I've not read Sword at Sunset yet, but it's definitely on the list! (and oh, her nature descriptions are absolutely the best thing ever... <3)

I certainly think it must have been at least a little intentional (and it seems like every time I think that sort of thing about a book I later find out the author was either definitely queer or in the 'never married, lived with their same-gender best friend' situation. Deliberate subtext was A Thing! :P).

Oof, yeah, that is not what you want to have in your mind when reading such a good book, no.