Ann Lethbridge's Blog, page 16
April 28, 2014
Murder & Mayhem Regency Style
Romance writers beware, this is story extracted from the Belle Assemblee's Anecdotes of Illustrious Females for November 1813.
Mademoiselle De Scudery
This lady, who was a celebrated romance writer in the reign of Louis XIV (1638-1715) met with a curious accident when travelling with her brother, who also employed his talent in composing works of fiction and being at that time engaged in writing together a work when on their journey at a considerable distance from Paris they began to speak of the various incident they meant to bring forward in the course of the composition; the hero of with they had named the Prince Mazare.
"What shall we do with Prince Mazare?" sad Mademoiselle Scudery to her brother; "is it not better that he should die by poison, than b a poniard?"
"There is time enough yet," said her brother. "We can dispatch him when we please, but we have not yet done with him."
Two merchants in the next apartment overheard this curious conversation, which they concluded intimate a conspiracy for the murder of some Prince, whose real name these cruel people had disguised under that of Mazare. Full of this discovery, they immediately told their suspicions to their landlady of the inn, who with the merchants resolved to acquaint the police officer with what had happened. The officer immediately put the travellers under arrest, and escorted them, strongly guarded to Paris; and it was not without extremely difficulty and expense that they procured their liberation.
The moral of the story is -- be careful who is listening while you brainstorm your story
Until next time.
Mademoiselle De Scudery
This lady, who was a celebrated romance writer in the reign of Louis XIV (1638-1715) met with a curious accident when travelling with her brother, who also employed his talent in composing works of fiction and being at that time engaged in writing together a work when on their journey at a considerable distance from Paris they began to speak of the various incident they meant to bring forward in the course of the composition; the hero of with they had named the Prince Mazare.
"What shall we do with Prince Mazare?" sad Mademoiselle Scudery to her brother; "is it not better that he should die by poison, than b a poniard?"
"There is time enough yet," said her brother. "We can dispatch him when we please, but we have not yet done with him."
Two merchants in the next apartment overheard this curious conversation, which they concluded intimate a conspiracy for the murder of some Prince, whose real name these cruel people had disguised under that of Mazare. Full of this discovery, they immediately told their suspicions to their landlady of the inn, who with the merchants resolved to acquaint the police officer with what had happened. The officer immediately put the travellers under arrest, and escorted them, strongly guarded to Paris; and it was not without extremely difficulty and expense that they procured their liberation.
The moral of the story is -- be careful who is listening while you brainstorm your story
Until next time.
April 21, 2014
Regency Fashion April 1814
This Morning Dress pairs with the previous plate.
Also from Ackermann's Repository for April 1814
A petticoat and bodice of fine jaconot muslin, finished round the bottom in vandykes and small buttons.
The Rochelle spencer is composed of the same material, appliqued with footing lace down the sleeve, and trimmed at the edge with a narrow but full border of muslin. Double fan frill of muslin round the neck, very full, continuing round the bottom of the waist, where it is gathered on a beading of needle-work.
Bourdeaux mob cap, composed of lace, with treble full borders, narrowed under the chin. A small flower placed backward, on the left side. Hair much divided in front, and in full waved curls on each side. Necklace of twisted gold and pearl, with pendent cross in the centre.
Spring Greek kid slippers; and gloves of the same.
The beautiful cloak given in our last Number, as well as both the dresses in this, are from Mrs. Gill, of Cork-street, to whose taste and invention this work as well as the world of fashion are under continued obligation.
Until next time
Also from Ackermann's Repository for April 1814A petticoat and bodice of fine jaconot muslin, finished round the bottom in vandykes and small buttons.
The Rochelle spencer is composed of the same material, appliqued with footing lace down the sleeve, and trimmed at the edge with a narrow but full border of muslin. Double fan frill of muslin round the neck, very full, continuing round the bottom of the waist, where it is gathered on a beading of needle-work.
Bourdeaux mob cap, composed of lace, with treble full borders, narrowed under the chin. A small flower placed backward, on the left side. Hair much divided in front, and in full waved curls on each side. Necklace of twisted gold and pearl, with pendent cross in the centre.
Spring Greek kid slippers; and gloves of the same.
The beautiful cloak given in our last Number, as well as both the dresses in this, are from Mrs. Gill, of Cork-street, to whose taste and invention this work as well as the world of fashion are under continued obligation.
Until next time
April 17, 2014
Return of the Prodigal Gilvry
In stores now. This is the last book in the Gilvrys of Dunross Series. Each book can be read alone but you may not want to miss each brothers story. I am sad to be saying goodbye to them, I must say.
The e-book will be able on May 1 and is available for preorder.
BEHIND THE HIGHLANDER'S SCARS… Reeling from betrayal, the once devastatingly handsome Andrew Gilvry has returned to Scottish shores to fulfill a promise made to a dying man. The widowed Rowena MacDonald has been entrusted to his care, and Drew must do all he can to protect her…. LIES A DARK PASSION! But Drew's honor is about to be tested—because there's something in Rowena's dove-gray eyes that awakens a flame long extinguished. And on a perilous journey across the Highlands, with only this alluring woman for company, how long can he deny his desires?
Amazon.com
Chapters.ca
Amazon.ca
Don't forget to check my website to find out more. Until next time
The e-book will be able on May 1 and is available for preorder.
BEHIND THE HIGHLANDER'S SCARS… Reeling from betrayal, the once devastatingly handsome Andrew Gilvry has returned to Scottish shores to fulfill a promise made to a dying man. The widowed Rowena MacDonald has been entrusted to his care, and Drew must do all he can to protect her…. LIES A DARK PASSION! But Drew's honor is about to be tested—because there's something in Rowena's dove-gray eyes that awakens a flame long extinguished. And on a perilous journey across the Highlands, with only this alluring woman for company, how long can he deny his desires?
Amazon.com
Chapters.ca
Amazon.ca
Don't forget to check my website to find out more. Until next time
April 14, 2014
Regency Fashion April 1814
The first of our fashion plates for this month is a Promenade Dress. It makes sense that we are starting to think about walking in Spring.
This is from
Ackermann's
for April and the description is as follows.
A fine cambric round robe, with high bodice and long sleeves, not so full as of late; embroidered stomacher front and high collar, trimmed with muslin or lace; a Tuscan border of needle-work at the feet.
A Cossack mantle of pale ruby, or blossom-coloured velvet, lined with white sarsnet, and trimmed entirely round with a broad skin of light sable, ermine, seal, or the American squirrel; a short tippet of the same; the mantle confined at the throat with a rich correspondent silk cord and tassels, very long.
A mountain hat of velvet, the colour of the mantle, finished round the verge with a narrow Vandyke trimming: a small flower placed in the hair beneath, on the left side.
Half-boots the colour of the mantle; and gloves of primrose kid or pale tan.
I thought this quite pretty. And I was interested in the term, mountain hat and the use of American squirrel.
Until next time.....
This is from
Ackermann's
for April and the description is as follows.A fine cambric round robe, with high bodice and long sleeves, not so full as of late; embroidered stomacher front and high collar, trimmed with muslin or lace; a Tuscan border of needle-work at the feet.
A Cossack mantle of pale ruby, or blossom-coloured velvet, lined with white sarsnet, and trimmed entirely round with a broad skin of light sable, ermine, seal, or the American squirrel; a short tippet of the same; the mantle confined at the throat with a rich correspondent silk cord and tassels, very long.
A mountain hat of velvet, the colour of the mantle, finished round the verge with a narrow Vandyke trimming: a small flower placed in the hair beneath, on the left side.
Half-boots the colour of the mantle; and gloves of primrose kid or pale tan.
I thought this quite pretty. And I was interested in the term, mountain hat and the use of American squirrel.
Until next time.....
April 10, 2014
Montacute House III
Our next part of the visit is to the Parlour. Oddly, I wrote this blog before, but the text and pictures disappeared. The great mystery of the age. Onward.
Luckily for us this room while it has had several purposes, it has retained its chief features. In Georgian times it was used as a dining room.
The fireplace is something to behold, but of course one need to ignore the hot water radiator placed in the middle of it. It is made of Ham Hill stone. The upper register is decorative plaster over strapwork.
This gilt over walnut furniture dates from George I which along with the screen you will see later are embroidered in gros and petit point. As a stitcher I one can imagine the hours of work that went into them.
The tapestry is a c 1731 Gobelins of the Hunter.
The wainscoting is thought to be original and certainly in the room in 1667.
This is a George II gilt sidetable with cabriole legs.
Lots more to see, next time
Luckily for us this room while it has had several purposes, it has retained its chief features. In Georgian times it was used as a dining room.
The fireplace is something to behold, but of course one need to ignore the hot water radiator placed in the middle of it. It is made of Ham Hill stone. The upper register is decorative plaster over strapwork.
This gilt over walnut furniture dates from George I which along with the screen you will see later are embroidered in gros and petit point. As a stitcher I one can imagine the hours of work that went into them.
The tapestry is a c 1731 Gobelins of the Hunter.
The wainscoting is thought to be original and certainly in the room in 1667.
This is a George II gilt sidetable with cabriole legs.Lots more to see, next time
April 7, 2014
Give Away ~ Return of the Prodigal Gilvry
Return of the Prodigal Gilvry
My last book in the Gilvrys of Dunross Series is currently being offered as a goodreads give away. You can sign up through the widget in the sidebar.
BEHIND THE HIGHLANDER'S SCARS…
Reeling from betrayal, the once devastatingly handsome Andrew Gilvry has returned to Scottish shores to fulfill a promise made to a dying man. The widowed Rowena MacDonald has been entrusted to his care, and Drew must do all he can to protect her….
LIES A DARK PASSION!
But Drew's honor is about to be tested—because there's something in Rowena's dove-gray eyes that awakens a flame long extinguished. And on a perilous journey across the Highlands, with only this alluring woman for company, how long can he deny his desires?
I must say, knowing this is the last time I will visit the characters in these books is very sad. I have grown fond of them. And yet... there are lots of other stories floating around in the mish mash of my brain. Stories I have been wanting to write for ages.
Until next time...
My last book in the Gilvrys of Dunross Series is currently being offered as a goodreads give away. You can sign up through the widget in the sidebar.BEHIND THE HIGHLANDER'S SCARS…
Reeling from betrayal, the once devastatingly handsome Andrew Gilvry has returned to Scottish shores to fulfill a promise made to a dying man. The widowed Rowena MacDonald has been entrusted to his care, and Drew must do all he can to protect her….
LIES A DARK PASSION!
But Drew's honor is about to be tested—because there's something in Rowena's dove-gray eyes that awakens a flame long extinguished. And on a perilous journey across the Highlands, with only this alluring woman for company, how long can he deny his desires?
I must say, knowing this is the last time I will visit the characters in these books is very sad. I have grown fond of them. And yet... there are lots of other stories floating around in the mish mash of my brain. Stories I have been wanting to write for ages.
Until next time...
March 20, 2014
Regency Murder and Mayhem
A new series of articles to appear from time to time for your edification. These are Taken from the Belle Assemblee February 1814
Lighting Strike
The lightning on Tuesday, February 9, slightly struck Richardson's hotel in Covent Garden, passing between a crowd of people who were standing up for shelter there, but providentially without doing injury to any one. It broke two panes of glass in the kitchen window, but did not other mischief.
Shocking Accident
As General Darican, so well known in Paris, when he commanded sections against Bonaparte, and who resides in the Polygon, at Somers Town, was riding along Union-street, his horse took fright, and galloped off with him. The animal on reaching the end of Union-street, plunged into a hole about twenty feet deep, and threw his rider, who received a severe concussion of the brain. He was immediately conveyed to the house of a respectable surgeon in that neighbourhood, but he is not expected to recover. The horse was afterwards tken up dead from the effect of the fall.
I was unable to determine if he did indeed succumb to his injuries.
Lighting Strike
The lightning on Tuesday, February 9, slightly struck Richardson's hotel in Covent Garden, passing between a crowd of people who were standing up for shelter there, but providentially without doing injury to any one. It broke two panes of glass in the kitchen window, but did not other mischief.
Shocking Accident
As General Darican, so well known in Paris, when he commanded sections against Bonaparte, and who resides in the Polygon, at Somers Town, was riding along Union-street, his horse took fright, and galloped off with him. The animal on reaching the end of Union-street, plunged into a hole about twenty feet deep, and threw his rider, who received a severe concussion of the brain. He was immediately conveyed to the house of a respectable surgeon in that neighbourhood, but he is not expected to recover. The horse was afterwards tken up dead from the effect of the fall.
I was unable to determine if he did indeed succumb to his injuries.
March 17, 2014
Regency Fashion March 1814
This is an evening dress designed to be worn during a period of mourning.The description from La Belle Assemblee for March 1814 is as follows;
Half dress of French grey crape, over a white satin slip, which is slightly embroidered round the bottom with grey chenille. The half dress is sloped so as to be about a quarter of a yard longer behind than in front, and is richly embroidered in white silk round the bottom, which has a very elegant effect; the body a-la-chemise, is made with a little fullness, and drawn in to the waist by a white satin sash.
An embroidery to correspond with the bottom goes round the bosom, which is cut very low, and the back of the neck. The sleeves are extremely tasteful; they are composed of grey crape on white satin, and are gauged at a distance of about two inches all down; each gauging is finished with a row of pearl, and two rows of pearl at about two inches distance finish the sleeve at bottom.
Bonnet of French grey crape, turned up on one side and slouched on the other, ornamented with a very long white feather. White crape fan. Bracelets, necklace, and earrings of pearl. White kid gloves and shoes.
Until next time
Regency Fashion - March 1816
Opera or Walking From La Belle AssembleeThe plate says opera, but the description says walking. I will let you decide, but I'm thinking, well its spring, let us walk to the opera.
Here is the official description:
Round dress of jaconet muslin, made high to the throat, and rather longer in the waist than last month. Long sleeves gauged about the wrists about an inch; the sleeve is left about two inches in length from the gauging, and is edged with a very fine narrow lace. The collar, which is made tight to the neck, is also edged with a lace to correspond. A very rich embroidery goes round the bottom of the dress.
The Huntley bonnet and scarf, for which we refer our readers to the Plate, have a very elegant effect; they are composed of rich twilled plaid sarsnet; the scarf is three yards in length, it is a straight piece, and is disposed according to the taste of the wearer.
A beautiful Prince's plume ornaments the bonnet. Very pale tan slippers and gloves.
I like the dress, but not so much the plaid, but it would be good for walking.
Until next time
March 13, 2014
Montacute House II
Here is the front door which saysThrough this wide op'ning Gate
None come too Early none Return too Late
This is a quote from Alexander Pope's Second Satire of the Second Book of Horace, Paraphrased and come from a speech of an upper class ne'er do well, thought to have been added in the nineteenth century to the East frontdoor of this 17th century house
The cat of arms above the porch into the door are those of the house's builder, Sir Edward Phelips 1560- 1614 and dated 1601.
The door opens into the screens passage at one end of the Great Hall.In this picture you can see the open door, and the passage behind the screen. This passage divides the great hall from the dining room.
And of course the screen itself.
It really is beautiful. It is a single story screen.
By this time, great halls were where the lord met his guests and took them up to the first floor private dining room. At one time, the floor was tiled. I am sure it was used similarly in our time.
The fireplace and paneling on this wall are original.
The stained glass in the windows is heraldic with the coats of arms of
Elizabeth the first and Sir Edward Phelips and his brothers.At the other end of the hall is a plaster frieze that shows a story of what might happen to a man who strikes his wife with a shoe.
Until next time
