Posted by Caroline on August 27, 1997 at 22:21:31:
In reply to During the engagement posted by Madelien on August 27, 1997 at 18:44:26
I don't need to explain myself, do I?
] Can anyone explain some of this to me?
First of all, anything in Fan-fiction is just that, fiction! An author can write whatever (s)he wants!
As to what an affianced couple were, and were not, allowed to do, I have not yet found any real rules and regulations for the period. However,I think they would be allowed to do more than just kiss hands. There is a description of Marianne and Willoughby, in Sense and Sensibility, being allowed to talk, giggle , and exchange locks of hair just out of sight/earshot of Marianne's mother. Elizabeth and Darcy went on a long walk with Jane and Bingley just after the latter declared their engagement.
I would hazard a guess to say that they were allowed a lot of time in semi-privacy, and that cuddling was not frowned upon, as long as it wasn't in a public place. Whether any more was allowed I don't know. However, as the old proverb goes..."Where there's a will, there's a way", and I am quite sure that some couples achieved more than that!
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