Home Theatricals: A Tarnished Image
Deviating from polite behavior could spell social ruin, particularly for young unmarried ladies, making home theatricals problematic.
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What’s wrong with a little romance?
So what’s wrong with a little romance? According to a regency era perspective, nearly everything. It’s Valentine’s Day and there’s romance in the air. What’s wrong with a little romance, right? Especially in the pages of a good book. A regency romance; the hero and heroine looking longingly into each other’s eye, declaring their deepest love for one another. She weeps as she lets him know how she was waiting for this moment, as everyone … Continue reading →
Discreet Affections in Jane Austen’s World
When Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth at Hunsford, she was taken utterly by surprise. How likely was it that the discreet affections of a courtship could really escape the notice of one of the parties involved? Courtship Advice for the Gentleman Unmarried men had to exercise caution around unmarried young ladies. Attentions or even particular friendliness might be interpreted as romantic interest by the lady or her friends and family. Since men were not to express … 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 →
Hints on Victorian Etiquette
“Hints on Etiquette and the Usages of Society, With a Glance at Bad Habits.”
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