Thanks! I shall be adding to my education shortly! (nfm)
Posted by P. Bingham on February 01, 1998 at 03:56:26:
In response to "In her girlhood under the Regency...", written by Valerie Mc. on January 31, 1998 at 07:57:16
] It would be impossible for anyone born in this century to imagine the pride and importance of such small country gentlepeople in the 'eighties...By virtue of having been born into a particular caste and living in the "big house" of the parish, they expected to reign over their poorer neighbours and be treated by them with the deference due to royalty. Like royalty, too, they could be charming to those who pleased them. Those who did not had to beware.
] "...We don't want nothin' from they," (the cottagers)would say, "and us shouldn't get it if we did. Let the old gal stay at home and see that her own tea-caddy's kept locked up, and not come nosing round here axin' how many spoonsful we puts in ours."
] Mrs. Bracewell knew nothing of such speeches. If she had, she would probably have thought the world - her world - was coming to an end. Which it was. In her girlhood under the Regency, she had been taught her duty towards the cottagers, which included reproving them for their wasteful habits. It also included certain charities. She was generous out of all proportion to her small means...
] It's hard to stop quoting from Lark Rise;it's one of my read-at-least-twice-a-year books, and every student of English history and manners should have it. Please stop by the bookstore and treat yourself!
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