Notes from the Author

[Jonetta]

From Lisa Kleypas:

“I gave Dr. Gibson the first name of Garrett in homage to Dr. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman to qualify as a physician and surgeon in England. She joined the British Medical Association in 1873, and was the only female member for 19 years, after the Association voted to exclude any other women from entering their all-male institution. Eventually Dr. Anderson was elected as the mayor of Aldeburgh, making her the first female mayor in England.”

[Jonetta]

Here’s a mini glossary of Welsh words and phrases used in the book:

Bychan: little one
Cariad: sweetheart, beloved one
Annwyl: dear Iesu
Mawr: great Jesus
Hwyl fawr am nawr: good-bye for now
Diolch i Dduw: Thank God
Dwi’n dy garu di: I love you
Owain Glyndŵr: a Welsh ruler, a figure of Welsh nationalism, and the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales. He lived from 1349–1416
Eistedfodd: a festival of Welsh literature, music, dancing, and acting

[Jonetta]

“I learned that there were two periods of bustle-dom in the late 1800s. The first version of the bustle, lasting from 1870–1875, consisted of a massive bag stuffed with straw or horsehair. I imagine it felt like wearing a sofa cushion tied around one’s backside. For a few years after that, bustles disappeared and a woman’s fashion silhouette was as slim and straight as possible, with very narrow skirts. This is referred to as the “natural form” period, which I would dispute in light of the fact that you still needed a corset to achieve it. However, it was probably preferable to the return of the bustle from 1883–1889, in a new and exaggerated shape. Although the bigger bustle was designed to be lighter and collapsible to allow the poor wearer to sit in a chair, it still doesn’t sound all that comfortable!

The torpedo shape of soda water bottles (patented by William Hamilton in 1809) ensured they would be stored on their sides, keeping the cork stoppers from drying out. Also, unlike champagne bottles that were usually made of better quality glass, the cheap glass used for soda water bottles was more likely to shatter from the pressure of carbonated liquids. The torpedo structure was stronger than a flat-bottomed one.”

[Sharon]

Thanks for the information. I looked up some of the phrases then skipped them. I had to know what Cariad meant to get a feel for Rhys with Helen.

Interesting facts about the bustle. What women wear for fashion. I understand trying it during the first bustle period, but going back for more is ridiculous.

[Jonetta]

You’re welcome!

I’ll never understand the acceptance of the bustle. What a nuisance.

[Sandra]

So interesting! I'm among those of you who'll never understand the wearing of a bustle. It had to be a hassle to deal with and it made them look ridiculous. On the other hand, it shows how far women will go to conform to what is deemed "fashionable" in their time period. I always wondered: Did men find them appealing? Sexy? If so, WHY?!! LOL

[Jonetta]

I have no idea how this even became a thought. Designers work with silhouettes and this had to look ridiculous on paper.