..unlike in most novels. I agree.

I think that is exactly what JA was attempting to do.
To show the hero and heroine, who were the opposite of their counterparts in the 'gothic' novels, where their trials before they are united would discourage a saint.
Of course it was also very unromantic, unlike them, because they were introduced by the MC

A parody of this.
There was one minor misunderstanding (as you have mentioned). The result of the proposed Beechen Cliff walk which didn't take place, and Henry ignored Catherine for a while at the theatre.