A young person in love (or even more surprisingly - NOT in love) must expect a great deal of advice from mothers, mother figures and those who fancy themselves mother figures.

If you don't have anyone, the Mrs. Jennings of this world will try and make a match.

If you're being prudent, the Mrs. Bennets of this world will fuss and push for you to get on with things.

If you're quick and sure, the LRs will advise you to back off.

I'm not sure how Austen would have expected us to react. Perhaps not much differently than we have reacted - with mixed feelings. I find my feelings on the matter are constantly changing, as I read and as I post.