An Exchange
Posted by Cassia on November 14, 1997 at 16:03:04:
In response to Eloping with the footman, written by Helen on November 12, 1997 at 10:45:28
But I still think Nash's rules for balls draw attention to the "meat market" aspect of society life, rather than its potential as an ideal of elegant behaviour. I mean, what would you do if you thought you were one of the eligibles and then were told to sit on a bench because you were past it...
I think it was an exchange. The 'eligibles' got to meet far more people than they other wise would and the chaporones couldn't move as fast as tehy would be able to from the first row.
As to the servant marriges, these did occur in 18C and 19C as well as the 17th. But as society grew more regulated they became less common. The author of the book I was refering to listed a couple. I'd post the particulars but I've returned the book and someone has taken it out. My fault I fear, I told her how good it was. :-[
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