Hi Sid,
I agree with what you say for the most part - what has me puzzled is how they got to know one another in the first place - it's a longish old walk from Coleford to Churchdown - especially if you don't know anyone at the other end.

I think the clue is Sarah being born in Lydbrook - I don't know how long she would have to have lived in Churchdown for to be described as "of this parish" - probably up to the vicar at the time I suppose.
Cheers Nick