I wonder if some of the menfolk wanted some extended time off before starting what they considered would be an arduous story arc. They had to develop new characters, weary uncomfortable period costumes, changed sets, etc. I may be suffering from FDSMS, but wasn't TLATKLS also pretty much gone during that last month as well? Seems like she took a break, too. And Nancy Barrett didn't show up, I think, until several weeks into 1795. Maybe they just needed a break.
Gerard