Rules of a Regency Courtship
Rules of a Regency Courtship! Many courtship rules helped to squelch the possibilities of romantic passion. But why?
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Conduct during Courtships in Jane Austen’s World
Nothing, especially courtships were straightforward in Jane Austen’s World. Squelching, not encouraging courtship Many of the rules governing conduct in courtship helped squelch the possibilities of romantic passion. These included forbidding the use of Christian names, paying compliments, driving in carriages alone together, correspondence, and any kind of intimate contact. If a couple was observed violating any of them, onlookers would immediately assume a proposal had been offered and accepted. Even mild displays of friendliness could … Continue reading →
‘Coming Out’ in Jane Austen’s World
In Pride and Prejudice Lady Catherine made quite the to-do about all the Bennet sisters being out at once. What did it mean to come out and why, if it was such a good thing, should it be limited to only one sister at a time? Coming Out in Society When a girl was deemed ready by her family–sufficiently accomplished in all the skills she needed to be a social asset to her husband–she would make … Continue reading →
A Private Ball
In a society governed by strict rules regulating the interaction of the sexes, the dance floor provided one of the only places marriage partners could meet and courtships might blossom. And the best dancefloor was to be found at a private ball. “The characteristic of an English country dance is that of gay simplicity. The steps should be few and easy, and the corresponding motion of the arms and body unaffected, modest, and graceful.” – … Continue reading →