] Now I've convinced myself that Isabella is the real heroine of this novel!!

Well, she certainly is in her own mind at least.

Actually, I believe that both Isabella and John are so self-centered as to think themselves the hero/heroine of their own novel, and everyone they meet is a supporting player. So far the only gentleman I have actually seen pay close attention to Isabella is James. I know there have been a couple of instances in which Isabella says that men are interested in her, but somehow I don't think her judgement is to be trusted. So, while James might not be the biggest fish in the pond, I think he's the only one biting.