Re: What If...

Posted by Cassia on November 08, 1997 at 16:02:18:

In response to What if you know no gentlewomen?, written by Helen on November 07, 1997 at 06:36:10

] ]

1. That ladies coming to thae ball appoint a time for their footmaen coming to wait on them home, to prevent disturbances and inconvenience to themselves and others.
2. That no gentlmen give his ticket for the ball to any but a gentlewoman. Unless he has none of his acquaitence.

   ] In which case, do you invite mere demi-monde?

   I think this rule came into being because gentlemen woudl often give the tickets to subcription balls to their servant if they couln't attend themselves. In the late 17th century this made no difference as many upper servants were ladies and gentlemen in distressed circumstances. As servants began to rise up through that ranks giving the tickets to the servants raised the chances of young madam of good fortune eloping with the tall, handsome footman (footmen were chosen, in part for their height).
   ] ] Many of Nash's rules still seem to be good ones. Too bad nobody told the younger Bennet girls number 5.

   ]

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   This is fascinating! To say nothing of ageist!

   It seemed that way to me also, at first. Then I thought again. The business of a ball is to make sure all the young eligibles are introduced. So a gorgeous widow or a younger brother interfered when they drew attention to themselves. Not entirely fair but not unreasonable either.

   
   
   

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   REPLIES:
   

   • Interesting! Caroline 23:43:09 11/08/97 (2)
     • Eloping with the footman Helen 10:45:28 11/12/97 (1)
       • An Exchange Cassia 16:03:04 11/14/97 (0)
   
   

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