Herbaceous peonies don't put out new growth after blooming and then die back to the ground every year. You did the right thing keeping them watered well through the summer, gave them some time to get settled before going dormant. Most likely that's all you're seeing and they'll come back next spring. You'll want to cut the browned foliage and stems down to just and inch or so above the ground and trash it, not commonly used in compost since they're kinda prone to mildew and stuff as they die back. You'll want to cut back dramatically on the watering, just wet it down if the ground gets pretty dry, and keep that approach until they come back in the spring. Good luck with your new peonies, make sure to post some pics if they bloom next spring! For future reference, the absolute best time to dig/divide/transplant peonies is in the fall when they're already dormant but it can be successfully done pretty much any time of the year that the ground can be dug, just need more care like any other transplanted perennial.

I did everything like you recommended. I had to take them when I had the chance otherwise they would've been fall planted. Thanks!

Will do. After they died down, I pulled the grass that came with the dirt. I did that until the grass gave up (I think). Anyways the grass hasn't been back. Hoping for a robust return as this was a mature plant and we took most of the roots/dirt when we dug. I think these were a nice red, double blossom.

There's hope! Little red spears coming forth from the earth. (no pictures yet, I'll wait until blooms).

Yeah!!!! Looking forward to seeing the pictures!

No blooms last year BUT.... We got 4 nice pink blooms this year. Some smaller buds that didn't open but can't complain, it's still progress. :^)