1800's Literature or 2012 Soap Opera?

The love triangle between Catherine, Henry, and John is almost comical. I would never have thought of a love triangle being in a book from the 1800's. Nowadays it would totally be a soap opera. John loves Catherine, however, she loves Henry, but he might be gay! That is so drama filled that it could almost only appeal to women. The main audience of this book was women and of course all women love gossip and would just soak this up. It's so scandalous that the sheer idea of it would draw people in. Austen had a good idea by adding this love triangle in along with the drama.