Parson Woodefords
Written by JulieW
(10/28/2003 3:07 p.m.)
in consequence of the missive, GR: A cook and a housemaid, penned by Jacqueline
He employed IIRC; a "farming man- who also undertook duties in the house, a footman, a "skip-jack", or yard boy, an upper maid( who also did some of the cooking), and an undermaid who also took care of the dairy. So he had three men and two maids, plus Nancy his niece. Parson Woodforde had land and cows to consider.The Dashwoods didnt, neither did they have a carraige.So I am sure they would have retained some "gentility". I suppose Elinor would undertake the "house keeping" role.I am sure Mrs Dashwood would have immaculate linen and china cupboards- bearing in mind her fabulous collection from Stanhill. Did anyone else notice teh small detail that gentelmen preferred relatives to be their housekeepers? I immediately thougt of Mr Rochester and Mrs Fairfax.She was "as good s a Farifax or at least wed to one", wasn't she-a relation by marraige to Mr Rochester?.And we have Parson Woodfordes example. I wonder if Mrs Reynolds was some distant relation of Darcy's?Would explain her paritality, wouldn't it? ;-) |
