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The Unknown Ajax
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The Unknown Ajax Group Read May 2017 Chapters 1-10
YES - I had to go back and re-listen to John Joseph even though I am also familiar with it. it's fun, hearing the accents, for sure.
Critterbee wrote: "Pamela wrote: "Does anyone know the exact meaning of "once-a-week beaux?" It's found in chapter 1 when Anthea and her mother are talking about the mysterious heir."Does it mean someone who cannot..."
Thanks. That fits the context. I couldn't find any reference to the phrase on the usual Heyer slang websites.
Lady Wesley wrote: "I have listened to the audiobook by Daniel Philpott several times, and it makes me laugh out loud. His impersonation of Hugo is so wonderful, and his broad Yorkshire accent adds so much to understa..."I thought the same thing the first time I read it, particularly the big scene at the end involving all the family members and some of the staff as well! I could see it all unfold in my head - so well written.
Susan in NC wrote: "Sheila wrote: "I first read The Unknown Ajax when I was in the 8th grade, so a very long time ago! (I haven't read it since.) I have the same edition as Carol. After reading the first chapter las..."
I was too lazy to sketch the family tree, but I seem to have caught on, thanks to chapter two where so many of the characters make an appearance for the first time!
I was sure someone remarked on the cardboard reticule that Anthea is making but I can't find the comment now--I gather cardboard is not what I think it is?
Loving it so far...
I was sure someone remarked on the cardboard reticule that Anthea is makingThat was way back in comment 6 (by yours truly). Anthea was probably using the very thin card stock--the thickness of a playing card, for example. When I hear or read the term 'cardboard' my mind first pictures corrugated packing box material--something not available at that time.
Sheila wrote: "I was sure someone remarked on the cardboard reticule that Anthea is making but I can't find the comment now--I gather cardboard is not what I think it is?"Searching cardboard's history on the internet did not really answer those questions. I found three different dates for the "first usage of the word 'cardboard'" And on another website, I found a reference to French laquered cardboard reticules, but that seems like something that would be done by a skilled professional.
http://www.maggiemayfashions.com/rege...
Maybe cardboard was layers and layers of papier-mâché? In that case, Anthea would have had to create the cardboard, and then craft it into a reticule.
I do like how Anthea is good humored about her lack of success. Her sense of humor would be very useful in dealing with life at Darracott Place!
Doing "fancy-work"--basically, crafts--was very popular in this time for girls who were tired of stitchery, and Anthea making a reticule from cardboard or pasteboard and covering it with fancy papers (and yes, lacquer) would fit right in. I'll put up a link to a blog post I wrote on the subject in the historical resources area. Think of all the jumble sales in Victorian literature, which were stocked with this kind of work.
Marissa wrote: "Doing "fancy-work"--basically, crafts--was very popular in this time for girls who were tired of stitchery, and Anthea making a reticule from cardboard or pasteboard and covering it with fancy pape..."I was especially amused by the fact that the reticule was to be in the shape of an Etruscan vase and painted accordingly. Here's an example of one that might make a good reticule:
http://www.royalathena.com/media/Etru...
The one in my head (reticule) is more pointy! :) I'll see if I can find an example later. I've always thought of the cardboard as being the cardboard used in crafts. Well, it & packing case cardboard are both called cardboard over here.
Making her own reticule is such a good touch—reminds us that Anthea is basically trapped in that nightmare house, with no friends and no youthful activities. She can’t even shop. It’s a wonder she’s so equable and good-natured!
If anyone has seen what I thought was a really awful movie Austenland, one thing it gets right is that country life for women would have been dull.
Abigail wrote: "Making her own reticule is such a good touch—reminds us that Anthea is basically trapped in that nightmare house, with no friends and no youthful activities. She can’t even shop. It’s a wonder she’..."I agree, Abigail. Later she urges Hugo not to stay and let the poisonous atmosphere ruin him. This family is a bit like the one in Penhallow.
I was just thinking that Lord Darracott reminded me of the victim in Penhallow! I've somehow forgotten his name - I'm sure it'll come to me in the middle of the night.
Barb in Maryland wrote: "Marissa wrote: "Doing "fancy-work"--basically, crafts--was very popular in this time for girls who were tired of stitchery, and Anthea making a reticule from cardboard or pasteboard and covering it..."Perfect! I always like to have a book, wallet, tissues and maybe even bottle of water in my bag, so that size reticule would suit me fine!;-)
Abigail wrote: "Making her own reticule is such a good touch—reminds us that Anthea is basically trapped in that nightmare house, with no friends and no youthful activities. She can’t even shop. It’s a wonder she’..."That is an excellent point! Hadn't really thought about it that way, but how dysfunctional for all of them, living under the thumb of that cranky old coot!
Susan in NC wrote: "Hadn't really thought about it that way, but how dysfunctional for all of them, living under the thumb of that cranky old coot! I was thinking about that earlier (view spoiler)
This book may have had the most fun depiction of servants of any of her Regency romances.
Howard, it is fun to learn about the servants and especially the relationships between then. I just finished listening to the quarrel between Vincent's and Claude's valets who each want to help the Major and the one wants a job for his nephew.I am reminded of some other book (?) where Heyer points out the servants always know who is Real Quality.
maybe Venetia? where her Aunt's Butler treats her well; now that I think about it there is some other books where the servants know. perhaps Cousin Kate.
I am finding listening takes a LOT longer but I am really hearing things I've apparently been skimming over all these years: like the description of Kent and Sussex when Hugo, Anthea and Richmond all go riding and end up looking at his yacht.
Jackie wrote: "Howard, it is fun to learn about the servants and especially the relationships between then. I just finished listening to the quarrel between Vincent's and Claude's valets who each want to help the..."That is one of the funniest parts of the book, especially the winning move of one shutting the other out of the room, and turning so suavely to continue helping Hugo! What a win!
Regarding servants always recognizing Real Quality, I remember in Frederica, their butler could be 'trusted to know.'
Carol ♔Type, Oh Queen!♕ wrote: "If anyone has seen what I thought was a really awful movie Austenland, one thing it gets right is that country life for women would have been dull."not necessarily, if they enjoyed walking and or riding, for instance, as many did. and some led quite active lives, look at Mrs hurst dancing by diana spurling, there are pictures in there of women engaged in all kinds of activities. Aand jane Austen was delighted to get back to the country after living in bath and southampton.
Here’s a picture of the setting of The Unknown Ajax, Welland Marsh (must mentally delete the wind farm): http://www.worldtravelphotographs.com...
Thanks, Abigail - helps so much for visualizing the scenes as I read!
I was looking at a map and remember Rye although I haven't gotten to the part where Hugo and Claude go there and Claude wows them with his clothes. so I googled images of Rye and it's beautiful.
Thanks for the link, Abigail.
Hugo is, hands down my favorite GH hero. I love his rather wicked sense of humor--2nd half (view spoiler)
I like it that not everybody comes to like him, even if they respect him.
I agree, Howard. it's easy to understand since people don't often enjoy having their follies and prejudices laid bare.
A couple pictures of vase-shaped reticules made with cardboard:
It would be a simple matter (for someone not all-thumbs like me) to change the pattern of the embroidery and colors so it looks Etruscan.
Not vase-shaped but pretty--it's American c. 1800-1825. The cardboard has been faced with embroidered silk. 
Hana wrote: "A couple pictures of vase-shaped reticules made with cardboard:It would be a simple matter (for someone not all-thumbs like me) to change the pattern of the embroidery and colors so it looks Et..."
Very pretty.
Thanks!
Louise wrote: "not necessarily..."
Yes you're right - I got interrupted. I should have written could have. As well as the pleasures Louise mentioned, I have just finished My Cousin Rachel and (My Cousin Rachel spoiler)(view spoiler)
And back to TUA (view spoiler)
Hana those pictures are amazing. I tried so hard to find a picture that matched the reticule of my imagination & that first one comes very close. :)
You know what I love about you ladies and Howard ... the knowledge that this group has. I had never really thought about the reticule and now I'm eaves dropping on a fascinating discussion on it. I feel like my life and enjoyment of the book has been bettered!
French réticule, from Latin reticulum small net, mesh bag, from diminutive of rete net.
I LOVE Hugo! So mischievous, but he is is a darling. He rolls me with that soulful story of his passion for Miss Amelia Melkinthorpe. Such a prankster, but he can turn all-business in a trice. Now that I think of it, he's the Heyer equivalent of Jim from The Office!
I'm jumping in late, but I got all the way to chapter 10 last night. I adore Hugo too--one of my favorite characters in Heyerland. Especially the way he mischievously encourages others' low expectations and prejudices about his "lower-class" upbringing. Doesn't get mad, just has fun instead. Pretty cool the way Matthew's wife, Lady Aurelia, picks up on his intelligence, so much more quickly than anyone else in the family except Anthea.
Critterbee wrote: "Jackie wrote: "Howard, it is fun to learn about the servants and especially the relationships between then. I just finished listening to the quarrel between Vincent's and Claude's valets who each w..."I'm really enjoying the inclusion of the servants in this novel.
You are so right, Cindy. The Miss Amelia Melkinthorpe saga was hilarious--and that moment much later when Anthea quizzes him on Miss Melkinthorpe (view spoiler)
I quite enjoyed when Anthea teasingly remarked to Hugo about his fluctuating command of 'the King's English'. His solution? Maybe he would allow Claud to take credit for his improved diction and vocabulary. The banter between Hugo and Anthea is, for me, the best part of the book.
The Unknown Ajax reminds me of my other favorite GH, Cotillion. The romance is great, but it's secondary to the complex family dynamics and the rich ensemble cast. And the humor!
Mod
not necessarily..."
Oh no, think of Jenny in A Civil Contract who had previously not complained about town life because she had accepted 'boredom as the inescapable lot of women' but could hardly wait to get back into the country once she had been introduced to it!
Hana wrote: "You are so right, Cindy. The Miss Amelia Melkinthorpe saga was hilarious--and that moment much later when Anthea quizzes him on Miss Melkinthorpe [spoilers removed]"I'm noticing this time around (read this one several times, as it's in my top five) how (view spoiler)
I have been pushing ahead afraid I can't keep up with those reading a hard copy: so much faster! I got through chapter 10 which ends with Hugo inspecting the Dower House and not believing in the ghost. despite all Spurtow's efforts to discourage him he is considering living there.
I feel like a lot of Anthea's stories about the family were almost new to me so I must have been skimming them way too fast all these years. it's a shame because it's fun to learn about the past and the Auntie who lived there.
Anthea is already very comfortable with Hugo - moving closer to him when Spurstow is creeping her out - despite having been against him due to knowing Grandpapa's plans.
Barb in Maryland wrote: "I quite enjoyed when Anthea teasingly remarked to Hugo about his fluctuating command of 'the King's English'. His solution? Maybe he would allow Claud to take credit for his improved diction and vo..."Yes! And I love how the women in the family see beneath Hugo's act, but the quarrelsome, self-centered men don't!
Hana wrote: "The Unknown Ajax reminds me of my other favorite GH, Cotillion. The romance is great, but it's secondary to the complex family dynamics and the rich ensemble cast. And the humor!"Hana, that's exactly what I've been thinking on this, my third or fourth reading; I'm enjoying it more than ever and really appreciating the humorous dialogue, the gentle romance (always freaked me out before, first cousins, but I guess I've gotten to used to it in Heyerland, and the fact that Anthea and Hugo didn't grow up together helps), and knowing the vile Vincent and nasty old Lord D. will get their comeuppance helps immensely.
Been under the weather and hadn't really started reading much but really plugging along the last two days and about to begin chapter 11.
Hana wrote: "Hugo is, hands down my favorite GH hero. I love his rather wicked sense of humor--2nd half [spoilers removed]"He's my favourite heyer hero too. i love his sense of humour and the way he deals with his appalling grandfather and stuck up cousins.
Hana wrote: "A couple pictures of vase-shaped reticules made with cardboard:Thanks Hana. They are amazing pictures
Hana wrote: "A couple pictures of vase-shaped reticules made with cardboard:It would be a simple matter (for someone not all-thumbs like me) to change the pattern of the embroidery and colors so it looks Et..."
I think cutting the cardboard might be doable, but the embroidery, wow! Such detail and color work, it must've been so labor intensive! Thanks for sharing, Hana. How long do you all suppose a lady would use the same reticule? For all that work I hope they didn't change every season.
Susan in NC wrote: "Barb in Maryland wrote: "I quite enjoyed when Anthea teasingly remarked to Hugo about his fluctuating command of 'the King's English'. His solution? Maybe he would allow Claud to take credit for hi..."that is such a good point I can't believe I never noticed it before: the women notice and the men don't!
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I have print and ebook versions of most of the books, and 11 in audio.