It's - I mean, it is obvious, even from the little I know about her, that she's not exactly a member of the group she worships; more like a hanger-on. (I mean, I think there's a reason for her deep and sincere love of the "But I cannot let you marry me, as I am not worthy of you" trope - I think that trope tends to hit the id in the place that wants to hear "You are totally worthy. You really do belong.") Does it help? I have no idea. But, hey, I can still enjoy her books. There are ones I can't.

As a teenager I only saw the danger as well as embarrassment Prudence was exposed to, while her brother, as Kate, risked much less; I thought he was a reckless lout for putting her in that position. It was clear he enjoyed the potential for danger; equally clear that Prudence didn't.

Ooo, interesting. That was totally not what I got from it. I wonder if you would think the same things if you read it now?