Category: customs and traditions
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A “Baron” By Any Other Name, May Not Be As Correct As One Assumes…
Being a “baron” means a man holds a title of the nobility. In the British system, he is below a viscount (baron, viscount, earl, marquess, duke). In those countries without “viscounts,” a baron is below a “count,” which is the same as an earl in Britain.
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Winners!
UPDATE AND CORRECTION: I had intended for those who answered my question last month to be declared the winners. Obviously my brain has had other ideas. Poor brain is having trouble adjusting to the Electric Chair. But we’re still all winners. SO . . . Since I can’t possibly give my book away to the…
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A Gothic Revival and Parody – Jane’s Contributions to Spooky Literature
Starbucks has finally come out with the pumpkin spice and the witchy ladies are all putting out their throw blankets. So, you know what that means – It’s Spooky Season! I’d like to talk about my favorite Jane Austen Novel – Northanger Abbey. My husband has argued that, if we ever play the Newlywed Game,…
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Candles for Late Night Reading?
I own that the ever-present backpack over my shoulder holds an LED flashlight in the righthand pocket. It’s also true that I always have a flashlight next to the bed (mostly because I believe “It” is underneath waiting to catch me unawares) on the table. However, I still find my household to be incomplete without…
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The Sea Cure: Were Those Regency Doctors onto Something?
The richest Austen characters flock to the sea to cure their medical problems. What’s the sea cure, and does it work?
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We are so very spoiled
Hi everyone. Yes, it is time once again for the ramblings from my mind. I grew up in central Illinois and had the honor of being raised with both sets of grandparents in my life. It was fun, as my dad’s parents collected antiques, and, having been raised with them and having respect for them,…
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Happy Sixth Book Birthday to “Mr. Darcy’s Bride(s)”
In my book, MR. DARCY’s BRIDEs, by mistake Elizabeth disrupts Mr. Darcy’s marriage to his cousin, Anne De Bourgh. Our daring heroine is in disguise (NOTE: I drape her with a heavy veil attached to her bonnet, which would not be likely in the Regency era, but it was not forbidden. No one can say for…
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If Regency-era Dentists Did Not Recommend Brushing Twice a Day, They Should Have!
Though dental hygiene was becoming a regular part of personal care in the Regency, it was certainly not up to the standards of modern times. Dental care would have been an expense many of the working class could not afford.
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When History Comes Alive
What does an author of historical fiction do when she goes on vacation to the largest living history exhibit in the U.S.? She learns even more history that she can apply to her writing, of course! Last week, in honor of Independence Day, my family and I traveled to Williamsburg, Virginia, to experience the living…
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She Wasn’t Born With Those Lips
The short answer is yes, lip stain existed during the Regency, and young ladies could make it at home! In deference to the simple and fresh looks preferred at the time, it was not for every day, and using lip stains in excess was frowned upon, no matter what level of society the lady belonged.