It's not so much that Beta Colony reminds me of the Federation, as that Cordelia herself puts me in mind of a Starfleet science officer. Of course, as you say above regarding Klingons versus Barrayar, I might have just noticed it because I was half-looking for it.

As for the romance: doesn't Aral say that he "knew" from the time she buried her fellow officer, the one who the Barrayarans killed? And, right, proposed to her after less than a week, and it didn't sound like he was after a political or practical alliance. Maybe love is a little strong, but I think we are supposed to read strong affection at the very least.