I agree with your observation about Beth and it does seem to appear this is the direction it's going why on earth though they're trying to make her appear younger than what she is, is beyond me. The "little felgercarb" I think has a crush on her and I see Beth looking at him as a "Younger Brother" type thing, anything more than that would be just wrong if she reciprocated "the little shits" glances.
If Beth know's what is good for her she'll do herself some good by staying a mile away from him as he's likely to get her killed and cause all kinds of trouble, which to be honest, I wouldn't put it past him since he thinks he's living in a world with elves and fairies.