will overcome the ridiculous "fluff" aspects of being a teenage girl.

She, at least, is not given to fits of ecstacy or despair over trifles (except in reference to her beloved novels...and who could find fault with that ;) ). In that regard, she's quite different from her peers, and I'm hoping (though I don't hold my breath) that Catherine's sense will have a good influence on the ridiculous and narcissistic Miss Thorpe (whose fate in the story I do not recall).