The last time I was in Germany in the Fall, it was warm and pleasant, perfect weather for outdoor festivals and things. In fact, that's the way it's been every time I've been in Germany in Fall. Italy. I would have frozen in Italy had I dressed for Fall in Germany.

As for Austin's contemporaries....I don't remember. I think she's one of those authors who straddles eras, but college was a long time ago. Here are my guesses: Coleridge, Shelley, Sir Walter Scott. The Bronte Sisters might have been contemporary or have been a little later.