Category Archives: Victorian Era

What do you know about Chatelaines and Chains worn in Jane Austen’s and Bridgerton times? Women in charge of households carried important items with them. #Bridgerton #JaneAusten #RegencyEra #GeorgianEra #VictorianEra

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Chatelaines and Chains History Notes Book 9 By Suzi Love. What do you know about Chatelaines and Chains worn in Jane Austen’s and Bridgerton times? Women in charge of households carried important items with them. History Notes Book 9 Chatelaines and Chains. books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

Personal Necessities, keys, or chatelaines was a set of useful items hung from waist by decorative chain. Chatelaines and Chains. History Notes Book 9 By Suzi Love. Women in charge of households dangled long chains from their waists to keep essentials within easy reach e.g. keys, notebook and pen, watch, sewing items, vinaigrette or perfume, or magnifying glass. Early chatelaine were simple essentials. Later chatelaine were decorative and expensive. http://books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

Definition Chatelaine: The word Chatelaine is French and means the keeper of the keys. Chatelaine” derives from the Latin word for castle. In Medieval times, the chatelaine was in charge of the day-to-day running of the castle. Women in charge of households dangled long chains from their waists to keep essentials within easy reach e.g. keys, notebook and pen, watch, sewing items, vinaigrette or perfume, or magnifying glass. Early chatelaine were simple essentials. Later chatelaine were decorative and expensive. books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

What did a chatelaine do? Most important task was keeper of the keys. Also ordered supplies, did bookkeeping, supervised servants, taught castle children, and organized guests.

What were chatelaines used for?

  • Castle keepers needed keys safe, yet easily accessible.
  • By 1700’s, a metal jeweled ornament hung from pockets, attached to belts, or by hooks into skirt waistbands
  • During 1800’s, women wore large collections of tools hung from chains
  • Young girls sewed and did needlework and needed to carry sewing notions eg scissors, thimbles
  • Worn by women of all classes, from workers to nobility
  • Varied depending on class and finances.
  • Made of silver, brass, steel, leather, or fabric
  • During 19th century, fashionable dresses often had no waist and nowhere to hang chatelaines
  • Chatelaines became decorative brooches
  • Often given as a wedding present from a husband to bride
  • Later became fashion accessories
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Book Hooks: Earl of Winchester requires a placid bride, the opposite of Lady Laura. #HistoricalRomance #RomCom #RegencyRomance

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Richard St. Martin, the Earl of Winchester, explains his requirements for a placid bride while Lady Laura Jamison scoffs at his naivete. Scenting Scandal By Suzi Love Book 2 Scandalous Siblings Series. books2read.com/suziloveSS 

EXCERPT

The Earl of Winchester, reiterated, “Your male relations understand my stance on marriage. I abhor marriages based on notions of romantic ideology, and I believe love matches create more unhappiness than joy. My convictions exclude me as a suitable suitor for you and make me the safest choice of escort, especially compared to the fortune hunters and rakes I’ve seen sniffing around your skirts recently.” Under her intense scrutiny, he shifted his feet. “For a woman as passionate and exciting as you, I’d prove very poor husband material.”

He realized how his words might be interpreted when Lady Laura said, “Are you complementing me for my passion? Or lamenting that I’m not the milk-pudding-miss you profess to require as your bride?”

He stiffened. “My countess will not be as bland as you imagine. She’ll be admired by everyone, including me of course, for her competency in running several large households.”

“Of course.” She rolled her eyes. “Because sewing and pianoforte and menu-planning and…reciting the bible…. are vital for any woman’s sanity. Mind you, your countess will need some distraction during the long boring months waiting to deliver your heir. And, of course, a possible spare or two. Stitching handkerchiefs may be the most excitement she experiences if her marriage to you is as boring as it sounds. I don’t believe you’re stupid enough to settle for a young girl who completely lacks wit.” Her gaze met his, confronting and demanding. “A chit with whom you’ve nothing in common, malleable enough to bend to your will and willing to be held at an emotional distance.”

He stared straight ahead, unable to meet her eyes. Laura, and this damnable conversation, would strip his long-held convictions regarding marriage from his bones.“It’s the way of our world, Laura. Men of rank list their requirements and choose the wife who best meets their needs. My countess needs to have enough spine to act as my hostess, yet be biddable and undemonstrative.”

“Poor, poor girl. Selected like a horse from Tattersall’s to carry on your breeding program, and then ignored for the remainder of her marriage. No doubt you’ll desert her in favor of your latest mistress.”

“You’ve no right to scoff at my rationale. Not after you’ve terrified every bachelor in London by scribbling notes about them in your little books. Only giving the poor sods a tick of approval if they have a pleasing aroma. You’re selecting your husband the same way I intend finding my wife. By examining their credentials. Your scientific theorizing degrades their worth as men far more than my plans for my countess. At least I’m choosing her for her … ah…gentler traits.”

When she scowled, he clasped a hand to his chest in a dramatic fashion and gave her a wide-eyed look. “Consider your lack of traditional female skills arts as providential. Instead of wasting your time testing me as a potential husband, you can treat me as an older and wiser financial advisor, as well as a loyal sentinel.”

She frowned. “Once again, I can’t decide if I should be insulted or relieved.”

SS_ScentingScandal_Lady Laura Jamison of the Earl Of Winchester. His fashionable trousers fascinated her, purely from a scientific point of view. #RomCom #HistoricalRomance books2read.com/suziloveSS


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1800s Typical Puddings and Pastries Served In Households Like the Bridgerton’s and Jane Austen’s. #Bridgerton #Food #RegencyEra #JaneAusten #BritishHistory

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1800s Typical Puddings and Pastries.These are the sort of puddings and pastries Jane Austen’s family would have eaten on a regular basis during the early 1800s, or Regency Era. Open Apple Tart, Galette, Apricot Fritters, Pancakes and Apricot Jam, Charlotte Russe, Macaroni Cheese, Cherry Tart, Mince Pies, Almond Puddings, Tartlets, Compote Of Fruit, Fruit Pudding, Fruit Tart, Christmas Plum Pudding, Milk Pudding and Roly Poly Jam Pudding. From: 1850s- 1860s Mrs. Beeton’s Books of Household Management. via Google Books (PD-150). 1800s Typical Puddings and Pastries Served In Households Like Jane Austen’s. https://books2read.com/suziloveOLD

1800s Typical Puddings and Pastries.These are the sort of puddings and pastries Jane Austen's family would have eaten on a regular basis during the early 1800s, or Regency Era. Open Apple Tart, Galette, Apricot Fritters, Pancakes and Apricot Jam, Charlotte Russe, Macaroni Cheese, Cherry Tart, Mince Pies, Almond Puddings, Tartlets, Compote Of Fruit, Fruit Pudding, Fruit Tart, Christmas Plum Pudding, Milk Pudding and Roly Poly Jam Pudding. From: 1850s- 1860s Mrs. Beeton's Books of Household Management. via Google Books (PD-150).
1800s_Typical Puddings_MrsBeeton
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Book Hooks: Lady Laura Jamison believes her extraordinary olfactory senses will sniff out her perfect match, but will the Earl prove her wrong? #HistoricalRomance #RomCom #RegencyRomance

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Lady Laura Jamison believes her extraordinary olfactory senses will sniff out her perfect match, but will Richard St. Martin, the Earl of Winchester, prove her theory wrong? Scenting Scandal By Suzi Love Book 2 Scandalous Siblings Series. books2read.com/suziloveSS 

EXCERPT

Laura concentrated on restful images. Brooks babbled, birds sang, white fluffy clouds floated. Colorful rainbows arced and…. Nothing, dammit. Her frazzled nerves refused to be soothed. Trying not to alert her aunt, whose over-emotional farewells had already delayed proceedings, Laura tugged on Winchester’s arm. His leather-gloved hand held fast. The Devil take the blasted Earl and his oversized anatomy, his overwhelming maleness and his…

She shivered. Everything overpowering about this man, including his unwanted invasion of her senses, ought to be declared illegal. A ticket tied to each limb reading: Danger. Avoid at all cost.

His cologne’s citrus tang, bergamot with an after-note of lemon, flooded her nose and made her sneeze. Another confirmation that the theory of natural selection being developed by scientists at the Royal Academe was correct. And an extra incentive to elude her keeper, ergot the enigmatic Earl, and pay another visit to her friends, Mr. Charles Darwin and his cousin, both men grandsons of Mr. Erasmus Darwin, famed researcher and theorist.

While she listed to herself the scientific reasons for avoiding the Earl, her herbalist and caring side, or more likely her feminine one, overruled. She reminded herself a few more drops of lemon should be added to the next batch of cologne she blended for Richard. Even as she mentally cursed her siblings for insisting she work closely with Winchester, Laura’s traitorous body responded in a physical way to his presence.

Imagining him, an expert financier, being granted full authority over not merely her ‘Change transactions, but also her daily household accounts, horrified her. Mortification would nail closed her coffin if he compared her scientific skills with those of her extraordinarily talented four siblings and found her wanting. Or, heaven save her, exposed her failures to the world.

SS_ScentingScandal__From Earl of Winchester: 'Her body was more enticing than any Covent Garden courtesan.'
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1880’s Gorgeous corset of silk satin, steel busk, and bone, French. #VictorianEra #Corset #VictorianFashion

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1880’s Corset, French, silk satin, steel busk, and bone. Women used corsets to get closer to an ‘ideal physical form’. Until the beginning of the 20th century, women’s waists were tightened by corsets. via Kyoto Institute, Japan.

Corsets 1880-1900 History Notes Book 20 This book shows how a fashionable silhouette became of paramount importance and how a well-fitted corset became a fashion essential. As well as a decorative fashion item,  tight lacing gave a narrow waist and the desired feminine form under clothing. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveCorsetBook20

1880's Corset, French, silk satin, steel busk, and bone. Women used corsets to get closer to an 'ideal physical form'. Until the beginning of the 20th century, women's waists were tightened by corsets. via Kyoto Institute, Japan.
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1830-1840 ca. Woman’s Quilted Cotton Sateen Corset, English. #Corset #RomanticEra #BritishHistory

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1830-1840 ca. Woman’s Corset, English.  Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape.  Designed to be worn over a chemise and petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA.  via Los Angeles County Museum of Art. via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 

1830-1840 ca. Woman's Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
1830-1840 ca. Woman's Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
1830-1840 ca. Woman's Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
1830-1840 ca. Woman's Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
1830-1840 ca. Woman's Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
1830-1840 ca. Woman's Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
1830-1840 ca. Woman's Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
1830-1840 ca. Woman's Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
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1830-1840 ca. Woman's Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
1830-1840 ca. Woman's Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
1830-1840 ca. Woman’s Corset, English. Cotton sateen, quilted, with cotton twill and cotton plain-weave tape. Designed to be worn over a chemise and a petticoat. This corset is designed to be easy to tie and fasten so a woman could manage it by herself. The front ties are pulled tight and tied at the waist. Center back length: 15 7/8 in. (40.32 cm) via Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA. 
HN_18_D2D_Corsets 1830-1850
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Book Hooks: Earl of Winchester has no time for mad scientist Lady Jamison yet when he’s with her, desire explodes. #HistoricalMystery #RomCom #VictorianRomance #RegencyRomance

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Richard, Earl of Winchester, has no time for their family friend and mad scientist, Lady Laura Jamison, yet when he’s with her, passion and desire explodes. Scenting Scandal By Suzi Love Book 2 Scandalous Siblings Series. books2read.com/suziloveSS 

Richard had schooled himself into playing the role of mentor with such brilliance, Laura’s brothers and sisters would applaud his aptitude for match-making. He’d find Laura’s perfect husband as quickly as possible. And at those long and interminable dinners, he’d prove his own unsuitability by arguing until their fellow diners rolled their eyes and closed their ears to another of their battles of wit. When their companions’ eyes glazed over and they turned to more interesting conversation, he’d be free to let his eyes roam and his senses feast on Laura as she raved about the wonders of evolutionary science.

It was more likely that he’d need to dig his fingers into the elegant carvings on his chair to stop himself leaping across the table like a lunatic and shocking everyone at the sixty-seat table. He’d been in control of himself and his minor kingdom since he’d turned eighteen. So, for pity’s sake, why did being within thirty yards of Laura turn him into a wet-behind-the ears randy youth?

After her olfactory tests had proved he wasn’t her ideal mate, he should feel relieved, not affronted. And rather than reveling in a bachelor’s escape from the clutches of another would-be countess, Laura’s rejection had prompted him to childishly extol his own virtues. For an earl who also held minor titles and controlled several estates, being categorized as ‘Examined and Disregarded’ was as abnormal as it was lowering.

“Laura,” he said, dodging lace frills. “Picture my brutalized face if Michael and Jonathon caught me, the one man able to resist your charms and ignore your demands, composing appalling odes to the length of your lashes like your other fawning fops.”

“Is that why Sherwyn needed to coerce you into acting as my keeper?”

Ah yes, trust Laura to demand to know the reason he complied with his cousin’s wishes. “I was the only able-bodied male available for the time required.”

SS_ScentingScandal__Lady Laura Jamison accepts help from her nemesis, the Earl of Winchester, as the unlikely pair fight to protect innocent railway investors at London’s Stock exchange.

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1860-1870 ca. Pink Silk Bag, Or Reticule, Italian. #VictorianFashion #Handbag #Reticule #Italy

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1860–1870 ca. Pink Silk Bag, Or Reticule, Italian. Two layers of contrasting pink silk with tassels and a drawstring. via Metropolitan Museum New York City, U.S.A. metmuseum.org

Definition Ridicule, Reticule, Indispensable, or Handbag: From the late 1700s, pockets could no longer be sewn into gowns, as skirts fell from just under the bust and were full and flowing. Instead, women began carrying small bags, known at first as ridicules and later as reticules, to keep necessary items on their person e.g. handkerchiefs, coins, vinaigrettes, calling cards, glasses etc. http://books2read.com/suziloveReticules

The term ‘ridicule’ derived from the Latin ‘ridiculum’ and first used in France during the 17th century and meant subjecting something or someone to mockery. As women’s tiny bags were mocked, or ridiculed, for being a useless fashion accessory carried outside when they were first used in the late 1700s, it’s likely this is how the name ‘ridicule’ started. The later term ‘reticule’ derived from the Latin reticulum, meaning ‘netted bag’ and was applied when bags became larger and often made from netting. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, they were also known as indispensables as they carried all the personal items a lady needed upon her person every day. They were easily made by ladies, easy to carry and became an indispensable fashion accessory.

In the early nineteenth century, reticules started to look like future handbags as they were often made from rigid card or molded mâché or card into a variety of shapes. Early bags were circular and with a drawstring but as women wanted their reticules to look individual they could be made with two halves and a hinged metal closure or with concertina sides. Materials varied from silk, cotton and string and shapes were round, hexagonal or lozenge shapes with shell shaped bags becoming very popular during the Regency and Romantic Eras.

1800s magazines were written for well bred women who could read, so they gave plenty of ideas for how ladies could make and embellish reticules for their own use and as pretty gifts. Needlework was highly encouraged as a pastime for a lady so bags were frequently embroidered or decorated with beading. By the 1820s, reticules became more like our modern handbags using soft leather gathered at the top or hard leather with a rigid fastener and metal chain for carrying.

1860–1870 ca. Pink Silk Bag,  Or Reticule, Italian. Two layers of contrasting pink silk with tassels and a drawstring. via Suzi Love suzilove.com andMetropolitan Museum New York City, U.S.A. metmuseum.org
1860–1870 ca. Pink Silk Bag, Or Reticule, Italian. Two layers of contrasting pink silk with tassels and a drawstring. via Suzi Love suzilove.com andMetropolitan Museum New York City, U.S.A. metmuseum.org
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Embracing Scandal: “First, I’m not a thief. Second, I’m not a courtesan needing coin. Third, I’ve never been your mistress.” #HistoricalRomance #VictorianRomance #HistoricalMystery

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1840 London.

Lady Rebecca Jamison ticked off numbers on the fingers of one revolting brown glove. “First, I’m not a thief. Second, I’m not a courtesan needing coin. Third, I’ve never been your mistress.” She looked down at her maid’s drab clothes, shuddered. “And if the women you’re taking to your bed dress this shabbily, I suggest you raise your standards.”

The Duke of Sherwyn drew several shuddering breaths. “Correct, on all counts. Now, appease my burning curiosity. What deception did you employ to hoodwink my servant?”

One shoulder lifted in the semblance of a shrug. “Oh, that! A child’s ploy. I laid coins on the fourth step and paid a street urchin to knock on your door and then run. When your gatekeeper bent to retrieve the coins, I slipped around the door and inside.”

Incredulity, then infuriation, surrendered to mirth. The simplicity of her ruse, alongside her detached style of recounting her deception, startled him into a snort of amusement.

“Huh! My ever-vigilant butler diverted by the sight of a few pennies.”

“Oh, no, not mere pennies. Gleaming new gold coins. Rest easy. Your servant’s momentary distraction cost me a high price.”

He lifted his hand to hide his smirk. Since he’d become Sherwyn, Jenner’s behavior vacillated between extreme formality due a duke or nose-lifting disdain owed to the family’s black sheep. This chink in Jenner’s polished armor pleased him.

He dipped his head, and said, “I bow to your finesse as a trickster. Now for my next pressing question. Why are you here?”

“I need your assistance.”

He grinned. “Ah, so once again your white knight is being asked to draw an imaginary sword and defend your ladyship’s honor.”

She groaned. “If only things were still as uncomplicated as in our childhood games.”

Embracing Scandal, Book 1, Scandalous Siblings Series. https://books2read.com/suziloveES

ES_EmbracingScandal_Cayle to Becca: “I will have you. I will not stop until I find a way.” Embracing Scandal By Suzi Love. #MysteryRomance #HistoricalRomance https://books2read.com/suziloveES
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1887 Resurrection Imperial Faberge Easter Egg #easter #EasterEgg #Faberge #Russia

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1887 Resurrection Imperial Faberge Egg. Yellow gold, rock crystal, rose-cut-diamonds, pearls, brilliant diamonds and various colored enamels. One of Faberge’s masterpieces and is essentially a jewel. 

easter_egg_1887 Resurrection Imperial Faberge Easter Egg (1). Yellow gold, rock crystal, rose-cut-diamonds, pearls, brilliant diamonds and various colored enamels