Hmm, just given that there are quite a few 'modern girls' commenting here that they aren't particularly fond of the Byron type, I think that generalisation falls down rather fast.

I can see Ann throwing herself into missionary work (as of course we know Forest envisaged in a way, though taking the form of working as a nurse in developing countries), but I think she is also quite independent and, like Rowan, used to making up her own mind and running things. I can't see her as a helpmate in the way St John Rivers had in mind. I've argued before that she's just as much officer material as Nicola and Rowan.