The Regency E-Zine published monthly by Linore Rose Burkard
This month: Special feature for Men: How the fashionable man spent his time during the Regency (And women did not) Visions of Byron Some of his poems, that is. View the videos on YouTube. A top Regency poet is interpreted visually with stunning results. Ariana Objects: In which the author is questioned on why her next book is not out yet, by the heroine waiting to finish her story! News, Notes and Thanks F.R.E.E. Download of the Month: All new subscribers get this: Paste Jewels, by John Kendrick Bangs, a late 19th century author. Available here for all subscribers. (with a few illustrations that I added to make it more fun.) And more. February Regency Births of Note
Special Feature: The Regency Man of Leisure Bucks, Beaux, and Blades: What They Did and why Women Did Not.
It has been said that during the Regency a man's time was really his own, while a woman was expected to engage in only a few genteel pastimes. For instance, while a woman might paint, draw, do needlework, make morning calls, and shop, a man was free to box, fence, hunt, drive, shoot, attend a club, drink, dine out freely with other men, game (gamble) and even womanize. None of these pursuits would jeopardize his standing or reputation with society at large though he might be hard-pressed to keep his wife happy.
In addition, he might be a Lord, and therefore a member of Parliament, or sit in the House of Commons. After that, there were multiple posts in the army or navy, and civic leadership from the lowly local constable to the Lord Mayor of London. There was also the church, which was a respectable fall-back for second sons who did not want an army commission, Finally, let us not forget that for many men with means, their entire occupation was merely being a man about town--a beau, a dandy (not necessarily a fop, even the Prince Regent had years of dandified glory, until he grew too large to cut a fine figure).
Additionally, only men were expected to be truly educated, though there is vast evidence that women were often scholars of equal footing, taught at home by parents, tutors, or themselves. (As witness the many female poets and authors of the day, not to mention political and social hostesses, whose conversation had to be witty and knowledgeable in order to attract the social elites (men) who filled their tables.)
A woman, however, always had to be careful. She had only to be seen walking on the wrong street at the wrong time of day, and she could be taken for a "light-skirt", a lady of the street, and her reputation was lost. The double-standard that has often existed between what is allowable for men and women was fully in force at that time. Of course, there were exceptions: some aristocratic ladies had their cake, and ate it too, such as Lady Harley whose numerous brood of offspring had many sires, and were therefore called "the Harleian Miscellany." This did not prevent her from appearing at Court, while for the common miss, the least hint of impropriety in sexual matters would ruin her chances of a good marriage.
Finally, the inheritance laws nearly universally (and historically) favored only male heirs, which authors like Jane Austen highlighted to depict the sometime plight of women.
If a Regency belle were to flash-forward to today's society she might feel herself lost for a time, unprotected, and overwhelmed. Eventually, however, I think she'd agree that she'd come a long way, baby.
copyright 2007 Linore Rose Burkard. All rights reserved. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Visions of Byron (on You Tube)
(Illustration only available in HTML version). email linroseburkard@earthlink.net and ask for the February newsletter in HTML
Two poems by the bard are given the modern treatment with impressive results. (Thanks to the Byron List for the "heads up.") Poems are, "Darkness" (earlier titled, The Dream) and "When We Two Parted." To see and hear the short presentations go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36EJAeJ2vG4 ("When We Two Parted") (Love the narration on this one!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVGki2RnQVQ ("Darkness") Quite apocalyptic.Apparently, Byron had a nightmare. Some of the images here are more appropriate than others, I thought, but overall quite good.
(Above Illustration: George Gordon, Lord Byron. He was both adored and vilified during the Regency.)
"Ariana Objects": (In which I mimic 19th century style in a "conversation" with Miss Forsythe.)
(Ariana Forsythe is the heroine in my novel, Before the Season Ends. If you've been waiting for the sequel, you're not alone. If you've been wondering what's up with Ariana, read on!)
“Well, it's about time!” Ariana said to me, as if she'd been waiting around for months.
I had been trying to get back to sleep, and realized then that it was hopeless.
“I'm sorry,” I responded, earnestly and in my most cordial voice.
“I never meant to have you languish for so long, or to keep you waiting like this.”
“But you have,” she answered, matter-of-factly.
“Yes, I'm a sorry excuse for a writer, I realize that.”
“I'm quite impatient to get on with my life,” she pointed out.
“But I have a life, too, you know, and I've had a very trying time of it.”
“Oh, have you?” she asked, a little compassion springing into her large tan eyes.
“I have,” I nodded.
“But I'm not the only one waiting,” she said, trying to sound gentle, though I could tell she was really quite put out with me.
“Yes, I'm aware of that,” I told her. “I have been doing some writing, you know!”
“But not about me,” she said, rather firmly. “You realize that I'm completely dependent upon you to live my life, don't you?”
“Mmmm,” I answered. I saw her point.
“Very well, then, where would you like to begin?”
“Why, with Phillip, of course!” she answered quickly, and immediately I saw the old sparkle jump into her large eyes, bringing a good deal of changing colours with it.
“Where is Phillip?” I asked, hoping she could tell me.
“With the horses,” she said, without a moment's hesitation.
“Ah,” I said. “That's a start, I suppose.”
She smiled. “Of course it is. Now get to work, and let me get to mine.”
“Oh, and what is your work?” I asked, not realizing that she had got any.
“Why, to do good, and to perhaps exert some small influence on our circle of friends; Phillip is often at Carlton House, you know, and perchance I may even be given the opportunity of demonstrating goodness to the Prince!” She looked at me sideways. “If –If a certain person would simply hunker down and let me at it.”
I had an uncomfortable feeling I knew who that person was.
“And what about my life?” I asked her, a little defiantly.”You know, that matters, too!”
“But this is your life,” she responded with the cool assurance I had always enjoyed in her.
“You're sure about that, eh?” I asked.
“Oh, completely!” she answered, with a full smile this time. “I just know it! You mustn't shirk your life's work, you know.”
“But my family, my home, aren't they my life's work, too?”
“Of course they are. And that is what makes my life work for you; I mean, it's a labour and a duty; you must find a way to enable us both to do what we are meant for.”
“And what are you meant for?” There was a silence hanging in the air for a moment while Ariana just stared at me with her large, pretty eyes shining thoughtfully. “Nearly the same as what you are meant for; To do the work God gives us, discovering who we are and how we may better the world in some small way; to love those around us and help them know God. Wouldn't you say all of that is part of our reason for being here?”
I nodded. “Hmmn, yes, I believe I would.”
“And above all,” she added, after having another moment to think about it. “I should think we must learn to love the Lord in all circumstances- no matter what befalls us.”
“Well said,” I answered, admiring her quick thinking, not for the first time.
She looked at me with a mixture of amusement and patience. “Shall we get on with it, then?”
“I'm not certain I'm prepared....” I began.
“No one ever is,” she said, gently. “Do not allow that to stop you.”
I took a deep breath. “Oh, very well. I suppose we must begin. It has been a long time, hasn't it?”
She nodded. “Too long.”
I stared at her a moment, taking in the shining eyes, silky golden hair, and smooth complexion—all of which had helped her win the heart of her beloved, as well as that of most all London.
“Things may get difficult for you this time around,” I suddenly had to tell her. “We can't all just go on smoothly, you know, without dire things befalling us.” Her eyes darkened a little. “I realize that,” she answered, slowly. “I needs must move on, however, come what may.”
“Of course. And so you shall.”
“You will see that Phillip gets on well, though, won't you?” she asked suddenly, betraying a hint of the young girl she really still was, beauty aside.
“Oh, now, my dear,” I said, shaking my head, “I care for Phillip a great deal, you must know that.”
“But that doesn't answer the purpose,” she said, mildly alarmed. “You will take care of him, won't you?
“Phillip is a strong man and has a good head on his shoulders “ I answered. “I'm afraid you'll have to trust him, and God, to take care of things.” But she didn't look reassured. “Besides,” I added, having another thought, “you'll need to watch over your own heart and soul, as ever.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, I shall.”
“Good,” I said. “So perhaps now we shall begin.”
“Good,” she said, though her voice was still a little subdued by the thoughts of what life might bring her way. I gave her a quick hug. “It is good to see you!” I said, in a whisper, in her ear.
“Thank you, indeed,” she answered. “And you. I had almost given up on you.” We moved apart and looked affectionately at one another for a moment.
“I may be slow, but I do get around to things,” I said.
She smiled, and with a bubble of laughter in her voice, said again, “It's about time!”
finis
Linore's Note: I have, of course, already been at work on the sequel, but I have been distracted from it, too. Here's hoping Ariana got through to me~! <grin>
copyright 2007 Linore Rose Burkard _______________________________________________________________________________
News, Notes, and Thanks
Before the Season Ends has just won an "Outstanding Read" seal of approval from Faithwriters.com.
Thank you, FaithWriter's!
For more info about the Regency Adventure/Romance Before the Season Ends (with a twist of inspiration) go here: http://www.LinoreRoseBurkard.com/Home_BeforeTSE.html The book is also available at Amazon.com, and BarnesandNoble.com
The William Blake archive has announced a new release: http://www.blakearchive.org/ Everything on the archive is F.r.e.e. This is a great resource if you like Blake's writings or artwork. (Blake is a REGENCY talent. He lived from 1757-1827, and was a prolific poet, painter and printmaker.)
Simply Slimming Update: Last month I announced I'd be using this weight-loss module by Janice Elizabeth Small. So far, I dropped four pounds. Not a great deal, but I'm still having dessert, so it's a great encouragement! If you want to change the way you think about food, (read: not DIET) and lose weight, check out Simply Slimming. (Only 21 more pounds to go! If I lose only two or three a month, I'd still be ahead of my goal by next December.) Janice's daily encouragements are terrific. Not the usual stuff, either. She really helps you to think consciously about what you put into your body, and why. And just FYI: I'm not an affiliate or anything, so I don't make a penny if you choose her method.
Go here: ("The friendliest place to lose weight on the web") http://www.simplyslimming.com/dietexitplan
Valentine's Day is over, but since it's still February I thought I'd include this little graphic (above) and take a moment to wish all of you a belated Happy Valentine's Day!
Paste Jewels by John Kendrick Bangs. A humorous look at life with servants. Ever think that back in the days when it was common to have "help" that life must have been easier? Maybe. Maybe not!
Download the story here: http://www.LinoreRoseBurkard.com/pjs.html
Last month's story/poem "Little Roland" is still available. This is really cute! Download it here: http://www.LinoreRoseBurkard.com/roland.html
Read an excerpt of Before the Season Ends, here: http://www.LinoreRoseBurkard.com/btse_excerpt.html
Don't forget that there's a Regency glossary available! http://www.LinoreRoseBurkard.com/Glossary.html
February Regency Births of Note: February 7 Charles Dickens (1812) Novelist 10th Charles Lamb (1775) Essayist; minor poet; author* 22nd Sarah Fuller Adams (1805) Actress, poet, hymnwriter* 22nd William Barnes (1801) Writer; spoke 8 languages!* 22nd James Russell Lowell (1819) Poet, essayist 27th Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807) Writer; humanist*
*I include birthdays during the "stylistic" Regency, not just the political Regency ______________________________________________________________
