I’ve linked a thread from the L+T Archive which deals with the supposed contents of a ladies reticule, Barbara. Louisa P’s article on Reticules is very intersting.

While a Regency lady might not have our modern encumbrances –mobile phone, palm pilot etc., etc. I think a sensible woman would equip herself for the emergencies of life.

I’m not sure it was “expected”: but I am sure most women carried around with them small items they considered necessities.

She would probably carry an etui, containing small scissors ,needles , threads etc; some smelling slats in a vinagrette; an ivory note pad with a graphite pencil…and obviously, court plaister.

One thing puzzles me about Emma, however. In Chapter 40 she says this:

"My dearest Harriet!" cried Emma, putting her hand before her face, and jumping up, "you make me more ashamed
of myself than I can bear. Remember it? Aye, I remember it all now; all, except your saving this relick: I knew nothing of that till this moment -- but the cutting the finger, and my recommending court plaister, and saying I had none about me! Oh! my sins, my sins! And I had plenty all the while in my pocket! One of my senseless tricks! I deserve to be under a continual blush all the rest of my life. Well" (sitting down again) "go on: what else?"
Chapter 40

Pockets were worn throughout the 18th century, under women’s dresses. “Lucy Locket Lost her Pocket”, remember…;-) However when the “ empire “ line dresses were introduced the wearing of pockets stooped and women took to using reticules: look at this from The History of Underclothes by C.Willett and Phillis Cunnington:

The former device of a detached pocket hung round the waist under the skirt became impracticable with the scanty dresses of the period(1791-1820),and so they became replaced by the handbag or “reticule” commonly called a “ridicule”. An observer in 1805 remarked that it was out of the question for ladies to wear pockets .When in a novel of 1817, a countrified lady admits to having a pocket it provided the comment:” Your pocket ,Madam! Do you wear a pocket?” Absolutely”, tittered a lady behind her chair ,”She confesses to wearing pockets”

(The novel in question is Six Weeks at Longs by E S Barrett )

So…is this another example of Emma being old fashioned, and clinging to old customs, as is her father’s habit? Was JA showing her provincial taste by allowing Emma to wear a pocket in 1813/4 ?I honestly don’t know.

Perhaps it was acceptable to wear a pocket in the country, under a sturdy dark cotton dress, but not when wearing a fine muslin? I am not really sure.