Dienece Darling's Blog, page 4

What Is A Mews?

At some point in our life, we've all probably asked our parents what a Blvd, Pde, Esp or Ave was when we saw them on a street sign. But what about the street signs which say mews?

Unless you live in England, it's unlikely you saw one in person. As far as I can tell, there are only a handful of other places in the world with streets called mews. Hence why I went looking for answers as an adult while studying a map of my heroine's house in Hearts Unknown.

If you don't live in England and have seen a road called mews, let me know in the comments!

The first thing I noticed about these 'mews' was that they all seem to copy the name of a principal street quite near them. They also seem to be behind houses, so I thought maybe it was access to the back yards or something.

That was and wasn't correct.

Which certainly explains why the buildings and streets for mews were smaller and behind the bigger houses!

Now, on a technicality the word mews actually means a stable. But the road itself is called a mews because it was the access lane to those stables. Hence why it shared the name of a nearby principal street. For example. Bruton Mews were the stables to the houses on Bruton Street.

Although as I write this, I'm wondering if any distressed gentry used to let out their mews? That might make an interesting tale. (But I'm not here to brainstorm a new book, so I'd best put a pin in that.)

Of course, this was back in the olden days when people used mews as actual stables. Nowadays, most (if not all) mews have been converted into houses.

In the image below, I've highlighted many of the mews in brown. I've put Bruton Mews in yellow.

Why is Bruton Mews yellow? Because it is the location of the first scene in my upcoming release, Hearts Unknown.

Your sneak peek!

I mentioned that Hearts Unknown opens in Bruton Mews, and I'd love to share the first page with you!

Hearts Unknown

By: Dienece Darling

Chapter 1

London, 1763

I twitched my nose against the sharp scent of Father’s Weymouth Pine. This was not the moment to sneeze. Not while I perched precariously in the tree behind our London terrace house.

I spared a glance at the baby bird cradled in my palm. Hopefully, its nest wasn't much farther.

I blew out a deep breath and stretched for the next branch.

“Edith Howard, you are the bane of my existence.” The familiar yet unexpected voice of Clarence Beauchamp made me miss my mark.

I thrust myself forward, scrambling for a hold. The fabric of my glove ripped on the sharp scales of bark. My skin scraped across the sticky trunk, but I found no purchase. A cry tore from my throat. Not only at my own rushing descent, but that I’d lost hold of the bird. Could the tiny thing survive a second fall?

Could I?

I braced for impact. It came sooner than expected. My back thwacked into something solid, presumably my former childhood friend as he grunted and shifted.

Thick arms wrapped around me, but we were all elbows and pointy bits. Not at all romantic as I had assumed being caught by a man would be. Perhaps because it was only Clarence.

His breath skimmed my ear. “When did you get so heavy?”

The unmitigated gall...

Want to know how this scene ends?

Coming out November 15th!

Meet Chirp-in/Herald

It's here! The day we meet the reason Edith's in that pine tree.

This little fellow doesn't say a word for the whole book, and yet he's NOT quiet, in fact his chirps are important to much of the story (and also earn him one of his monikers).

Meet Chirp-in/Herald!

This bird's name depends entirely on which of our couple you ask. Clarence prefers Chirp-in, and Edith is partial to Herald. Chirp-in/Herald is a gorgeous red crossbill fledging and is responsible for getting our couple back together. Go team birdy!

After years apart, Edith and Clarence would have remained estranged except Chirp-in/Herald needed a rescue. And now you know why Edith's in that tree! (FYI, Edith isn't normally in trees. In fact, this was her first and she claims last time ever climbing a tree. As to why it's her last, you'll have to read the book.)

This little fellow's chirps play an integral part of the couple's faith and love journeys as well kicking off the start of the book. He's a busy little guy, that's for sure!

You'll be able to win his original watercolour portrait! (stay tuned for details coming later this month)

Chirp-in/Herald's portrait comes to us from the talented water-colour paintbrush of Artwork by Emma who painted an original artwork of the red crossbill from a reference photo by Matthew Jolley on iStock. Thank you, Emma. I love him!

Emma creates commissioned pet portraits (even fiction pets!) as well as beautiful stationary, stickers, and miscellaneous items of her paintings which she sells on Red Bubble. Did you know that Red Bubble ships world-wide? It was actually quite easy to order through them. Last year, I created some personalized Christmas items for my family using native Australian bird stickers I ordered from Emma's Red Bubble store.

Check out Emma's Red Bubble store here.

If you missed the character introductions of Edith and Clarence, you can go to Edith's here and Clarence's here.

And don't forget to keep an eye out for how you can win Chirp-in/Herald!

(on my X, Facebook, and IG accounts)

Pride Hath Budded (Why we should read the Major Prophets)

I must confess I dread reading the major books of prophecy. I'm not saying the minor ones are full of joy, but they are at least short. It doesn't take as long to finish them. The major prophets are hard, full of woe, and oh-so-long!

It's like weeding a massive garden of thorns to find a tiny bud worth treasuring. And yes, the whole book ought to be a treasure, but I'm being honest here. The books of prophecy feel more like a book of thorns than roses.

So, I was reading Ezekiel, and rather glad I was in the last major book of prophecy even if I was only in chapter 7. I'd already finished the minor prophets, and the New Testament awaited me next, my favourite books to read.

It was 11pm at night. I'd missed my devotions all day, despite multiple opportunities and moments when I'd meant to read. The house was dark. I had a single lamp to read by, but I didn't want the day to end without God. I didn't want to put Him off and say, "I'll do better tomorrow." (Because I knew that would be a lie.)

Is Ezekiel chapter 7 an easy read? No.

Is it a pleasant read? No.

Is it important? Yes

I was three verses in when God whispered, "Do you know why it's important to read the major prophets?" And just like that I knew why.

So often we think nothing will come of our sins because God is patient. Prophets like Ezekiel remind us how grievous, how awful our sin truly is.

I needed to read Ezekiel to remember that my sin ought not to be swept under the carpet. I should not wink at it or pretend it's not so bad. Judgement does come.

The fruit of pride is destruction. Just the picture of that needled me. We can think pride isn't so bad. It's a 'bud' after all, and my head thinks 'rosebud!' But when pride buds it's ruinous. More like that plant that smells like rotten meat when it finally blooms every seven to nine years (the titan arum or more commonly called the corpse flower).

Pride is a corpse flower.

To many of us idolize it when there is nothing pleasant about being anywhere near it.

I need to remember that.

October's Books with Dienece

Have we met yet?

I'm Dienece Darling. My first name is an alternative spelling of Denise, a spelling which my mother fell in love with when she was a teenager. Do you know what's funny about having a common name that isn't spelled the common way? It took me years to remember how other people spell my name! LOL

Well, one more thing about me is that I write first person historical romance, but I read a variety of books (whenever time and commitments permits. Don't you hate being responsible sometimes? Oh, well, such is adult life...) This month I squeezed three wonderful books into my schedule, and they were worth the effort!

Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard

This couple quickly became one of my all-time favourite regency couples!

To be honest, I wasn't sure about this inspirational regency romance the first few chapters, but from the moment the hero walks onto the scene, I fell in love with both the heroine and the hero. And then I was up late (way too late for a responsible adult) reading their beautiful love story.

This book is something very special. I rarely highlight in eBooks, but I highlighted in this one. It has some good faith content with some great lines like:

'A Christian's good works are the expression of gratitude for salvation; not efforts to earn it.'

'The still small voice of God which she desperately wanted to hear was lost amidst the noise of her own unhappy thought.'

'Life, she was beginning to realize, came at you with its hand full, but what it held in its hands did not always obey the rules of your mind or heart-or even your better judgement.'

'Why was it often true that the more reason she had to pray, the less she seemed to do it?'

Keep scrolling for a way to buy this book or even get it for free!

Because of You by Hannah Currie

I don't read Hannah's princess stories, and this is definitely not a princess story. It's a contemporary YA, but even more so, it's a wonderful encouragement and challenge to go on a mission's trip!

The author actually took a short-term mission's trip at the age of 16 to Thailand. This is not a recount of that event. It's a fictional story with nuggets of truth from her real-life adventure. It also shares about an actual teen's mission's group (she didn't make this organization up!). And it's just awesome. I cried and was completely inspired by this. It even encourages us how to be missionaries at home too.

I cannot gush about this book enough! You must read it. It's such a blessing.

Besides the somewhat romantic title, this is an inspirational YA story without a stick of romance. The title actually comes from a beautiful poem about God, and I'd like to quote the last line of it. 'I smile, I live, I am because of You.' FYI, the faith in this book! Just wonderful.

If you're looking for something to inspire your teen (or anyone!) in their faith and/or missions, this is the book I'd recommend.

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen

This is a masterclass on how to write an unlikeable character so that the reader is eager to discover just how this person is redeemed.

I thorough enjoyed this story, and while it technically belongs to a series about Ivy Hill, I've never read the series. This works just as well as a standalone.

Richard is not a good guy pretending to be a bad guy. He is terrible, and yet in all his mistakes, I kept thinking, 'Oh, he is so going to learn a lesson about this, and I can't wait!' Julie just made the fellow work somehow. Plus, Richard stopping being an actual rake quite some time ago (which helped a lot). That doesn't mean he isn't a fop and selfish. He also says horrible things about people, but somehow, I liked him. How is that even possible? See, I told you this was a masterclass in writing. Plus, I just loved this story.

I loved the characters, the fabulous writing, the fun Christmas traditions, and so much about this book!

Book Mentions

Our first is actually mentioned above because I read it this month! But here is the official blurb (scroll back up if you want to read my review of it!):

Before the Season Ends

Winner of the FaithWriters Seal of Approval!

Ariana Forsythe is sent to her wealthy aunt's London townhouse and thrust into the world of the upper crust. Trouble finds her with an instant enemy in Lady Covington, an aging beauty. Ariana must team up with the Paragon, the darkly handsome and powerful Phillip Mornay, to quench the scandal. She can trust God's hand in her life, but can she resist Mr. Mornay's increasing claim on her heart? When she finds herself betrothed to him, she is faced with a terrible choice--and she must make it soon, before the season ends!

There are two ways to get this book. You can purchase it on Amazon or sign up to the author's newsletter and get it for free!

This collection ends in less than a week, so get in quick!

Two-Pair of Stairs Abode

I first came across the expression 'two-pair of stairs' while researching the type of apartments a young man could rent during the 1700s. It appeared in a court document over a dispute about such a room where the lady had fallen behind on her rent.

Old staircases often had a landing, so it took two staircases to get from one floor to the next floor (see the picture). Thus, a "pair of stairs."

The number of pairs directly correlates to the floor number. Thus, three-pair would be the third floor, a fifth pair would be the fifth floor, and so on and so forth.

It can also be shortened to just the number and the word 'pair,' such as in the poem title "From A Fourth-Pair Window." (see links below if you want to read the poem)

I thought this was a fun expression, and since I was researching for my hero in Hearts Unknown, I chose a 'two-pair of stairs' place for Clarence to let.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this little look into the past! Have you ever heard of a 'pair of stairs' before?

Further Reading

He always has been, and always would be hers - Clarence Beauchamp, Hearts Unknown

If you'd like to read Clarence Beauchamp's character intro which doubles as an alternative beginning to the book and uses the expression 'two-pair of stairs,' you can read it here.

If you'd like to check out the 1875 poem where Part 1 is titled "From a Fourth-Pair Window," you can read the poem here.

And if you'd like to read about those court disputes I mentioned, you can do that here.

Or even check out a condensed version of rent costs here.

Hope you have a blessed day, and if you've heard of any interesting ways to describe dwellings, I'd love to hear them!

Meet Clarence Beauchamp

Psst... I have a secret to share with you.

Hearts Unknown starts from Edith's perspective, but if it were to start with Clarence, it might go something like this... 

London, 1763

"Are you eating well, Clarence?" Mother asked, as she did every time I visited which admittedly wasn't often. Thus, Father summoning me home to 'visit your mother boy!'

"Yes, Mother, I am eating well."

Mayhap, she asked because my white wig washed out my features, but it was the perfect disguise from the girl next door. Edith Howard would never expect me to wear a wig after I naysaid and eschewed them through my youth.

"Heaven knows what they serve you at that club." Mother fluttered a fan over her face.

"Even Father dines at the club from time to time."

"But not every day."

"I’m there most days, Mother. Not every day." I liked my quiet evenings at the respectable club, especially their excellent library. A vast improvement over my two-pair of stairs abode on Pall Mall East with its slim collection of books and no one with whom to converse.

I'd never tell Mother that. She'd insist I move home, and I could not move home. Not while Edith lived next door.

Whoever convinced the gentry that terraced housing was fashionable ought to be hung. I'd lived half of my life knowing a mere brick separated me from gazing upon Edith's fair face.

Utter madness.

Mother continued her usual rants over the next quarter of an hour. When will I take a wife? When will I come home? When will I attend a ball? What could I possibly do all day that kept me so busy? I did try to answer the last one, but she waved off my 'barrister talk' and said,

"At least come to my dinner party two nights hence. You must know what people say about me when my own son doesn't attend my table. Say you will come."

This question had the same answer as the others before it, but I never utter the words, ‘When Edith weds, and my heart is free.’

"They say you set an excellent table, Mother." I rose to my feet, the itch to escape Edith's nearness no longer bearable. Especially knowing she could call on my mother at any moment. "I must take my leave."

"Must you?"

"Yes, Mother." I kissed her cheek and endured a few more platitudes and various guilt-ridden pleas for another ten minutes at least. My nerves were frayed before I broke away, but the butler knew my routine well. He met me in the hall with my hat and greatcoat.

"Thank you." I clutched the items and snuck out of the servant’s door to the mews. The front entrance via Bruton Street was far too risky for someone intent on escape.

All seemed quiet outside. I stepped out with confidence and jogged up the servant's steps to our garden. A bright slip of fabric caught my eye. I flashed a frantic glance towards the Howard's nuisance pine, afraid I’d been caught, but the location of the dress stopped me cold. There was not a lady by the pine tree.

She was in it.

My heart knew the climber's identity before my disbelieving eyes confirmed it was Edith. Whatever was she doing? Risking her beautiful neck up that tree. What if she fell?

Fear carried my feet over the small stone wall separating our back gardens before I became conscious of the move. And then there I was under her, fury at her recklessness and an unrequited love as wide as the ocean roaring to life within me. And Edith above, as oblivious as ever.

All those tortured years, all my disappointed hopes boiled over into words before I could stop them.

"Edith Howard, you are the bane of my existence!"

Stay tuned for the actual start of Hearts Unknown which picks up a few breaths before the end of this one.

Or you can pre-order Hearts Unknown for 99c !

Next week, in Catching the Past, I'll talk about what Clarence meant by his 'two-pair of stairs abode'.

And next month, I'll finally introduce you to the reason Edith's in that tree (spoiler, you'll also be able to win an original artwork of it)!

God Always Has Time for Us

We're in Jeremiah today for a little gem shining in the darkness. I was reading along in my devotions one day, and the following verses were so lovely. So quintessential of our God.

"Now the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee. But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord." Jeremiah 39:15-18 KJV

Well, as most humans do, I'd forgotten him already. I shouldn't have. His story had been in the chapter just before this one.

Turns out, Ebed-melech had petitioned the king to rescue Jeremiah from the miry pit into which he'd been cast to die. What a Godly man! What a friend to the prophet. And I'd already forgotten him.

The city was besieged. Bread had almost run out (or had run out, I'm not sure about the timeline). God was busy judging the sin of Israel. Life was chaotic, but God never forgets us. He is never too busy to give us what we need, and God sent word to Ebed-melech to tell him not to fear. That God had him. He wouldn't die.

Such a beautiful moment. A little gem in the middle of Jeremiah.

God knows our frame. He knows we need comfort. We ought to trust Him implicitly, but He doesn't mind sending us words of comfort when we need it. God doesn't mind that we need some assurance. That we have to be told not to fear.

Praise be to our God!

September's Books with Dienece

If we haven't met, I'm Dienece Darling (an alternative spelling for Denise). I write first person historical romance set in Georgian England, but I read widely and love to talk about books. This month, my reading habits took me all over the place!

What I've read this September:

Since these are so eclectic, I've arranged them by the order in which I read them.

When All the Birds Sing by Suzie Peace Pybus

This is a special Aussie mystery. It's a whodunit with some slower pacing at the start where you'll find nuggets of the truth. But can you catch the nuggets before the speed kicks up pace? Do you know who is innocent and who is guilty? I enjoyed the challenge of seeing if I was a good judge of character, if I could spot the lies before it happened. Also, this book has a worthwhile message for Christians about being Bereans. Don't just sit down and listen, keep your mind working while you listen. You can read my full review here.

The writing is like Amanda Wen (without the romance) and Sarah Loudin Thomas, especially The Right Kind of Fool. It’s a mystery with a quieter beginning that builds up to a kicking climax with a thought-provoking message.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh

I was quick to place a hold on this when I saw it at my library (and who cares that it's nowhere near Christmas anyway?). I enjoy Toni's contemporary romance books. This one is a little different. They start kissing fairly quickly, so you don't have that build up to the first kiss I love. Plus, I missed Toni's signature first person POV (it's written in the more traditional third person). However, I hope she plans to write more about the siblings, because I fell in love with the family. A nice little read.

A Noble Scheme by Roseanna M White

I knew something big had occurred to the couple in this book after I read book 1 of this early 1900s romance series. I had no idea what a heart tugging, tear jerking thing it was. I really can't say more without spoiling the story. That being said, I may have cried, but it's a very special book.

The Executioner and His Lady by DaLeena Taylor

A fun little medieval romance. One gets this book by signing up to Taylor's newsletter. I liked the premise and really wanted to know how the roles of these two played out. What does an executioner have to do with a lady, anyway? The plot isn't perfect (I questioned the plausibility of a spot here and there), but it was entertaining, nonetheless.

The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society by Terry Overton

This is another book I read with my teenager, but technically I asked him if we could read this YA dystopian. It was a part of the 'Around the World in 50 Books' Facebook challenge. I found it interesting the way she weaved books and reading into a dystopian world, and how she includes faith when there are no parents around anymore to help lead the children.

Within These Gilded Halls by Abigail Wilson

A great regency mystery written in first person.

It took me a little bit to get into this story and looking back I realized it was because I didn't like the hero. But then he did something SO adorable, and I was all in. And I mean all into this book. You're only in the heroine's head, which in many ways adds to the mystery of the dude. And I loved it. Great romance and mystery tension.

Just one thing, she keeps talking about her parentage, which I gathered was explained in another book. But if she said what it was in this one, I missed it. And I even tried going back through the start just to find it. Oh, well, guess I'll "have to" read another one of her books to solve that last thread. How awful. ;)

One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn

I have adored this romantic suspense series! It's heart pumping/melting action and stories. Blackburn is an awesome storyteller. Just do yourself a favour and read it.

Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano

I loved how Jen kept the prim properness of the heroine in this historical romance. Camilla wasn't some hoodlum at heart. She's still a lady who usually keeps her head and pose, but somehow Jen made it believable that the heroine had fallen madly in love not just with the hero but his way of life (rifle toting mee-maw and all). And that West Virginia was the perfect, enduring cure for the boredom she'd endured in New York. Oh, and the apple pie recipe, that's hilarious. But you'll have to read the book for that plotline (recipe not included).

Book Mentions

A Sleigh Ride for Aven by J L Dawson

Aven's life is crumbling around her, her father's death leaves them destitute. Determined to do everything she can to keep her sisters fed and happy she has no choice but to marry the persistent suitor, Mr. Archie Mitchell, a much older man who makes her skin crawl. As the wedding draws closer, Aven prays that the Lord will intervene.

Can a young man in a horse drawn sleigh save her from a lifetime of fear and unhappiness and provide a safe home for her sisters?

My review:

I loved, loved the opening scene of this book. So sweet. Now, it took me a little bit before I realised that J. L. Dawson writes in omnipresent POV. Which means you're in everyone's heads. That's sounds messy when you put it that way, but the author does it well. It's organised and cohesive. I didn't get overwhelmed. Now, I haven't finished reading the book, but I like what I've read so far.

This special collection of free (newsletter subscriber) historical romances finishes on September 30th, so be quick!

As always, I encourage you to check out authors and their books before signing up.

Meet Edith Howard

Come with Dienece Darling to a London terrace house in Georgian England to meet the heroine of Hearts Unknown, releasing November 15th, 2024.

Brr, it's cold out here, but I thought I saw Miss Howard rush outside. She must be out here somewhere. “Edith?” I yell.

“Do, please, keep your voice down, Mrs. Darling.”

Oh, that’s her. But where is she?

I lower my voice. “Edith, where are you?”

“I’m up here.”

“Up where?”

“In Father's Weymouth Pine.”

Oh, there she is, hanging off a snow encrusted branch. “Why are you in a tree, Edith?”

“Never you mind that. To what do I owe the honour of your visit?”

I blink. Never mind why she's in a tree? That will be a little hard to do. Good thing I brought a list of questions. “First, I'd like to know more about living on Bruton Street and the neighbourhood, if you would please.”

“Still on about that, are you? Well, all your neighbours will be most respectable. We’re from old families around here.”

Respectable is hard to believe when she's hanging onto the side of a tree, but she's always been the epitome of grace my last few visits. Maybe she has a good reason for being up there.

"Is there anything else, Mrs. Darling?" Edith sounds a little stressed, which I suppose is reasonable considering her precarious situation.

"Ah, yes." I consult my list. "But what specifically about the houses. What could I expect if I let out a terrace house on Bruton Street?"

“The drawing rooms tend to be quite large and therefore drafty, and the bedrooms can be bad. But we’ve easy access to Berkeley Square. You know that's a favourite of mine.”

Not ringing indorsements if you ask me. “How can Berkeley Square offset drafty drawing rooms and bad bedrooms?”

“The Pot and Pineapple of course. Oh, look! I can see the pineapple on their shop sign from up here. The proprietor makes the most delectable ices. Have you gone to try one yet? May I recommend the coffee flavour? It's my favourite.”

"Coffee?" I try not to gag. "My husband likes coffee, but I must confess I only love the smell of it."

"Oh, that's a shame."

“Does it get a little cramped living in the terrace houses?" Or up that tree. "What if you don't get along with your neighbours?” Is that why she's in a tree?

Edith laughs. "That's never been a problem for us. Lord and Lady Liffey are wonderful.” And yet, her face takes on a sad quality to it. I'm pretty sure I know why.

“Any word on their son, Clarence Beauchamp? Has he come back to the city?”

"No."

Yep, definitely sad, and maybe even worried.

I don't know much about Mr. Beauchamp, the second son of Lord Liffey. He was Edith's dearest friend until he left for university and didn't come back to London. Edith hasn't seen him in years, but last time I was here, the servants were muttering something about 'more than friendship between those two.'

“About Clarence—"

“Mrs. Darling, I'm afraid I’ll have to take my leave now. I've most pressing business to complete. Good day.”

Well, that was abrupt. What could she have possibly remembered in the middle of our conversation? Does it have to do with why she's up there, or because I started asking about Clarence. She has clammed up the last few times I tried to pry more info out of her.

Oh well, there will be no more answers today. I best be going for now. It's so cold here. There's even snow. Actually, there's been snow my last few visits.

I thought snow was rare in London. Most puzzling.

Want to know what Edith's doing in a tree? Subscribers will be given a sneak peek into the very adorable reason in September 2oth's newsletter. Non-subscribers will have to wait until November's character interview.

Next month, I'll bring you Clarence's introduction!

Has anyone ever tried Regency styled ices before? I'd love to know!

And here's one more photo. These are terraced houses on Berkeley Square 50 years after Edith's story.

Until next month. Take care!

September's Catching the Past Blog Edition

When a rag was too raggedy to be a rag, it wasn't worthless in Georgian England.

I'd heard tell of a rag lady who would go around collecting rags in Georgian England. It never occurred to me to ask why she did so.

But then I was researching whether or not the paper my hero uses in Hearts Unknown would have been lily-white in 1763 and discovered at least one of the reasons a person would collect rags.

And it wasn't just rags. Old clothes, sails, even ropes, and various other materials were used to make... Drum roll, please.

Rags were highly prized for paper making.

The sorting rooms in a paper making factory were of utmost important. The very worn cloth made the finest paper (the more raggedy and faded your rag the better), and the rougher the material (hello, ropes!) the coarser and cheaper the paper.

But if the wrong grade ended up in the wrong pile... Ouch! It would cause all kinds of headaches farther down the line. Why? Because the rags had to soak and sit and sit and sit until they were all the same mush-like consistency to make the best paper. But if it sat too long, bad news. If it didn't sit long enough, bad news. The key was the SAME mush-like consistency.

So, if you put an old rope in with worn out dishcloths, those don't discompose at the same rate, and the whole batch would get messed up. We're talking about ruining anywhere from days to weeks of work with no way of 'saving' it. Owie.

These were just two of MANY steps needed to make paper, each step usually taking more than a day and sometimes up to weeks to complete. Making paper was a long-term, very patient business.

However, in answer to my actual question at the start, they didn't have bleach for paper making in 1763, so the whiter you wanted a paper the more labour intensive and time consuming it took. Making white paper very expensive and probably still not lily white unless the rag had been naturally bleached by the sun and continued use with lye soap throughout its life as a rag.

Right around the turn of the 19th Century, paper making drastically changed. They started using bleach, wood pulp, and machinery updates to make paper more similar to what we know it. But Jane Austen didn't have that in her early years. Which means,

Not a bad end, huh? Quite literally going from rags to riches!

If you'd like to read more about the process, there is an interesting essay on it here: https://paper.lib.uiowa.edu/european.php

If you're interested in knowing more about my hero with a need for paper, check out Hearts Unknown on Amazon.